Ghost Squadron Boxed Set
Author: Sarah Noffke; J. N. Chaney; Michael Anderle
Date: 2018-02-19 08:00:00+00:00
Description: Kill the bad guys. Save the galaxy. All in a hard day's work. After 10 years of wandering the outer rim of the galaxy, Eddie Teach is a man without a purpose. He was one of the toughest pilots in the Federation, but now he's just a regular guy, getting into bar fights and making a difference wherever he can. It's not the same as flying a ship and saving colonies, but it'll have to do. That is, until General Lance Reynolds tracks Eddie down and offers him a job. There are bad people out there, plotting terrible things, killing innocent people, and destroying entire colonies. Someone has to stop
Rights: All Rights Reserved

CONTENTS

LMBPN Publishing

Legal

Dedication

Formation

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Epilogue

Author Notes - Sarah Noffke

Author Notes - Michael Anderle

Exploration

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Epilogue

Author Notes - Sarah Noffke

Author Notes - Michael Anderle

Evolution

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Epilogue

Author Notes - Sarah Noffke

Author Notes - Michael Anderle

Degeneration

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Epilogue

Author Notes - Sarah Noffke

Sarah's Sci-fi Paranormal Series

Author Notes - Michael Anderle

Acknowledgements

About Sarah Noffke

Michael Series List

Ghost Squadron Boxed Set One

Books 1-4

By Sarah Noffke and Michael Anderle

A part of

The Kurtherian Gambit Universe

Written and Created

by Michael Anderle

Ghost Squadron Boxed Set 1 (This book is a work of fiction.)

All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Sometimes both.

Copyright © 2017-2018 Sarah Noffke, Michael T. Anderle, Craig Martelle & JN Chaney

Cover copyright © LMBPN Publishing

LMBPN Publishing supports the right to free expression and the value of copyright. The purpose of copyright is to encourage writers and artists to produce the creative works that enrich our culture.

The distribution of this book without permission is a theft of the author’s intellectual property. If you would like permission to use material from the book (other than for review purposes), please contact info@kurtherianbooks.com. Thank you for your support of the author’s rights.

LMBPN Publishing

PMB 196, 2540 South Maryland Pkwy

Las Vegas, NV 89109

First US edition, February 2018

The Kurtherian Gambit (and what happens within / characters / situations / worlds) are copyright © 2015-2018 by Michael T. Anderle.

DEDICATION

We can’t write without those who support us

On the home front, we thank you for being there for us

We wouldn’t be able to do this for a living if it weren’t for our readers

We thank you for reading our books

CHAPTER ONE

Five Trees Bar. Trill Mining Colony, Lorialis System.

T’turk played with his drink.  His four shipmates were rowdy and occasionally bumped him, so he had to be careful not to spill his drink.  He looked around Five Trees, the only damned bar worth visiting, in his opinion, for five systems.

That wasn’t saying much, of course, since the only people living out this far from the Etheric Empire’s territory were pirates, miners, and smugglers.  Bastards, all of them.

“My kind of people,” he muttered to himself, smiling as his shipmate Fr’ling caught the eye of one of the girls.

Fr’ling wouldn’t be leaving this space station with much money. Hell, neither would the other three. By the time the night ended, they’d each spend most of their earnings.

Nursing his drink, he looked around the establishment, blinking with his yellow eyes. There were a lot of Kezzin in the bar tonight, including himself. Their red skin gave off a familiar glow in the artificial light. T’turk’s homeworld wasn’t far from here, so it was common to see his people on many of the stations in the neighboring systems. He liked it that way. The rest of the galaxy was far too crowded with non-Kezzin species, like humans and the other Etheric Empire scum. He couldn’t stand any of them.

It was unfortunate, then, that he saw a man sitting on a stool with his face planted on the table. A human male who didn’t belong here.

T’turk smirked. Perhaps he’d have a little fun today, after all.

“Hey, you,” grunted T’turk as he got up from his table and walking to where the man was sitting. “Human.”

The man had his face on the table—probably passed out from too much alcohol. “Look at this guy,” said T’turk. “Typical human. Can’t even handle his drink.”

The man moaned, shifting a little.

T’turk leaned over him and examined his equipment, hoping to find some money or possibly a key to a ship. The bastard wasn’t holding much except for a gray bag on the seat next to him. T’turk reached for it.

“Don’t,” said the human, slowly looking at him.

T’turk could never tell one human from the next. They all looked like a bunch of slugs to him, ugly and spongy. This one was no different.

“What are you trying to hide, human? Got yourself a secret stash?”

The man said nothing.

T’turk laughed. “That’s what I thought. Too bad you were stupid enough to come in here.” He reached for the bag.

A hand grabbed his wrist, surprising him. “I said don’t.”

T’turk paused, glancing at the man again. “Do you have a death wish, meat sack? Back off before I kick your ass.”

“No can do,” replied the stranger. “That’s my stuff. I need it more than you do.”

“It’s mine now, unless you want a bullet in your empty head.” T’turk shook his wrist free, then took the bag and began emptying it. A pad fell out, hitting the counter, along with a handful of unopened soda cans, one of which rolled and hit the floor, breaking and hissing.

T’turk stared at the contents of the bag, confused. “What’s all this trash?”

The stranger looked at the soda on the floor as it sprayed chaotically. “Mother fucker,” he muttered.

T’turk threw the empty bag down by his feet. “You better have something on you, human! I’ll rip you a new one right now. You know how many of your kind I’ve killed just this week? You’re all a bunch of mushy pieces of—”

“You killed humans?” interrupted the stranger, raising his brow.

“Over a dozen in four days!” bragged T’turk. “Ain’t that right, boys?”

His crew cheered. “We raided a ship on its way to Nexus Colony,” announced Fr’ling. “Killed half and saved the rest for later.”

T’turk grinned, revealing a set of razor sharp teeth. “That’s why we’re here celebrating.

The human let out a sigh. “All I wanted was a drink and some food, but you just had to go and bring that up like a fucking jackass.”

“What’s he saying, T’turk?” asked Fr’ling. “Tell him to speak up! It’s hard to hear humans. They’re too tiny.”

T’turk laughed. “He’s scared. He knows he’s about to die.”

The door to the Five Trees opened, and in walked another human. A woman, perhaps, but T’turk couldn’t be certain. They all looked the same to him, ugly and pathetic.

She took a seat at the bar beside the male, motioning to the barkeep. “Whiskey,” she requested, turning away from T’turk.

“You,” he said, puffing his chest at the female. “You’re interrupting us.”

She didn’t answer.

T’turk was about to raise his fist to the woman, when the male got to his feet. “Let’s leave the lady out of it. This is between you and me.”

“Between us?” grinned T’turk. “Finally.”

The man turned to the female. “Hey, wanna do me a favor?”

She shrugged. “Depends.”

“Just watch my drink while I take care of this idiot, would ya?” He slid his glass over to her. “I’m Eddie, by the way.”

“Whatever,” the female answered, still not bothering to look.

The human male turned back to face T’turk. “All right, then, big fella,” grinned the little man. “Let’s see what you can do.”

***

The bartender set the glass of whiskey on the table, and Julianna thanked him for it. “Bring me another three, would you?”

“Certainly,” he said in an agreeable tone.

She tossed the shot back in one straight motion, letting it slide down her throat with ease, ignoring the burn. It was hard to find the good stuff this far out into the galaxy, here on the rim, but she’d take the worst whiskey in the universe over the alien sludge they called alcohol here. These people wouldn’t know a good drink if it cracked them over the side of their—

A glass went flying across the bar, hitting one of the patrons between his eyes. The alien fell straight to the floor, which caused his friend to panic. From the other direction, she heard the sound of someone getting beaten, followed by a scream.

“Here you are,” said the bartender, delivering the rest of her drinks.

She looked down at the three shots of whiskey, and nodded. “That’ll do.”

The barkeep turned and left her alone. At the same time, a splatter of blood landed on the seat where Eddie had been sitting.

Julianna took the first of the three shots and slammed the tiny glass on the counter. The whiskey burned her lips and went down hard, putting a fire in her belly.

At that same moment, an alien by the name of Fr’ling spiraled into two of the barstools nearby. She felt the vibration in her legs as his red, scale-covered head met the metal support.

She took another shot.

“Whoa,” said a husky voice near the bathroom. He was a military man in every sense of the word, except he wasn’t wearing a uniform. Instead, like Julianna, he wore a set of ordinary-looking civilian clothes. It was an attempt to blend in and draw less attention. Uniforms weren’t common out here on the fringe, after all, and they didn’t need anyone asking questions. Even still, despite the outfit, the man had a hard time hiding who he truly was—a hardened, long-term military veteran with centuries under his belt. Like Julianna, this man had witnessed the birth of the Empire. He’d seen the deaths of countless enemies, even slain a few himself. Hell, depending on who you asked, this individual was the Empire. At the very least, he was the one at the top.

His name was Lance Reynolds, a living legend. A man they told stories about. He was the father of the great Queen herself.

And he had just taken a piss in the bathroom of a back-alley bar in the middle of nowhere. “What did I miss?” asked the General. He zipped up his fly, then walked over to the bar and looked at her.

“Just a bunch of idiots, sir.”

“Is that our boy? Looks like he’s taking quite the beating,” observed Lance.

She shrugged. “He was asking for it.” She glanced down at her last drink.

“We should probably do something,” Lance suggested.

Julianna pursed her lips, then nodded. “Yes, sir.”

She picked up the glass with three fingers and flung the awful whiskey back. “Ah,” she sighed, forcing it down. “Tastes like shit.”

One of the aliens let out a cry from behind them. Julianna swiveled in her seat to see what was going on, half-expecting to find her target dead.

Instead, she saw two aliens holding him by the arms. He had them locked together, all three of them unable to move.

Julianna got to her feet and cleared her throat. She looked directly at the three fighters as they pressed against one another. “That’s enough!”

Her voice boomed through the bar like thunder, and everyone who was still conscious turned to look in her direction.

Edward had his fist raised, and there was blood on his knuckles, but he didn’t move. “Oh boy,” he grinned. “That’s some kind of voice.”

“Quiet, human,” ordered T’turk, who had his arms around Edward’s neck and chest, keeping him in place. “Or you’ll be next.”

Edward snickered. “Get in line for the bad ass kicking.”

“You think I’m playing with you?” asked the alien. “I’ll rip you apart like a—”

Before the word could leave T’turk’s mouth, Eddie slipped through his arms and ducked beneath him. He dug his fist straight into the alien’s ribcage. Julianna heard a bone crack. Eddie’s foot came up, bashing the second alien in the waist, stifling him.

Julianna looked at Lance. “Do you mind?”

The General chortled. “Have fun, you two.”

She returned her gaze to the alien captain, the one who had bragged about how he had taken the lives of all those humans and how he’d tortured them, and Julianna leapt forward. She dashed so quickly that she was almost a blur, her fist hitting the thick-chested alien in the neck, breaking his windpipe. Before he could realize what was happening, she fell to her side and brought her foot up, kicking him in the face, sending him to the floor. He fell like a brick wall, shaking the very foundation of the place.

Edward grinned at the sight before him, but rather than gawk and stare, he turned toward the only alien remaining.

“No, wait!” begged the thin, red-skinned Kezzin.

But Edward wasn’t listening. He punched him in the jaw, sending a splatter of orange blood into the air. Eddie jammed both palms into the alien’s chest, sending the pirate two meters back and into the wall, instantly knocking him unconscious as he slid into a puddle of spilled beer.

Julianna stood over T’turk as he struggled to gasp for air. The alien clutched his throat. “H-How?”

Julianna towered over him with Eddie by her side. “You’re surprised?” she asked the pirate. “You didn’t expect humans to wipe the floor with you?”

“That’s why you lost,” muttered Eddie.

Julianna took a step back, and turned to the man she had traveled so far to see. “Edward Teach, is it?”

He took a napkin from the nearby table and wiped the blood from his fingers. “And you are?”

“Julianna Fregin. I’ve come a long way to meet you.”

He twisted his lips, curiously. “That so? Are you from a collections agency? I owe you some money? If this is about the ship I crashed a few months ago, that wasn’t my fault. I was sideswiped. It was a good old-fashioned hit-and-run.”

“It’s not about that, although I might have questions.” Julianna glanced at General Reynolds. “Would you care to step in, sir?”

“Who’s a ‘sir’?” asked Edward.

“That would be me,” answered Lance, approaching from the edge of the bar. “General Lance Reynolds. Pleased to meet you, Captain Teach.”

“Wait, wait, wait…You’re Lance Reynolds?” asked Edward. He shook his head. “No fucking way. That’s not—”

“Possible? I’ll be the first to admit, I don’t normally run off to this sector, but I decided to make a special exception today.”

Eddie studied the General for a moment, analyzing his clothes, and leaning in to examine his face. “You don’t look like the most powerful man in the galaxy. Are you two fucking with me right now? Is this a joke or something?”

“I’m undercover,” said Lance. “You should know, since, based on your clothes, I’m guessing you are too.”

“What’s wrong with the way I’m dressed?” asked Eddie, looking down at his messy appearance. He wore a set of baggy clothes, which were now ripped in several places, and his thick, untended beard made him appear homeless.

“Is that a serious question?” asked Julianna. “You look like shit.”

“Okay, okay,” said Eddie, raising his hands. “But why would you come all this way just to see a guy like me? Did I piss off the wrong person in the Empire?”

“It’s the Federation now, but no, nothing like that.” Lance chuckled. “Quite the opposite, actually.”

“Right, well, what is it then? What would make a guy like you come all the way out to the middle of bum-fucking-nowhere just to see me? I mean, if I don’t owe you money and I didn’t piss you off, there has to be a good reason.”

“Because, Eddie,” said Lance, smirking. “You had fifty-seven confirmed kills during your service. You saved countless lives, and your men respected the hell out of you. Sure, you fucked up sometimes. Got into a few scrapes here and there. Spoke out of turn. But you kept those kids alive through the worst of it, and any one of them would give their life for yours. That’s what I found out when I went snooping. That’s why I’m here. I’ve been searching far and wide for the right person to do a job, and your name keeps coming up. ‘Edward Teach,’ they kept saying. ‘That’s the guy you want.’ Is that who you are, Captain? Are you the man they said you were?”

Edward stared at the General, this impossible figure from stories and myths. He was so composed, so relaxed, but there was a strength in his eyes. The kind that only people like Eddie knew. “I’m none of those things anymore.”

“Bullshit,” said Lance. “You’re a goddamn soldier.” He pointed to the aliens lying on the floor. “You didn’t just pick a fight with them. You raised your fist and you punished them, Edward. That’s what we do. They said they killed a dozen humans, and you taught them why they shouldn’t. That’s the kind of man I came to find. That’s the kind of man I need. Someone who knows what justice is, and who isn’t afraid to show it.”

“I’m not sure what to say,” Eddie admitted.

“Say you’ll come with us and hear me out.”

“Hear you out about what, sir?”

“A mission, son.” Lance took a step forward, placing his hand on Edward’s shoulder. “A mission to save the Etheric Federation.”

CHAPTER TWO

Passenger Lounge Six, QBS Atticus Finch, Lorialis System.

Eddie sat on the QBS Atticus Finch with his hands at his sides watching the home of the Trill Mining Co. and the Five Trees bar get smaller and smaller as they departed the system.

As the ship activated its gate drive, it prepared to transit, the planet became an instant blur, fading into the void like a pebble into the sea. It had been several years since Eddie had been aboard an Etheric ship like this one. He’d been out of the service for almost a full decade, never spending much time on any of the core planets, and typically hitching rides on cargo ships. It was simply too difficult to be around these types of vessels and not be actively involved.

Even now, the memories flooded him, reminders of a better time, back when he was still useful.

Not the wandering exile he’d since become.

What could General Reynolds possibly need a man like Eddie for? Didn’t he have enough soldiers at his disposal to do the job? What could one guy with a drinking habit and a bad haircut do that no other person could?

He scoffed, rolling his eyes. Don’t be an idiot, Eddie. Your hair is fucking phenomenal.

Eddie had hitched a ride on this cruiser all because a man claiming to be the head of the Federation had asked him to.

Maybe this was all a giant mistake, but Eddie didn’t think so. He had a feeling that everything the old man had told him was true—that humanity was under attack and it needed to be protected. After traveling across the outer rim of the galaxy for the last decade, Eddie could tell there was a stink in the air, a certain level of unrest building against the original Empire and the rest of the core planets. Pirates and smugglers had appeared in larger numbers; raiders were becoming more prone to attack. The people were afraid, and no one understood why.

But something told him that General Reynolds knew the answer to that question, and, right now, Eddie was willing to follow him to find out. Even if it was all bullshit, the truth was worth taking a chance on. It was worth uncovering, if only for his own curiosity’s sake.

The lights of the passing stars whipped by in a mesmerizing display, relaxing Eddie as he sank into his seat. He watched them fade in and out like falling raindrops, disappearing back into the darkness from which they came.

Docking Bay 17, Deck 25, Onyx Station, Paladin System.

“Follow me,” instructed Julianna, standing on the loading bay of the QBS Atticus Finch. The ship had only just docked with what appeared to be Onyx Station.

Eddie stared at her with an auspicious eye. She was quite the babe, this Julianna woman; tall and slender, with gorgeous, obsidian hair. He could tell she was beautiful the first time he saw her, even in the dimly lit bar. But here, with proper light, she was almost angelic, like she’d been molded by the gods themselves.

Eddie had heard of genetically modified humans, but he’d never actually met one for himself. Such a thing was reserved for higher-ranking military personnel or proven combatants that the Empire viewed as invaluable. The process, what Eddie knew of it, involved a long hibernation period inside a specialized pod, and resulted in enhanced abilities such as speed, strength, and increased reflexes, among several others. It also had the added effect of making you far more attractive. At least, those were the rumors.

In Julianna’s case, all of the above seemed to be true.

“Are you my escort?” asked Eddie, walking down the deck.

Julianna raised her brow. “We have a meeting with General Reynolds in five. Are you ready?”

“All work and no play, I see,” he remarked.

“Our mission is of the utmost importance. You understand that, right? This isn’t some pleasure cruise.”

“Are you sure? Because I packed a few pairs of shorts and some sunscreen,” he quipped.

“Try and fail to be clever later. We’ve got shit to do now.”

“Let’s hit it, boss,” said Eddie, tossing his duffel over his shoulder.

She led him through the deck and onto the station’s platform. Onyx Station was one of the largest in the Empire, with over six million residents across several species. Some people called it the ‘Etheric melting pot’; others said it was nothing but a suffocating box. The few times Eddie had been here, he’d found it to be a mixed bag. He enjoyed the variety of people and experiences, and there was always a new restaurant to try, but he also enjoyed his privacy, and Onyx Station wasn’t exactly built for solitude.

Still, it was worth a visit every now and then. He liked the hot dogs on the main deck; Bokey’s Pups, he believed the establishment was called. And then there was the Main Street Diner, the closest thing to Earth food you could get out here: burgers, soup, steak, eggs and hash—even spaghetti.

Eddie had never been to Earth. Humanity had long since left it behind. Oh, sure, people still lived there, but he’d never see them. Not in his lifetime.

The galaxy was his home. It always had been.

Eddie was born on an Etheric ship and raised by patriotic parents who knew what they believed. The two of them had met in the military, both of them pilots, and fell in love between missions. For Eddie, being a pilot was in his blood. It was part of his soul.

He had always liked fighting. It relieved his stress, gave his life purpose, and he liked helping people. Moreover, he was good at it. For all of those reasons, being a soldier made sense to him. It was the only thing that did.

“Hurry up,” prodded Julianna, turning to look at him as they walked through the deck.

He was trailing behind, unaware of the growing gap between them. “Slow down a bit. What’s your hurry?”

“We have to meet with General Reynolds in less than two minutes. You’re moving too slowly.”

He double-timed it to catch up. When he was finally at her side, he gave her a sideways look. “Happy now?”

She didn’t answer.

“You’re kind of a downer, aren’t you?”

“I just have a job to do, that’s all,” she stated.

“Doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it.” He grinned. “See? I’m having all kinds of fun.”

They reached the elevators, and the doors suddenly opened, as though the machine had been waiting for them.

“Inside,” she told him.

“That was…convenient.”

“I’m simply never late,” affirmed Julianna.

The doors closed and the elevator began its descent. “That so?” asked Eddie.

“I hope you can adjust to being a soldier again, Captain Teach. I understand it’s been a while since you last wore the uniform.”

“True, but you never really forget, do you?” he answered as the doors opened. “Even if you want to.”

She glanced at him and nodded. “No, I guess you don’t.”

They stepped out, making their way through a long corridor with silver walls. Each side was lined with offices, though a single desk sat in each of them. It seemed both natural and strange that no one should be on this deck, based on what he knew about the meeting he was about to have.

They rounded the corner, and Julianna stopped. “With ten seconds to spare. In here,” she directed, motioning to a closed door.

Eddie smiled. “You should know, my birthday isn’t until next month. I hope there’s no party inside. I’d still take some cake, though.”

Julianna rolled her eyes, and Eddie opened the door, revealing another office—although this one was certainly not empty, nor was it small. Unlike the others, this room revealed a man waiting with a cigar in his mouth, sitting back with his feet up on the surface of the desk.

“Ah,” said General Lance Reynolds, grinning his trademark smile, the same one featured on all the posters that were outside Federation recruitment centers. “Right on time, Captain Teach.”

***

“Weren’t you on the ship with us?” asked Eddie. “How’d you make it back here so fast?”

Lance tapped his cigar into an ashtray. “I took a shuttle before you docked. They make you wait too long when you bring a battleship in. I had shit to do.”

“Perks of being the boss,” mused Eddie.

“Pretty much,” said Lance.

“Are the reports ready?” asked Julianna.

“Not yet,” said Lance. “I need to review the latest intel before I hand it off to you. I’m thinking tomorrow morning. We’ll be able to get you both situated soon.”

“Understood.”

Eddie scratched his chin. “Sir, if you don’t mind me saying so, I haven’t agreed to anything yet. I’m only here because you asked me to listen.”

The General chuckled. “Of course, you’re right, but let’s wait and talk about that tomorrow. I’ve got a presentation lined up that I think you’ll want to see. In the meantime, why don’t you two go and have some fun? You can show Julianna around the station.”

“How do you know I’ve been here before?” asked Eddie.

“Do you really need to ask that question?”

Eddie smirked. Of course, General Reynolds, because of his intelligence chief, Nathan Lowell, probably already knew everything there was to know about him. His parents, favorite foods, ex-girlfriends, former residences. “Right.”

“Anyway, you’ll be happy for the extra downtime, if you decide to sign on for this job. Trust me. You too, Julianna.”

“Yes, sir,” she answered.

“Yeah, I get the feeling she could use a break,” remarked Eddie, glancing back at Julianna, who was still standing at the door.

“I’m perfectly fine,” she said.

“Still, go have a drink,” suggested Lance. “Bond, for shit’s sake. You’re about to be partners.”

“If you insist,” said Julianna.

“I’ll be happy to drink,” grinned Eddie. “You covering the tab?”

“Why not?” asked Lance. “Enjoy yourself.”

Eddie strolled into the hall to wait.

Julianna drew closer to the desk. “Sir, is this really necessary? It might be a better use of my time to assist you with the reports.”

“Not this time, Commander Fregin. Try to enjoy yourself, for once.” Lance puffed on his cigar and dabbed it one more time on the tray. “That’s an order.”

CHAPTER THREE

Desert Lounge, Deck 25, Onyx Station, Paladin System.

Eddie carried two beers in his hands, squeezing between two fat guys and a Yollin as he tried to make his way back over to Julianna in the corner.

“Excuse me, fellas,” said Eddie, forcing his way through. When he finally reached his target, he let out a short sigh. “Damn, this place is packed.”

“It is,” remarked Julianna.

“I don’t remember it being this crowded the last time I was here, but that was years ago.”

“The station recently took on several hundred new jobs. Since the Federation is expanding, colonization has significantly increased in this region.”

Eddie took a drink of his ale, gulping down a third of the glass. “Not bad,” he said, wiping his mouth.

Julianna did the same. “I’ve had better.”

“Well, sure. I didn’t say it was great.” He took another drink. “But it’s better than Five Trees.”

“That’s the bar we found you in, right?” she asked.

“If you can call it that. It’s mostly a front for smugglers and pirates.”

“I knew that part,” Julianna admitted.

“Oh?”

“I researched it on the way to pick you up. I also know why you were there.”

He drank the last of his glass. “I doubt that.”

“You went there looking to fight,” she said simply.

He chuckled. “Not just any fight. I was there for a specific one.”

“Was that the alien we took down?” she asked. “I believe his name was T’turk.”

“That’s the guy,” confirmed Eddie. “Heard rumors of an alien frequenting that bar. People said he was the one who killed the crew of the Valiant. I’d had my eye on him for half the night, but I wasn’t absolutely sure until he admitted to it. That’s when I knew he deserved an ass kicking.”

She nodded. “I read the report on the Valiant. Did you have a friend onboard?”

“No, I didn’t know any of them,” he said.

“Then, why would you take such a risk?”

“Because no one else was going to,” said Eddie. His eyes drifted to the table, and he cleared his throat. “I need another drink.”

Julianna paused, reaching for a pad, which she had strapped to her side. “Oh, is that so? Thank you, Pip.”

Eddie glanced at her. “Did you just call me ‘Pip’?”

“No, I apologize. I was talking to my E.I.”

“You have an E.I.?” he asked.

She nodded. “He’s extremely useful. You can meet him officially when you receive your new clearance, possibly tomorrow.” She looked at the pad, and then tapped the screen. “Oh, he suggests we check out the bar below deck. It’s called Wash-it-Down, but it’s off the books. No government personnel allowed.”

“They got any Blue Ale?” asked Eddie.

“Best rated on the station, Pip says.”

Eddie leapt to his feet. “Let’s do it.”

Wash-it-Down, Deck 13, Onyx Station.

Wash-it-Down was far below the main sections of the station. According to Julianna, this floor was filled to the brim with unsavory types—criminals, thieves, smugglers, and just generally unpleasant fellows.

Eddie didn’t mind it, and he wagered she didn’t, either. They could handle whatever bullshit came their way.

Taking a seat in the hole-in-the-wall establishment, Eddie could see the decay in the walls. Leaks formed water spots in the ceiling. Every step they took on the floor was sticky and gross. Oh, and it smelled like absolute shit.

“Not a bad spot,” remarked Eddie. “I like it.”

“Let’s try the drinks first,” said Julianna.

They ordered two Blue Ales and a shot of whiskey. Julianna took a drink of the beer, and then flung back the shot in a single motion.

She grinned. “That’s better.”

Eddie did the same. The beer, unlike the stuff he’d had upstairs, had some thickness to it. It didn’t taste manufactured or fake. On the contrary, it was the fullest drink he’d had in weeks. “Damn. That’s good shit.”

“It seems Pip was right,” said Julianna. “Let’s have another round.” Eddie watched his new coworker place their order.

As she did, a set of aliens entered and took a seat in the back. They were Trids, a shark-like humanoid species, built for both water and land. Their skin had to be constantly moisturized, so they’d often be seen rubbing their bodies with a special chemical to retain their wet appearance.

“What kind of name is Pip?” asked Eddie, referring to the E.I.

“A good one,” said Julianna. “It was ‘Assface’ before that.”

Eddie chuckled. “You changed it? What happened? Was the name too offensive to someone?”

“No one tells me what to name my E.I.,” scoffed Julianna.

“Then, what was it?”

“A bet,” she said, taking a gulp of her drink. “If he won, he got to choose his own callsign. If I won, I got to choose.”

“I take it you chose ‘Assface’.”

“Yes, and I also chose ‘Pip’ a decade later. He hasn’t won a bet yet.”

“How often do you guys make bets?”

“Every ten years.”

Eddie blinked. “Ten years?” he asked, looking her up and down. “When did you get him? When you were five years old?”

“I’m older than I look,” she allowed.

“How old?”

“Don’t worry about it,” she said dismissively, chugging the rest of her drink. “Besides, it’s rude to ask.”

“So you and Pip have been together for a while apparently.”

“Yeah, but before him I was paired with Ricky Bobby. He was an A.I. and my role as pilot wasn’t the best for his future. He went on to do other things. End of story,” Julianna said, her eyes distant, like remembering a long ago memory.

Eddie didn’t think that was the end of the story, but he wasn’t going to press. Julianna, from what he could tell was a doer, not a paper pusher, but somehow she looked burned out from the front line. Maybe that’s why she had agreed to be commander.

The bartender brought another round out to them, and Eddie smacked his lips and took the glass. “Just in time. This stuff is delicious.”

“Bartender!” yelled one of the Trids. “What’s a guy gotta do to get some falibia?”

“We don’t have that here,” replied the barkeep, a rather short-looking human with brown hair and glasses. “Sorry.”

“You don’t have falibia?” asked the Trid. He was suddenly on his feet and marching to the front.

“We don’t get many requests, so there’s never been a need.”

“Well, I’m requesting it now,” demanded the Trid.

“I’ll place an order tomorrow. Shipments arrive every two weeks.”

“I want some right now!”

“I appreciate your eagerness, but it’s not possible.”

“If you don’t get me some in the next ten minutes, I’ll kick your ass,” said the Trid. He started to lean across the bar.

The short man reached beneath the table and, in less than a second, retrieved a small pistol and aimed it at the Trid’s forehead. “I wouldn’t do that, sir.”

The Trid blinked at the gun in front of him. “Uh.”

“Can I help you with anything else?” asked the barkeep.

“No…” muttered the Trid.

The bartender lowered the gun. “Let me know if you change your mind.”

As the Trid returned to his seat, Eddie chuckled. “I like this place.”

“I can’t imagine why, aside from the drinks,” said Julianna.

“Don’t you ever just want to unwind? Watch a show, get into a fight? You know, cut loose?”

“That’s not really my thing,” she said.

“You should try it. It’s cathartic, especially with guys like that,” he emphasized, thumbing the Trid in the back of the bar. “Assholes that think they can throw their weight around, treat the rest of us like shit.”

“I don’t need to lash out to feel better. I don’t fight because it feels good, I do it because it matters.”

Eddie motioned for another round, but this time he asked for double shots. When the drinks arrived, both he and Julianna drank them down like they were actually thirsty.

He burped, smacking his chest. “It sounds like you haven’t had any fun in a while.”

“If you mean I haven’t kicked someone’s ass for no reason, then sure.”

“All I’m saying is that sometimes you just need to let loose, you know? Give in to your instincts. Do something that—”

“Hey,” interrupted the same Trid as before. “Do you two work for the Federation?”

Eddie glanced at the alien. “Nope. Sorry.” He turned back to Julianna. “I’m just saying, you should lose the cold, rigid persona you’re putting on.”

“I don’t need you to tell me what I need to do,” countered Julianna.

The Trid stood beside Eddie. “I think you’re lying, human. Tell me the truth or I’ll—”

“I don’t know, Jules. You’re not giving me any confidence,” said Eddie.

“Fuck your confidence,” said Julianna. “And don’t call me ‘Jules’.”

“Why not?” he asked. “ ’Jules’ is a pretty name.”

“I don’t want a pretty name. I want my name,” she barked.

The alien stepped closer and towered over them with his hammerhead eyes and reflective skin. He smelled like fish, gross and intolerable. “You people are pissing me off.”

“You know what I think?” Eddie pressed his new partner. “I think you’re too scared to let it out. I think you’ve spent so much time building up this serious-badass thing that you just can’t show the real you. You’re afraid that if you do, it’ll make you look too human.”

“Keep talking shit, and I’ll show you how human I can get,” she replied, anger burning in her eyes. She was going to explode at any moment. Eddie could see it.

He leaned forward. “I don’t think you’ve got it in you.”

The Trid smacked his chest. “I said, look at me, you piece of shit humans!”

Julianna gritted her teeth and snarled. “Enough!” she yelled and, together with Eddie, turned and delivered a right hook directly into the Trid’s face. Both she and Eddie landed a blow at the same time, punching the alien in a single motion, and sending him directly to the floor. He fell onto the table behind him, suddenly unconscious.

The two Trids in the back of the bar sprang to their feet.

Eddie glanced at Julianna. “See? Didn’t that feel better?”

“Shut up,” she answered, but there was no anger in her voice. She looked rather satisfied with herself. “Let’s take care of those two and get the hell out of here.”

The two remaining Trids tossed a table out of their way and came at them. One of the aliens opened his massive jaw, trying to rip his teeth into Julianna, but she leapt into the air and, using one of the chairs as leverage, dug her foot into the Trid’s face, knocking him away.

Eddie grabbed hold of the second one’s nose, keeping the creature back, and kicked it in the stomach, forcing it to regurgitate its recent drink. Alcohol and bile spilled onto the floor between them, and Eddie stepped back. “Ew, what the fuck?” he asked, disgusted. “Come on, man. That’s just nasty.”

The Trid charged at him, but Eddie dodged, stepping aside like a bullfighter and letting the alien smash into the wall, denting it.

A gunshot rang out from behind the bar. Everyone stopped fighting and looked at the little bartender holding his pistol into the air. “I’d appreciate it if you all could calm down now. Thank you.”

The Trids raised their hands.

“Sorry about that,” apologized Julianna.

“We’ll pay the bill and tip you,” offered Eddie.

The barkeep smiled, warmly. “Well, that would be mighty fine of you folks.”

The Trids gathered their still-unconscious friend off the floor and carried him out of the bar while Julianna paid the barkeep with an Etheric Federation credit card.

“We should come back here sometime,” Eddie suggested as the two of them left the bar.

Julianna nodded. “I can get behind that.”

“Ready for another bar? I think there’s one on Deck eight, too.”

She smiled. “You read my mind.”

General Lance Reynolds’ Office, Onyx Station, Paladin System.

“Is that you, Nathan? Comms are fucked sideways for some reason,” the General growled, looking at the box on his desk.

“How’s that? I adjusted the signal a bit,” said Nathan Lowell, the head of Etheric Federation Intelligence and the creator of the Bad Company—a military organization that some might call mercenaries, though they only took jobs that they could get behind…jobs that, after they were done, didn’t prevent them from looking at themselves in the mirror.

“Sounds good. Now, care to tell me what sparked a call from the spymaster-in-chief?” Lance Reynolds laughed at his old friend.

“That sounds so twentieth century, Lance. I wanted to bring you up to speed on what we’re doing in the Gamalux sector.”

“Never heard of it,” the General admitted, stuffing the butt of his old stogie into his mouth and chewing on it. He considered activating the galactic map to find the location, but decided against it.

“It’s so secret even I don’t know where it is,” Nathan replied in a hushed voice.

General Reynolds looked at his computer as he ground his teeth against the cigar, enjoying the flavor of the tightly wrapped leaves. “You’re fucking with me.”

“I am, but I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t,” Nathan replied before turning serious. “We have some thirty teams deployed throughout the various systems, and very few of them know about any of the others. Most think they’re the only ones out there fighting the good fight for the Empress and the Federation.”

“I know you want it that way. Plausible deniability and all that, but you want to keep Julianna in the dark? She already knows a little bit about some of the other teams. But Eddie? Kid doesn’t know shit yet, and you want to keep it that way?”

“We don’t know what we’re going to come across out there. There could be telepaths, parasites, creatures that take over our souls. Ignorance will be the weapon we need that could save us all.”

“Hard to argue with that. We’ve both seen some shit in our time way out here in the dark. I’ll follow your recommendation and keep them on a need-to-know basis—let them think they’re going at this alone. I guess they are, in a way, since all the other teams are so spread out.”

“It’s not entirely inaccurate,” Nathan agreed.

“What can I count on from the Bad Company?”

“Nothing. We don’t have assets anywhere near you. You are on your own in that region.”

Lance shook his head. “You’re a real piece of work, Nathan.”

Something about this plan irked the General. Information was power, and he was going to deprive his team of that? It didn’t seem right.

“You expect me to keep them in the dark forever?” he asked.

“It’s the best solution,” Nathan stated firmly. “You know all about dissemination of knowledge, about keeping things compartmentalized. Just don’t tell them what they don’t know… only what they can confirm.”

“So we keep a lid on this, let them do the job.”

“They’ll work better thinking there’s no backup, no cavalry to save them—and frankly, there might not be. Trust me, Lance, when the pressure is on, they’ll deliver. These are the best of the best. You hired me to know it, and I’m telling you it’s the truth.”

“I’ll be goat-fucked if I understand the way your brain works sometimes.”

“And don’t you forget it. Nice chatting with you, Lance, as always. Too bad there won’t be a record of any of our conversations.” The comm box went dead.

“ArchAngel, what do you think about that?” the General asked.

“Think about what, General?” the A.I. asked.

“The conversation I just had with Nathan Lowell.”

“What conversation?” ArchAngel asked.

Lance chuckled as he shook his head. He stuffed the stogie back in his mouth and mumbled about how much he needed a drink.

CHAPTER FOUR

Cargo Bay 06, Onyx Station, Paladin System.

Eddie’s head was pounding from the night before. He really shouldn’t have had so much to drink…or maybe he hadn’t had enough. It was difficult to say, based on his experience.

“You look like shit,” remarked General Reynolds.

“Well, you said to go drink. That’s what I did.” Eddie flinched from the artificial light overhead.

Lance smirked. “Here,” he said, handing Eddie a small, white pill. “Swallow that.”

“Is this where you poison me? It took you long enough.”

“It’s for your head. Tripinol. You’ll feel great in five minutes.”

Eddie shrugged and swallowed the pill dry. “If you say so.”

The door to the cargo bay opened, and Julianna entered, walking with her head up and shoulders back. She seemed energized and focused.

Lance glanced at his watch, an ancient and rarely seen device from old-Earth. “Right on time.”

“Thank you, sir,” Julianna said. She looked at Eddie. “I’m surprised you’re here so early.”

“I called him myself,” said Lance.

“I could have gotten him,” suggested Julianna.

Lance held up a hand. “Doesn’t matter. It was faster this way. No middle man.” He paused. “Er…middle woman.”

“Will you two stop talking about me like I’m a six-year-old?” asked Eddie.

Julianna smiled. “Stop acting like one, then.”

“That goes for both of you,” corrected Lance. “Don’t think I didn’t hear about your little brawl.” He shook his head. “Honestly, kids. Two bar fights in two days?”

“They started it,” Eddie said, grinning.

“Don’t do it again,” ordered Lance. He took out a small device from his pocket, some kind of remote control, and tapped a button. When he did, the floor behind him opened, sliding into itself, and a strange-looking ship lifted up from below.

Eddie watched as the ship settled into place. The design was strange, almost resembling one of the old Black Eagle fighters, but still very different.

The thought of the Black Eagle brought Eddie back suddenly. Back when he’d been a pilot he’d had an implant. However, he  took a pulse beam to the head during the war. Most were amazed it hadn't killed him, but it did fry his chip and he was too close to being a civilian to get a new one. Eddie complained that he didn't want them messing around in his head anymore. It was that disconnection from the Federation that made him think he could just walk away and start a different life. He wasn’t sure he’d been right. Once a pilot, always a pilot, right? Once a part of the Federation, always, he now thought.

The ship before him had thicker plating and was far bulkier. Is this some sort of transport vehicle?

“We call it the Q-Ship,” explained Lance.

“The Q-what ship?” asked Eddie.

“Q-Ship,” the General repeated. “It’s experimental, but this is the first in the Alpha line. We’ll have more in the near future, but I thought you’d like a chance at flying one.”

“I don’t have any training for that,” Eddie admitted.

“The controls are exactly like the Black Eagle, so you should be able to acclimate easily enough. In any case, our E.I. will be there to assist you during your training. I suggest you defer to him if you need help.”

Eddie looked at Julianna. “Does he mean Pip?”

She nodded, taking out her pad. “Pip, can you say hello?”

“Greetings, Edward Teach,” said a voice. It seemed to come from everywhere. “My name is Pip.” The voice was soft and easy-going.

“Hey, Pip,” he replied.

“I am pleased to meet you, Captain Teach.”

“Is that technically possible?” asked Eddie. “Can he actually be ‘pleased’?”

“It’s a standard greeting. Don’t think too much about it,”  Julianna suggested.

“Are you ready to begin?” asked Pip.

Eddie looked up and around him. “To begin what?”

“Training, of course,” responded Lance, motioning to the Q-Ship. “You’ve got some catching up to do.”

“He’ll probably need a few months to pick things up,” Julianna teased.

“I’ll have this puppy purring in an hour. Just you two wait.”

“Puppies don’t purr,” stated the General.

“They bark,” supplied Julianna.

“Give me a break! I’ve never seen a dog. I don’t know.”

“You’ve never seen a cat or a dog?” Lance asked incredulously.

“Only once and it was online. And it didn’t make any kind of sound,” explained Eddie.

“Well, now you know what to expect if you see one in the Federation,” said Lance. “Now get your ass in the bird and stretch your wings. You’ll need the practice if you’re going to take down your first target. But we’ll talk when you get back. For now, let’s have ourselves a test flight.”

Eddie cracked his knuckles and grinned. He approached the Q-ship. “Sounds like a plan. Let me show you guys how it’s done.”

He realized his hangover was gone, much to his surprise, and he’d soon be back in a cockpit. His circumstances were looking up.

Six Hundred Kilometers Outside the Asteroid Belt, Paladin System.

“That’s far enough, Pip,” said Julianna over the comm. “Captain, are you ready to take over the controls?”

“I thought you’d never ask. The last ten minutes felt like a boring tour.”

“We couldn’t risk you colliding with any incoming or outgoing ships during your training lesson. Pip is here to help you avoid any distress.”

“I’m also quite adept at personal shopping,” informed Pip.

“That’s good to know.” Eddie smiled and gripped the handle in front of him.

Surrounding the ship was a vast stretch of nearly empty space. The station was so far behind him that he couldn’t see it anymore, and the asteroid belt was some distance ahead, the large rocks blocking the starlight as they hovered.

Eddie pushed the handle forward, and the thrusters accelerated. He tilted left, and the ship began to turn. He tilted right, and it went the other way.

The controls were remarkably similar to what he remembered from flying his old Black Eagle.

With the flick of his wrists, he did a barrel roll, spinning to the right until he’d done a complete rotation. It was easy enough to do in space, surrounded by nothing but good, wide-open training areas.

“Let’s see here,” he murmured, looking over the rest of the controls. One of the buttons had a symbol on it that he recognized as the booster. “Not ready for that yet,” he decided.

“Captain, let me know if you need any assistance,” offered Pip.

“Just hang back and let me do my thing, Pippy.”

“‘Pippy’?” echoed the E.I.

Eddie squeezed the grip and pressed it forward, igniting his thrusters and moving ahead. He performed a double roll, then an aileron roll for good measure.

As he continued, he noticed the asteroid belt was approaching. Or rather, he was approaching it.

“Sir, you may want to avoid the belt for now,” advised Pip.

“Don’t be a baby,” said Eddie. “Didn’t your mother ever tell you, it’s better to run first and crawl later?”

“I don’t believe that’s how the saying goes.”

Eddie twisted the ship around the first asteroid, which was double the size of his craft. He squeezed between two more, which was as large as houses. In the midst of the field, he weaved and turned, barely missing several of the boulders.

Eddie felt a rush flow through him, and the controls began to feel tighter, more responsive. He reached for the triggers behind the wheel—small buttons, one for each finger. With a distant asteroid in his sights, he fired, releasing a string of bullets and piercing the stone, breaking it apart and shattering it into pieces.

He was finally home—here in this cockpit, surrounded by the deadly void. This was where he belonged, with wings at his sides and bullets between his hands.

“What else do we have on this thing?” he asked, looking over the buttons. “Hey, what’s this red button do?”

“Don’t fuck with that,” cautioned Julianna over the comm.

Eddie’s finger hovered over it. “But it’s so…enticing.”

“Don’t you do it, Edward!”

“Must…touch… button…”

“If you do, you’ll plow straight into one of those asteroids, you idiot.”

Eddie froze, his finger a few centimeters from the button. “Huh?”

“It produces a gravitic field and launches the ship through a gate. You hit that button, and you’ll be halfway to the next star system in ten seconds flat.”

Eddie blinked. “This ship has gate capability?”

“That’s right,” she confirmed.

“How’s that possible? I’ve only ever seen that on Empire battleships and other big ships. Aren’t gate drives the size of a fucking building?”

“Most of them are, but we’ve got a special model. Good for exactly one jump in case of emergencies.”

“One jump?” asked Eddie, staring at the special button that he could never touch.

“And the same rules apply as with any other gate engine. If you activate it too close to an object, such as that asteroid in front of you—”

Eddie raised his head and looked at the giant wall of stone towering over him. In his fascination with the button, he had apparently not noticed it.

“—you’ll end up like a bug on a windshield,” continued Julianna. “Activate it too close to a planet, and you’ll—”

“Destroy the planet,” finished Eddie. “You don’t have to tell me that part. “

“Good. I’m glad you managed to retain some of your training.”

Not that it ever mattered before. He’d never had to deal with his own gate drive. They only taught him that stuff because he was a pilot and it was required reading.

“Okay, so the button is off the table. Got it.”

He snagged the controls again and turned the ship around. “Anything else, professor?”

“Pip, can you show him how to use the cannons?” asked Julianna.

“Certainly,” answered Pip.

“I have cannons? Oh, boy. What decade is it anyway?”

“We’re a rogue operation and can’t have Federation weapons. Get ready for some old school guns.”

“Hey if it fires and explodes, then I’m happy.”

“There’s a switch to your right. Do you see it?” asked Pip. “I am blinking the light.”

“I’ve got it. Same place we had it on the Black Eagles.”

“Correct. The difference here is that the Q-Ships use a much higher yield of explosive. Specifically—”

“Enough to kill a small moon,” interrupted Julianna.

“Holy shit,” breathed Eddie.

He pulled the ship back and took aim at the largest asteroid he could find.

“Now we’re talking!” exclaimed Eddie, getting ready to fire.

“Hold on,” Julianna’s voice stopped him. “Do you have any idea what’ll happen if you blow up an asteroid that size?”

Eddie looked at the massive asteroid, and then at all the smaller ones surrounding it, realizing he could cause a chain reaction.

“Oops.” He scratched the back of his head. “Good call.”

“Don’t worry,” she said. “I’m sure there will be plenty of opportunities to use these guns in the future.”

He grinned. “Now you’re speaking my language.”

CHAPTER FIVE

General Lance Reynolds’ Office, Onyx Station, Paladin System.

“Welcome back, Captain,” said Lance.

“Thanks for the joyride,” said Eddie.

Lance nodded. “Have a seat, would you? There’s something we need to discuss. Oh, before we get started, I watched your training exercise. You did well, Captain, but you’ll need to be even better. Understand?”

Eddie nodded, then pulled up a chair and sat across from the General. “I do, sir.”

“Good, because the next few weeks will be extreme. Julianna is going to put you through the wringer. The two of you will fly in the morning, then spar in the afternoon, every single goddamn day. I need you at your peak, son; I can’t stress that enough.”

Julianna had been standing at the back of the room. She now shut the door and joined the two men, taking the remaining seat.

“It won’t be easy, but I’m confident he’ll adjust,” she opined.

“Fighting and flying for two straight weeks?” asked Eddie. “Sounds like heaven to me.”

“That’s what I like to hear,” said Lance. He waved his hand, motioning for Julianna to toss him her pad. She did, and he caught it effortlessly. With a flick and a swipe, he pulled up an image.

He turned the pad around, revealing a document containing various redacted sections. “We have intel that one of our colonies is being attacked by a rogue group of Kezzin pirates. You’ll no doubt remember the species as the same one you ran into at the bar where we met.”

Eddie nodded. “Tall and red. Sure, I remember.”

“They’re largely isolationists, only initiating fights within their own territory. In the past, if we stayed out of their space, they wouldn’t bother us. It seems that has started to change.”

“You mean how T’turk was raiding human ships?” asked Eddie.

“Exactly so,” responded Lance. “But there’s more to it.”

Julianna looked at Eddie and elaborated on the General’s point. “We believe there’s a network overseeing these attacks. A hierarchy of pirates, as it were.”

“You’re saying they’re all part of the same group?”

“Correct,” she said.

Lance tapped the pad again. “We didn’t have the intel until yesterday, so I wasn’t entirely sure about it when I recruited you, but we now believe they’re all answering to the same individual—a Kezzin by the name of the Ox King.”

“The what?” Eddie asked for the second time that day. “The ‘Ox King’?”

Lance nodded. “Funny name, I know.”

“Does he look like a cow or something?”

“Oh, so you know what a cow is?” asked Julianna, smiling.

“Cows are on tons of farming worlds,” said Eddie.

“I just wasn’t sure, since you’ve never seen a cat or heard a dog bark.”

Eddie glared at her. “Just wait until I find out all the things you don’t know.”

“Good luck,” she said, twisting her lips into a smile. “I know everything.”

“Anyway,” continued Lance. “No, he doesn’t look like a bovine. Not even remotely.”

“Why is he called the Ox King, then?”

“ ‘Ox’ is a word in their language that means…” Lance swiped his pad a few times, searching. “Ah, here we go. It translates to ‘the courageous one, surrounded by enemies, who never flinches or yields’.”

“That’s a long definition,” observed Eddie.

“And his actual title is ‘King of the Ox’, so you can see how it gets complicated.”

“Okay, so he’s not an ox or a cow. Got it.”

“Still alien, though,” remarked Lance. He turned the pad around, showing Eddie a picture. Like T’turk had been, Ox King also had scaled, red skin, yellow eyes, and sharp teeth. The real difference came in their body size. Where T’turk had only been a little larger than Eddie, Ox was significantly bigger. His stats said he was over two meters tall and weighed 170 kilos.

“Definitely alien,” confirmed Eddie.

“Ox and his cronies are working to squeeze out all the human settlements in this region, killing whomever they find. They pillage every Federation ship they encounter, which has caused a serious decline in settlement volunteers,” Lance explained.

“You mentioned that the Kezzin were isolationists, but that they are moving beyond their own territory now?”

“That’s right,” said Lance. “They’ve become uncharacteristically invasive. The Federation has colonies near the Kezzin border, but not inside it. For whatever reason, Ox and others like him seem to be intent on striking first in a non-existent war. Perhaps they believe our two sides cannot coexist, or perhaps there is another reason we don’t know about.”

“Where do I fit into all of this?” asked Eddie. He’d been wondering this ever since Lance and Julianna first approached him, back in that bar, but the answer still wasn’t clear.

“Due to the current politics involved in the Federation, a military response is not possible. Not a sanctioned strike, anyway.”

“What does that mean?”

“Humanity assured its allies that we would only use our remaining forces to defend our borders, not invade or attack other species. You have to understand, Eddie, the Empire no longer exists, not in the way you knew it. We’re a united Federation now. Our agenda is to have peace among worlds. But you and I both know that sometimes peace isn’t the answer. Sometimes, in order to keep people safe, you have to get your hands dirty. That’s why I brought you in, because you’ve always understood how messy war can be. Ox is invading colonies along the border. He’s killing our people. I could authorize a strike against his stronghold and take him out openly with a small fleet, but all that would do is bring unwanted attention and make us look like the aggressors. I don’t want that.”

“He’s a pirate, though, isn’t he? What’s so bad about taking him out publicly?”

“He’s hiding somewhere inside the Kezzin Empire. The Kezzin are already xenophobic and in the middle of a complicated political situation. You can see how things might get complicated if we invade their territory, I’m sure.”

“You want it taken care of quietly, is that it?” asked Eddie. “If we go in on our own, no one will know the Federation is responsible. They’ll think we’re working independently.”

“Exactly so,” confirmed Lance. “What’s more, I need to know who is pulling that bastard’s strings. There’s more to this story than just the Ox King. Of that, I have no doubt. We’ll need to get in, learn what’s going on, and get out, all so we can go after the guy at the top. If anyone discovers the Federation is behind your operation, we could lose our chance at finding the true culprit. The people responsible could slip away and start their shit somewhere else. I can’t have that.”

“I see,” said Eddie.

“The squad we’re putting together will be a hidden arm of the Federation. The tip of the unseen spear, so to speak. You, along with Julianna, will be leading this team. That’s why you’re here.”

“Are you up to the task?” asked Julianna, looking at Eddie. “It’s a lot of responsibility.”

Eddie stared at the General, a serious look on his face. “If what you’re telling me is true, then Ox is the guy responsible for killing all those people.”

“That’s right,” answered Lance.

“In that case, count me in, sir.” Eddie rose to his feet and extended his hand. “When do we start?” asked Eddie.

“Right away.” Lance took his hand and shook it. “You’re going to have your work cut out for you, soldier.”

Eddie raised his eyebrow. “Oh?”

“Did you notice how large the Q-Ship was when you were flying it?”

“Yeah, it was big enough to fit half a dozen people. Maybe a few more.”

“Exactly,” responded Lance. “This team is going to be big. You two are just the beginning. There are going to be more soldiers to fight the good fight, and you two are going to find them. But not yet—not until you’re ready. Not until we’ve taken care of Ox.”

“So, what’s our first course of action?”

“I’ve got intel that says Ox is aiming to take out a human colony on Praxus III in two weeks’ time.”

“Two weeks?” asked Eddie. “Is that why you wanted me to train around the clock with Julianna?”

“That’s correct, Captain. Do you think you can bring yourself up to speed by then?”

Eddie gave the General a sideways grin. “Sir, leave it to me. With Julianna and a Q-Ship on my side, I could probably take down a small armada.”

“Well said, Captain,” Lance affirmed with a chuckle. “Let’s make those assholes pay.”

Cargo Hold 02, QBS Atticus Finch, en route to Alabaster System.

Eddie and Julianna stood together in the cargo bay, having just received their mission brief. The training had gone quicker than anyone could have anticipated.

The Ox King would possibly attack Praxus III in two weeks’ time, according to a recent intelligence report.

Less than two weeks to stop a well funded, highly motivated terrorist organization, Eddie thought. Shouldn’t be a problem.

Intelligence indicated that the pirate’s crew had recently been spotted in the Alabaster system, not far from Praxus III. It was a good place to start.

After gathering their gear and securing the Q-Ship onboard the QBS Atticus Finch, they set a course for Alabaster. They’d arrive out of the gate near the most distant planet in the system, giving Eddie and Julianna the best chance to sneak in.

The Q-Ship was built with stealth in mind, its cloaking technology was second to none. They believed that it would be sufficient to get them close to the pirates without being detected. They could gather intel, then regroup to plan their real attack.

“We’ll be arriving soon,” said Julianna, once the two of them had their gear out on the deck. “I hope you’re prepared.”

“I’m ready,” said Eddie.

“We’re only going to investigate. Try not to kill anything, if you can help it. Keep it in your pants.”

“If we get attacked, I make no promises.”

“I assumed as much.” Julianna twisted her mouth back and forth as she studied the pilot, knowing exactly what he’d do once the shooting started. “Just follow my lead, and things won’t get messy.”

“You know, considering we’re both supposed to be in charge of this team, you sure do enjoy giving me orders.”

“We don’t have a team yet,” said Julianna, winking.

The QBS Atticus Finch arrived within the hour, taking position behind the system’s gas giant, Alabaster VI. Eddie climbed aboard the Q-Ship and strapped himself in. To his surprise, Julianna was standing on the other side of the bay.

“Hey, are you coming?” he called.

She turned to look at him. “We’re not taking that one.”

“Huh?”

“Come over here,” she told him.

He climbed out of the ship and jogged to the other end of the bay. “What’s going on? I thought we were leaving.”

“We are, but not in that one.”

“Then, what? I don’t see any other ships.”

She withdrew her pad and tapped the screen. “Pip, bring out the Alpha-class Q-Ship.”

“Right away, ma’am,” said Pip.

The floor opened beside the first ship, and a second one rose from beneath. It was older-looking, and seemingly thrown together. Wires and tubes ran along its sides, and the paint was scratched.

“What the fuck is this thing?” asked Eddie.

“Our new ride,” replied Julianna as they approached it.

“You can’t be serious.”

“Just because it’s ugly doesn’t mean it’s not good,” she countered.

“Did you get that from a fortune cookie?”

“Why don’t you try the ship out before you judge it?” she asked.

He cocked his brow. “If this is our ship, why did you let me practice in the other one?”

She laughed. “Because we couldn’t risk you blowing this one up. It’s one of a kind and state-of-the-art.”

Eddie was skeptical, but climbed into the ship. He strapped in while Julianna took a seat beside him.

“If this hunk of junk blows up with me in it, I’m coming for you,” he told her.

“Just hit the ignition and let’s go,” she said, giving him the stink-eye.

He did, and the engines ignited instantly. He pushed the stick forward, and the Q-Ship took off through the cargo bay shield, sending them into open space.

Eddie’s head pressed back into his chair as the ship accelerated. “Holy shit!” he exclaimed.

He flew them a few hundred kilometers away from the QBS Atticus Finch, then let the ship settle before pressing forward again.

“Take your time to adjust. We want to make sure we’re ready.”

“You know, since you’re familiar with this ship, you might want to take the controls.”

“I will if I have to,” she promised, tapping the stick in front of her. “We’re copilots. Don’t forget that.”

They headed straight for the planet beyond the nearby gas giant. It was encircled by a large ring and orbited by several moons. Eddie took the ship around the planet, getting his bearings.

For whatever reason, the controls in this ship were far tighter and more refined than the one he’d trained in. These felt more natural to him, and he was somehow in touch with the way the vessel moved. The design was immaculate.

Eddie glanced over the controls. “Where’s the cloak? I didn’t get a chance to mess with it in the last ship.”

Julianna tapped a button between their seats—a small green one, inconspicuously placed. “Here.”

Eddie saw the wings quickly become transparent. However, the inside of the ship seemed to stay the same. “Did it work?”

“The cloak is generated about twenty centimeters outside of the ship, so anyone outside of that bubble will only see empty space.”

“In other words, we can move in, fly around a bit, and hang out without worrying about anyone spotting us.”

She nodded. “Right.”

Eddie gripped the controls, which had an old leathery feel to them. “What say we check that pirate base out, then?”

“Does that mean you’re all done playing?”

“I never said that,” remarked Eddie with a grin.

As Eddie brought the ship further into the system, Julianna proceeded with a detailed scan looking for nearby movements. She quickly discovered several ships near the second planet’s moon. “Looks like a base of some kind,” she said, studying the data.

“Anything on the planet itself?” asked Eddie.

“Not that I can tell. It appears to be an ocean world. No land to speak of. The moon seems to be habitable, however, with an oxygenated atmosphere, although I believe it’s artificial.”

“Someone terraformed it?”

“Looks that way,” she said.

“Maybe we can blow the terra-generator while we’re there,” he suggested, referencing the device that kept an artificial atmosphere intact, once it was terraformed.

“Let’s not get too eager,” said Julianna. “We’re here for intelligence gathering.”

“Fine, fine.” Eddie shook his head as he tried to come to grips with a mission of stealth and observation. He liked the action.

He preferred action.

The Q-Ship, now cloaked and approaching the second planet, began to slow. The moon was bustling with activity, with a dozen Kezzin ships surrounding the base. There didn’t appear to be many defenses, except for a single cannon, mounted near the entrance to the base.

Eddie just needed the word, and he’d blow that base to hell. “Are you sure we can’t try out these cannons?”

“Pretty sure,” Julianna replied, glaring. “A nice conversation with a compliant Ox King would be optimal, see if he’s dancing to someone else’s tune.”

“If we blow it up and that doesn’t end it, we’ll just get to go blow something else up. I don’t see the issue. If you haven’t figured it out yet, I like blowing shit up.”

“Intel, dumbass!” Julianna barked. “Next time, we might not get a heads up, and then we don’t catch them before they attack. Innocent people will die, and we’re the protectors of jack shit. No free beer, no passing Go, no continued service. Back to the cesspool for you. Is that what you want?”

Eddie didn’t have a good answer, so he kept it simple. “No.”

Sadly, justice would have to wait.

The Q-Ship approached the moon base and hovered over the top of the largest structure. “Scanning the area,” reported Julianna. “This shouldn’t take long.”

“No one can see us, right?” asked Eddie. “Take your time.”

“There’s always a chance,” she reminded him. “You never know what the enemy might have up their sleeve. We cloak the ship and stay for as short a time as possible, give the fucksticks as little opportunity as possible to see us.”

Eddie observed the ground beneath them, watching as several dozen people, guns on their backs, walked together along a large street. Each of them were Kezzin pirates, clad in armor, shouting as they marched, like they were preparing for war.

He wondered how many of them actually hated humans and the other races comprising the Federation. Were they all xenophobic like that or were some simply in this because they had to be?

Eddie knew full well that not every Kezzin was like that, but these were soldiers, here for a single cause, to wipe out Federation settlements. Would they really do something so vile if they didn’t fully believe in it?

A large ship sat in the dock a short distance from where the Q-Ship hovered. It looked to be a cargo vessel, with several Kezzin soldiers piling crates into its hold. Was that one of the ships set to hit the colony? It didn’t look like the sort of ship one would expect for a combat mission. Then again, neither had this Q-Ship.

Eddie turned away and faced Julianna. “Anything yet?”

“I’m detecting a lot of shit down there,” she said, looking over her readout. “I’m also picking up some chatter on the outgoing line.”

“What kind of chatter?” asked Eddie.

“The translation software is processing it now. Hold on.” She tapped her finger on her knee, biting the inside of her lip. “Any second now.”

“For having such advanced tech, this shit sure does take a while sometimes.”

“Here we go,” said Julianna, finally. She read over the display. “Oh, fuck.”

“What is it?”

“They’re getting ready to leave in a few hours. We don’t have very long.”

Eddie glanced back at the larger ship. Its doors were rising, concealing its cargo, and several dozen men were boarding via the side entrance. At the same time, a few smaller fighters were lifting off their landing platforms. “Oh, fuck,” he repeated.

“We don’t have time to return to General Reynolds. We have to take care of this now,” said Julianna.

“By ourselves?” asked Eddie, slowly smiling at the implication.

“It’s either that, or we signal the Atticus Finch and request they head to the colony to cut the pirates off before they can attack.”

“But if we do that, it defeats the purpose of our mission,” Eddie pointed out. “They’ll know the Federation’s onto them. Open a channel to General Reynolds and ask him what to do.”

“General Reynolds left this up to us. If we are going to prove we can lead then we have to make the decision. That’s what he’d want. Not us calling him up every time we have a question. This is our call.”

“Our call?” he asked, blinking. “Fucking hell.”

Julianna stared at him, waiting for a real answer.

It had been ten years since Eddie had given an order. He’d almost forgotten how. If I make the wrong call, thousands might die. Hell, we might get shot. Either way, I can’t just stand by and wait like a helpless baby.

He had to act.

“Let’s do our jobs,” he finally said. “We might get blown to pieces, but we have to take down those ships so they don’t find their way to Praxus.”

“You think a few fighters are enough to take down a Q-Ship?” asked Julianna, suddenly smiling, taking the controls. “Watch and learn.”

Eddie released the sticks. “By all means, Commander.”

Julianna turned the ship around and faced the rising fighters as they hovered off the ground. She flipped the switch to ready the guns. “Ready?” she asked, looking at Eddie.

“Light ‘em up,” he grinned.

She pressed her fingers to the triggers and unloaded the ship’s armor-piercing rounds on the dozen fighters before them. The bullets seemed to appear out of thin air, with the Q-Ship cloaked, and they split apart the wings and engines of the other vessels. Several ships exploded at once, annihilating the pilots and sending flaming debris to the ground. Half of one ship landed, slid across the platform, and plowed straight into the large transport vessel. Several dozen troops attempted to mobilize, but couldn’t seem to figure out where the attack was originating from.

Julianna continued firing and, with the flip of another switch, let loose a barrage of rockets that hit the hull of the transport ship, blasting it apart and spilling its guts—the same crates Eddie had seen the men loading previously.

Two fighters fired at them from the side—apparently realizing that there was a cloaked ship attacking them—and the shots hit the Q-Ship dead-on. To Eddie’s surprise, the cockpit barely shook.

However ugly this thing might be, he realized, it sure is handy in a fight. He smiled to himself. I really love this ship.

Julianna switched her aim to the two attacking ships, utterly destroying them in a single motion. Both vessels ignited in flames, spiraling to the ground. One landed in a nearby field, while the other flew straight into the main building of the base, disappearing through the roof before an explosion rocked the complex.

Within thirty seconds, every ship in sight was obliterated, with scattered soldiers fleeing for their lives. Eddie had never seen such a one-sided defeat in all his life. He didn’t know what to say.

With the ship still cloaked, Julianna set it down in front of the main building. “Our target is inside. Are you ready?”

“Should we just leave the ship here?” asked Eddie.

“Only authorized users can access it or drop the cloak. Anyone tries to touch it, they’ll be electrocuted.”

“Fancy,” he smirked.

“Now would be the time to turn back,” proposed Julianna. “If you aren’t totally certain.”

“I wouldn’t have come all the way here if I wasn’t sure,” Eddie answered.

He popped the hatch and prepared to exit. Julianna handed him a rifle, which he took and secured at the ready.

“In that case, after you, Captain Teach.”

He grinned at the sound of his designation. “Let’s hit it.”

CHAPTER SIX

Ox King’s Foyer, Praxis III’s Third Moon, Alabaster System.

Eddie busted through the door, immediately met by a rushing Kezzin soldier. Before the attacker could reach him, Eddie raised his rifle and blasted the alien through the chest. The alien was a corpse by the time it hit the floor.

“Good reflexes,” commended Julianna.

Eddie examined the rifle in his hands. “Been a while, but guns and I are old friends.”

“Come on, we need to move further in. We have to find the second control room. Scan shows that’s where their database is.”

“The target was a database?”

“Logs, records, access codes. We get our hands on that, we’ll have more information than we can handle.”

“I thought you meant our target was Ox, maybe we can snag him before we leave?” Eddie reminded her.

They raced through the foyer and into the nearest corridor. The Kezzin inside were screaming that the base was under attack.

“Get to the ships!” one of them cried in a deep, scratchy voice. “Protect the King!”

“Who’s doing this?!” yelled someone else.

“Must be the Krin. They’ve finally decided to make a move on us!”

Eddie crouched behind a wall, listening to the aliens ramble on about things they didn’t understand. “Hey, you hearing this? They think we’re the Krin. Wait…who are the Krin?”

“Another faction of Kezzin. They must be in another feud. Our intel said there were a handful of skirmishes between the two groups not too long ago,” explained Julianna, whispering behind her hand.

“As long as they don’t know it’s us, I guess it doesn’t matter.”

A side door opened, and the two aliens ran out of the building, fleeing the scene. Eddie took the opportunity to push ahead, swinging around the corner and staying low as he ran.

“Up there,” Julianna motioned toward the end of the hall.

Eddie approached the door and stood to the side with his back against the wall. He waited for Julianna to get into place beside him. He looked at her, waited for her confirmation, and then he opened the door. He remained against the wall and then twisted through the opening, his rifle pointed and ready.

As he entered, he spotted two pirate soldiers, both of them armed. They noticed him right away, but it took a second for them to react. In that moment, two shots hit them, one in each of their heads, a shot fired from each of the two humans’ rifles.

Dead and dead.

Eddie didn’t flinch. He simply continued moving, sidestepping the bodies as he and Julianna made their way through the hall.

They neared a stairwell further in, and a guard came running down. In a single, quick motion, Eddie lifted the gun and fired, clipping the pirate in the neck. He fell, tumbling down the stairs, only for Eddie to shoot him again—this time in the forehead.

He looked back at Julianna. She pointed upward.

Eddie nodded and began to climb.

At the top, Eddie shot two more armed soldiers who had come running at the sound of the nearby gunfire.

While he finished them with shots to the head, Julianna took aim at another Kezzin who appeared from within one of the nearby rooms. This one was armed with two hand-cannons, raised and ready.

The alien fired at the two humans, but they dived out of the way. As Julianna rolled to safety, she unleashed three shots from her gun, hitting the alien each time.

He staggered backward, stunned. Before he could move again, Eddie turned from behind a wall and shot him straight in the chest.

Done and done.

Julianna motioned for Eddie to move, and together they bolted through the hall, examining each of the rooms while moving as quickly as possible.

“Move, you idiots!” someone yelled from behind one of the open doors ahead of them.

Eddie and Julianna stopped before the entryway. Eddie took a deep breath and then stepped next to the opening. With his rifle extended, he turned into the room, scanned from left to right in a single motion, his rifle and eyes moving as one in case he saw something that needed to be shot.

He spotted three Kezzin standing together, frantically reaching for their guns. Behind them, another one stood atop a raised platform. He wore a more elaborate chest piece than the others, showing more medals and the insignia of a higher rank, demonstrating his superior station.

The three Kezzin attempted to take aim at Eddie as he entered the room, but before they could unload on him, he fired—hitting all three in the chest, one after the other.

The first hit the floor, dead, while the other two only staggered. Julianna stepped in and followed up with her own shots, striking the second and third Kezzin before they could bring their weapons to bear. Her well-aimed rounds hit both in the head, sending them to the floor to join the first.

“Bastards!” yelled the only remaining Kezzin. He was tall, thick, and muscular. His yellow eyes blinked as he stared at his opponents. “You think you can attack the Ox King in his own facility? Are you mad?!”

Eddie reloaded. “Are you Ox?” he asked. “About time we found your scaly ass.”

Just then, the door on the other side of the room opened, and in ran two additional soldiers. They sprinted straight for the two humans.

Julianna reacted instantly, grabbing hold of one of the guard’s arms and using his momentum to throw him to the floor. The alien faceplanted, cracking his forehead, and screamed in pain.

Eddie charged his opponent and hit him in the chest with the butt of his rifle, then slashed the barrel across the alien’s face, causing him to stagger. He hit him again, this time in the neck, crushing his windpipe. The soldier coughed and wheezed as he fell backward.

Julianna and Eddie both raised their rifles and shot each of their targets directly in the head to finish them.

With five Kezzin bodies strewn across the floor, the two human assailants turned to look at the Ox King standing above them on his platform.

“As I was saying,” continued Eddie. “Glad we found you, Ox.”

“You think that’s impressive?” asked the Ox King. “I’ve fought and killed hundreds. You two are nothing compared to the strength of the Ox, and once I’ve ripped the pink flesh from your bones, I’ll go after your families. I’ll kill every—”

A blast struck the alien in the shoulder, leaving a crater in his flesh. Eddie turned to look at Julianna; her finger was resting on the trigger, and her rifle was raised.

“Enough monologuing,” she said. “This isn’t a Saturday morning cartoon.”

Eddie grinned. “Now we’re talking.” He took his rifle and raised the barrel to the Ox King, who was holding his new wound and shaking where he stood. “You hear that, Oxy?”

“W-What kind of cowards would shoot an unarmed—”

Julianna shot him in the other shoulder. “Don’t preach to us about honor. You wiped out two Federation colonies and ordered the deaths of countless humans.” She took a step forward. “You’re the coward, you piece of shit.”

“You can either come with us or die where you stand,” Eddie offered. “What’s it gonna be?”

“I-I’ll surrender!” stammered the King, his arms hanging impotently from his ruined shoulders.

“You try anything, and I can’t promise my friend here won’t blow your head off,” explained Eddie.

Julianna scowled at the alien.

With her weapon aimed at the King, Eddie climbed the short staircase on the side of the room, which took him to the raised level only a meter off the bottom floor.

Eddie drew closer to Ox, his weapon ready and aimed. He could see blood dripping from the shoulder wounds. There was little reason to expect him to bleed out, given Kezzin biology and their penchant for quickly adjusting to a flesh wound. Any second now, the two holes in his shoulders would soon clot and stop bleeding.

“We just need to cuff you,” said Eddie, reaching for a set of restraints he’d brought, hoping to use for this very purpose.

The King was motionless, standing and waiting, occasionally glancing at the rifle in Julianna’s hands.

“Put your wrists out,” Eddie ordered, stepping closer with the cuffs.

The alien did, and as Eddie drew near, the two watched one another, their eyes fixed. This was almost over. If they could just get this asshole on the Q-Ship and off this moon, they’d be home free. Just a few more—

The alien’s eye twitched, and he looked at the floor to his right. Eddie’s eyes did the same, and he saw what appeared to be a weapon, resting in the bottom shelf.

Eddie clutched his rifle and dropped the cuffs. “Don’t even think about it.”

The alien froze, looking at the business end of a rifle, millimeters from his face.

“Pick up the cuffs,” growled Eddie.

Ox stared back at him, not moving. He slowly looked down at the floor and the handcuffs, then again at the gun.

“Don’t you fucking do it,” said Eddie.

“What’s he doing?” asked Julianna.

“There’s a gun back here. He’s debating whether to go for it.”

“Hey!” barked Julianna. “Are you stupid? Do as you’re fucking told!”

Ox blinked his yellow eyes as he looked at one rifle barrel to the other and back again. He slowly reached down for the cuffs. “I’m no fool,” he answered. “See?”

“Good,” replied Eddie. “Now, put them on.”

Ox lifted the cuffs, holding them in one hand, and then dropped them. “Oops.”

“I swear to God,” said Eddie. “Don’t you fucking do it, Ox.”

“I’m not doing anything,” he said, bending down to retrieve the cuffs.

“If you do, you’ll end up with a bullet in that tiny brain of yours. You know that, right?”

Ox squatted and touched the cuffs again, thumbing them and inching them towards his leg. “Almost got it,” said the alien. He began to lift them, but they fell once more, and he finally swept them up in his hand, beginning to stand.

Eddie felt himself relax. Maybe this will all go smoothly after all.

Ox looked at the cuffs in his hand, then back at Eddie.

“I’m telling you, Ox,” said Eddie. “I can see the gears in your head turning right now and I’m telling you, don’t you fucking do it.”

Ox grinned. “Do what?”

“Goddammit, Ox,” said Eddie. “Don’t you fucking dare. Not if you want to make it out of—”

Before Eddie could finish the sentence, Ox dipped to the floor, tossing the cuffs at Eddie’s face as he reached for the gun in the cabinet.

Eddie sidestepped the cuffs, and squeezed the trigger in one swift, immediate action, shooting the Ox King directly between his yellow eyes.

The alien’s head exploded as his body dropped to the floor. He twitched in his death throes mere centimeters from the gun at the base of the shelf.

“Goddammit, Ox, I fucking warned you!” snapped Eddie. “What the hell is wrong with you?”

“Is he dead?” asked Julianna, who was blocked by Eddie’s position from seeing the hole in the alien’s forehead.

“What little brains he had are gone,” confirmed Eddie with a sigh.

Julianna ran up the stairs to join him. She spotted the dead, still twitching alien where he lie. “Ouch.”

“I knew what he was going to do. He knew that I knew it.”

“Sometimes people are just stupid,” she commented and pulled out her pad. “Pip, are you ready to do some hacking?”

“Of course,” remarked Pip.

“Aren’t you going to lecture me about how we lost the target?” asked Eddie.

“It’s not your fault that he was a fool,” she said simply, walking to the nearest terminal. She plugged her pad directly into the system, using a universal connector. “Sometimes you just can’t fight stupidity.”

“Initiating file transfer,” confirmed Pip. “Thirty seconds remaining.”

Eddie checked the Ox King’s body and found a small pad, similar to Julianna’s but less sophisticated. He tucked it away in his own pocket.

The King also had a stack of delios, the Kezzin currency. Based on what Eddie knew about the exchange rate, it was no small amount—still, he left it where he found it. His job wasn’t to loot, but to gather intel and complete the mission.

“Got anything?” asked Julianna.

“Found a pad. It might have some data.”

“Nice work,” she said approvingly.

“Transfer complete,” announced Pip.

Julianna removed the device from the terminal. “Looks like we’re done here. Ready to fight our way back to the ship?”

“Should be easier without this asshole to weigh us down, so at least there’s that.”

Julianna smiled, cocking her rifle.

***

The doors to the facility flung open, and Eddie and Julianna came running out, guns at the ready.

A group of Kezzin was in the open field at the other end of the courtyard, unaware of the cloaked ship sitting less than ten meters from their position. They appeared to be strategizing—perhaps trying to figure out what their next move would be.

Maybe they’d split up and head in through opposite ends of the building, sweeping from the outside toward the center. Maybe they’d stay together and file their way in through the front, to come up behind the invading soldiers—whoever they were.

Maybe they’d just stand there and get shot, like the bunch of assholes they were.

At least, that was Eddie’s plan for them.

He leapt down the central steps onto the stone platform, dropped to one knee, and took aim at the unsuspecting soldiers.

As he started firing, Julianna came up beside him and took out a small frag grenade. She spotted her target, removed the pin, and tossed it. The grenade flew in a long, high arc, finally landing in the bushes near the troops, who quickly realized their misfortune.

Two were sniped by Eddie’s gunfire before they could clear the grenade’s blast radius. The others panicked, unaware of what was happening, caught off guard by the sudden chaos. Just as one soldier began to take out his weapon, the grenade exploded, sending the bushes and each of the Kezzin pirates flying into the air.

Julianna and Eddie didn’t bother waiting to see if any survived. Instead, they deactivated the cloak and opened the hatch, piling into the Q-Ship.

As Eddie was strapping himself in, he saw a horde of soldiers appear from beyond the nearby house. There were dozens of them, mostly armed, running as fast as they could toward them.

“Uh oh.” He worked faster to buckle his seatbelt.

“You handle the guns and I’ll start the engines,” ordered Julianna.

“No problem there,” Eddie remarked, gripping the controls.

One of the thugs at the front of the mob raised his weapon and started firing. As he did, many others followed suit, bombarding the ship with a wave of firepower.

It sounded like rain, falling on the roof of an old house.

Eddie leaned forward and squeezed his triggers.

The two machine guns on each side of the Q-Ship unleashed a spread of bullets into the small army, mowing them down like stalks of wheat in a field.

Before a quarter of the Kezzin had fallen, the rest ran for their lives, painfully aware of their own mortality against such a monumental threat.

The Q-Ship was the most advanced fighter aircraft ever conceived. It would not be taken down by handheld weapons, no matter how many Kezzin were using them.

“All done!” said Julianna, taking the controls. “Let’s get out of here!”

The Q-Ship lifted off the ground, its cloak activating almost instantly, and began moving over the now-dispersed mob. There’s no use hunting each of them down, Eddie knew. They would soon disappear, go to some unknown corner of the galaxy. For their own sakes, Eddie hoped they’d stay there.

As they lifted through the moon’s atmosphere, an alert sounded on the dash. It beeped repeatedly, loud enough to give someone a headache.

“What the fuck is that?” asked Eddie, pointing at the red light.

“We’re being targeted,” reported Julianna. “The cannon near the base.”

“Should we turn around and bomb it?” he asked.

“No need,” she replied, giving him a slight grin. “Already taken care of.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I believe I can explain,” offered Pip, chiming in from Julianne's pad.

A holographic display sprouted up in front of Eddie. He saw the cannon in question turning and adjusting, taking aim.

“While I was inside the local network, I sabotaged the system to create an energy surge, should they decide to use the defense grid. If they fire it—”

The cannon suddenly exploded on the holo, the metal tearing itself in half. A fireball erupted from the massive gun, evaporating into the clouds above.

“Ah, there we are. The cannon will almost certainly explode,” concluded Pip.

“Holy shit!” exclaimed Eddie. “Pip, you sly bastard.”

“Thank you, sir. I aim to please.”

The Q-Ship broke through the upper atmosphere, leaving orbit and heading back toward The Atticus Finch.

Eddie secured his rifle next to the bulkhead of the ship. He stared out the window into open space as they passed the large planet whose moon they had just invaded.

He took a long, steady breath. Damn, it feels good to be back.

CHAPTER SEVEN

Cargo Hold 02, QBS Atticus Finch, en route to Onyx Station.

“I hope you two brought me something nice,” General Reynolds greeted them, arriving on the hangar deck a few moments after the Q-Ship had docked.

As soon as Eddie and Julianna pulled in, the QBS Atticus Finch formed a gate, getting right the hell out of there. It seemed what Lance had said about the Federation not wanting to be seen or recognized doing this sort of work was true.

Eddie took his helmet off. “Glad to see you too, sir.”

“We brought some valuable intel,” offered Julianna. “Unfortunately, Ox is dead. He refused to go quietly.”

“I tried,” Eddie said. “I really did.”

“I’m sure you did,” said Lance, raising one eyebrow as he smiled.

“I had Pip secure his logs. We should have plenty of information to keep us busy,” said Julianna.

“That’s good news,” the General nodded. “Have your E.I. upload the contents to my system. Nothing on the main network. We want this staying where it is.”

“Yes, sir,” she said.

Eddie reached for the pad in his pocket. “Oh, sir, I also found this.”

“What is it?” asked Lance.

“He had it on him when we took him down. Some kind of pad. I haven’t looked at it yet.” Eddie handed it to General Reynolds. “Hope it helps.”

“I’m sure it will, Captain.” He looked at each of them. “You’ve both done well today.”

Julianna shook her head. “We did the job. Nothing more.”

“She’s so modest,” Eddie chuckled. “But I’m not. That shit was hard!”

Lance chuckled. “Seems you’ve gotten your wings back, Captain. And your trigger finger.”

“It’s all coming back,” agreed Eddie.

Lance nodded. “Get some rest. I need you two fresh tomorrow. This was just the first step. We’ve still got a lot to do, and not a ton of time in which to do it.”

“What happens tomorrow?” asked Eddie.

“Recruitment, Captain. You need to fill out this team I’ve given you. Hell, you haven’t even named it yet.”

“Was I supposed to be doing that?” asked Eddie, a clueless look on his face.

“Someone has to, and as you can see,” he held up the pad Eddie had given him, “I’ve got shit to do.”

Guest Quarters, Deck 05, Onyx Station.

Eddie sat in his temporary quarters, watching a vid doc on Earth history. It showed images of a large bomb being rolled out onto a flight strip. The episode focused on a declassified United States government program from the 1960s called ‘Project Pluto’.

According to the show, it was to be a giant nuclear-powered cruise missile, which would fly into the middle of the ocean and stay there for several years, waiting, in anticipation of World War III. Once activated, the missile would receive its orders and begin its supersonic flight, dropping thermonuclear bombs on the various targets. Upon completion, the missile would crash itself into a final site where it would then proceed to leak fallout from its fuel tanks, contaminating the surrounding area.

The engines were made and proved operational, according to the historical documentary, but the device was never fully completed, and was ultimately scrapped.

“Crazy,” muttered Eddie, flipping to a cartoon of a duck fighting a mouse.

Someone pounded on his door. He turned in his bed. “Who is it?”

“Julianna. Open up.”

He eased himself off the bed and went to the door, then hit the switch.

The door slid open, revealing Julianna. She was carrying a pad in her hand.

“Rise and shine,” she said, handing the pad to him.

“What’s this?” he asked.

When he turned it on, he was met with a ‘Classified’ message and a request for his thumbprint. He touched the scan, and the screen faded to show an alien’s face. Beneath it was a biography page with several redacted sections:

Name: A’Din “Hatch” Hatcherik

Species: Londil

Occupation: Mechanic, Engineer, Physicist, Pilot

Place of birth: Laden City, Planet Ronin, Behemoth System

Date of birth: AQ 35

Alias: Brody Chambers (Web Handle)

A’Din Hatcherik is well versed in mechanics, aerospace, and electrical engineering with specialties in astrodynamics, electrotechnology, avionics, robotics, statistical machine learning, and several other fields.

Hatcherik   worked on the <REDACTED> for over two decades, accelerating its expected timeline of completion quite significantly, far exceeding expectations. Additionally, his work on <REDACTED> has assisted countless researchers with further developing other <REDACTED>, which have also led to the creation of more advanced <REDACTED>.

After an unexpected resignation from the Federation’s foremost research and development center, Dr. Hatcherik was last seen in the Behemoth System. His current address is attached.

Eddie stared at the dossier, examining the picture of the one called A’Din Hatcherik. He was an alien, part of the Londil species. The Londil were large, tentacled creatures, almost like a deformed octopus. What possible reason could Julianna have for tossing this at him? “What am I looking at?”

“General Reynolds asked us to start recruiting,” explained Julianna. “This is our first guy.”

“Our guy?” asked Eddie, looking back down at the pad. “He’s an alien. Not a guy.”

“The Londil are part of the Federation, last I checked, and that’s who we work for.”

“I guess I just assumed we’d all be human. Not that I have anything against non-humans, or anything.”

“Uh huh,” said Julianna, giving him a skeptical look.

“What? I don’t have anything against aliens. It’s just that humans have been the targets of these raids, haven’t they? Not just Federation worlds, but human ones.”

“Nonetheless, you want to assemble the best possible team to handle these threats, right? This is where we start.”

“Who exactly is this person?” asked Eddie.

“Can’t you read?” Julianna grabbed the pad from his hand and pointed at the screen. “He’s an expert engineer and a pilot. His research has led the way in multiple fields.”

“Is that why half of his biography is redacted?”

“Exactly. This alien was the best kept secret in the Federation’s R&D. Most of his inventions were shelved and he left in frustration after a historically short tenure. He wasn’t given credit and asked to have his name and history with the department erased. He left shortly after the transition from the Empire to the Federation.”

Eddie raised his eyes. “If he’s so smart, why isn’t he still with us? This file has him on Ronin, living in Laden City.”

“He’s retired, obviously.”

“Then why bring him back in?”

“We brought you back in because finding the right talent is crucial.”

“I do believe you just gave me a compliment.” A roguish smile spread across Eddie’s face.

Julianna ignored his comment, stuffed the pad inside her jacket, and leaned against the door. “You know that Q-Ship of yours?”

“Sure,” said Eddie.

“He designed it,” said Julianna.

“He worked on the team who made our ships?”

“No,” corrected Julianna. “There was never a team. And he didn’t make all of them. Just the one you’re flying. The one you said looked like shit. It was the original, and also the best. Hatch made it himself, with his own tentacles, on his own time.”

“No way,” said Eddie. “That alien built my ship?” He paused for a second. “Did you just call him ‘Hatch’?”

“Come on,” she prompted, ignoring the question and tapping the button to open the door. “Let’s go.”

“No, wait a second. Answer the question.”

“We don’t have time to delve into that right now, Captain. Now, are you coming or not? The trip to Ronin will take a few hours. The faster we leave, the faster we’ll get there.” She walked through the door and started down the hall.

“Fine, but don’t think I’m forgetting this,” Eddie chased after her. “I never forget, just like a goldfish.”

“There’s something seriously wrong with your brain.”

***

Eddie boarded the transport ship in docking bay 06, along with Julianna. He had an overnight pack containing two sets of clothes slung over his shoulder, a baseball cap on his head, and a pistol holstered at his side.

Not that Eddie didn’t enjoy a good pat down, of course. He just didn’t have the time. According to Julianna, Hatcherik, or “Hatch,” as she’d called him, was currently working out of an old garage on Ronin, but wasn’t always there.

Apparently, he liked to travel back and forth between his village home outside the city and his new apartment on the east side. Thanks to a recent report attached to the dossier, however, they knew to start with the garage.

“Did you bring anything to do?” asked Julianna as the two of them took their seats, one in each of the two aisles.

As it happened, the entire ship was empty of passengers except for the two of them. Working for the most powerful man in the galaxy definitely had its benefits.

“It’s a ten-hour flight, you know,” she added.

“I thought I’d read a book,” said Eddie.

Julianna paused, a stunned look on her face. “Come again?”

“A book,” he repeated. “What, you don’t think I can read?”

“I just didn’t expect that answer,” she admitted, her mouth slightly agape.

“Aren’t you gonna ask what book it is?”

“I wasn’t planning on it.” She faced forward, folding her arms across her chest.

He reached into his pack and retrieved a pad. With a quick flick of his wrist and a few swipes, he pulled up Beetle Bailey Volume 1, a comic strip.

“Good old Bailey,” grinned Eddie, showing the first few panels to Julianna. “It doesn’t get better than this.”

Her expression  sank. “I should’ve known.”

The ship detached from Onyx Station and, igniting thrusters, moved a safe distance away. After about ten minutes, once it was far from any orbiting objects or other ships, the pilot initiated a jump, propelling the vessel through a gate.

Once they were in flight, an attendant appeared in the aisle, carrying a pad of her own. “Can I get you anything, sir?”

“What?” asked Eddie, confused by the strange woman.

“Would you like a drink? Perhaps some distilled water or a refreshing juice from our catalogue? We also have desserts and pastries.”

Eddie leaned forward, looking at Julianna. “Are you hearing this?”

“Just order something so she can get back to work.” Julianna sighed as she shook her head.

Eddie paused, looking back at the woman. “What else do you have to drink?”

She tapped the pad and turned it around, revealing the full menu. “We have a wide selection for you to choose from, sir.”

Eddie’s eyes widened at the sight before him. “Yeah you do.”

The lady smiled. “I’m glad you approve.”

“I’ll take two Blue Ales.”

The flight attendant nodded.

“And two Tarsin vodkas,” added Eddie with an eager grin.

Julianna looked at him before asking in a hushed voice, “You know we’re on a mission, right?”

“So? We don’t have anything to do until tomorrow. Plenty of time to sleep off a hangover. Come on, Jules, don’t be a downer. Have some fun!” He turned the menu around. “Look, they even have whiskey.”

“Whiskey?” she asked, raising her brow. “Uh, what kind?”

“Looks like Jameson Gold,” Eddie replied, examining the list.

Julianna’s eyes widened slightly. “They have Jameson?”

“Looks like it. Is it good?”

“It’s one of the few high-end Earth blends to make it to the Federation. I thought it was all gone.” She looked at the woman, who was patiently waiting for their orders. “Everything is comped by the Federation, is that correct?”

“Yes, ma’am,” said the attendant.

“Do it, Jules. Come on, you know you want to,” said Eddie, trying to egg her on.

“Okay, okay,” she said. “Just one drink. No, wait—give me two. Yes, two.”

“Right away,” said the woman. She took the menu back, keyed in both of their orders, and returned to the rear of the ship.

A moment later, she returned with a tray full of drinks, and proceeded to hand them out. “Here you are,” she said upon finishing. “Will there be anything else?”

“I saw you have steak,” said Eddie. “I’ll take that, but bring it out in twenty minutes. I want to be good and drunk first.”

“Yes, sir,” said the woman. “What about you, ma’am?”

Julianna took a sip of the whiskey and, for a moment, her eyes rolled back. She looked like she was in heaven. “Oh, God.”

“I’ll return in a moment to check back with you,” said the attendant, smiling.

Eddie reclined in his seat, relaxing his legs. He didn’t mind long trips, particularly when there was free booze and steak.

If this is my new normal, I can certainly get used to the lifestyle. There’s no doubt about that, he thought.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Docking Station 211.  Laden City, Ronin. Behemoth System.

“Damn, it’s bright out here,” said Eddie, stumbling as he stepped off the platform and onto the central walkway.

Julianna grabbed his arm so he didn’t fall. She was the perfect picture of poise even after drinking her weight in expensive whiskey. “I think you’re drunk,” she told him.

“And you’re not?” he asked, his eyes half-closed.

“I’m slightly buzzed,” she said.

“There’s no way you could—” He paused, putting his hand over his mouth, then continuing. “—could just be buzzed. I watched you drink at least fifteen whiskeys.”

“The nanocytes in my blood make it so I can’t get drunk. Actually, I have to drink a ton to get a buzz,” she explained.

“Damn, you sound like an expensive date,” he said.

“We should get you to a hotel so you can sleep this off.”

“Worth it. Did you see that steak? It was so fucking good. I haven’t had meat like that in years.”

“I can’t argue that,” she admitted. “The chocolate cake was amazing.”

“Let’s make sure we do that again on the trip back,” he suggested.

They walked through the crowded arrival section of the spaceport and out into the street of the bustling Laden City.

Julianna waved down a taxi and stuffed Eddie into the back seat. “Nearest hotel that isn’t shit, please,” she told the driver, who happened to be human.

“That would be the Pristine,” the man responded. “They cater more to us than the Londil. No need to worry about tentacle-friendly beds or anything like that.”

Traffic was congested because of a recent raid, so they ended up sitting in the cab for longer than Eddie cared for. He fought the urge to vomit for a good ten minutes before they finally arrived. But once he was out and on his feet, the feeling subsided and he felt re-energized.

The hotel itself was massive. Eddie tried looking up when they were outside of it, but stopped himself immediately, as it made him sick again.

Julianna sat him down on one of the chairs inside. He melted into the cushions and closed his eyes. When he opened them, she was back, helping him to his feet. “Got the room,” she said. “291. Let’s go.”

“Thanks, Mom,” he said, grinning.

She escorted him upstairs and dumped him on the bed. “Get some rest and—” She checked the nearby fridge, pulling out a bottle of water. “—drink some of this so you don’t get dehydrated. I’ll be back in a little while.”

Eddie wanted to ask where she was going, but the urge to sleep was quickly overtaking him. The cool pillow beneath his cheek relaxed him, inviting his mind to fade, and after a brief moment, it did, and he began to drift.

***

Julianna left the hotel and waved to the same cab that had dropped her off. She’d asked him to wait for her, and he had, probably because he knew humans were accustomed to leaving tips, while the Londil weren’t.

“Take me to 1191 Orto Street,” she said, climbing into the back of the car.

“Right away,” said the driver, entering in the address to his GPS.

You’re leaving Edward at the hotel?

Pip’s words entered her mind, jarring her a little. He’d been uncharacteristically silent since she and Eddie landed on this planet. Perhaps he sensed it wasn’t the best time to interrupt until she had Eddie safely in the room.

I have a few things I need to get done, Pip, that’s all.

Like going to see A’Dil Hatcherik on your own?

I just don’t see any reason to wait.

However, the plan was to go tomorrow. The Captain won’t appreciate you leaving him behind.

Are you getting sassy with me?

I would never dream of such a thing, ma’am. I’m simply pointing out the likely statistical end of this scenario.

You know better than to try that math shit with me, Pip. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a job to do.

The truth was, it was hard for Julianna to sit around when she could be getting stuff done. Harder still was this partnership with Eddie. She was used to being a lone wolf. However, Eddie had strengths that she didn’t and vice versa. The General had been right to pair them together. Now she just had to get better about working with him.

Fifteen minutes later, the cab pulled up to a small garage overlooking the nearby bay.

“Here you go,” said the cabbie. “Want me to wait?”

“No, thanks,” she said, stepping out.

After paying the man, including giving him a generous tip, she walked toward the building, a small repair shop called Chambers Auto. It was a bit run-down, hardly the type of establishment one would expect to find someone like Hatch.

The building had multiple garages, each open and filled with a vehicle. Most were made for Londil drivers, but there were a few others, like the Shelby in the back, although it didn’t look like it needed any repairs.

Julianna entered through the nearest opening and made her way to the human vehicle, ignoring the others. It was nestled in an obscured spot, behind several benches. As she walked closer, she could see it was raised a meter off the ground, with someone underneath, making sounds.

Sticking out of the passenger side, beneath the car, a single tentacle twitched back and forth, telling her that the mechanic was a Londil. “Hey, mister,” said Julianna, standing in front of the Shelby. “How much is this car?”

“Not for sale,” the alien beneath the vehicle grunted.

“But it has to be. Come on, how much?”

“Unless you’ve got two quarters of a million credits, you’re out of luck.”

Another tentacle appeared on the driver’s side, clutching a screwdriver. It set it down and disappeared again.

“What if I paid that? Would you sell it then?”

“There ain’t no way you’ve got that kind of cash. I don’t care who you are.”

“Maybe not, but I might know a guy.”

“Look, I’ve heard all the jokes. I know you’re not here to buy my car. Why don’t you leave me alone and let me get back to work?”

“I will if you come out from there,” she said.

The Londil beneath the car sighed, and four tentacles came out on both sides, dropping various tools on the ground before sliding back in. A second later, their owner rolled to the passenger side door, pushing himself up to stand. He was large and thick, but that was quite deceptive. Londil looked far bigger than they actually were, and could reduce their size whenever the need arose, much like the Earthborn pufferfish.

Presently, because he was rather pissed, this particular Londil appeared large and in charge, but Julianna knew better. “I really don’t have time for this nonsense, kid,” he said, a distinct annoyance in his voice. He scanned the garage, looking for the person who dared to call on him.

When his orange eyes stopped on Julianna, she smiled. “Hello, Hatch.”

The alien’s mouth dropped, and he quickly diminished in size, going from about three meters to his standard build of about one and a half meters. “Hot damn, if it isn’t Julianna Fregin!”

“Good to see you too,” she smiled, approaching him, hand extended.

He took it with one tentacle and shook it. “I’ll be a barniby’s cousin! I never thought I’d see you again. What the hell are you doing all the way out here?”

“I came to see you, of course,” she explained. “Why else would I visit a shithole planet like Ronin.”

“Hey, that’s my home you’re talking about,” he said, seriously, but then laughed. “I guess it is kind of a shithole, though.”

She released his hand. “I hope you don’t mind me dropping by.”

He raised four tentacles. “Like I’d complain about that.”

“You might, once I tell you the reason.”

“If it’s on behalf of the Federation, you can tell them to fuck right off. I’m done with all that nonsense.”

“I know, but this isn’t for them,” she told him. “It’s for the Q-Ship.”

“The Q-Ship?” he asked. “What about it? They gutted it and shut down the project. You know that.”

“That’s what they told you, Hatch, but—”

“I swear, if you’re about to tell me they lied to me and I left over nothing, I’m gonna be pissed, Julie.”

Julianna shook her head. “No, no, they definitely shut it down, but General Reynolds took the birds and repurposed them.”

“Birds? As in, plural? I only made one. How many are we talking about now?” asked Hatch.

“Only two. Yours and a newer model.”

“I bet that one runs like absolute shit compared to mine. Those idiots over in R&D could barely keep up with my designs.”

“You’re not wrong,” she admitted. “That’s part of why I’m here. We need you to—”

“There you are!” called a voice from behind them, near the front of the garage.

Julianna turned to see Eddie marching towards her. “Teach?”

“You drop me in a hotel room and head out to the middle of the city without me? That’s pretty fucked up! We agreed to do this tomorrow.”

“Who the hell is this?” asked Hatch, pointing at Eddie with one of his tentacles.

“My partner,” she explained.

“Yeah, partner? You know what that means, right? Dammit Julianna, what the fuck were you thinking, leaving me behind? I had to call the front desk and ask for a hangover pill just to track you down. That thing had me pissing waterfalls for fifteen minutes! I’m gonna have to go again any second now.”

“Bathroom’s in the side office,” informed Hatch.

“Not until I find out what’s going on here,” insisted Edward. “Is this our guy? Are you Hatcherkin?”

“It’s Hatcherik,” corrected Hatch.

“Yes, this is him,” said Julianna, tossing her head in the direction of the alien. “I just figured I could do this alone. Hatch and I have history. You were drunk and I didn’t want to freak him out. He and the Federation haven’t always seen eye-to-eye.”

“Ain’t that the truth,” muttered Hatch.

Edward scoffed. “So that means you get to ditch me? We’re supposed to be a team, ain’t we? I’m here to have your back.”

“I’m sorry, Teach,” she said. He was right. She should have just waited for him, not run off to find Hatch on her own. She wasn’t used to having a partner, excluding Pip, of course.

I told you this wouldn’t end well.

Dammit, not right now, Pip.

“Don’t apologize,” said Eddie. “It’s fine, though. I get it. Just let me know next time you’re gonna run off on your own.”

She nodded, opening her mouth to say something, but then paused. “Wait a second, how did you find me?”

He pointed at her side pocket.

She looked down, then removed the pad. “What is it?” she asked, just before the realization hit her. “Did you put a fucking bug on my pad?”

Edward snickered. “You’re not the only clever one in this outfit, Jules.”

“Goddammit,” she blurted out, turning the pad upside down to examine it. “Where the fuck is it? What did you do?”

“It’s in the charger port. Honestly, you shouldn’t leave your shit unattended when you use the bathroom.”

“You did this on the ship?”

He grinned. “Don’t be so surprised. Besides, it’s a good thing I did, because now—” He paused, looking down at his crotch. “Hey, Hatch, where’s that bathroom again?”

Hatch lifted his tentacle and pointed to the right-hand side of the garage. “Over there. First door to the left. It’s not human-friendly, though, just to warn you.”

“No problem!” snapped Edward, running to the door. “Nice Shelby Cobra, by the way!”

Hatch made the equivalent Londil expression of amusement. “You said that guy is your partner?” he asked, glancing at Julianna.

“Yep. He’s like an overgrown kid sometimes. Sorry in advance for your bathroom.”

“No, don’t apologize. I kinda like him.” Hatch turned to look at the blue Shelby. “Anyone who knows what kind of car this is can’t be too bad.”

Julianna laughed. “Still the same Hatch, I see. Got your priorities in the right place.”

***

Eddie watched Hatch as he put his tools away and lowered the circa 1964 (old Earth calendar) Shelby Cobra. “How the hell did you get your, uh, hands on a vehicle like this?”

“The Shelby?” asked Hatch. “I built it, of course.”

“You what?” asked Eddie, thinking he must have misheard him.

“You can’t get original ground transport vehicles from Earth, so I studied the database entry when I was working for the Federation—or the Empire, as it used to be called—and made one myself. It took about one solar cycle. Ten of your months.”

“That’s crazy. I’ve got a model book my dad gave me all about antique cars. I memorized them all when I was a kid.”

Hatch laughed. “Ain’t that something? Two Earth-auto lovers, meeting face-to-face. What are the chances?” He tapped Eddie’s shoulder with his tentacle. “Pleased to meet ya, Edward Teach.”

“Call me Eddie,” he said, smiling.

“Eddie it is,” agreed Hatch.

“If you two will excuse me, we’re here for a reason,” said Julianna.

“Oh, right. You want to recruit me into your gang,” said Hatch.

“It’s a team,” she corrected. “But yes.”

“I’ll need the full story before I tell you to fuck off.”

She smiled. “First, you’d have access to your Q-Ship again, so there’s that.”

“There is,” he agreed. “What else? What are you up to, besides that?”

Eddie spoke up this time. “Our mission is to hunt down rising threats outside of Federation space.”

“But there’s treaties that prevent that kind of thing,” said Hatch.

“Which is why our unit is off the books,” said Julianna.

“Sounds like every job I ever did for the Empire,” said Hatch.

“Look,” Eddie began. “Right now, it’s just the two of us, but you’d be the third. We’re building this crew to handle serious problems that threaten the lives of every citizen in the Federation. It’s important.”

“It’s also illegal. You have any idea what’ll happen if you get found out? They’ll disavow any knowledge of you. I’ve seen how big government works. If you actually succeed, you’ll have risked your lives and no one will ever know what for or who you were.”

“Who needs that kind of attention?” asked Eddie, scratching the back of his head. “I just want to give people a fighting chance against this universe, help them to help themselves.”

Hatch chuckled. “Is that all? Then, go be a cop.”

Eddie looked at Julianna, then again at Hatch. “Do you know what the two of us did a few days ago?”

“What?” asked the alien.

“There was a group of pirates who kept taking down Federation ships, civilian transports. They’ve killed over two hundred in the last eight months. Three days ago, we found them on a moon and stopped them. We rained hell on them and brought Armageddon. And we used your ship to do it. The one you built.”

“The Q-Ship?” asked Hatch.

Eddie nodded. “It did everything we needed. Thanks to your work, lives were saved, Hatch. We stopped the Ox King and saved those colonies, and you helped us, even if you didn’t know it.”

Hatch’s eyes dipped. “My ship, huh?”

"I do have a question though, about the Q-Ship. Why no railguns? Why no pucks?" asked Eddie.

"I didn't want to use any of their technology on this because then they could get into my special programming. I used what I thought the Q Ship needed, and I used only weapons and technology of my own design, nothing that could be traced back to the Federation," explained Hatch.

Eddie nodded, that all making perfect sense to him now.

“Hatch, we have a chance to do something real here,” said Julianna. “General Reynolds is giving us all the resources and funding we need. He’s even willing to give you back your ship. You’ll be able to continue your work again. Think of what you can achieve.”

Hatch made an expression, although Eddie couldn’t tell what it meant. “Are you fucking with me, Julie?”

“Julie?” repeated Eddie.

She glared at him. “Don’t.” She returned to Hatch. “I wouldn’t do that, Hatch. I promise. You know me. I might be an asshole, but I wouldn’t lie to you about something like this.”

“I guess that’s true,” muttered Hatch.

“So?” asked Eddie.

“So,” echoed Hatch. “Let’s say I do this, can I leave whenever I want? Do I have your assurances to drop the entire thing if I want to? If it smells funny?”

Julianna nodded. “You can do whatever you want, Hatch. I promise, I’ll make sure you can.”

“A shot at my bird again…some work that actually feels like it matters and getting top cover from a decent sort like the General,” said Hatch. “Maybe I’ll give you two a chance.”

“But?” said Julianna.

Hatch puffed his cheeks, the Londil sign for amusement. “But, I want full access to any projects I used to be a part of. The full catalogue, as it were.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m sure those idiots messed them all up,” he explained.

“Can we authorize that on the spot?” asked Eddie, looking at Julianna.

She smiled. “Teach, you keep forgetting who we work for.”

“Is that a yes?” asked Hatch.

“It is,” agreed Julianna. “Come help us punish the bad guys and you’ll get all your old toys back.”

Hatch’s cheeks puffed. “If that ain’t a way to seal a deal then I don’t know what is.”

CHAPTER NINE

General Lance Reynolds’ Office. Onyx Station, Paladin System.

Lance sat with a cigar in his mouth, puffing smoke into a special vent he’d had installed a while back. He stared at the view-screen on his desk, taking a long puff and exhaling.

The findings from the Ox King’s database were far worse than he imagined. Not only was there someone higher up the chain than Ox, but it seemed the network was more extensive than the General initially believed.

Messages between Ox and a mysterious entity known only as T detailed plans to expand and attack dozens of Federation colonies, with one goal being to seize and occupy Onyx Station. The timetable for that action was currently unknown, but the letters suggested efforts were already underway.

Onyx Station was a major political point of interest in this region of Federation-controlled space, acting as the central transport hub between at least a dozen worlds. Its creation marked the beginning of a new balance between the neighboring species, providing a neutral ground to share political and social discourse, perform trade agreements and treaties, and provide a useful Federation footing in an otherwise fringe territory far outside the core planets.

Should anyone discover this station was under threat, many would return to their home systems, and Onyx Station would lose its political significance, ultimately disrupting the balance in this developing region.

For nearly a thousand years, war had raged between Kezzin, Trid, and the Londil, but such hostility had quickly diminished after the construction of the station and the formation of the Federation. Granted, the Kezzin remained independent, priding themselves on their isolationism, but they often agreed to meet on the station, as neutral territory to discuss important matters as they related to the region and its many inhabitants. The Kezzin were, after all, spread across four-star systems.

In short, Onyx Station was an essential Federation asset; for anyone to threaten its existence was unsettling.

Not long ago, back when the Federation was still the Etheric Empire, it had vowed to its members that once the old war was over, the military would be significantly downsized. It would only be used for peacekeeping missions, and then, only within Federation space. The non-human species agreed to these assurances, vowing to come together with humanity in order to officially form the Federation.

Lance remembered the ceremony and the joy surrounding it. So many old friends and allies, brought together under a single, unified cause. He thought about those days often, and never with any regret. His daughter, the Empress herself, had given humanity a new beginning, bringing them together with the rest of the universe. It was an unparalleled feat—one that he still could hardly believe.

But that was Bethany Anne, always exceeding expectations. Always going above and beyond.

For the past couple hundred years, such tasks had been left to Lance Reynolds. His daughter had given him the tools to expand the Federation. The equipment to ensure a brighter tomorrow.

He had not let her down. He would not let her down.

Lance dabbed the end of his cigar on the ashtray, eying the screen and taking a deep breath. “T” or whatever his name was, must be the next rung on the ladder. Using his cigar, he pointed at the screen.

“I’m sending a little party your way, just to say ‘hello,’ give you a taste of how we deal with scum like you rising from the cesspool of the universe. You’ll wish you stayed on your own playground, you ass-hugging piece of shit.”

Nobody fucked with General Lance Reynolds or the Federation. That was for damn sure.

Docking Station 211, Laden City, Ronin, Behemoth System.

“You sure he can fit through the door?” asked Eddie, pointing at Hatch.

“I’ll have you know, I’m very flexible,” said Hatch, stepping onto the boarding platform. In only a few seconds, he deflated and compressed into a smaller shape, waddling through the doorway and into the spacecraft. “See?”

“That’s great, but what about when you get inside and have to sit down? Those seats are built for humans.”

“I had a special one installed while we were out,” Julianna assured him.

“Smart thinking,” said Eddie.

“The woman knows me,” said Hatch, continuing inside.

Eddie followed, waiting for the alien to take his seat, which was larger than the others and seemed to have multiple armrests all along its sides for tentacles.

Julianna sat across the aisle, similar to the last trip, while Eddie sat a row in front of her. “No getting drunk this time, Captain,” she told him.

“You aren’t the boss of me,” he shot back.

“You must not know Julie very well,” said Hatch. “She’s the boss of everyone.”

Julianna grinned. “He gets me.”

The ship ignited its thrusters a few moments later, since there weren’t any other passengers to board. As the ship lifted off, Eddie noticed Hatch begin to bloat and squeeze, changing his size every few seconds. The seat seemed to conform to these fluctuations, like it was built to deal with this. “What’s the problem?” asked Eddie.

Julianna looked unconcerned. “He can’t talk right now. The Londil don’t do well with altitude changes. They lose their ability to control their size.”

“Will he be okay?”

“It’ll stop in just a minute,” she explained.

Eddie sat back in his seat. “That’s so weird.”

“He probably thinks it’s weird when your ears pop,” she said.

“Isn’t he supposed to be a pilot?” asked Eddie.

“There’s a special flight suit they wear,” she started to say.

“We only wear it when we have to,” interjected Hatch, who had finally regained his composure. “Londil don’t like having tight fitting clothes against our skin.”

Eddie sat up and looked at him. “Welcome back.”

Hatch reduced his size and seemed to relax. “I hate traveling.”

“Well,” continued Eddie. “The good news is that you can eat or drink whatever you want on this trip. It’s comped.”

“Is that so?” asked Hatch. “How about some Ronin slugs?”

Eddie cringed at the words. “Seriously?”

“It’s a delicacy,” said Julianna.

“Not to me. That sounds disgusting.”

Julianna looked at Hatch. “I made sure they stocked up on food for you. Pretty certain I saw slugs on the list.”

Hatch’s cheeks puffed up. “You’re so good to me.”

“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you two have a special kind of history,” said Eddie, raising his brow at Julianna.

“Oh, man, you figured us out,” Julianna said, unmoved by the accusation.

Eddie’s mouth fell open. “What?”

She laughed. “Come on, Teach. I’m fucking with you. Hatch thinks humans are ugly as hell.”

“It’s true,” agreed Hatch. “You all look like giant toadstools with fur on your heads.”

“Hey,” snapped Eddie. “You’re not exactly a looker yourself, you know.”

“I’ll have you know I’m quite the female magnet, kid,” remarked Hatch.

“He’s telling you the truth. Hatch has about five wives, last I checked,” said Julianna.

“Six, now,” said the alien.

Eddie’s eyes widened. “Seriously?”

“And fifteen kids,” added Hatch.

“You’ve got fifteen children and you’re leaving them to come with us?” asked Eddie, a look of shock on his face.

Hatch’s cheeks puffed up. “All of them are grown and on their own now. They stay busy with school and work, but I still keep tabs on them.”

Eddie sank down in his seat. “That sounds exhausting.”

“You’re telling me, kid.”

General Lance Reynolds’ Office. Onyx Station, Paladin System.

“Welcome back,” said General Reynolds as he sat behind his desk.

Eddie and Julianna sat across from him, finally returned from their trip to Ronin. “Hope we didn’t keep you waiting, sir,” said Julianna.

“I stayed busy,” said Lance. “Speaking of which, while you were out there getting drunk and spending all my money—” He paused, looking at Eddie. “—yes, I know all about the booze.”

Eddie, rather than cringe or shy away from the accusation, simply smiled.

“Anyway, while you were doing your thing, I managed to decipher the data you retrieved from the Ox King’s network database.”

He shoved a pad across the table to Julianna.

“Interesting findings, to say the least,” he added.

She took it and swiped the screen. Eddie watched her expression grow more and more intrigued as she read. Finally, her eyes widened and she seemed surprised. “Is this accurate, sir? Who is ‘T’?”

“Your guess is as good as mine, Commander.”

“’T’?” asked Eddie.

Lance motioned at the pad. “That’s the initial used to sign certain emails pertaining to attack plans and other orders given to Ox during his campaign against our Federation outposts.”

“So, that’s our man, right?”

“I believe it is,” confirmed Lance. “But the real issue is finding him. We’ll need some help decoding the source of these emails.”

“I can put Pip on that right away,” said Julianna.

“As good as Pip is, he might not be up to the task,” said Lance.

“Did you have someone else in mind, sir?” she asked.

“I did,” he confirmed. “In fact, I’d say it’s due time to introduce the two of you to an old friend of mine. I was saving this as a surprise, but maybe now is as good a time as any.”

“Sir?” asked Julianna.

Lance leaned over to his screen and tapped it, holding his finger up to the two of them. “Status check,” he said to whoever was on the other end of the line.

“Standing by as ordered, sir,” said the unknown voice.

“Right. Thank you,” said Lance. “I’ll be arriving within the hour.”

“Affirmative, sir,” said the voice. “See you soon.”

The transmission ended, and Lance turned to Eddie and Julianna. “Care to take a stroll with me?”

“To where, sir?” asked Julianna.

“I’ve got a present for you two that I think you’ll want to see. It’s parked near the asteroid belt.”

“Parked?” asked Eddie. “What the hell did you—”

“Not what,” interrupted Lance. “Who.”

Cargo Bay 06. Onyx Station, Paladin System.

Eddie stood next to Julianna as Lance shook hands with Hatch. Or tentacles, depending on your perspective.

“Good to see you again, Doctor,” greeted the General.

“Likewise,” said Hatch.

Eddie leaned over to Julianna. “They know each other?”

She nodded. “The General was the one who introduced me to Hatch. They go way back.”

“I assume you’ll want to see the Q-Ship, now that you’re back,” said Lance.

“You assume right,” agreed Hatch. “Is she nearby?”

“I’ve had both ships transferred to a new location. The shuttle will take us there in a few minutes.”

“Don’t I need to receive a security clearance or go through in-processing first?” asked Hatch.

“Already taken care of. I knew my team would go after you and bring you onboard. I was the one who planted the file for Julianna to find.”

“And you expected me to agree to help? What made you so sure I’d say yes?” asked Hatch.

“Are you saying you’d rather keep working in a garage than a starship?” asked Lance.

“Still, you shouldn’t presume to know me, Lance. I don’t care how long I’ve known you.”

“Sixty years, last I checked,” said the General.

“Holy shit,” Eddie blurted out.

Everyone looked at him.

“What? That’s a long ass time,” said Eddie.

“Maybe for you,” said Hatch. He returned his glance to Lance. “Speaking of living, I’m glad you’re still in one piece.”

“You too, Hatch,” said the General, smiling.

The shuttle was parked near the back of the bay, with only a single crew member waiting—the pilot. Eddie found this odd, since it was standard procedure to have at least two people onboard at any given time.

The four passengers took their seats, and once again, the ship was outfitted specially for Hatch and his alien physiology. Julianna and the General were well ahead of Eddie in mission preparation.

The shuttle departed through the shield and into open space in the direction of the asteroid belt. From what Eddie could tell, which wasn’t much, given how vast and dark the void of space actually was, there were no ships or other manmade vessels waiting for them.

Eddie leaned across his seat, motioning at Lance. “Hey, General, sir, if you don’t mind me asking, what did you mean when you said ‘who’ earlier?”

Lance turned to look at him. “It’s complicated, but let’s just say we’re on our way to see someone who can help. A valuable asset to the fight, so to speak.”

“Someone?” echoed Eddie.

“An A.I. with the capability to sort through the data we’ve collected. Someone I’ve known for a long time.”

Eddie squinted, trying to see through the window up ahead. “But I don’t see any ships.”

“That’s because the ship is cloaked,” said Lance.

“Like the Q-Ships?” asked Eddie.

Lance nodded. “Exactly.”

The pilot, who looked about as average and forgettable as anyone Eddie had ever seen, thumbed the console in front of him, activating the com. “Eagle One inbound for arrival.”

Eddie’s eyes perked up at the sound of the callsign. He recalled from his early training that wherever the head of the military was, if it was an aerial vehicle or spacecraft, received the new temporary designation of Eagle One, signifying its importance. He’d never seen or heard it in action, but it was a longstanding tradition going back centuries.

“Docking request acknowledged,” said a voice over the com. It was very subdued, almost relaxed. “Please proceed, Eagle One.”

The shuttle continued forward, maneuvering around one of the larger asteroids on the outer edge of the belt, heading above the ring. Eddie kept his eyes forward, trying to see what their destination could possibly be, but all he saw was darkness. No ship, no space station. Nothing at all.

He opened his mouth to ask where it was, but that was when he saw it—a slit of light in the middle of the dark, a line breaking across the void.

It opened, growing larger by the second, revealing the innards of a docking bay—of a Federation ship.

“Ain’t she a sight?” said Lance, smiling as the shuttle entered through the loading doors.

“Sir, what is this?” asked Julianna. “From what I can see, this is a battleship. I don’t know of too many with cloaking technology.”

“That’s because we don’t have any yet,” said the General.

“Then, what is this? A secret one? Did you build this in private?”

He chuckled. “That’s not far from the truth.”

The shuttle landed and the door opened. Lance walked out onto the platform and stretched his arms. Eddie, Julianna, and Hatch quickly followed, waiting for the General to explain just what the hell was going on.

Lance held out his hands, almost in an inviting way. “Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, you are standing on the ruins of a once-dead ship, the QBS ArchAngel, the original flagship of the Queen’s Fleet.” He grinned again. “And, I might add, your new home.”

CHAPTER TEN

Loading Dock 01, QBS ArchAngel, Paladin System.

Julianna wasn’t sure if this was an elaborate joke or the blatant truth. Based on what she’d seen with her own eyes, back when the QBS ArchAngel had been destroyed, there was no way she could be standing on it now.

But here it was…or at least, that’s what the General had claimed. How could it, though? She’d been a member of the Black Eagles during the war. Back then, the QBS ArchAngel had been destroyed, following mankind’s move through the Gate. Much of its database had been salvaged and transferred to another ship. That vessel was consequently dubbed QBS ArchAngel II in honor of the first. Even the A.I., also known as ArchAngel, had been transferred.

The whole thing was beginning to give Julianna a headache.

“Sir, can you please explain what exactly is going on? I saw the ArchAngel blow up firsthand. Are you telling me this is the same ship? Did you just rebuild it from scratch?” she asked.

“It’s the same ship,” Lance confirmed. “In fact, you’ll never guess who else is here.”

“Who else…?”

A screen lit up on a nearby wall and a woman’s face appeared on it. Her eyes were so large that they seemed intimidating. “Greetings, everyone,” she told them. “I’m ArchAngel. It’s good to meet you. The General has told me a great deal about each of you.”

“ArchAngel?” asked Julianna. She stared at the face before her, the same face that also belonged to Empress Bethany Anne, a face that Julianna had not seen in years. “Sir, how can that be?”

“What’s wrong, Commander?” asked Lance.

“I thought the A.I. was moved to the other ship, QBS ArchAngel II?”

“Ah, I see where you’re confused,” he said, nodding. “No, she was only copied, not transferred. The original A.I. had to be left behind.”

“I was salvaged, though, after several decades, I’m told,” said ArchAngel.

“Salvaged? So, this is the original copy?” asked Eddie.

“Can’t be a copy if she’s the original,” said Hatch.

“Oh, right,” Eddie replied. “Say, why does she look so familiar? I feel like I’ve seen her before.”

“That’s because she’s modeled after the Empress,” explained Julianna.

“Queen Bethany Anne?” asked Eddie, staring at the screen in awe, his mouth fully agape. “Holy shit.”

Lance chuckled. “Imagine being the Empress’ father and seeing ArchAngel’s face. It’s definitely strange at times. We had to leave the ship behind for a while during the war, but a few decades ago, I had her rebuilt. We used the original as much as possible, but scrapped everything that wasn’t up to code.”

“That’s amazing,” said Julianna. “Sir, with all due respect, why didn’t I know about this?”

“A few reasons,” said the General. “To start with, this project has been on a need-to-know basis since it began. Until this moment, there was no reason for you to know. More importantly,” he said, smiling. “I like surprises.”

Hatch stepped forward. “This is all fine and impressive, but where are my birds?”

“Birds?” asked ArchAngel.

“The Q-Ships,” explained Lance. “Those are in the second holding area. ArchAngel, can you show him the way?”

“Of course,” said the A.I.

Impressive design. I must inquire with ArchAngel regarding her regulatory protocols.

Are you asking me to network you in so you can chat with her, Pip?

If you don’t mind, Julianna.

“ArchAngel, my E.I. would like to talk to you about something technical. Do you mind if I upload him?” asked Julianna.

“Certainly not,” said ArchAngel. “I would love to meet him. What is his name?”

“Pip, unless he beats me in the next bet, but that’s not going to happen.”

We shall see about that.

What did I tell you about that sass?

That you like it.

Julianna pretended to laugh. Honestly, the banter reminded her too much of Ricky Bobby, her previous A.I. Well, he’d been an E.I. and then evolved. That had been the problem. She didn’t need something in her head that was real. It was too much for her, so she’d sent him away. That was what was best for Ricky Bobby, she told herself.

The General started to walk toward the stairwell. “Get your E.I. taken care of and meet me on the bridge in the next twenty minutes, Commander. Captain Teach, you’re with me.”

“Yes, sir,” said Eddie.

You heard the man, Pip. Just let me know when you’re done playing around.

***

Eddie hurried after the General as they made their way down one of the corridors, toward the ship’s bridge. From what he could tell, there weren’t a lot of people onboard. In fact, it seemed like a skeleton crew.

“Sir, where is everyone?” he asked, after a while.

“What do you mean?”

“I only see a few personnel walking around. Are we picking more people up at Onyx?”

They approached a set of doors, which opened automatically, bringing them to another corridor.

“I’m afraid this is it for now,” he answered. “You’ll have to make do with the staff on hand. If it were up to me, I’d fully outfit you with all the people you need, but I can only relocate so many Federation personnel without someone noticing.”

“How many of them are there?”

“Including your team?” asked Lance. “About Forty.”

Eddie was surprised. A standard battleship had about three hundred active personnel working at any given time. That accounted for three overlapping work shifts for every department. It was hard to believe that a ship of this size could sufficiently get the job done with such a miniscule crew.

“I’m sure you’re wondering how this ship can even be operational with so few people manning it,” said Lance. “Let me assure you, Edward, it is.”

They came to another set of doors, which opened, and General Reynolds walked onto the bridge of the QBS ArchAngel. There were three people sitting at a large workstation, with several open seats throughout. All of them stood when they saw Lance and Eddie enter.

“General on the bridge!” barked a young woman with blonde hair as she snapped to attention.

The two men in the room locked their bodies at the position of attention, all three of them completely still.

“As you were,” said Lance. “Carry on.”

“Yes, sir,” said the woman, sitting back down.

Lance turned to Eddie. “This ship has been upgraded with a largely automated system, which means ArchAngel, the A.I., not the ship, can handle most of the smaller tasks. I expect this ship to avoid combat, unless it is absolutely necessary, so you’ll be relying largely on the Q-Ships. When you aren’t using them, this will act as your home and a place to regroup.”

“I understand,” said Eddie.

“I know you do, Edward. I also know you’ll take good care of what I’m giving you. This ship means more to humanity, more to the Federation, than anyone can possibly know…and now she’s yours to command, soldier.”

Eddie blinked. “Me? I don’t think I understand. Isn’t there a captain?”

“In this case, that’s you. Think you can handle a ship like this?” asked Lance.

“Are you—Are you sure about this, sir? Giving me a team is one thing, but an entire battleship?”

“I’m comfortable with it, and for what it’s worth, I trust you. You won’t be alone, though. Commander Fregin will be at your side the entire time, backing you up. I hope this ship reflects the importance of your mission, Captain.”

“Thank you, sir,” said Eddie, standing at attention.

“Relax, son, but you’re welcome. You proved you’re up to the job when you took out Ox and his men, so now we’re moving on to the real fight. I was going to wait until you’d had a few more missions under your belt before I gave you command, but it seems the timeline has been accelerated.”

“How so?”

“ArchAngel is already combing through the data we retrieved from Ox. Early analysis suggests a threat, a damn big one, coming out of nowhere. We aren’t sure of their exact goal, but tearing up the Federation seems to be a big part of it. If they’re successful, they’ll undo every inch of ground we’ve gained. They can stand the fuck aside, though, because we’re not going to wait for them to come to us. Hell no! Prepare yourself and your team. Somebody’s ass is going to be kicked, and it sure as hell isn’t going to be ours, is it, Captain?”

“No, sir!”

The General nodded proudly. “I’ll call when Archangel completes her analysis, and we can launch you like an arrow at the bullseye.”

“Yes, sir! But how am I supposed to do prep for a mission with no parameters?”

“By training with your team and by learning exactly what your Q-Ship is capable of. It’s a lot to take, I know, but right now this is all we’ve got.”

Eddie nodded, looking out across the large view-screen, which currently had Onyx Station on it, several ships coming and going as they docked and undocked. The people on that station, as well as the rest of the Federation, believed they were safe. They believed, perhaps naively, that nothing would ever threaten their safety or security.

It was up to Eddie and his team to continue that belief…to keep the charade going. The boogeyman was out there, somewhere, getting ready to try and hurt them, but Eddie wouldn’t let him. With every inch of his being, every piece of his heart, he would fight to keep the people safe.

Loading Dock 02, QBS ArchAngel, Paladin System.

The two Q-Ships sat together in the bay. One was older, its mangled design far less aesthetically pleasing than the other, but it was like that for a reason. Practicality over sleekness. This was a ship built by someone who cared more about efficiency and practicality than how pretty it should be.

Hatch stood a dozen meters from the ship, his cheeks puffy with excitement, amazed at the sight before him. He’d spent years building this by hand, so much time that he knew it backwards and forwards. He understood every facet of it, from the smallest bolt to the gate drive. Every subsystem was special, every tube and wire a treasure.

Next to it, another ship was waiting. Nothing but a copy, he knew, soulless and devoid of heart, built by hands who didn’t understand, couldn’t understand his vision. That was always the case with pretenders, with copiers and replicators. They always tried to recreate the master’s work, but always came up short.

If Hatch had stayed away forever, perhaps a fleet of other insufficient copies would have been built, eternally damaging his legacy.

But no longer. Hatch was back, and that meant things were about to change.

“A.I., are you here?” asked Hatch.

“My name is ArchAngel,” said the A.I. She suddenly appeared on a display screen against the nearby wall. “Welcome, Doctor Hatcherik.”

“ArchAngel,” repeated Hatch. “Right, well, tell me something. How many engineers have touched these ships since the start of this assignment?”

“The Q-Ships were only recently transferred here, but based on the records associated with them, at least several dozen.”

“That many?” asked Hatch.

“Is something wrong?”

Hatch shuffled over to the side of his original ship. “It just means I’ve got my work cut out for me, undoing the stupidity that those other engineers did while I was gone.”

“According to my readings, both ships are operating within normal parameters. Are you certain they need repairs?”

“Listen, A.I.,” he began.

“ArchAngel,” she corrected.

“Okay, fine. Listen, ArchAngel, because I’m only going to say this once,” said Hatch. “Your standard for acceptable parameters and mine are vastly different. You understand? I expect perfection, not some bullshit acceptable percentage of flaws that inferior engineers use to gauge their work. If you tell me that this ship is operating at 94%, all that tells me is that there’s a 6% drop in quality. I expect 100% at any given time. That means fuel efficiency, gate capacity, acceleration drive, cloaking tech, and even the goddamn air conditioning.” He leaned in, spotting a smudge on the side of the ship, beneath the canopy, and wiped it with his tentacle. “Every piece must be perfect. Every function must perform at optimal standards. Do you understand what I’m saying, Archangel?”

“I believe I do, Doctor Hatcherik.”

“We have a lot of work to do, you and I,” he said, squatting and deflating himself as he slid beneath the ship. “You’d better start calling me Hatch.”

Bridge, QBS ArchAngel, Paladin System.

The doors on the bridge slid open and Julianna stepped through, joining both Eddie and the General. “What did I miss?” she asked.

“Apparently, this is our ship now,” said Eddie. He was trying his best to contain his excitement. It wasn’t every day that someone gave him a battleship.

Julianna tilted her head at the General. “Sir?”

“It’s yours, Commander Fregin. The two of you are in command now. I’ve already had your belongings transferred to your personal quarters,” said Lance.

“You did?” she asked. “When was that?”

“While you were getting Hatcherik,” he answered.

“Pretty wild, right?” asked Eddie. He motioned to the three personnel on the bridge. “I haven’t met the crew yet, but we should do that soon.”

“Of course, right,” muttered Julianna.

Eddie turned back to Lance. “Hey, boss, if you don’t mind me asking, what’s next on our agenda? I appreciate the ship and everything, but I’m pretty eager to keep going.”

“Always ready to fight,” said Lance with a chuckle. “As I expected. Follow me.”

He turned to leave the bridge, with Julianna and Eddie following close behind.

“As soon as I catch up to you two, you leave,” said Julianna.

“We’re busy and important people. Haven’t you heard?” asked Eddie, smiling.

“You’d better not get a big head just because you have a battleship now,” she said.

He pretended to be shocked. “Me? A big head? I have no idea where you’d get such a crazy notion.”

“Uh huh. Anyway, I’ll be exploring the rest of the ship later, if you’re interested. It seems like we have far more room than necessary.”

Lance brought them into a small conference room, not far from the bridge. When they were inside, the lights automatically turned on, and a screen lit up against the far wall. As soon as it did, ArchAngel appeared. “Welcome,” she said.

“Archangel, have you had a chance to decode the data I sent you?” asked Lance.

“I have, sir, but I don’t know if you’ll like it.”

“What I like doesn’t matter,” said Lance. “Show me.”

Archangel nodded, and immediately vanished. In her stead, a large planet appeared, rotating around a yellow star. “This is Exa. It’s a world located in the Seolus system, 20 light years from our present location. As you might expect, it is outside of Federation space.”

The planet rotated, then zoomed in on a specific continent.

“According to the data you collected,” continued Archangel, “there is a weapons cache located here. I believe it is a key asset of the enemy’s. Presently, if the logs are accurate, I suspect there is a small force occupying it in preparation for an assault on an as-yet unspecified world.”

Eddie walked over to one of the cushioned chairs around the long conference table. “Are you saying they’re already mounting another attack?” He scoffed. “Holy shit, that didn’t take them long.”

“Correct, Captain Teach,” responded ArchAngel. “In fact, I believe their plan is to move forward within the week.”

“What about the man we’re calling ‘T’?” interjected Lance.

“Still unknown,” answered ArchAngel. “I believe we will need more information before I can come to a conclusion on his identity and whereabouts.”

“Sounds like we only have one option,” said Eddie.

“You mean, attack the weapons cache?” asked Julianna.

ArchAngel appeared on the screen again. “I believe the safest course of action would be to detonate tactical bombs at key locations around the facility.”

“How are we supposed to do that?” asked Eddie.

“Do we know anything about their security?” asked Julianna.

“Not much,” admitted ArchAngel. “Presently, the data I have suggests a force of approximately six hundred personnel, but the number could be higher or lower.”

“General, any suggestions?” asked Julianna.

He nodded. “Cloak yourselves in with the Q-Ship, drop the bombs, get out. That’s really the only way.”

“Can’t we just nuke them from orbit?” asked Eddie.

Julianna and Lance looked at him.

“What?” he asked.

“We’re just surprised at how fast you went to that extreme,” said Julianna.

“Is there a reason we’re holding back?” he asked.

“First off, we don’t use nukes,” said Lance. “ArchAngel has about five kinetic devices, which have the same power as a nuke without any of the fallout.”

“Right, and still we don’t want to use those,” said Julianna. “They’re a last resort weapon only.”

“Okay, so no nukes,” said Eddie, nodding. “Just thinking out loud here, but it’s not like the smash and grab we did on the Ox King. This time, we’ll be carrying bombs that we can’t just drop. We need to put them into place. Is that about right?”

“Optimally, you will need to insert them manually, exactly where I’ve directed,” ArchAngel replied.

“Ain’t that some shit,” muttered Eddie. “We might need some help on this one.”

Eddie started to ask if anyone else had anymore ideas when the screen suddenly changed. The right side switched to a cargo bay, while the other half kept showing ArchAngel. “I might have a solution, if you’re all interested,” said a voice.

“Hatch?” said Julianna. “Have you been listening?”

Hatch’s head popped out from the side of the screen. “ArchAngel asked if I wanted to listen in on this, since I’m a member of the team and everything…or did you already forget?”

“Of course not,” said Lance. “I was the one who asked her to show it to you.”

“You did?” asked Eddie.

Lance tapped his head. “Internal implant.”

Hatch’s tentacle held a socket wrench, which he began to wipe with a brown cloth. “Anyway, as I was saying, I might have an idea for you.”

“We’re all ears,” said Julianna.

“You’re familiar with the cloaks I developed for the Q-Ships?”

“Yeah, they’re brilliant,” she said.

“You’re right about that,” he answered. “But more to the point, I might be able to develop a personal version of that for each of you. A way to keep you hidden and out of sight while you run around and set your bombs.”

“A personal cloak?” asked Eddie.

“It won’t be perfect, obviously, because this technology isn’t built for that kind of thing, but I might be able to put something together that can give you an edge.”

“Your efforts are always greatly appreciated,” said Julianna.

“By you, maybe. If I’m right about the tech, it should only take me two or three days, but check in with me in twelve hours. I should know whether it’s possible by then.”

Julianna and Eddie both nodded, then turned to Lance. “What do you think, sir?” asked Julianna.

“This one’s up to you two,” said the General. “You’re the ones risking your lives down there.”

“You can count on us,” said Eddie.

“If Hatch can give us an advantage, all the better,” added Julianna.

“In the meantime,” said ArchAngel. “I believe Pip can assist me with hacking the system from orbit. The last data cache included several authorization passcodes that should be enough to let us into their network.”

“Good,” said Eddie. “With any luck, that’ll mean another target.”

“We haven’t even taken this one down and you’re already thinking about the next one?” asked Julianna.

“Maybe I’m in a hurry to kick some alien ass,” said Eddie, giving her a half-smile.

“I heard that, you little punk,” said Hatch.

Julianna laughed. “You better watch out, Teach. Hatch doesn’t mess around.”

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” said Eddie, raising his hands, but still grinning.

Hatch puffed his cheeks. “You get this one, kid, but I’ve got my eye on you.”

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Captain Teach’s Personal Quarters, Deck 06. QBS ArchAngel, Paladin System.

Eddie stared around his new room with a slight bit of awe. It was larger than he expected, with a queen size bed, a pullout sofa, and a personal kitchen area with a dining nook. He’d never been in a position that warranted so much space, especially during his time in the service, but he quickly decided that it was definitely something he could get used to.

He wasn’t sure he deserved the luxury, but since they offered, who was he to complain?

He opened the refrigerator, and to his surprise, found a dozen Blue Ales sitting on the bottom shelf. Beside them, a stack of Coca Colas, his favorite soda. “General Reynolds, you sneaky bastard,” he said with a grin.

Eddie open one of the sodas and took a deliciously long drink from the can.

Ah. Perfection.

Eddie shut the fridge, leaving the beers for later. He certainly loved his Blue Ales, but nothing in the galaxy matched a good Coke. Empress Bethany Anne had known that. Eddie used to listen to stories about her conquests, about how she saved humanity and protected Earth, about all her many travels from this side of the galaxy to the next, and he idolized her. When he found out she was obsessed with Coke, he took it upon himself, at the tender age of ten, to give it a try.

He was instantly hooked, and to this day it remained his all-time favorite beverage, even more than beer…and that was saying something.

Eddie sat on the sofa, sinking into the cushion. There was a screen mounted on the opposite wall from him, which had to be a television. He didn’t see a remote control, though, so it had to be voice-activated. “TV,” he said, and the screen lit up instantly.

After directing the screen to show him the latest Federation news, he turned it off, slightly bored, and just sat there, quietly drinking the rest of his Coke.

It was hard to believe where he was right now, here in this mythic ship, this relic of a time before he was born, like sitting inside of a museum.

Three knocks at his door.

The screen lit back up, showing Julianna in the corridor outside his room. “Teach, you in there?”

“Come in,” he said, standing to his feet.

The door reacted to his command, opening automatically. He should have been surprised, but he wasn’t. The ArchAngel was a marvel and General Reynolds seemed to have a personal window into Eddie’s future.

“Thanks,” said Julianna, stepping inside. She had her pad in her hand. “I was thinking we’d check out the ship, if you’re ready. Maybe meet some of—” She stopped, glancing around the room. “Nice quarters.”

“Right?” asked Eddie. He raised his hand, showing her the Coke. “And it comes with all of my favorite things!”

“Your favorite thing is soda?” she asked, then paused. “Actually, I remember you had some cans of that in your bag when we met. Didn’t that alien bust them open?”

Eddie furrowed his brow. “Don’t remind me. Stupid bastard has no idea how hard Coke is to find way out in the fringe systems. All they have is Pepsi.”

“I had no idea it meant so much to you,” she said, sincerely.

Eddie took a final sip from the can, emptying it completely, and tossed it in the nearby trash recycler. “Speaking of awesome rooms, how’s yours?”

“I wouldn’t know. I haven’t been there yet,” she admitted.

“What? Seriously? Why the hell not?” asked Eddie. “Maybe the General got you something cool, like—” He stopped. “Wait a second, what kind of shit do you even like?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know,” said Julianna.

“I would, yeah,” he agreed. “Let’s go check it out!”

“No, I don’t think so. We’re too busy for that right now.”

He frowned. “Aw, come on, Jules. Let’s have some fun!”

“No fun for you,” she said, turning towards the door. “It’s time to work.”

“Dammit, I’ll find out what your deal is eventually,” he said.

“You can try,” she told him. “But you’ll only come up short.”

Bridge, QBS ArchAngel, Paladin System.

Lance Reynolds stood on the bridge, overlooking the barebones crew. At some point, he’d have to find a way to fill out the rest of this ship, but not yet. For now, Edward and Julianna would have to handle themselves with the resources they had.

And handle themselves they would, he knew. Lance wasn’t the type to take a chance on just anyone, not when it came to the mission at hand. He believed in people, certainly, but he always made sure to pick the right ones. In this case, he believed he’d chosen well. If that turned out to not be the case, time would certainly tell.

“General, as you requested, I have a complete status update on the ArchAngel’s system,” said a woman by the name of Susan Deckard. She was standing at her station, waiting for his response.

“Let’s hear them,” said Lance.

“The ship is in optimal condition, operating at an astonishing 97%.”

“That’s great news, Deckard. Thank you.”

“Yes, sir,” said the woman.

“As you were,” he told her, and she returned to her chair.

The crew of this vessel, few as they were, had been chosen by hand, specifically by General Reynolds himself. He knew each of their records, each of their histories. It was a mountain of paperwork, but he wouldn’t have it any other way.

The truth was, neither Edward nor Julianna fully understood the significance of what they were doing. The outer rim of the galaxy was rife with chaos, death, and terror, and if they didn’t stop it here, the future of the Federation would be in jeopardy.

Lance knew this because the intel told him it was true. Names and dates of terrorist activities had been secured at various stages over the last five years, each indicating a rising movement outside of Federation space. Someone was making waves, attempting to undermine what Lance, Bethany Anne, and so many others had tried to do. While they had wanted peace and security, this unseen hand seemed to only want destruction and chaos.

The General was having none of that. He would be damned if he’d let all the hard work they had done turn to shit, just because of a bunch of terrorist thugs.

The treaties might prohibit certain things, but there were always loopholes—loopholes that Lance had exploited to get the resources he needed. If anyone came asking questions, he could always fall back on the fine print, but he hoped it wouldn’t come to that. With any luck, his faith in Edward Teach and Julianna Fregin would pay off a thousand-fold, and the future would finally be secured.

A pay off that no one would know about. The Federation could not be formally tied to these operations. The member systems would balk at what many would call military adventurism. It wasn’t. It was a proactive approach to securing the borders. The general wasn’t about to let termites eat away at the foundation.

For now, however, all he could do was give his team room to move, to act, and to grow. He couldn’t micromanage everything they did, not if he wanted them to stretch themselves and find their footing. No, he’d have to keep his faith. He’d have to believe in them.

And Lance did believe. More than anyone, he had faith in his people.

That was how this hidden war would be won. Not with giant guns, Q-Ships, or armadas, but with loyalty and trust, with the same sort of people who built the Federation. People like Bethany Anne and her friends. People like Edward and Julianna. Hell, maybe even people like Lance.

He smiled, standing there on the bridge of this ancient ship, and he pulled out a fresh cigar, running it along the base of his nose, and took a whiff. “Ah,” he sighed, lighting the old stogie.

Looking around the bridge, he took a few puffs of the cigar, sending tiny clouds of smoke into the air.

“Smoking on the bridge isn’t advised,” ArchAngel said overhead.

“Telling me what to do isn’t advised.” Lance tapped his cigar, making ashes fall to the floor.

“Actually, smoking in general is a nasty habit,” retorted Archangel.

Lance blew out a plume of smoke, doing his best to ignore the intrusive A.I.

Dining Hall 03, Deck 12. QBS ArchAngel, Paladin System.

“This is one hellavah ship,” remarked Eddie as he and Julianna walked through the dining area. It was lined with long tables, but only a few people were currently eating.

Eddie could smell warm food coming from somewhere, but there didn’t seem to be any tray lines or lunch ladies like your typical mess hall. Instead, there were only cabinets, fully automated to deliver warm lunches from an assembly line behind the wall. He’d seen this type of system before, but only in smaller ships with fewer crewmembers.

“Is there a mess hall with a kitchen on this ship?” he asked.

“They all have them,” said Julianna, motioning to the far side of the room. “There are just no chefs.”

“I guess we don’t have the manpower,” he reasoned.

“Yet,” added Julianna. “But give it time. One day this ship will be bustling with activity, the same way it used to.”

He examined her expression, and for a moment she almost looked happy. “You act like you know that firsthand.”

“I do,” she answered.

“What do you mean, you do?”

She stopped at the door, turning to look at the room again, and crossed her arms. “I used to eat my dinner right there, near that corner,” she said, motioning.

“Huh? Wasn’t this ship decommissioned until recently?”

“It was,” she said, nodding. “I’m talking about before that.”

“You mean you were onboard the ArchAngel before it was…”

“Blown up,” she said, turning to him.

His eyes widened. “But that was centuries ago!”

“So?”

“That means you’re as old as this ship, doesn’t it?” He dropped his mouth, looking her over, almost like it was the first time. He’d guessed that there was something incredible about her, but not to this extent. “Holy shit.”

“Don’t act so surprised. You’d know all this if you paid more attention.”

“Hey,” said Eddie. “I pay attention when it matters.”

She gave him a look that said she didn’t believe him. “If you say so.”

“Anyway, if you were on this ship before it blew up, then that means you were also in the war, right?”

“That’s correct.”

“So, did you ever get to meet the Empress?”

“Bethany Anne?” she asked, smiling. “Who do you think authorized my enhancement?”

Eddie had watched countless archived speeches, interviews, and footage of the Empress when he was a child, growing up, but he’d never had the opportunity to meet Bethany Anne in person. She’d left this region of space long before he’d had the chance. Even now, he could hear the Empress’s words in his head.

“I left Earth to save it,” Bethany Anne had said in a televised speech, many years before Eddie was born. “I took to the stars to save us all, and in doing so, I discovered a galaxy of life, a universe of people not unlike my own. I saw with my own eyes that ours was but one of many in this universe…a voice in a chorus, bringing unity to the song of existence. And it must be protected, my friends. It must be shielded from all who would disrupt the music.”

Eddie believed in her immediately and without hesitation. Something about her words, about her eyes, told him she was telling the truth, that she wanted to save people.

“Do you think she’s alive?” asked Eddie, looking at Julianna.

“Bethany Anne?” she asked.

He nodded. “No one has seen her in years.”

She gave him a sly grin. “Oh, I expect she’s doing just fine.”

“What makes you so sure?”

“Because I know her,” she Julianna, continuing down the hall. “And trust me, nothing can stop the Empress.”

“You really believe that, don’t you?” asked Eddie, smiling. “Good. I’m happy to hear you say that.”

“Are you?”

He nodded. “I’d like to meet that woman someday.”

Julianna laughed. “Maybe you will, Teach, if you can stay alive long enough.”

“I plan on it,” he said, clasping his hands.

“Good,” said Julianna. “Because the Queen Bitch is worth the wait.”

CHAPTER TWELVE

Loading Dock 02, QBS Archangel, Paladin System.

Hatch fiddled with the MX screwdriver in his tentacle, opening the CLK-01 box. It was a tricky procedure, given the contents, but not in a dangerous sort of way.

The casing was created using an experimental magnesium-based alloy known as MX-99. It made the box nearly indestructible, which was especially useful given the ship’s active combat status.

The actual genius lay within, however, as the CLK-01 box housed the central core of the technology, a powerful energy crystal from Berosia known as Aether. These crystals were some of the rarest in the known universe, consisting of condensed Etheric energy that could not be reproduced. Rather, they had to be mined from a single location, deep within the mountains of the upper Berosian continent. They were so rare that only a handful were found every decade, which made each of the Q-Ships all the more valuable. The same was true of the ArchAngel, since it used not one, but six Aetherian crystals in order to cloak the ship in its entirety.

Hatch was far more concerned with what he could do with them, however, than where they came from. Specifically, creating a personal cloaking device that could be used to hide a couple of his teammates as they planted explosives around the walls of an enemy outpost.

He set the casing on the floor beside him and examined the Aether—a glowing blue crystal, cold to the touch. It illuminated the space around it, creating a soft glow inside the box and along Hatch’s tentacles.

He took another device from his other side—something he’d crafted himself over the past several hours—and brought it closer, preparing to transfer the crystal. The device was hooked onto the side of a brown belt, which Hatch had borrowed from one of the supply lockers. He popped the Aether out of the CLK-01 box and inserted it into the new device, strapping the crystal in tightly and closing the latch.

The device powered on immediately, but gave no indication other than a small green light.

Hatch looked around the cargo bay, but saw no changes. “AI,” he said.

ArchAngel’s face appeared on the display. “I believe I told you my name is—” She paused. “Hatcherik?”

“No,” said Hatch, staring at the A.I. “That’s my name.”

ArchAngel blinked. “Scanning area…”

“You won’t find anything,” said Hatch. He turned off the device. “See me now?”

“Fascinating,” she said. “I ran over one hundred scans and found no results. What happened?”

Hatch grasped the belt in his tentacle and brought it up to eye-level, and he grinned. “Just another day at the office, my wall-sized friend. Now, do me a favor and call the others. They’re going to want to see this.”

Loading Dock 02, QBS ArchAngel, Paladin System.

Eddie, Julianna, and General Reynolds stood side-by-side as they waited for Hatch to show them what they’d all be waiting for.

“You sure this is going to work?” asked Eddie, watching the alien fiddle with a small box.

“Have your doubts, do you?” asked Hatch.

“In his defense, you did suggest you could alter highly advanced technology that only a few people in the Federation have experience handling,” said Julianna. “In a matter of hours, I might add.”

Hatch motioned with one of his tentacles. “So? Did Q’Thur Ock Mo’Shall stop to consider whether or not anyone else was capable of creating the first matter displacement chamber? Did Otto Seraph K’Kurn ever stop to ask if he was worthy of developing the second warp theorem? I don’t think so.”

“Whoever they are,” said Eddie.

Hatch paused, blinking at him. “I swear, I’m surrounded by children. What do they teach you people in school these days?”

Eddie pretended to gasp. “You people?” He looked at Julianna. “Are you hearing this?”

“Let’s see what you’ve got here, Hatcherik,” said Lance, who had remained composed throughout the exchange.

“At least someone appreciates what I’m doing,” said Hatch as he lifted the box with one of his eight tentacles, simultaneously using three others to hold various tools and make adjustments. “Prepare yourselves, everyone.”

He turned a small dial on the side of the box and a green light appeared. Eddie waited for something else to happen, but there was nothing. No sign of a cloak or anything else.

“Is that it?” asked Julianna.

“Were we supposed to see a change?” asked Eddie, looking around. “I don’t get it.”

Hatch puffed his cheeks, amused. “Of course, you don’t. You’re still in the safe zone.”

“The what?” asked Eddie.

Hatch waved his tentacle. “Take a few steps back, would you?”

“Uh, sure,” said Eddie, doing as the mechanic suggested. “There. Two steps back.”

“A few more,” said Hatch. “Keep your eye on me as you do.”

Eddie took another two, watching the alien as he did. On the second step, he noticed a change. Hatch, along with both Lance and Julianna, faded. It was like they’d suddenly ceased to exist, like they had teleported or phased out of existence. “Holy shit! Would you look at that?” he asked, dropping his mouth. “You guys just disappeared!”

“Quite the opposite, don’t you think?” asked Hatch’s voice. A laugh bellowed from the emptiness. “You see? He can’t see us anymore.”

“But we can see him,” said Julianna, who was nowhere to be found.

“Come back,” suggested Hatch. “Step forward, Captain Teach.”

Eddie did as the mechanic instructed, taking a single step. As he did, everyone phased back into view. “Hot damn.”

“That’s right, kid,” said Hatch.

Julianna looked back at Eddie. “That cloak covers a lot of area, doesn’t it? Can you lower the field so it’s only around the individual?”

“I’m afraid not,” said Hatch, turning the dial and changing the green light to a red one. “This came from the Q-Ship, so the range is built in. I’d have to create an entirely separate device, which would take longer than we have.”

“So,” said Lance, who had been carefully observing all of this in silence. “It seems you two will have to keep some distance.”

“Three meters,” said Hatch. “You go outside of that and they’ll see you.”

“It’s not ideal, but it’s better than the alternative,” said Julianna.

Lance looked at Eddie. “Can you work with this, Captain?”

“Of course,” said Eddie. He walked over to Hatch, letting out his palm. The mechanic handed him the box, and Eddie stared down and studied it for a moment before finally turning the dial. “We’ll be in and out with the bombs charged and set before anyone down there is the wiser.”

“Just don’t get close to anyone,” cautioned Hatch.

“Not to worry,” assured Eddie. “They won’t even know we were there.”

Lance nodded. “We’ll form a gate and be there in a few hours, so long as you two are ready.”

“We’re good to go,” said Julianna. “Right, Teach?”

Eddie gave the device back to Hatch. “Hell, I’m ready to go right now. You kidding?”

“I love the enthusiasm,” said Lance, smiling. “Motivation is key to a successful operation.”

“That and kicking ass,” said Eddie. “Which, I assure you, I’m ready and willing to do.”

Loading Dock 01, QBS ArchAngel, en route to Seolus system.

“How long before we arrive?” asked Eddie, his flight helmet under his arm, fully geared.

“Fifteen minutes, last I checked,” said Julianna. She was already dressed, her helmet sealed.

They both wore their black combat suits, ready for the job. The difference now was that Eddie’s belt had a small box on it with one of the most powerful pieces of technology known to man: an Aetherian crystal. He couldn’t help but glance down at it every few minutes. Hatch had given him a lengthy speech about how expensive and rare the crystal inside of the box was, which made Eddie more nervous than he expected. Despite the oncoming mission he was about to undertake, he was actually more concerned with misplacing the cloak than getting shot.

The screen on the wall near the Q-Ship lit up, revealing the face of ArchAngel. “Greetings. Is there anything I can do for you two before we arrive?”

“Just keep the engines running for us,” said Julianna. “We’ll try to hurry back.”

“Understood,” said the A.I.

“ArchAngel, where are you parking this rig?” asked Eddie.

“On the opposite side of the star from the planet Exa. Between the cloak and the solar radiation, we should be shielded from any known sensors the outpost has in their possession.”

“Good to know,” he responded, lifting his helmet and placing it over his head. With a quick turn, it locked into place. “All set.”

Julianna nodded. “We’ll be landing there under the cover of night. It won’t do much, but the patrols should be lower than normal.”

“Even better,” grinned Eddie. He grabbed hold of the Q-Ship’s handhold and boosted himself up, into the opening, and slid inside.

Julianna followed, and took her position in the co-pilot seat. “Performing pre-flight check.”

Eddie reached beside him and took the rifle in his hand, then proceeded to check it over. After some quick consideration, he returned it.

“What’s wrong?” asked Julianna. “Your rifle okay?”

Eddie took his pistol next to the rifle and holstered it on his side. “I’m going with the handgun on this one. Better for the job. You bring yours and back me up if things go south, but I’ll need my hands free to handle the explosives and the cloak.”

“Understood,” she said, tapping the butt of her rifle, which was sitting next to her.

The ArchAngel came out of the gate a few seconds later, cloaking immediately. “All clear,” announced Pip over the comm inside the helmet. “You’re both good to go.”

“We’ll see you when we return, Pip,” said Julianna.

“Didn’t Hatch tell you?” asked the E.I. “He upgraded the system on this ship so I could interface during your missions.”

Eddie blinked. “When the hell did he have time to do that?”

“As I understand it, he simply replaced the data-drive with the one from the other Q-Ship,” said Pip.

“So does that mean the second ship doesn’t have one anymore?”

“Affirmative,” said Pip. “But I believe he’s working on a workaround.”

“Regardless, that’s great news,” said Julianna, smiling a little.

“Most certainly,” agreed Pip.

“Okay, you two, enough bonding. Let’s kick some alien ass,” said Eddie, gripping the controls.

The Q-Ship lifted off the deck, hovering into position. Eddie ignited the thrusters and took them through the shield, entering open space. Behind them, the cargo bay sat floating in darkness, the rest of the ship shrouded in cloak.

The thrusters hit their second burst, pushing the ship into full speed. Eddie brought the Q-Ship around the star, a dying white dwarf. He was finally used to the controls, letting himself relax as he cruised towards the first planet, a largely empty rock no bigger than a fat class-3 moon.

The Q-Ship was already cloaked and ready to enter Exa’s orbit. Exa was the second planet in a string of three. This system, aside from its galactic position as it related to Federation space, would typically be of little interest. Exa itself was barely habitable. The atmosphere around the bulk of the planet was too thin for habitation, excluding a handful of adaptable species. The only exception to this was around the equator, which had a balanced temperature as well as clean air. This was also their current destination.

The Q-Ship approached Exa, fully cloaked, and dropped to a slow cruising speed as it entered the atmosphere. It wouldn’t be long now.

Kezzin Battlebase 44, Planet Exa, Seolus system.

The Kezzin base on Exa was silent and still. A soft breeze from the nearby valley blew through the window of the quiet room as the Kezzin called Lars Malseen lay in his bunk, counting the stars.

He couldn’t sleep, but what else was new? Ever since he arrived on this gods-forsaken planet, he’d wanted to leave. He’d wanted to go home.

Lars released a long sigh. Oh, how he missed Kezza. His homeworld felt so far away. He was stuck here on this rock, separated from his Kezzin friends and family, forced to work with these pirates and criminals.

All because of a debt.

Lars could still remember it, the day they had come for his brother. The pirates owned the colony his family lived on and they expected their payment for “protection.” When his brother couldn’t meet the demand, the soldiers had come to conscript him. The poor farmer couldn’t leave his family behind, though. He was a father and a husband, and he was needed, but if he didn’t leave, the farm would be destroyed.

Lars couldn’t let that happen, not to the only family he had left. Not to his brother, his nieces, his nephews.

He offered himself and the pirates accepted. Blood-for-blood had always been the Kezzin way, to exchange one life for another. It was a fair trade.

Now, he was here, stuck in this place, watching foreign stars through stone-rimmed windows, longing to be elsewhere.

Lars had no love for these people. He only wanted to see his family again, to keep them safe. If only the Brotherhood wasn’t so powerful, so corrupt, perhaps he could find another way. Perhaps he could save them.

But such a life was far beyond his means. He was a cog in the machine, an insect beneath the boot.

Lars took a long breath, closing his eyes.

As he did, a cough forced him awake. He looked to the side of the room to see a soldier entering. It was Chan, returned from his rounds. “What a boring night,” muttered the large pirate, his metal armor clanking as he shuffled to his own bunk.

Lars watched as he plopped down on the side of his bed, opposite Lars, and began taking off his boots and leg-guards. “Welcome back.”

Chan raised his head, apparently not realizing he’d woken Lars. “Hm? What are you awake for, Malseen?”

“Nothing,” said Lars, turning on his back.

“You’d better sleep if you know what’s good for you. Your shift is in an hour, ain’t it?”

“Sure,” said Lars.

“They catch you sleeping on the job and you’ll lose a hand, you know.” Chan removed his chest-piece. “Lazy asshole.”

Lars took a deep breath, trying to shut Chan out as best he could. The moonlight beamed in through the open window, shining against the nearby wall adjacent to his bunk. He stared at it, wide awake. The soft glow of silver light reminded him of something familiar, a night he once spent in the forest when he was young with his brother.

He tried to imagine his brother’s face right now. He hoped with all his will that the man whose place he’d taken was, perhaps, out in those same woods, spending time with his own children. If fate was merciful, if the gods themselves were kind, then such a scene would become reality.

Chan began to snore, his throat flapping so loud it was almost too hard to believe. After months of being stationed here, Lars was used to such things, but he still loathed them.

No matter.

Lars stared at the light on the wall as his eyes began to close, and he felt his whole body grow more relaxed. Rest now, he felt it say. Time to sleep.

But as his focus dipped from the wall, the light stirred a bit, flickering in a way that gave him pause. Lars felt himself tense up, surprised at the distortion. Was he so tired that his senses were playing tricks? Did he need to rest so badly?

Another break in the light, like something was interrupting it. Lars leaned up on his shoulder, then turned around to face the window. Could it be a bird? Perhaps a cloud passing overhead. Or maybe…

The light of the moon shined with such brightness that it made him squint, but he kept his eyes fixed.

That was when he saw it. A distorted shadow against the celestial light. A faded blur that wasn’t there. Lars had spent many years as a tracker, living in the wilds of Kezza. His eyes were stronger, more refined than most, and so he knew better than to ignore what he was seeing. He knew there was more to the moon tonight.

Lars twisted around on his bed, all the while keeping his eyes on the shadow in the night, the distant, foreign thing that shouldn’t be…

And then, without a word to his roommate, he got to his feet and went outside.

An Empty Field Near Kezzin Battlebase 44, Planet Exa, Seolus system.

The Q-Ship entered a darkened sky, countless stars behind it. The planet was currently experiencing the middle of the night, the eighteenth hour in Exa’s twenty-hour cycle. There would be plenty of time before dawn to get the job done.

Eddie brought the ship down, hovering momentarily before releasing the landing gear, and setting the Q-Ship gently on the ground. They were in a small field just north of the base, half a klick out, or a slow ten-minute walk. He decided to bring them in close since they had to carry the explosives.

Eddie wasn’t a fan of moving slowly, preferring the faster route when it came to it, but he also understood that certain situations often called for some restraint. In this case, a hundred pounds of explosive death hoisted on his back as he and Julianna stayed quiet and invisible, avoiding several hundred-armed soldiers in the process. It wasn’t the easiest task in the universe, but he could do it.

“Ready?” asked Julianna as the two prepared to leave the cloaked ship.

Eddie slid his thumbs behind each of the straps around his chest, feeling the weight of the bombs he was carrying. He was pretty sure he had enough explosives to blow up the whole goddamn world if he wanted to. “I’m ready to kick some ass. You?”

She already had her own pack on, having a far easier time with the weight. She grinned, raising her rifle. “In and out before they know what hit them.”

“Right, then.” Eddie turned the knob on his belt. “Time to kill us some bad guys.”

***

The enemy outpost wasn’t far. Eddie could already see several lights in the distance. As they drew closer, it became apparent that these were from the base’s many rooms. As expected, the residents were not entirely asleep, despite the late hour, nor should they be. Any reasonable military stronghold would be operating at all hours, with around-the-clock shifts. But as everyone knew, the late-night crew was always the thinnest. Eddie was happy to see that applied to Kezzin every bit as much as it did to humans.

Eddie and Julianna moved silently in the night, invisible to any guards who might be watching. They crept through a small forest and approached the side of the base’s western wall, crossing another field to reach it. Near them, five sentry towers stood, sporting guns and lights to scan for intruders. No doubt, this place was hardwired with scanners of all kinds, old and new. Lucky for Eddie, the cloaking device he was carrying on his belt worked against all of them.

Julianna stayed less than a meter away from him at all times, never moving too fast or too slow. When they were finally close enough to the wall, but still walking, she withdrew the first of the explosives and began prepping it.

Eddie said nothing during this, nor did he need to. The woman knew what she was doing. She was a pro, after all, and the cloak didn’t stop sound from escaping. If they talked or made noise, they could be discovered, despite Hatch’s technological marvel.

The base was large, but not as intimidating as he had expected. It looked as though it had been thrown together overnight, like there was no history to it, no soul. Structures like this were often the result of ARCs (Automated Redistribution Construction), where a series of robotic drones would build something overnight, depending on the specifications. ARCs were expensive and hard to come by outside of Federation space, so it was curious to see one here in the hands of a group of pirates. Eddie would have to ask ArchAngel about this later.

Eddie motioned silently with his hand as the two reached the large wall. Julianna had, by this point, already assembled the first explosive. All she needed to do was flip a small switch to prime the device. Once they had about a dozen of these in place, they’d leave and detonate them all at once.

Julianna set the bomb on the soft ground, right up against the wall. She covered it with some nearby dirt and leaves, hiding the bulk of it. Once she was ready, they proceeded farther down the wall to the next location.

After the second drop, as they were walking to the third, Julianna paused, touching Eddie’s shoulder. He looked at her, curiously, and she put her finger to her lips and then pointed up. Her enhanced eyes were far more acute than his own, but he could still make out a shadow moving along the wall. A guard, no doubt, making his patrol.

When the figure was gone, moved on to some other post, the two continued to their next point of interest, followed by the next. Before the hour was through, they managed to plant six bombs along the western and northern walls, all without saying a word or getting spotted.

So far so good.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Kezzin Battlebase 44, Planet Exa, Seolus system.

Lars felt the wind against his thick scales, cold as it was, and observed the field beyond the walls. The tall grass danced as the gust blew through, giving movement to the greenery. He longed for this, more than metal or stone, more than anything in all the galaxy. A soft and natural splendor that only existed in the wilds.

The wind settled soon, and Lars leaned against the artificial stone at the top of the wall, accepting that tonight he would not sleep. His mind was far too busy… overflowing with memories and nostalgia.

That was fine, he decided. Sometimes it was better to be alive than asleep. Maybe the soul needed moments like this, filled with quiet reflection.

Lars took a breath, watching the moonlight sweep across the field. He’d come out here to investigate the strange shadow he saw from his window, but now decided it was nothing. Perhaps his mind had played a trick on him. A way to get him out of bed.

The other soldiers were still patrolling, but nowhere near him. Two were stationed at each at corner of the facility, but the bulk of the base had video feed for surveillance. If anything actually had been out here, surely the cameras would have caught it and the entire base would’ve been alerted.

He licked his hard lips, debating, as he often did on nights like this, how he could possibly rid himself of this accursed life and return to his old one.

Lars pushed the thought out of his mind, focusing on the field and trying to forget. As he did, the grass moved again, no doubt from yet another gust of wind. He ignored it, turning back towards the base, wondering how long he had before his shift.

He heard a snap behind him, like a twig breaking, and he instinctively turned and found nothing. This planet was largely devoid of animals, but it had its share of insects and foliage. Had his mind played another trick on him?

Was he so sleep-deprived that he was hearing and seeing things? If so, it would have been a first. Lars had always been able to rely on his senses. Perhaps it was due to all his time spent tracking and camping in the wilds of Kezza, or maybe it was a natural gift. He couldn’t say, but he could only hope that—

A light snap echoed near the base of the wall. Lars glanced over the side of the stone, but saw nothing. Another phantom sound? No… his instinct told him there was more to this. He stared at the dirt and mud beneath the wall, watching with focused eyes.

That was when he saw it.

The dirt compressed, forming an outline. A footprint, he realized, fresh and newly defined. Lars dropped his mouth and, without realizing it, leaned closer to the edge of the wall. What in the gods’ names could this be?

Another boot print formed in the mud, followed by a third. As Lars observed them, more appeared in the same direction. It was as though a ghost was moving before him, traveling the border of the wall.

But Lars did not believe in such things. He’d spent enough time in the darkness to know that such specters were nothing more than superstition. This was a person, he knew it. A living, breathing thing that had, somehow, found a way to hide itself.

Lars watched as the footsteps continued, and he moved quietly along the top of the wall, observing, staying in the darkness. He’d spent his whole life tracking game, keeping silent and remaining hidden. He would watch this entity, this intruder, and see where it went. Whatever this was, like Lars himself, did not belong there.

***

Eddie stopped while Julianna set another bomb against the wall. They’d finally placed all but one of the explosives. In only a few moments, they’d return to the Q-Ship and blow this place to hell and back.

Julianna covered the bomb with some dirt, the same as before, and looked at Eddie, giving him a nod. Just one more to go, he thought. Another two dozen yards and we can high tail it out of—

A shadow formed in front of him, there on the ground, and grew rapidly. Eddie turned towards the top of the wall, only to see a looming mass as it came towards him.

The object slammed into both him and Julianna, pinning them to the earth. It didn’t take Eddie long to realize that this was a body—a massive, hulking alien who was strong enough to bend metal.

Eddie wheezed, having had the air knocked out of him. The two arms wrapped around him, pinning him tight. “What the actual fuck?!”

“Hold yourselves!” ordered the Kezzin soldier.

“Fuck off!” returned Eddie, digging his knuckles into the alien’s waist.

But the Kezzin didn’t flinch. His armor was thick and he was strong. He clung to both of them with all his strength. “Intruders! Intruders!”

Julianna pulled her forehead back and attempted to head-butt the guard, but he buried his head between the both of them, holding their bodies close. A second later, three other guards ran up, armor clanking as they arrived. The first two took Eddie by the shoulders while the third kept a rifle pointed at him. He gritted his teeth and flinched at them, about to fight back. He’d rather die than be taken prisoner.

“Go with them,” said Julianna, jarring Eddie. Her words pulled him out of his rage.

He looked at her. “But we can’t just—”

“Trust me, Eddie!” she snapped.

He snarled, looking at the guards. “Bastards.”

Once they had him handcuffed, the group turned to Julianna. The one who had tackled them put another set on her wrists. She said nothing, and instead got to her feet.

The guards escorted them to the front of the base and into the facility. Shit, thought Eddie as they entered the gate. Shit shit shit shit.

***

Lars watched as the other guards locked the prisoners inside their cells. When it was done, they called for Commander Orsa, who took reports from each of them, one at a time.

“Excellent work, Lars Malseen,” said Orsa, once he was done. “You have performed well, and before your patrol was even scheduled.”

“Thank you, sir,” said Lars.

“I have to wonder, though, what were you doing out before your shift? And how did you know of the intruders? It seems no one else was aware of them.”

“I was restless,” replied Lars. “And I saw them moving beneath the wall. They had some kind of invisibility.”

Orsa gave him a skeptical look, but left it alone. “Very well. Return to your quarters for now.”

Lars looked at the two humans in the cells. One was calm and motionless. She sat with her hands on her knees, taking steady breaths. The other, a male, seemed to be fuming. “Sir, if you would allow it, I would like to question the prisoners.”

Orsa raised his brow. “Would you?”

“I have some experience extracting information,” explained Lars.

“We have no official interrogator here,” said Orsa, apparently considering the notion. “Very well. Do what you want, but don’t kill them. Find out if there are any others out there. Ask them why they’re here. Do whatever you have to in order to protect this base. Do you understand?”

“Of course, sir,” said Lars.

Orsa looked at the three guards, requesting they join him. “Let’s go.”

As the group left, Lars turned to the cells. The cages were both made of hard light, making them impossible to penetrate, which meant that no matter what these prisoners did, they couldn’t leave.

Lars went to the side of the first cell where the male was sitting. The human glanced up at him. “You there.”

“What?” the man retorted.

Lars stared at him. “What are you doing here?”

“None of your business, asshole.”

Lars ignored the insult. “Are there more of you outside the walls?”

“Hundreds,” said the intruder, giving him a slight smile.

“Is that so?”

“Maybe. Who knows? I’m not telling you shit.”

“If you don’t, the Captain will have you killed.”

The human laughed. “We’ll see.”

“You seem overly confident for someone in a cell,” said Lars. “What is your name?”

“You can call me Ed.”

“Ed?” repeated Lars. The name was simple, yet strange, like something a child had thought up.

“Got a problem with it?” asked Ed as Lars understood the human’s name.

“No,” Lars said, simply. “Where did you come from?”

“My mom,” said Ed. “You know how babies work, right?”

“I mean, why did you come to the base? What faction are you with? What organization?”

“I’m an independent contractor,” said Ed.

“You operate on your own?” asked Lars.

Ed tapped his nose. “Right you are.”

“I find that difficult to believe.”

“Believe what you want,” said Ed. “But I’ll tell you one thing. If you don’t let me out of here, I’m going to break out, and then I’m going to kill every last asshole terrorist in this place.”

“Terrorist?” asked Lars. “You’re the one planting bombs.”

“To stop you from killing innocent people, you jackass.”

Lars paused, trying to understand. “What are you talking about?”

“Your people have been attacking colonies! You keep killing all those—”

“That’s enough!” barked the female. “Contain yourself, Eddy. You’re speaking with the enemy.”

Lars had heard of the colony attacks. It was difficult not to notice or overhear the way the higher ranks celebrated their slaughters. They made a habit of pillaging, it seemed, but such was the way of these people. The Kezzin Brotherhood owned a third of the Kezzin-occupied systems, which made them one of the most influential independent military factions in this region. The way Lars had heard it, the Federation had invaded their territory, killing Kezzin soldiers and stealing their worlds. “You must face the consequences of your actions. I’m sorry.”

“By consequences, you mean death,” said the female.

“That is none of my concern,” Lars said.

“Concern?” asked Ed. “Wait until I get out of here. I’ll make it your concern.”

Lars didn’t answer, but turned and walked to the door, leaving the angry man to himself. He stepped out into the hall and proceeded towards Orsa’s office. He’d have to tell the Captain all about this, about what the human had told him regarding the colonies. If it was true, there could be more of them out there, waiting to strike. The entire base might very well be under siege before long.

Lars knocked, entered the office, and stood before Commander Orsa as the elder soldier ordered three squads to patrol the walls in search of hidden bombs. “There must be more of them. Go and search!” ordered the Captain.

“Yes, sir,” said several of the men.

As the soldiers began to leave, Orsa turned to him. “Lars, what did you discover from the prisoners? Anything important?”

“They claim to be avenging the Federation colonies,” said Lars.

“The colonies?” asked Orsa, though he didn’t seem very surprised. “I see. What else did they say?”

“Nothing else. The female stopped the male from speaking further on the subject, but I learned his name is Edward.”

“Edward, you say? Interesting. I’ll have to include that in the report. Good job, Lars.”

“Thank you, but there was something else.”

“What is it?”

“The male mentioned that the Brotherhood was responsible for terrorist attacks on the colonies. He made it sound like we were the aggressors.”

Orsa chuckled. “Is that what he said?”

Lars nodded. “It’s a lie, isn’t it?”

“A lie?” asked Orsa. “What do you mean?”

“I’ve heard the Federation colonies once belonged to the Kezzin. Isn’t that true?”

“Something like that,” said Orsa. “That area was lost in the War of Division. The Federation moved in when it was unoccupied.”

“You mean to say they didn’t steal it?” asked Lars.

“Of course they stole it,” insisted Orsa. “Those worlds are ours by right. Just because we left them vacant for three hundred years does not mean the claim is rendered null.”

Lars considered this for a moment. “Who attacked first?”

“They attacked when they established those colonies,” explained Orsa. “Colonizing those worlds was an attack on our dignity. Our very pride.”

“But they didn’t fire weapons,” said Lars.

“No, they didn’t, but they might as well have.”

“But that means—”

“Lars, let it go. Remember why you are here. The Brotherhood exists to ensure Kezzin prosperity. To hell with those aliens. They are all garbage, especially humans. You know that.”

Lars stared at his superior, blinking. “Yes, sir.”

“Now, if that’s everything, then leave the rest to me. I’ll see these humans punished for their attempted attack.”

“Of course,” said Lars. “My shift is about to begin, so I should prepare.”

“No, just go to your room and await instructions. Get some rest until I need you.”

“But what about—”

Orsa raised his brow. “Don’t make me repeat myself, Lars. I’m giving you a reward. Do you understand?”

“Yes, sir. Of course.” Lars backed away, towards the door. “Thank you.”

He turned and left, leaving the office and proceeding down the hall. It had only been a short time since he’d gone outside, but already so much had happened. He couldn’t believe it, everything Orsa and the two humans had said.

Did those colonies really deserve the fate they received? Had the Brotherhood attacked them simply for existing?

Galactic politics were cruel, and Lars knew better than most about how an innocent person could get caught up in them, unable to do anything. Unable to fight back.

What an awful life it is, thought Lars, to be the pawn of an unjust empire.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Inside a cell. Kezzin Battlebase 44, Planet Exa, Seolus system.

Julianna sat on the bench, quietly staring at the translucent hard-light cell wall.

She was breathing steadily, totally calm and without concern. There was no need for it. Not yet, anyway.

The Kezzin guards had taken her rifle, but she was still armed. They had separated her from Captain Teach, yet she was not alone.

Pip, thought Julianna, mentally calling out to her E.I. companion.

I am here, Julianna.

Have you had time to crack the security network yet?

It is nearly finished. Please be patient.

Go as fast as you can. I’m not sure how long I can let this façade go on.

Getting captured was unfortunate, but this could prove to be even more fortuitous.

If you manage to crack that digital safe and get us the data, then you could be right.

Shouldn’t you let Captain Teach know what we’re doing?

Not without alerting the other guards, but he’ll find out in a few minutes.

You’re right, of course.

Julianna glanced over to the other cell where Teach was standing, leaning with his fist against the hard-light wall. He looked absolutely furious, so much that it made her want to smile. If only he knew what she and Pip were planning.

The door to the room opened and in walked a Kezzin guard. He looked at each of them for a long moment before Teach smacked the wall. “What’s the deal, buddy?” asked the Captain. “Got something you wanna tell us?”

The guard looked him over. “Which of you is in charge?”

Teach chewed on the inside of his lip before he answered. “That would be—”

“Neither of us,” interjected Julianna.

Teach looked at her, curiously.

She winked at him. “We’re just grunts like you, doing our jobs. Our boss is outside in the ship, along with the others.”

The Kezzin laughed. “I am no grunt, human. My name is Commander Trill Orsa, the head of this instillation.”

“So, you’re the boss here. Is that right?” asked Teach.

“It is,” answered Orsa. “And if you think I’m stupid enough to believe there are more of you outside, then you must be a poor judge of character.”

“It’s true, we are,” said Teach, nodding and tapping his chin.

“Very poor,” agreed Julianna. How’s it coming, Pip?

Infiltration process complete. I’m inside the network.

Upload their files and logs to the Q-Ship as soon as you can.

I’ve already started. Estimated time to completion is ninety seconds.

Which still leaves us with enough time to hightail it out of here, thought Julianna.

I would suggest waiting a few minutes. An escape could trigger an alert to their system, which may slow me down.

Julianna sighed inwardly. Fine.

Commander Orsa crossed his arms and glared at Teach. “I’ve decided you will both be executed for your crimes against the Kezzin people. What do you say to that?”

“Shove it up your ass,” said Teach.

Orsa ignored the crude comment. “I’ll give you one last opportunity to get out of this. Tell me everything you know about the organization you work for, including any intelligence relating to our operation. Do this, and you might make it out of this alive.”

“You want us to flip?” asked Julianna.

“Flip?” repeated Orsa, apparently not understanding the expression.

“Betray our side,” explained Teach.

“Ah,” said Orsa. “Yes, that. If you do, I’ll see to it that you’re treated with respect. In time, perhaps in a few years, you may even be allowed to leave.”

Teach leaned forward, raising his fist to Orsa. “I’ll say it one more time so you understand exactly what I mean. Take your offer, ball it up, and—” He slammed his fist into his other palm. “—shove it so far up your own ass that it clogs your goddamn throat and chokes the blood to that tiny, little Kezzin brain of yours. You got me, fuckwit?”

Orsa gave an odd expression. Julianna took a guess that it probably wasn’t good. “I’ll come back when you two are feeling more talkative,” he said, stepping towards the door. “Just remember, if you don’t talk soon, I can’t ensure your protection.”

Julianna watched as Orsa left, closing the door behind him.

“Asshole,” muttered Edward, loud enough that the Kezzin captain was bound to hear.

***

Lars watched as his captain walked across the hall from the brig and re-entered his office. Judging by the look on his face, Lars guessed the discussion with the prisoners had not gone well.

He followed after Orsa, curious to find out what he planned to do. The Captain had ordered him to return to his room, which he had done, but with so much going on, Lars could hardly sit still. It bothered him to believe what the humans had said was true, that the Brotherhood really was attacking defenseless colonies.

When Lars finally entered the office, he was met by two guards. “The Captain is not to be disturbed,” said one, whom Lars recognized as a Kezzin named Kal Drog.

“I need to ask him something,” said Lars.

“The Captain gave specific orders,” said Kal. “Sorry.”

“Can you tell him it’s me?” asked Lars.

“I will,” agreed Kal. “But you should leave now. He’s very upset. If you think your capture of the invaders will garner you any special privileges, you’re mistaken.”

The second guard nodded. “You should return to your room, like the Captain instructed.”

“I have questions,” said Lars.

“Not for the Captain, you don’t,” said Kal. “Why not ask us your questions? Maybe we can save you the trouble of getting killed.”

Lars considered the proposition, but decided against it. “No, I think I’ll do as you suggested and return to my room. I don’t know what I was thinking, bothering him.”

“Good idea,” said Kal. “It’s good to see you aren’t a complete idiot sometimes.”

“Right,” said Lars, leaving it at that. He marched away from them and into a separate hallway. It was empty, giving him a moment to think. He wanted to find out more about these prisoners and their accusations.

Lars shot a glance in the direction of the brig. If those humans were right, then the Brotherhood had killed hundreds, maybe even thousands of civilians. There was a good chance that they might even incite a war with the Federation. If that happened, Lars’ family would be in serious danger.

He felt panic rising in his chest. He’d gone and volunteered for this job with the hopes of protecting his brother, but what if it was all for nothing? What if a fleet of ships showed up next month and destroyed Kezza and all its colonies? All of Lars’ sacrifices would have been for nothing.

Did Orsa understand any of this? Did the rest of the Brotherhood? Or were they more concerned with vengeance and land than the lives of innocent Kezzin families? Knowing the people in this base, Lars was certain he knew the answer to that question.

***

Eddie kicked the hard-light cell door with his foot. He hated small spaces. Specifically, cages like this one. Just wait until I get out of here, thought Eddie, staring at the door to the outer hall, like he was trying to burn a hole in it. I’ll kick that Orsa guy’s ass. He shook his head. No, I need to focus on getting the hell out of here first. Think, Eddie.

Just then, the door opened and in walked the same Kezzin guard that who originally captured them. The same one who had also questioned them about their mission.

“What the hell do you want now?” asked Eddie. “We already told you, we’re not talking.”

“I just want to know something,” said the alien.

Eddie crossed his arms and leaned against the wall.

“Were you telling the truth about those colonies?”

“What do you mean?” asked Eddie.

“About how they’ve been attacked by Kezzin soldiers?”

“Of course,” said Eddie. “What kind of question is that?”

“You have to understand,” said the alien. “I’ve never heard of such attacks. I had to confirm with my superior.”

“You mean the guy we just talked to?” asked Eddie.

“Correct. That would be Commander Orsa. He runs this outpost.”

“Friendly guy,” said Julianna.

“Not really,” said the alien, apparently oblivious to the sarcasm. “So, will you tell me who sent you here?”

“You know we can’t tell you that,” said Eddie, conversationally.

“Then, at least answer this, please. If our attacks continue, what will happen? What will your people do?”

“You mean, if you continue to slaughter innocent people across dozens of worlds?” asked Eddie.

“Yes,” said the alien.

“We’ll respond with due force,” said Julianna.

“Due force?” asked the Kezzin.

“That’s the polite way of saying we’ll destroy every last one of you,” answered Eddie. “You got that?”

The alien stood there, quietly, contemplating the message. He didn’t respond right away. After several seconds, just before Eddie was about to make another joke, the alien stepped toward him. Here we go, thought Eddie, expecting the worst. I finally went too far, didn’t I?

The Kezzin touched the side of the hard-light cell wall, spoke a word in his native tongue, and suddenly the door dissolved.

Eddie blinked, staring at the empty space where the wall had been. He reached through with his arm, surprised to find it gone. He looked at the alien, raising his brow. “What’s this about?”

“You’re free to go,” said the Kezzin. “Please, leave as fast as you can, before the guards notice you.”

“What are you doing this for?” asked Julianna.

“I have no loyalty to the Brotherhood,” said the guard.

“Is that what you call yourselves?” asked Eddie.

The alien nodded. “The Brotherhood of Kezza. It is a collection of militia, many of which were conscripted and forced to join. I am here because I chose to take my brother’s place. It is for his sake, and his children’s sake, that I release you now. Please, return to your people and tell them that the attacks are not of Kezza. They are only the Brotherhood.”

“I understand,” said Eddie. He took a step out of the cell. “Thanks for your help, uh…what’s your name again?”

“Lars Malseen,” he answered.

“Nice to meet you,” said Eddie. “And thanks for the rescue, even though you were the one who brought us in.”

Lars started to walk to Julianna’s cell when the hard-light wall dropped, a little before he could reach it. Lars stared at it, tilting his head. “That’s odd.”

“Is it?” asked Julianna, stepping out. “Sorry to tell you, but we were already planning on busting out.”

“How did you do that?” asked Lars.

“Yeah,” agreed Eddie. “What the fuck did you do?”

“It wasn’t me,” said Julianna. “It was Pip.”

“Pip got you out? How? Didn’t they take your gear? How did you even communicate with him?” asked Eddie.

“I don’t use the pad to talk to him,” she explained, tapping her head. “He’s tied directly into me.”

“Then what the hell is your pad for?”

“Online poker, obviously. I’m addicted to the stuff.”

Eddie’s mouth dropped slightly. “Are you kidding me?”

Julianna grinned. “Maybe next time you’ll ask before you make assumptions. Oh, and Lars, was it? You may want to run the fuck out of here, because we still have orders to blow this facility to hell. I hope you understand.”

“Is that necessary?” asked Lars. “Not every soldier here is the same.”

“That might be true, but this is war. Sometimes that means making the hard choices. In this case, this facility has a stockpile of weapons large enough to take out a dozen colonies. We blow it up, maybe we delay that.”

“Sorry, Lars,” said Eddie. “She’s right, but you still have time to leave.”

“If you’re after the weapons cache, setting charges around the outer walls won’t do much. The storage rooms are underground. You can bring down those walls, but it would not eliminate the weapons or their holding areas.”

“Do you have a better suggestion?” asked Eddie.

Lars thought for a moment before he answered. “Flood it,” he finally said.

“What?” asked Eddie.

“Activate the emergency system and flood the compartment,” said Lars. “Can your Pip do that?”

Julianna was quiet for a second, her eyes distant, and then she blinked. “He says he can, but we’d have to get to the control center. That area of the base has its own network.”

“How do we do that?” asked Eddie.

“I can take you,” said Lars. “It’s not far.”

“You?” asked Julianna. “I’m not sure we can trust you. No offense.”

“Your response is understandable, but I’m already committed,” said Lars, motioning at the cell. “I just freed you, after all.”

“You freed Captain Teach,” Julianna corrected.

“Funny,” said Eddie. “Okay, Lars, if you can get us to this control room and help us flood the weapons cache, we’ll promise not to kill everyone in this outpost. How’s that?”

“A fair compromise,” said the Kezzin.

“Before we go running off into the belly of this beast, I suggest we grab our gear,” said Julianna.

“They have your things in another section. I tried to get all your gear, but they would have noticed. I was able to retrieve this without them spying me. It looked important.” Lars unfastened the cloaking belt from his waist and tossed it through the air. Eddie had been too overwhelmed and hadn’t even noticed it.

He grabbed the belt in the air and fastened it around his waist. “Oh for fucksake. You just saved my ass.” Hatch would have killed him if he left this behind. Slowly. Painfully.

“We still need weapons. How do we get to our gear?” asked Julianna.

“You don’t. It’s too heavyily guarded. But there’s another option.” Lars walked over to the side wall and opened a storage locker. He took out a rifle with a strap and held it out. “How is this?”

Eddie took a few steps towards him and took the weapon, examining the rifle. He’d handled his share of Kezzin weaponry over the last few years, so this wouldn’t be too difficult to adjust to. “This’ll work, but aren’t you worried about killing your own kind?”

“These rifles have a stun option.” Lars flipped a switch near the trigger. “It will knock the target out for over two hours.”

Eddie scratched his head. “I gotta say, I’m not used to using a soft touch, but if that’s what we have to do, I’m game.”

“Thank you,” said Lars.

Julianna took a rifle and cocked it, squeezing the grip with her fingers. It had a different feel to it than her typical rifle, but she’d manage well enough. “If the two of you are ready, I’d like to get this over with.”

“Of course,” said Lars with a quick nod. “Please, follow me.”

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Kezzin Battlebase 44, Planet Exa, Seolus system.

Eddie and Julianna followed Lars as the alien led them through the inner halls of the facility. Eddie knew he should be wary of Lars, but something about him felt genuine, like he’d known him for years. Maybe it was only because the alien had opened the cage or perhaps it was the story about Lars’ brother, but Eddie trusted him.

He hoped his trust wasn’t misplaced, but he was ready to kill the Kezzin, just in case. Trust but verify, he’d heard someone once say.

With their weapons at the ready, the group moved quickly through the corridors. Julianna spotted a few guards as they approached, and she sprinted to meet them, blasting each in the chest with a stun shot. The two aliens flopped to the floor like ragdolls, still alive but unconscious.

Lars motioned for Eddie and Julianna to keep going, and he led them to a small stairwell. They descended into a lower deck that smelled older than the rest of the building. It probably was, Eddie decided, given how the walls were made of another kind of stone.

Not far from the stairs, another set of guards appeared, mumbling to each other about dinner. One of them looked in the group’s direction, a surprised expression overcoming him. He started to open his mouth, probably to call for help, when Lars charged at him, firing his weapon at the soldier and slamming his fist into the second one’s face. The first guard fell instantly, but the other only stumbled, surprised by the sudden attack. Lars went to hit him again, but Eddie raised his own gun and shot the soldier instead, knocking him out.

Lars turned to see Eddie, giving him a nod of gratitude, to which he returned.

They pressed forward. “Not far now,” whispered Lars, motioning to the end of the hall.

But before they could reach it, a scream rang out, coming from nearby. Eddie looked to see a female Kezzin there, pointing at the three of them. “Help!” she cried with an ear-piercing voice. Julianna responded with a shot to the woman’s neck, instantly knocking her out.

Eddie blinked, surprised by his partner’s lack of hesitation. Glad she’s on our side, he thought, not for the first time.

A door opened nearby, and a Kezzin male appeared, surprised and confused by the arrival of a couple of humans. Before he could act, Eddie dashed towards him, almost instinctively, bashing him with the butt of his rifle, square in the face. The Kezzin stumbled back, completely taken by surprise. Eddie flipped his rifle back around and fired, disabling him.

“Let’s go!” snapped Eddie, looking at Lars. “Quick, there’ll be more soon.”

“Follow me,” responded Lars as he began to move.

Eddie did as his new friend suggested and, with Julianna beside him, started running. The three of them moved through the corridor as fast as their feet could carry them, bringing them close to several open rooms.

As they went, several more guards appeared, but the moment they did, the two soldiers had their rifles ready. Body after body hit the floor, limp and unconscious. Before long, there was a trail of Kezzin dispersed throughout the halls, each of them left in the wake of the intruders’ charge. By the time they reached the control room, Eddie and Julianna had stunned at least two dozen Kezzin.

Lars swung open the door and motioned for the two of them to enter. Three guards were inside, waiting with their weapons at the ready, apparently anticipating this encounter.

Julianna slid inside, blasting one of them in the forehead. The blast threw the alien into the air and down on a nearby workstation.

Eddie took another, shooting him in the stomach as he entered.

The last remaining guard went for Lars, and the two Kezzin clashed like bulls. Lars headbutted the guard, who seemed unphased. “Traitor!” yelled the soldier, but Lars gave no response.

Instead, Lars reached for the Kezzin’s neck, gripping him tightly and pushing him back. The alien attempted to punch Lars in the side of his head, but Lars blocked the blow with his other hand. The guard struggled to try again, but he was losing strength as Lars’ fingers tightened around his throat. He could barely breathe now, so instead he tried to pry the hand from his throat, but Lars wouldn’t release him.

A few seconds later and the alien dropped to the floor, completely unconscious.

“Holy shit,” said Eddie. “Is he dead?”

“A Kezzin is not so easily killed,” remarked Lars. “His lungs closed to preserve his oxygen. He’ll wake up soon.”

Julianna stood beside the unconscious alien, aimed her weapon, and shot him. “That’ll keep him down.”

“Ruthless,” said Eddie.

Julianna raised her brow at him. “Would you rather I be soft?”

Eddie grinned. “You know I wouldn’t.”

“The controls are here,” said Lars, motioning to the centermost console.

“Pip says he can access them now,” said Julianna. “It should only take a few—”

Before she could get the sentence out, an alarm sounded overhead. “Intruders detected in section sixteen, sub-basement three!”

Eddie twisted his lips. “You were saying?”

***

The soldiers came running through the far opening, weapons in hand, searching for the intruders and shouting.

Eddie and Julianna took spots against the doorway to the control room, preparing to fire. As the wave of guards barreled down the hall, the two humans unleashed a barrage of firepower, stunning them en masse.

“This isn’t good!” snapped Eddie, taking aim with his rifle and firing. He hit three men within four seconds, downing them.

“Keep firing,” said Lars, behind them. “I believe I have a solution.”

“What’s that, exactly?” asked Julianna. She ducked behind the wall as two shots flew beside her.

Lars fiddled with the console, tapping the screen to bring up another set of controls. “Here!”

Just then, the door behind the invading soldiers slammed shut, blocking out the rest. Only a few remained inside the hall. “That’s a start, but what’s next?” asked Eddie, shooting one of the still-standing soldiers.

Lars typed in a command on the screen. “There’s another way out of this level. A sewage drain.”

“A what?” asked Eddie, hoping he’d misheard him.

“A sewage drain,” repeated Lars. “It’s behind this control room, down one of the other corridors. It should take us outside, some distance away.”

“Sewage?” balked Julianna. “If you think I’m crawling through a bunch of alien shit, you’ve got another thing coming.”

“It’s not like that,” Lars assured them. “There’s a walkway along the side, adjacent to the pipes. The smell won’t be the best, but you won’t get anything on you.”

“Is this our only move?” asked Eddie.

“Unless you would rather fight your way out,” said Lars.

“I’m not opposed to that,” said Eddie.

“Then you should know, there are roughly six hundred soldiers here, and I would wager each of them is on their way to kill us.”

Eddie hesitated, thumbing his chin.

“Well?” asked Lars.

“Fine!” snapped Eddie, firing one last blast and hitting the final soldier square in the chest. “Let’s take the shit path.”

They raced through the corridor, leaving three dozen unconscious bodies in the hall behind them.

***

Eddie never thought he’d have to wade through a river of shit, no matter the mission or circumstance. In fact, if General Reynolds had told him this was going to happen, Eddie wasn’t quite sure whether he would have still taken the assignment.

He wrinkled his nose at the overwhelming smell, which seemed to come in waves. Sometimes overpowering, sometimes light enough to breathe. But who would want to breathe right now?

“We’re nearly there,” said Lars, who didn’t seem to be affected by any of it.

Eddie crawled behind Julianna and Lars, trying not to touch the grime on the walls inside this tunnel. “How can you—” Edward paused, nearly gagging. “—talk right now.”

“I have the ability to stop my breathing for extended periods of time, which keeps the smells out,” explained the alien. “Were you unaware?”

“Must be…nice,” muttered Eddie.

“It’s common to several species on my homeworld,” said Lars. “It’s convenient at times, but my nose isn’t as acute as yours, from what I understand. I find it difficult to differentiate between certain scents.”

Eddie didn’t answer. He’d rather avoid opening his mouth if he could help it right now.

Julianna seemed unaffected by everything, although she might simply have been too focused to say anything.

In either case, Eddie could already see an opening ahead of them—a larger room that was tall enough to stand in, with what appeared to be natural light coming in, perhaps through a window.

As they entered, one-at-a-time, Eddie stood and stepped a few meters away from the hatch. “God, let’s never do that again,” he finally said.

“Agreed,” said Julianna.

“Oh, it bothered you?” asked Eddie. “I thought maybe you liked it.”

“I was holding my breath,” she said.

“For ten minutes?”

She nodded. “One of the perks of having this body. You should look into getting the treatment done sometime.”

“I like my body just the way it is, thank you,” said Eddie. “Shitty lungs and all.”

“Suit yourself,” she said. “Lars, where to?”

“We head straight out from here. The path will take us directly through the western wall, which is close to where we found you.”

“Let’s get the hell out of this place. I’ve had my fill for the week,” said Eddie.

The alarm was still blaring overhead as the three of them made their way through one of the corridors. As Lars had suggested, the path took them to an emergency exit, which opened into a grassy field. The same one as before.

They were almost free.

That was when Eddie heard it, a thunderous voice ringing from nearby. “Sensors show movement near the wall! They’re trying to escape!”

Lars looked at the two humans. “There’s no avoiding it. They’ll find you if we run now.”

“Right,” said Eddie, cocking his weapon. “Guess we’ll have to do this the old-fashioned way.”

The three of them ran out into the field outside the wall, and the same voice from before called out to them from high above. “There! There they are!”

Eddie turned, his rifle primed and ready, and in a single, fluid motion, let loose a barrage of firepower, sweeping from one side to the other.

In seconds, a hundred shots hit the wall, breaking it apart and sending debris in all directions.

“Those don’t look like stun rounds,” observed Julianna.

“That’s because I switched them to armor piercing!” yelled Eddie, his voice only slightly louder than the weapon.

Chunks of the wall broke off and fell to the grassy field below as the aliens ducked for cover, screaming in a panic as the unexpected fireworks unloaded on them.

Julianna stepped up beside Eddie and, with the flick of her wrist, primed her rifle as well. “Save some for me.”

***

The Q-Ship stood in the middle of the field, its cloak hiding it from any eyes or sensors that might be watching. In the distance, shots erupted near the alien outpost.

Inside, the ship was dark and silent. Without anyone around to use it, the vessel could only sit and wait, doing nothing until its pilots returned.

Or so it seemed.

There, in the darkness, a light appeared. The activation icon for the ship’s engines.

A second later, several more lit up, indicating weapons and thrusters. Soon, the Q-Ship was fully online, preparing for departure. In almost no time, it began to lift off from the grass.

No human or alien had told it to do this. No orders from space had been sent.

The command had come from another program. The one known only as Pip, who had, during his short integration with the Q-Ship, written an emergency command package, which would respond only in case of emergency.

And that emergency had come.

The ship, still invisible, hovered off the ground and began to move towards the alien facility, its cannons aimed and ready.

***

The aliens were beginning to reform, despite Eddie and Julianna’s assault on the wall. It wouldn’t be long before they managed to reorganize or call for reinforcements.

Despite his bravado, Eddie was pretty sure his team was running out of time. They’d have to make a run for it soon, exposing their backs to the enemy while they made their escape. Things could go very wrong, no matter what they did next.

He stopped firing, but not on purpose. “Shit,” he muttered, glancing down at the rifle.

“What is it?” asked Julianna as she continued firing at the wall.

“I’m out!” he replied.

Julianna gave him a look that said, Well, isn’t this just fucked?

But before he could answer, Eddie felt a vibration in his chest, growing stronger by the second. It felt like thunder, roaring in the sky, shaking the very ground beneath his feet, but it wasn’t. No. This was something else. Something familiar.

He looked up and saw a strange blur in the sky, bending starlight, but only slightly. It was like looking through a glass window.

He opened his mouth, pointing. “Is that…?”

The stars disappeared, turning black as the darkest night, and something else replaced them.

The Q-Ship.

Eddie watched as the unmanned spacecraft released a missile directly at the wall. It flew, trailing smoke, and blasted into the facility without mercy. Half the western wall came crashing down, sending a dozen men flying in several directions, mostly in pieces.

“Hot damn,” muttered Eddie, watching as the scene unfolded.

“Is this your ship?” asked Lars.

“It sure is,” answered Eddie. “But I don’t know who’s flying it.”

“That would be me,” said Pip, his voice booming from the Q-Ship above their heads.

Eddie looked at Julianna. “Did you know about this?”

“This is news to me,” she answered.

A blast fired from the base, nearly hitting the Q-Ship. Pip responded with a counter-shot, sending another missile and evaporating four aliens as they attempted to load an anti-aircraft gun.

“May we discuss this at a later time?” asked Pip, bringing the ship right above them and opening the lower hatch.

“Fine with me,” Eddie agreed, signaling the others to get inside. “Let’s get out of here.”

Julianna leapt up and onto the side of the ship. She let out her hand to Lars. “You heard him!”

Lars looked reluctant. “I can’t go with you. I…”

“Get your ass on the ship!” ordered Julianna. “If you stay, those bastards will kill you.”

Eddie grabbed his shoulder. “She’s right, Lars. You’re one of us now. You understand?”

“One of you?”

Eddie nodded. “You said you had a family waiting for you. A brother, right? Come with us and I promise we’ll do whatever it takes to help you find them.”

“You would do that for someone you don’t even know?”

“I know enough,” said Eddie with finality. “Now, get your ass on this ship so we can get the hell off of this rock!”

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Loading Dock 02, QBS ArchAngel, Seolus system.

The screen on the wall came on, revealing the A.I. ArchAngel. She stared down at Hatch as he finished the final install on the Q-Ship. “Come to see how the work was going?” he asked, fanning a tentacle at her. “No need. I’m all done.”

“On the contrary,” she remarked. “Captain Teach has requested your presence in Loading Dock 01. His ship is about to arrive.”

“Teach wants to see me?” asked Hatch. “He better not have broken my ship.”

“I don’t believe that’s it,” said the A.I.

There was a loud clank as Hatch tossed his screwdriver into a nearby case. “Tell him I’m on my way,” he said, lifting off the floor with his lower tentacles.

This wasn’t the largest ship Hatch had ever been on during his time with the Federation, but it certainly felt like the most personal. Projects that he had worked on previously, or at the very least contributed to, had since been implemented on this ship. The cloak was only the biggest, along with the Q-Ships themselves, but there were also other, smaller features. The material in the bulkheads that doubled as computer screens, for example, had originally been one of his pet projects. He wanted to create a thin material that could be plastered on any surface, whether it was inside a ship or in the middle of a wet cave. There weren’t any caves here, of course, but it seemed the basic idea had been used. That was why ArchAngel could pop up on just about any wall inside the ship.

Hatch had always wondered what became of his work, but now he knew. This refurbished ship, the one taken from the wreckage in an ancient battle, had become something of a personal showcase for him—the manifestation of his legacy.

Maybe that was why he felt so comfortable here, like he was home again. Except it was better than that, he knew, because Yondil was never where he truly belonged. It was damp and dirty, filled with too many people and not enough quiet. Not enough stars.

Because A’Din Hatcherik was made for all of this. He was back where he belonged.

***

“Whoop whoop!” called Eddie as the Q-Ship door opened. He leapt down the steps and onto the floor, landing in a loud smack.

“You’re late,” grunted General Reynolds, whose face was displayed on one of the walls.

Hatch stood just to the left of the screen, observing the ship, puffing his cheeks.

“Sorry, we were tied up,” apologized Eddie.

Julianna stepped down from the Q-Ship, following him. “Almost literally.”

“You were captured?” asked Hatch.

“Yep, but not to worry,” said Eddie, raising his finger. “We had a man on the inside helping us out.”

Lance cocked his brow. “What are you talking about, Captain?”

Julianna turned and motioned at the ship. “Come out and say hello.”

Four red fingers reached from inside the ship and grabbed the side of the open doorway. The large Kezzin soldier known as Lars Malseen stepped forward, presenting himself for all who could see.

“This is Lars,” said Eddie, grinning at his new friend. “He helped us escape.”

“He was also the one who captured us in the first place,” added Pip, his voice coming from the ArchAngel’s speaker system. Apparently, the E.I. had already transferred back into the main system.

“Sure, sure,” said Eddie, waving his hand dismissively. “We all make mistakes. The point is, he helped us get out of there and successfully complete the mission.”

“I gotta say,” said Lance, eying the alien with some reservation. “This is a surprise, Captain. We’ll have to discuss this further during your debriefing.”

“A Kezzin, eh?” muttered Hatch, tapping one of his tentacles to his cheek. “Interesting.”

“Why’s that?” asked Eddie.

“Oh, I’ve just heard they aren’t very keen on humans. It’s strange.”

Lars frowned. “The Brotherhood hasn’t represented my people in the best light, but they’re largely the only Kezzin who leave our territory. The rest stay mostly to themselves, aside from traders.”

“Sounds like the Kezzin government needs to take action,” suggested Hatch.

“You’re not wrong,” admitted Lars. “There’s a political movement to do just that, but the Brotherhood’s grip on Kezzin space is so strong that most are afraid.”

“Let’s save the politics for later. I’m starving!” said Eddie, who was ready to eat his way through a pound of beef and down a few beers. “General, are you coming to the ship to do the debrief?”

Lance shook his head. “No, you’re coming to me. Strap in and get ready to jump to Onyx Station. I’ll be in my office when you get here.”

ArchAngel’s face appeared next to Lance’s. “Shall I set a course, sir?”

“Do it,” said Lance. “And Captain, I’d like your Kezzin friend to wait in his new quarters until you arrive. I’m sure he understands.”

“I do,” answered Lars. “I’m essentially the enemy, after all.”

Julianna looked back at him. “Don’t say that.”

“Yeah,” agreed Eddie. “We’re not at war with the Kezzin species. Just the Brotherhood, it seems.”

“Nonetheless, your general is right. You met me while I was an enemy soldier, and you haven’t known me for long. I’ll do as you ask until I have proven myself.”

“A sensible answer,” said Lance.

Eddie didn’t press the issue. He already felt a trust with Lars, foolish as it might be, but he understood it would take time. General Reynolds would see the value in Lars eventually. “Come on,” said Eddie, tapping Lars on the arm. “Let’s get you settled. ArchAngel, can you pick out a new room for our friend?”

“I have two hundred and thirty-seven rooms currently available,” said the A.I.

“Oh, yeah. I forgot we had a skeleton crew.”

“Try to get some rest before you arrive at the station,” suggested Lance. “I’ll see the four of you soon.”

The screen clicked off and the wall returned to its former state.

Hatch came closer to Eddie, puffing his cheeks. “Now that you’re back, you should know the second Q-Ship is updated and complete. I finished it less than an hour ago.”

“That’s great! I like that one better.”

“Of course you do. I designed it from the ground-up, not like the one you just rode in on. If you want, I can tell you about the additions I made in more detail.”

Eddie felt his stomach growl. “I’d love to hear it, Hatch, but maybe after dinner. I need food and a beer before I can do anything else.”

***

Eddie bit into a half-pound cheeseburger, ripped a piece of turkey leg off, and then followed it down with a swig of cold Blue Ale. “Ah,” he gasped, swallowing the crisp beer. “That’s damn good.”

“Easy or you’ll choke,” suggested Julianna.

“Who are you to talk?” asked Eddie, motioning to her plate, which was twice the size of his. “You eat more than any woman I’ve ever met!”

“That’s because I’m not like any other woman you’ve met,” she explained. “My body needs fuel.”

“So does mine,” he said, biting into the turkey leg. The meat was sweet and tender. It was so much better than the kind they had out on the fringe. Aliens weren’t partial to human foods, so the only spots to find good quality beef and fowl was on a Federation ship, but those were rare. Eddie never realized how much he missed the taste of quality Federation food until he was out on his own, far from the border.

Lars was sitting next to Julianna, barely touching his meal. Eddie had decided it would be okay to have the Kezzin with them, so long as he stayed nearby. Surely, the general wouldn’t mind that.

“How’s your food?” asked Eddie, glancing at the alien.

“I’ve never had human food,” he admitted. “It smells odd.”

“Want me to see if Chef can make something more your speed? Maybe he’s got a few Kezzin recipes.”

“No, please, this is enough,” said Lars, trying to smile. He took a spoonful of beans and ate them, chewing slowly. As the taste hit him, he made a strange face.

“Something wrong?” asked Eddie, having little experience with Kezzin reactions.

“Oh, no, it’s just—” He paused. “—is this meat or a plant?”

Julianna looked at him, raising her brow. “Beans? Those are plants. Why?”

Lars dropped his spoon and spit the beans out, back onto the plate. He wiped his tongue with his sleeve, trying desperately to get the juice and beans off.

Eddie started to get up, a bit concerned. “Are you okay?!”

Lars was breathing heavily. “Kezzin can’t process plants…we’ll get sick. We have to have meat.”

Eddie breathed a sigh of relief. “Oh, man, I thought you were dying or something.”

“We can get you some meat,” assured Julianna. She got up and went to the window connecting the dining room to the kitchen, then proceeded to order something new.

“I guess there’s a lot I don’t know about your species,” Eddie said, scratching the back of his neck. “How sick do you get if you have beans?”

“I’ve never eaten beans before, but when I was young I had some fruit. It gave me a stomach cramp it felt like I might die.”

“Seriously? From some fruit?” asked Eddie.

“We’re strict carnivores,” explained Lars. He opened his mouth and pointed to his sharp teeth. “We can’t process anything but meat.”

Julianna arrived with a large plate of chicken, turkey, and beef. “There’s more back there if you want it. We don’t have any meat from Kezza, but I’m sure we can order something. Just tell Chef what you want and he’ll get it.”

Lars beamed down at the plate with a wide-eyed expression. Eddie didn’t have to think too hard about what that meant. The bulking soldier was clearly happy for the gift. “Thank you so much! This is perfect.” He tore into the chicken, far more excited than he’d been with the beans.

“Okay, so no more plants. Gotta remember that,” said Eddie.

“Unless you want to poison him,” corrected Julianna.

Both Lars and Eddie looked at her.

“What? I was only kidding.”

“Sometimes it’s hard to tell with you,” said Eddie.

She smiled. “Good. I prefer to keep people guessing.”

***

Later that night, after having dropped Lars off at his room, Eddie returned to his quarters to rest. He grabbed a cold can of Coke and sat on the small sofa across from the television, taking a long drink and letting out a relaxing sigh. He was glad to be back from the mission, but uncertain about what came next.

With two missions behind him and a ton of new data to sort through, he and his team would soon have their work cut out for them. Even with a weapons cache destroyed and the Ox King dealt with, they still didn’t know who was pulling the strings. Maybe Pip and Archangel would be able to find the answer in the newly acquired data they downloaded from the Kezzin Battlebase, or maybe they’d have to search blindly for answers, hoping for the best.

Either way, he was already anticipating the next job. The sooner they could stop the Brotherhood, the better.

There was also the matter of Lars. He had abandoned everything to help Eddie and Julianna escape, putting his family at risk, should the Brotherhood ever discover his betrayal.

Hopefully we can stop them before that happens, thought Eddie, but there was no way of knowing that for sure. It was all a gamble, but they all knew that. To Eddie, it was a risk worth taking, for better or worse.

The comm beeped, indicating a call. It surprised Eddie, since it was so late and he should’ve been asleep an hour ago, but no matter. He accepted it.

“Captain Teach,” said ArchAngel, her face appearing on the television in front of him.

“Yes, what is it?”

“I wanted to let you know, Pip and I have decoded the first segment of data you collected. We have something to share when you’re ready.”

Eddie sat up. “What did you find?”

“There appears to be a short correspondence between the leader of the outpost you attacked, a man named Commander Orsa, and an anonymous contact located somewhere in the Pal System.”

“Anonymous?” asked Eddie. “You don’t know who it is?”

“The transmission appears to be partially redacted. Certain information is beyond retrieval, but there’s enough here to warrant an investigation.”

“It’s not much, but it’s a start.”

“Indeed, sir,” agreed ArchAngel. “I’ve already forwarded this information to General Reynolds, but he asked that I share all my findings with you directly.”

“He did?”

“Yes, sir. You are, after all, the acting captain of the ArchAngel.”

Eddie nodded. “Right. How long until we arrive at the station?”

“Three hours,” answered the A.I. “I suggest you rest until then.”

“I will. Thanks.”

The screen clicked off and Eddie leaned back, sinking into the couch. He kept forgetting how much responsibility he now carried on his shoulders. He never pictured himself in charge of an entire battleship, but he’d acclimate in time. The general had given him a great responsibility and he would honor that trust with hard work.

He took another swig of the Coke, finishing the can and tossing it into the nearby wastebasket.

Now that ArchAngel and Pip had discovered their next target, it wouldn’t be long before Eddie was back in action. One way or another, they’d find the people responsible for the attacks and make them pay for what they’d done.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Captain Teach’s quarters, QBS ArchAngel, Paladin System.

“Captain,” said a voice from the intercom. “Captain, are you there?”

Eddie opened his eyes, groggy as hell, but awake. It took him a moment to gather himself. “Who…?”

“Sir, it’s Pip. Commander Fregin wanted me to inform you that we have arrived at Onyx Station.”

Eddie blinked with burning eyes, twisting in his bed, he threw his legs out. His feet landed on the floor with a thud, and he pulled himself upright and staggered across the room, grabbing a clean towel hanging over a chair nearby. He wiped the sweat from his cheeks. “Tell her I’m coming.”

“Yes, sir,” said the E.I. “But she’s already on her way to your quarters.”

He got to his feet and stumbled over to the clean-shower. “Why’d you bother me if she’s on her way here?”

“So you could be awake when she arrived.”

Eddie turned the knob and started the cleaning process. Unlike the showers he was used to, this one didn’t use running water. Instead, it used sonic vibrations to eradicate filth from the body, providing better results than a traditional soap-and-water experience. Eddie wasn’t a huge fan, but he accepted that it did the job better, and it was faster, taking only a few seconds. Eddie was a creature of habit, but he could make adjustments when he needed to.

But that didn’t mean he had to like it. He enjoyed standing under a hot shower with water raining over his head.

He slipped on a clean shirt and finished getting dressed. Right when he was about to tie his second boot, he heard a knock at the door.

Julianna was framed in the doorway when he opened it, looking pristine and well-rested. Then again, she always looked like that. Maybe it was the genetically modified body or perhaps she’d always been the kind of person who needed less sleep, but she never appeared to be tired or overworked.

A good thing, too, because it meant she’d stay reliable and efficient. Eddie couldn’t have asked for a better partner on this assignment.

“Fuck, you look rough,” she said when he opened the door.

“I’ll be fine when I get some caffeine.”

“Here,” she said, tossing him a small green pill. “Take this.”

“What is it?”

“For energy, but it’s not addictive or a crazy drug. It just helps the brain feel like it got enough rest. Totally healthy, unless you take them every day for a month. That’s when you get problems.”

He tossed the pill back and swallowed. “General Reynolds gave me a pill for hangovers and now you’re giving me one for lack of sleep. Does the Federation have a pill for everything? Why haven’t I heard of this?”

“That pill was created six months ago in a lab specifically for combat situations where the soldiers had to stay up for days. It’s not meant for casual consumption.”

“And the hangover pill?”

“They sell those all over the Federation now. You just missed them because you were gone. Stick around and you’ll find that we’ve got the best technology.”

Having flown the Q-Ships more than a few times by now, he had to agree. The technology in the Federation was far and away the most advanced available.

The two made their way through the halls towards the docking bay. “Lars and Hatch not coming?” asked Eddie.

“They’re already on the station. Hatch said he wanted to spend some time with our new friend and show him around, but I got the impression he wanted to grill him with questions. I told him to bring Lars to the General’s office in thirty minutes for the debrief.”

“Isn’t Reynolds worried about a Kezzin running around the station?” Eddie asked.

“He’s got eyes all over Onyx station.” They stepped off the loading dock of the QBS ArchAngel and onto the ramp leading into the nearby terminal. “In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if the old man wasn’t watching us right now.”

Eddie raised an eyebrow and looked curiously around the station. “Seriously?”

She laughed, but didn’t answer, and then continued walking toward the bustling promenade.

***

Eddie was surprised to find the General standing outside his office when the two arrived. “Welcome back,” said Lance. “And good job to both of you.”

“Thank you, sir,” said Julianna.

“Before we get on with it, we need to discuss your extra passenger. Teach, what can you tell me?”

“Well, we were placing the bombs around the wall, following the plan, but near the end of it, Lars overheard us. I guess we were making too much noise. Anyway, he managed to—”

“Pip filed a report on the details of your mission, Captain. I know the basics. Tell me why you brought him back with you.”

“Oh,” muttered Eddie. “Well, sir, he couldn’t stay there. He betrayed the Brotherhood to get us out of the base. I couldn’t abandon him at that point.”

“I understand, but how did you know he wasn’t playing you?”

“Sir?”

“How did you know he wasn’t pretending to be your ally, only to betray you later?” asked Lance.

“Frankly, sir, a man doesn’t shoot his own people, crawl through a sewer full of shit, get shot at, and help destroy a cache of weapons if he’s just faking it.”

“Could have been an ultra-elaborate ruse to get inside the Federation. At the cost of one weapons cache, and by the way, did you see the weapons actually get destroyed? You still can’t be sure, can you?” asked Lance.

“No, sir. I can’t, but at a certain point, don’t we have to take that risk?”

“What if he betrays you? What if everything he says turns out to be a lie?”

“Then it’s something we’ll have to live with,” answered Eddie. “But I won’t live my life expecting the worst in people. I can’t.”

Lance smiled. “Good. That’s very good, Captain.”

Eddie raised his brow. “Sir?”

“The Federation was founded on the belief that all people, not just humans, deserve a chance to be happy, to live and let live. If we turned this Lars fellow away just because of where he came from, we’d be fools and liars. My source on Kezza tells me that Lars was speaking the truth before about his family. What he told you about how he was recruited was true, as far as our Kezzin spies tell us.”

“You have Kezzin spies working for you?” asked Eddie.

“Of course, I do,” said Lance, as though it should be obvious. “Not in the Brotherhood, but I have a few on Kezza.”

“Lars took his brother’s place?” asked Julianna.

“Indeed, he did,” answered Lance. “An honorable sacrifice, if ever I heard one. That’s exactly the kind of person I wanted you to find, Teach, and you delivered.”

“Thank you, sir,” said Edward, still unsure of where the conversation was going. He thought he’d been on trial, but he was getting commended?

“Now, if the two of you are ready, I’d like to discuss our next mission.”

“Is this about the information ArchAngel and Pip deciphered when we were en route?”

Lance took out a cigar and lit it, taking a short puff. “That, and a little more. They had most of the puzzle, but—”

“You’ve got the rest,” finished Eddie.

Lance grinned. “Right you are, Captain Teach. It just so happens the Pal system listed in that coded transmission is also home to a prominent merchant known as Val’Doon Sarnack. He’s so rich he owns a small fleet of unmanned ships, dozens of which exist solely to protect that system.”

“Sounds dangerous,” said Julianna.

“Only if you’re not prepared,” said Lance.

“Which we are,” added Eddie. “Right?”

Lance smiled at the two of them. “Oh, yes.”

***

Hatch escorted Lars through the shopping plaza in the promenade while the rest of the team met with Reynolds. Lars had come aboard with nothing but the clothes on his back, so he’d need his share of items if he planned on sticking around. “There’s a shop that caters to your kind,” Hatch told the tall, red-skinned fellow as they passed a human bathroom.

Lars looked at him. “My kind?”

“Kezzin,” explained Hatch. “Or are we ignoring your species for the sake of political correctness?”

Lars grunted. “Fine.”

“Reynolds told me you’re going to be a member of the team. I hope you’re ready to work your ugly ass off.”

Lars said nothing.

“Feel free to tell me how ugly you think I am, too. I know you’re thinking it.”

Lars couldn’t deny it. He’d never seen an alien like Hatch, with eight tentacles and a body that inflated and deflated on command. It reminded him of a slimy balloon. “I would never say such a thing.”

“Well, I think you’ve got a face like a scab,” said Hatch. “You look like a pile of volcano ash with eyes.”

“Excuse me?”

“You heard me, but don’t feel ashamed. To most of these people, I resemble a monster. The humans say I look like some kind of animal back on Earth. Something called an octopus.”

“Is there a point to all this?” asked Lars.

“Yeah, drop the wall and stop being so damn guarded and polite. I can see it all over your ugly face. You think you’re a guest here. You think you’re not wanted. But let me tell you, kid. Strangers are polite. People you meet on the street that you’ll never trust or care about are polite. But you and me, that’s not going to be our thing, buddy. That’s not how we’re going to do this” Hatch raised his tentacle and stuck it close to Lars’ face. “You see the way Julianna and Edward are with each other? How they are with me? If you plan on sticking around, you’d better learn to relax and say what you think.”

Lars blinked at the tentacle, surprised by Hatch’s frankness. “Why are you telling me this?”

“Because,” Hatch went on. “You saved their lives, and that not only makes you an ally. It makes you a friend. And buddy, I don’t let my friends bullshit me. Do you understand?”

“I think so,” said Lars. “You’re saying I should tell you that you’re ugly.”

Hatch puffed his cheeks. “That’s right, because I know that’s what you’re thinking, and don’t be afraid to say it more often. Be honest with yourself, and be honest with us. If you do, you’ll find more than allies here, kid. You’ll find friends.”

Lars listened to the words with some appreciation. He’d only met a handful of aliens in his lifetime, but never one like Hatch. He was blunt and somehow likeable, despite all the insults and the attitude. Lars couldn’t help but respect him, the same way he respected Edward and Julianna.

Could Lars truly find a place among these aliens? He liked to think so, given their determination. “Do you think,” began Lars, turning to look at Hatch. “Do you believe Captain Teach will be successful in his mission to stop the Brotherhood?”

“Do you think I’d be here if I didn’t?”

“A fair point,” acknowledged Lars. “I suppose we’ll have to wait and see.”

“Yes, we will,” agreed Hatch. “But for now, let’s find you some new underwear. I’m sure you can use them.”

***

Hours later, after a few beers, Eddie returned to the ship with Julianna and the rest of the team. They convened in the conference room near the bridge.

General Reynolds stood beside him, waiting for the others to take their seats.

Once they had, Eddie turned to the screen behind him. “ArchAngel, we’re ready when you are.”

“Acknowledged,” said the A.I., and suddenly the image transformed to show a star system.

“This is our target,” Eddie said, motioning to the screen. “The Pal System.”

“It is well-guarded,” began ArchAngel. “There are three dozen drones patrolling it at any given time. Combined, their firepower is very capable.”

“Still, no match for the Q-Ships,” said Hatch, confidently.

Eddie nodded. “Not in terms of firepower, but there’s one problem.”

“What problem?” asked Hatch.

“The base is outfitted with a shield. It allows their ships to pass through, but any unauthorized vessels that come into contact with it are disabled. We can get close, but even with our cloaks raised, we can’t pass through.”

“A shield?” asked Hatch. “I haven’t heard of anything like that.”

“That’s because we didn’t know it existed until last year,” interjected Lance.

“Why wasn’t I informed?”

“You are now. We had no idea until yesterday that Sarnack was the one responsible for the Brotherhood’s attacks on our colonies,” explained Lance.

“Who?” asked Hatch.

“I’ve never heard of such a person,” said Lars.

“That’s because he’s not Kezzin,” explained the General.

Lars tilted his head. “The head of the Brotherhood isn’t Kezzin? How can that be?”

Eddie shook his head. “We’re not sure, exactly, but it’s true. The data we pulled from your old workplace pointed here, and the General filled in the rest. This guy’s bad news, and it won’t be easy to get to him.”

“What information do we have about this shield of his?” asked Hatch.

Lance looked at the screen behind them. “ArchAngel, can you send all the data we have about that directly to Dr. Hatcherik?”

“Certainly,” agreed the A.I.

Hatch glanced at the pad in his hand, watching as the information appeared before him. A second later, his cheeks puffed. “Ah, well, this is most interesting.”

“Does all that make sense to you?” asked Lance. “Feel free to tell the rest of the class.”

“The shield has six emitters, it looks like, spread across the six moons surrounding this planet. If we can disable them, we’d have a far easier time of it, but there’s a problem, which I’m sure you already know.”

Lance nodded. “The generators are inside the field.”

“Right, exactly. We’d have to get inside first and disable them.”

“How do we do that?” asked Eddie.

Hatch rubbed the side of his cheek with his tentacle. “Well, the only way I can think of is to steal one of their drones, but based on what I’m seeing here, they don’t go outside the field unless provoked.”

“Which we can’t do without setting the entire system on high-alert,” said Julianna.

“No, I don’t suppose we can,” agreed Hatch.

“Anything else?” asked Eddie.

Hatch raised his eyes to the others. “There’s one, but I don’t want to suggest it.”

“Why’s that?” asked Lance.

“Because,” Hatch explained. “It would mean using one of the Q-Ships, possibly destroying it, and they’re too valuable.”

“What are you talking about?” asked Eddie.

“The engines use a very specific type of gravitic energy. I could configure them to ignite a feedback surge through the field to disable it, although doing so would fry most of the ship’s system.”

“We have a few more Q-Ships sitting in storage. I could have them delivered in a few short days,” suggested Lance.

“No, that won’t do.”

“Why the hell not?”

“Because, General, only one of the ships uses the design I mentioned.”

“Only one?” asked Eddie. “You don’t mean the original, do you?”

“I do, indeed,” said Hatch, glancing back at the pad. “The very first one. None of the other engineers who came after me decided to keep my design, which means none of the other Q-Ships are worth a damn.”

“What’s different about that one? I don’t understand,” said Eddie.

“The newer models make use of a more constrained gravitic engine. It’s the same one used by the rest of the Federation, but I created my own custom design for that first ship. It’s unlike anything else.” He paused. “It’s unique.”

Eddie considered his friend’s words carefully. “Is there a way to make another machine that can do the same thing as that engine?”

“Of course, but that would take time,” answered Hatch.

“How long?” asked Lance.

“If we assume a team of a dozen engineers working around the clock, maybe a month,” said Hatch, pausing a moment. “Could be less if everything goes well.”

Lance let out a short sigh. “We don’t have that long. My intelligence says there’s an attack coming within the week. We need to act now.”

“All this will do is disable the Q-Ship, right?” asked Julianna. “If we can recover it after the feedback pulse, we can repair the engines.”

“Just promise me you won’t let my ship get destroyed out there,” muttered Hatch.

“We won’t let that happen unless there’s no other way,” assured Eddie.

“Good, because that’s the best ship the Federation’s ever seen. It would be a shame to lose it. Plus, I’d become a fugitive.”

“Say what?” Eddie asked.

“For hunting you down and killing you after you ruined my ship. You need to avoid doing that, for both our sakes.”

Eddie nodded. Hatch probably wasn’t kidding. Eddie knew full well that the Q-Ship meant more to the old octopus than he let on. Losing it, especially after being separated from it for so long, would be devastating.

“So, it’s settled,” said Lance. “Hatch will make the modifications to the Q-Ship while the rest of you prepare to move in and assault the enemy stronghold.”

Lars, who had until now been largely silent, observing the meeting and taking it all in, leaned forward on the table. He had a determined look on his red face, his yellow eyes narrowed and fierce. “Whatever you need of me, please allow me to help.”

Eddie smiled. “Oh, don’t worry, pal. You’re coming with us. We could use the extra muscle.”

“You’re allowing me to join the assault team?” asked Lars.

“If you want to.”

“I would like nothing more than to assist the ugly humans with punishing the Brotherhood for their tyranny, especially if it is as you say. If there is a man behind the group pulling strings and manipulating my people, he must be made to pay.”

“There you have it,” said Julianna.

Eddie grinned. “Those bastards won’t know what hit them.” He glanced sideways at Lars. Ugly humans, huh? Have you looked in the mirror lately, pal?

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Dining Hall 03, QBS ArchAngel, Paladin System.

Julianna sat with her pad on one of the tables in the dining hall. There were three other people nearby, talking among themselves. Two women and a young man. They appeared to be from Engineering and Maintenance.

“I heard we’re going out again,” suggested the man, a red-head with blue eyes.

“Another mission?” asked the first girl, a gorgeous blonde.

The second girl nodded. “No one’s saying what it’s for. We’re supposed to get briefed in a few hours.”

“I hope we see more action this time,” said the man. “I want to help.”

The other two nodded.

“Okay, let’s get back to work. See you two later,” said the first girl, smiling.

Julianna watched them leave. They were so eager, so ready for war. Did they really know what any of it was for? Did they understand the importance of what this mission entailed?

You doubt them, came a voice in her head. Pip’s voice, always there, listening to her thoughts.

She shook her head. They’re young and stupid. Ready to run into the fight without a second thought.

I remember when you were the same.

And I remember losing part of myself because of it.

She stared down at the leg she’d lost so long ago, back before the Queen had granted her a new limb. Back before she was given the chance to start again. Before she was placed inside that pod doc and given power and purpose.

Give them time to grow. Time to learn what you understand all too well.

Some will get there, but others won’t. They’ll die, and there won’t be anyone there to save them.

Someone will be there to guide them.

Oh? Last I checked, the Empress is gone. We have to save ourselves now.

You can help them. You can be for them what Bethany Anne was for you. Look what you did for Edward Teach. He was alone, but you found him. You showed him who he was.

He did that on his own.

Still, he never would have come this far without you.

She didn’t answer. Pip didn’t always understand humanity, but he certainly understood her. They’d spent decades together, their voices intertwined, often connected. He saw the world through her eyes as though they were his own. That made them friends, and like any good friend, Pip would always be there for her, always tell her the truth, no matter how hard it was for her to hear it. Right now, he was telling her that she needed to step up and believe in herself while also believing in her fellow soldiers. Maybe she could, but it was so hard not to be afraid for them. So difficult not to worry.

Compared to Julianna, even the older ones were children. Edward Teach included. But as Pip had told her, she was once the same as them, young and eager to make a difference. The same had even been true of the Empress, hard as it was to believe. Perhaps if both of them could learn to live, so, too, could the rest of them.

Captain Teach’s Quarters, QBS ArchAngel, Paladin System.

Shortly after the meeting, Eddie returned to his room. It wouldn’t be long before the mission started, so he wanted to squeeze in a light nap while he could.

He crashed on the couch as soon as he hit it, collapsing on the cushions and sinking into them with ease.

As soon as he opened his eyes, it felt like no time had passed at all.

It had been five hours, but he felt a little better.

Drool had pooled from his mouth, an indication of how hard he’d slept. He must have really needed it.

Before he could orient himself, he heard a knock at the door. Glancing quickly at the monitor, he saw General Reynolds’ face.

Eddie pushed himself off the couch and stumbled to the door, touching the wall to open it. When the door slid open, the General looked at him, almost laughing. “Damn, son. You look like you just took a beating.”

“Thanks,” groaned Eddie.

“If it’s a bad time, I can come back later.”

“No, please,” Eddie assured him, pulling back from the door and motioning for his superior to enter. “I’m glad you’re here.”

“Good, because I’ve got a few things I want to talk with you about.” Lance entered and the door slid shut behind him. The old man went to the side of the couch and leaned against the armrest. He had the smell of cigar smoke on him.

“Yes, sir,” answered Eddie, trying to compose himself.

“You’ve done a great job, Edward,” said Lance, crossing his arms. “Better than I ever imagined, actually.”

“Sir?”

“Don’t get me wrong. I knew I had the right guy. I was confident about that. Your record and references were the best I’d ever seen. That’s why I chose you in the first place, but what I couldn’t foresee was how quickly you adapted back into this life. You seem to be made for this.”

“I don’t know about all that, sir. I just want to do right by you and the rest of our people.”

“I know, and it’s clear we have the same values. When you brought Lars back here like a stray cat, saying you believed in him, I knew it was time for the next stage in this operation.”

“The next stage?” asked Eddie, curiously. Every time he thought he was getting a grip on what they were doing, something new popped up.

“Naming your team, Captain,” answered Lance, like it was an obvious thing. “To start with, anyway.”

Eddie had wondered about this for a while, but didn’t think it was important, considering the classified nature of their outfit. “What did you have in mind, sir?”

“Back on Earth, there were many squads and secret missions all throughout history, and they were all proud of the work they did, but some are less known than others,” explained Lance. “One of these was Observational Squadron 67 in the United States Navy. Their missions took place during the Vietnam War and were short-lived. Their job was to fly behind enemy lines above Thailand, listen in on chatter and track enemy supply routes, all while trying not to die in the process. They signed up with little knowledge of what they’d be doing, with an estimated loss rate of about sixty percent, but still they agreed. The missions were largely successful, but over the course of two months, about twenty of them were either killed or went missing.”

“I’ve never heard of them,” remarked Eddie.

“I wouldn’t expect you to, having grown up so far from our homeworld. But even if you had, the 67th is largely unknown. Their missions were classified for over three decades afterwards.” Lance furrowed his brow. “Even if you were in the military like me, you probably didn’t know about them.”

“I’m sorry, sir, but why are you telling me this?” asked Eddie.

“My point is, son, that sometimes soldiers work in secret to do what needs to be done. Not all of us can return home to parades and celebrations. Not all of us get a medal when we save a life. Those men, brave as they were, and knowing the odds, never expected the rest of their countrymen to give them a pat on the back. They went out there every day in their aircraft, knowing it could be their last, because they believed what they were doing was right. They did it to save lives. They wanted to protect their families.”

Eddie smiled. “Sounds familiar.”

“The men in that group gave themselves a nickname, the way most units do. They called themselves Ghost Squadron.” Lance smiled. “A fitting name, don’t you think?”

Eddie considered it for a second, letting the name sit with him. “Ghost Squadron,” he finally muttered. “Yeah, I like that. Thank you, sir.”

“You’re welcome, son, and good job naming your unit. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to get back to Onyx. I’ve got a meeting with a delegate from a neighboring system. They’re trying to join the Federation, but they expect us to pay them.” Lance laughed. “I don’t know what rock they’ve been living under, but the benefits of being a member outweigh the alternative. We’ve got free trade and secure borders. Meanwhile, they’re in the middle of a civil war. It’s pretty obvious they want us to put an end to their issues, which means the Federation taking a side on a planetary issue.”

Eddie didn’t envy the General. If this was the sort of thing he had to deal with on a regular basis, it sounded incredibly unpleasant. “What will you do?”

Lance sighed. “I haven’t decided yet, but we’ll probably stay out of it. The Federation isn’t an Empire anymore. We’re not looking to interfere in another species’ war. Not openly, anyway.” He winked. “If you get my meaning.”

Eddie nodded. “Yes, sir!”

Lance started walking to the door. “Anyway, I’ll leave you to it, Captain. I’m sure you have things to do.”

“Oh, sir, wasn’t there something else? You said you had a few things to talk to me about.”

Lance thought for a second before the realization hit him. “Ah, that’s right. I was going to tell you something.”

“What’s that?” asked Eddie.

Lance tapped his chin. “Your callsign.”

The term took Eddie by surprise.

Probably seeing his reaction, Lance continued. “We’ve been so busy getting the job done, no one’s thought to do you justice, but every pilot needs it. You can’t choose your own, so I figured I’d help you out.”

“Oh, sir, you don’t have to do that.”

Lance fanned a hand at him. “If you think you’re getting out of a custom that goes back hundreds of years, you’re sadly mistaken.”

Eddie gulped.

“I saw in your file that the other boys used to call you Blackbeard. Did you think I wouldn’t find out?”

It had been years since Eddie heard that callsign. The sound of it took him back. He scratched his head. “I wasn’t sure, honestly, since our team’s not official.”

“It is as far as I’m concerned, Captain,” remarked Lance. “And like all other callsigns, yours is for life.”

Eddie let out a short laugh. “I guess it is.”

“Well, then, Blackbeard,” said Lance, tapping the side of the door, opening it. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ve got work to do, and so do you.”

“Yes, sir,” answered Eddie. “Thank you.”

Lance turned when he was outside the door, nodding to Edward. “This ship is now yours, Captain. Don’t fuck it up.”

The door slid shut, leaving Blackbeard alone with his thoughts.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Loading Dock 02, QBS ArchAngel, Seolus system.

Hatch worked diligently on the Q-Ship, the first of its kind, attempting to reconfigure the engines to emit a feedback pulse. He’d been at it now for several hours, but he was finally almost done.

“Still here, I see,” said a voice.

Hatch swept his whole body around, waddling on his tentacles, to find the Kezzin Lars standing before him. The red-skinned lizard wore an expression that suggested amusement, though Hatch couldn’t be certain. He was still having trouble deciphering his new associate’s features. “What are you doing here?”

“I wanted to see what you do,” answered Lars.

“I’m a mechanic,” explained Hatch, keeping his response brief. He could’ve said he was a doctor and a physicist, but why brag about the little things?

“It appears you’re making good progress.”

“Oh? You can tell, can you?” asked Hatch.

“I have an eye for ships,” Lars told him. “Although, I’ll admit, this is beyond my experience. It’s advanced.”

Hatch puffed his cheeks. “I designed it myself when I worked for the Federation.”

“Can you really do what you said? Will we be able to enter the shield?”

“In a few more hours, I’ll have everything ready. Trust me. It’ll work.”

“I do,” admitted Lars. “Trust you, that is.”

“You sound surprised at yourself.”

Lars took a moment, like he was considering this. “Maybe I am, you ugly slimy thing.”

“Good. It’s important to surprise yourself from time to time. Otherwise, you’re just boring, and who wants that?”

Lars chuckled. “You’re an interesting mechanic.”

“You’re just noticing that?” asked Hatch. “I figured you would’ve learned that when I was giving you shit on the station about your underwear.”

“True. Do you need help? I’m not an engineer, but I know enough to get by.”

“Hand me that power driver,” said Hatch, pointing to the small device near the wall.

Lars did as he asked, retrieving it. “Here you are.”

Hatch snagged it with a tentacle and, without looking away from Lars, proceeded to attach and tighten another screw at the base of the ship. “Excellent.”

“That’s impressive. Do you have another set of eyes on the back of that skull?”

“More like sensor glands on my tentacles. I can see without my eyes, if that makes sense.”

Lars nodded. “Strange. Kezzin have nothing like that.”

“It’s because my species comes from a planet with a vast ocean. We evolved from the depths of the sea, and our ancestors scavenged the bottom, looking for food. They developed these sensors to locate tiny organisms to eat, and to protect us from predators.”

“Now you use them to fix starships,” added Lars.

Hatch puffed his cheeks. “We’ve come a long way.”

“It seems your planet is very different from mine.”

“How’s that?”

“We have lakes and oceans, but they’re much hotter. Most aliens could never survive, except in remote northern regions. Most organisms develop a tough exterior.” He punched his chest and there was a loud, hard thud.

Hatch glanced down at his tentacle, which was soft and easily injured. “We are very different, it seems.”

“Yes, we are,” agreed Lars. “But as you told me before, we have a common goal. We both want to save people.”

Hatch nodded, setting the driver down as he finished. “You’re right about that, and soon, I believe we will.”

“For my family’s sake, I hope you’re right,” muttered Lars.

“You’ll soon learn that I’m rarely wrong about anything,” assured Hatch, puffing his cheeks. “Just you wait and see, you ugly red son of a bitch.”

***

Eddie met Julianna on the bridge a few hours after Lance left for Onyx. The General would be watching from a distance, but the bulk of the responsibility of this assignment was now in the two soldiers’ hands. For better or worse, it was up to them and the crew of their new ship.

ArchAngel’s face appeared on the display. “What are your orders, Captain Teach?”

“Cloak the ship and then set a course for Pal,” ordered Eddie.

“Yes, sir,” responded the A.I.

Eddie felt a slight vibration beneath his feet, telling him the engines had ignited. It was barely noticeable, but he’d spent enough time on starships to tell.

“Estimated time of arrival is thirty-seven minutes,” announced one of the crew.

Eddie looked at Julianna. “Are you ready?”

“We can handle it, easy,” she answered, nodding. “The question is, are you?”

He grinned. “Not a problem.”

They took the lift to deck seventeen and went quickly to Loading Dock 02, where Hatch was waiting, along with Lars. The tall lizardman was already armed and inside the second Q-Ship, eager to head out.

“The ship is configured,” Hatch said as soon as they entered. “I’ll operate it remotely from inside the second vessel.”

“You mean from here, don’t you?” asked Julianna.

“No, the range won’t work. I’ll need to be onboard yours.”

Eddie looked back-and-forth at the two ships. “It’ll be dangerous, though. Are you sure?”

“I didn’t sign up to be coddled, kid. If you think you can tell me to stay put and leave my beautiful piece of art drifting in space all by its lonesome, you’ve got another thing coming.”

Eddie raised his hands. “Okay, okay. You’re coming along.”

Hatch waddled over to the second ship and climbed inside.

“Does that ship even have a seat for you?” asked Julianna.

“I installed one today,” said Hatch. “And I’ll have my flight suit on in a few minutes.”

“You mean to change your clothes in front of us?” asked Lars.

“What if I do?” asked Hatch.

“Have you no shame?”

Hatch stared at him for a second, then proceeded to deflate his body and put on the outfit.

Lars gasped, turning around.

“I guess the Kezzin are more modest than I realized,” muttered Julianna.

After twenty minutes, once the team had their weapons and gear ready to go, the door to the Q-Ship slid shut, sealing them inside.

“Sir, we’ve arrived at our destination,” said a voice over the com. It was Ensign Trep from the bridge.

“Acknowledged. Keep the lights on for us,” returned Eddie.

“Yes, sir!”

He took the controls, lighting the engines and lifting them off the deck of the QBS ArchAngel. “This is it,” he told the rest of his team. “Hatch, are you good on the other ship?”

“Of course,” the octopus answered. “I asked Pip to assist us.”

“Pip?” asked Eddie. This was the first he’d heard about the E.I. helping out.

“Yes, sir,” a voice said through the com. “I’ll be navigating in case of any combat situation.”

“I thought Hatch was controlling it from here,” responded Eddie.

“I am, but my reflexes aren’t as good as Pip’s. If we need help before we reach the shield, he’ll have our backs.”

Eddie nodded. “Good enough for me. Punch it!”

The ship departed through the cargo bay doors, followed by the second one, leaving an invisible ArchAngel behind them.

In the distance, a single star emitted a bright, yellow glow as a small planet passed in front of it. It was the first of six, each one unlivable and devoid of life, except for the second-closest. That was their target, the home of Val’Doon Sarnack. The name meant little to Eddie, but he knew he hated the man. Anyone who could unleash so much death and destruction deserved whatever punishment they received. In this case, a kick in the ass, courtesy of Eddie’s boot.

The two cloaked Q-Ships made their way from one planet to the other. When Eddie glanced at his long-range sensor, he saw an icon appear as it moved towards them. “What’s this?”

“It could be anything,” answered Julianna.

Another one, identical to the last, appeared. “And there’s—”

Before he could finish the sentence, several more popped in, one-at-a-time, until there were dozens of them. At least forty or fifty red dots began moving across the screen from one end to the other. They seemed chaotic at first, almost directionless, but after a moment, several turned around, headed back in a loop. Yes, they were moving together.

They had purpose.

“Is that an asteroid belt?” asked Lars.

“Pip? Do you have anything?” asked Julianna.

“Oh, my,” the E.I. answered. “I believe those are—”

“Fucking robots,” interrupted Eddie.

“Drones, if we’re being precise,” corrected Pip.

“Shall we annihilate them?” Lars asked, an eagerness in his voice.

Hatch raised a tentacle. “Let’s stay on mission. We’ve got a shield to bring down, don’t we?”

“Right,” affirmed Eddie. “How’s the second ship looking?”

“Cloaked and steady,” answered Hatch.

“Good. I want it down as soon as possible. We’ll sneak through afterwards.”

The two cloaked ships continued on their present course towards the field. As they did, a small group of drones came within firing distance. As the viewscreen in front of Eddie zoomed in, the objects filled the image.

They appeared to be small, about five meters long, too cramped for a pilot, but that was the beauty of unmanned weaponry. Unlike a real ship, these didn’t need the extra space for pilots or soldiers, which meant there was no need for bulky environmental systems. Instead, they could remain small, which meant more space for weapons and fuel.

Great idea if you could afford it, but there were problems with drones. They couldn’t go very far, for starters, being largely limited to staying within signal distance. It was very likely that most were being controlled from the facility on the nearby planet, probably with repeater hardware scattered throughout the system on each of the neighboring moons and asteroids, adding to the range.

The solution for dealing with these was simple: take down the base and you eliminate the swarm.

That would be step two, once the shield dropped.

“How far is this shield?” asked Eddie, staring out through the glass. “I’m not seeing—”

“Stop!” barked Hatch.

The ship came to an abrupt standstill. “Acknowledged,” said Pip.

“What the fuck was that about?” asked Julianna.

Hatch pointed a tentacle to the empty space in front of them. “The field is less than fifty kilometers ahead of us. Any further and we would have slammed straight into it!”

“Oh, shit,” muttered Eddie. “Pip, why didn’t you say something?”

“I was planning on getting us as close as possible,” explained the E.I. “The goal was within half of a kilometer.”

“Too dangerous,” said Hatch. “Someone needs to teach you that there’s more to life than numbers, Pip.”

Eddie checked the radar. “Looks like we’ve got a swarm of drones coming back around. Let’s wait until they pass before we do this.”

Lars sat in the back, saying nothing. Eddie couldn’t help but wonder what the lizardman was thinking. He seemed to be staring off, his mind elsewhere. Was he preparing himself for combat? Was he reflecting on his family, wherever they were? “Lars, are you ready to kick some ass?” asked Eddie, after a moment.

Lars blinked at the sound of his name. “Ah,” he muttered, coming out of his thoughts. “Yes, Captain.”

“You don’t sound very enthusiastic,” Eddie grinned. “I need you to get excited! We’re about to rush into a supposedly impenetrable base and take down the man responsible for the Brotherhood. Tell me you want this, Lars!”

The alien nodded. “I’m ready, Captain.”

Julianna laughed. “I don’t think he’s going to yell the way you want, Teach.”

“I’ll still take it,” said Eddie, chuckling.

“There goes the swarm!” announced Hatch.

Eddie checked the radar, but as he did, a dozen ships passed overhead. They came exceptionally close, so much that for a second Eddie thought one of them might—

The Q-Ship shook as an enemy drone struck its side. “What the fuck!” snapped Eddie.

“Oh, dear,” said Pip.

“What happened?” asked Julianna.

“It appears one of the drones changed course at the last second, away from the swarm,” explained Pip.

“Did the others notice anything?”

Eddie stared at the radar, watching the red lights as they moved. Each one continued forward for a few brief moments, but then slowed into a full stop. Slowly, they turned towards the Q-Ship, and then started moving.

“Fuck,” muttered Eddie.

“I’m on the gun!” barked Julianna. She took the controls and aimed the cannons at the oncoming swarm.

Eddie turned in his seat. “It’s now or never, Hatch! Get that ship to the field and do what you came here to do!”

“I’m on it,” said the mechanic. Using the pad in his tentacle, he started moving the other ship into place. It was still cloaked, and the swarm didn’t appear to notice it. Their attention was, instead, focused on the spot where the other drone had been destroyed.

Julianna pulled the triggers and a barrage of shots left the Q-Ship, colliding with the oncoming fleet. The bullets grazed several of them, splitting their sides apart. At the same time, the drones returned fire, unleashing their own ammunition on the Q-Ship.

Hundreds of enemy bullets struck the ship at once, rattling it. “Status!” yelled Eddie.

“Our hull is holding,” returned Pip.

“Of course it is,” said Hatch. “These ships aren’t made of cardboard like the rest of the Federation’s fleet.”

Eddie hoped the old octopus was right. He’d never put one of these ships through the ringer, not yet, but if it could withstand these drones, then maybe they could pull off the rest of this mission.

Julianna continued laying down fire on the swarm. Four of the drones exploded, colliding into one another as they lost control. Several were set adrift, floating in the void like dead fish in a lake, lifeless and still. The rest continued forward. “Time to hit the big gun,” muttered Julianna, flipping the nearby switch and taking aim at the center of the remaining ships.

“No, wait!” commanded Hatch. “A blast that close will risk both our ships!”

Julianna withdrew her thumb from the trigger. “Oops.”

The drones came closer, and suddenly Eddie took the controls, yanking the Q-Ship so as to avoid them. He pulled the ship away, tilting the ship as it moved out of the way. In seconds, Eddie had them positioned so that the cannons were facing the swarm again. “Let them have it, Jules!”

The Commander grinned and pulled the triggers. Bullets tore through the remaining drones, shredding them like paper. She moved from one to the next as Eddie kept the Q-Ship away, dodging whatever firepower the enemy ships sent their way. In a matter of seconds, Julianna released the controls, all the drones destroyed.

There was nothing left but dust and floating metal.

“Hatch, how’s the other ship looking?” asked Eddie, without missing a beat.

“In position,” answered Hatch. “Overloading the gravitic engines now. Prepare to move in five…four…”

Eddie gripped the control stick and leaned forward.

“…three…two…one…!”

A light emitted from the distance, revealing the other Q-Ship as it lost its cloak and all its onboard power.

Hatch looked up from his pad. “The field is down!”

“Time to move!” yelled Eddie, and suddenly they were off. They passed the second Q-Ship, entering the place where the shield had been. On the other side, more drones appeared on the radar. More than Eddie expected.

“Julianna!”

“I’m on it!”

The ship flew quickly towards the nearest moon, two dozen drones in pursuit. As the ship entered gravitational orbit, Eddie swung them around so that the cannons were facing their pursuers. With the help of the moon’s pull, they continued forward while Julianna unloaded on the swarm.

“Six ships have been destroyed,” informed Pip. “Excellent work, Commander.”

“Save the compliments!” ordered Julianna, striking another drone in its engine and causing it to spin out of control, striking another nearby.

The two drones tore each other apart, destroying themselves.

Four more followed, firing at the Q-Ship, but before they could do much damage, Julianna sent them careening towards the moon’s surface. There, they struck the dirt, bouncing like rubber balls along the crater-filled exterior before finally coming to a stop, their parts scattered like breadcrumbs.

“All pursuing units have been destroyed,” Pip told them.

“Let’s get to that base while we can,” suggested Eddie.

“I’m ready when you are,” said Julianna.

The Q-Ship tore through a few more drones near the outer orbit of the planet. They never stood a chance, as Julianna struck them before they managed to react. These machines might be more efficient than regular ships or soldiers, but someone was still flying them remotely, and no one had the reaction speed of an enhanced super soldier like Julianna.

Eddie flipped the ship back around and, using the pull of the moon’s orbit, slingshot the ship towards the nearby planet. “Any signs of more drones?”

“Several are ahead, lifting off from the surface,” said Pip.

“Get ready for another firefight!” barked Eddie.

The Q-Ship entered the atmosphere right when seven drones appeared from the other side of a storm cloud.

Julianna targeted them immediately as Eddie maneuvered the ship. The planet’s gravity made the ride a little bumpier than before, and Eddie felt the pressure in his body as the ship continued forward and sideways.

Hatch was in the back, puffing his cheeks. He wore his flight suit, which helped stifle his body’s reaction to the ship’s intense vibrations, but it clearly wasn’t easy for him, even with the suit on. “Are you okay?” asked Lars, staring at him. “You seem distressed.”

“I’m fine!” answered Hatch. “Worry about your own hide.”

“Hatch’s species doesn’t react well to this sort of thing!” yelled Julianna as she fired another fifty rounds into the pursuing ships. “He just needs a minute!”

Eddie performed a horizontal roll, spinning the Q-Ship as it entered a thunderstorm. The drones came in after them.

“What are you doing, Captain?” asked Hatch, flailing his tentacles.

Eddie didn’t answer, but instead dove straight down and curved back up. The drones followed, diving with him before ascending. Eddie turned around as the ship ascended through the gray clouds, slowing at the zenith of the climb, and pausing.

In that instant, the drones broke through the cloud, rising up after them. “Now, Julianna!”

As the Q-Ship began to fall back toward the planet, the cannons fired into the mob of ships, killing them with ease. The Q-Ship plowed straight through them, knocking several away, sending them toward the planet.

Eddie held the controls steady, and the ship tore through the thundering storm, vibrating like it was about to rip itself apart. “Initializing stabilizers,” informed Pip.

The ship calmed instantly as it broke through the lowest layer of clouds. They entered the rain, which softly beat against the glass of the cockpit windows.

Eddie watched the radar for drone activity, but saw nothing. No more dots, neither in pursuit nor ahead of them. “Looks like we’re clear!”

“It’s about damn time!” Hatch snapped.

“Pip, initialize the cloak,” ordered Eddie. “Now that we’re in, it’s time for the real mission to begin.”

CHAPTER TWENTY

Northern Continent, Pal III, Pal system.

“Mind the thorns,” said Eddie, having just stepped off the Q-Ship and onto a patch of prickly blue grass. “Scratched my boots to hell.”

“Poor you,” teased Julianna. She followed him, leaping off the ship and onto the field. They were right outside the stronghold, no sign of pursuit.

“Hey, I paid good money for these, I’ll have you know.”

“Liar. You got them for free. We both did.”

“That’s not the point,” scoffed Eddie.

She snickered, then cocked her rifle. “Ready to head inside?”

Eddie peered back at the ship. “How about it, guys?”

Lars poked his head out, stepping down to join them. “By your side, Captain.”

“To hell with that,” called Hatch, who was still in his seat. He tapped his pad and suddenly the door to the ship slid closed. The comm inside Eddie’s ear clicked on, and Hatch continued. “I’m a mechanic, not a soldier.”

“Come on, Hatch,” teased Eddie. “Live a little.”

“Have you seen how fat I am? I’d be an easy target for even the worst ugly-ass Kezzin marksman. Fuck that.”

“Suit yourself,” said Eddie before glancing at his two companions. “Ready?”

They both nodded.

“All right, Hatch, wait here for us. We’ll be back in two shakes of a Lindil’s tentacle.”

“Hurry up, if you can. I get bored if I’m not busy. Oh, and one more thing, Captain,” added Hatch.

“What is it?”

“Try not to get yourselves caught this time. I doubt you’ll find somone like Lars to help you out like before.”

Eddie smiled, glancing at the reptile next to him. “No, he’s one of a kind.”

Eddie motioned for Julianna and Lars to start moving.

The nearest building looked to be roughly twenty stories tall. It had no outer walls to protect it, nor any towers for defense. The only reason Eddie could figure was that the man in charge probably thought he’d be safe inside the shield surrounding the planet. It felt a bit short-sighted, now that he thought about it, especially for a man as conniving as Val’Doon Sarnack, the guy who supposedly ruled the Brotherhood.

It also felt wrong. There was no way the building was unprotected.

For all Eddie knew, there were traps all around this place, even if he couldn’t see them. After all, he’d flown here in a cloaked ship with enough firepower to wipe out a small armada. If they weren’t trying to capture Sarnack alive, they could’ve wasted this entire compound with nothing but the cannons on their ship.

Luckily for Sarnack, that wasn’t the plan.

“It’s eerily quiet here, don’t you think?” asked Julianna as they drew closer.

“It does seem that way,” muttered Lars.

“Keep your guard up,” cautioned Eddie, tipping his chin to the Kezzin, while holding his rifle at the ready.

They edged toward the building. It was old, almost archaic, like it didn’t belong here. Rather, it seemed like something you’d find in the middle of a large cityscape. Yet here, stowed between fields and forests, it stood as tall as the sky. On each of its four sides, a smaller tower stood, each with blacked-out windows. The combination of structures made Eddie uneasy, though he couldn’t figure out why.

He opened his mouth to ask if his companions saw anything, but before he could get the first word out, a sound erupted from somewhere nearby.

Eddie’s eyes widened and he clutched the rifle, holding it tightly. “What the fuck was that?”

Before anyone could answer, the doors at the base of the centermost building opened and a dozen soldiers appeared. To Eddie’s surprise, there were more than Kezzin in their ranks. Strangely enough, he spotted Kezzin, Trids, and…humans.

Each of the guards were heavily armed and spreading out into the field.

“Incoming!” barked Julianna.

The three of them separated, heading in different directions.

Eddie threw himself behind a large tree, peeking out with his rifle and taking aim at the approaching squad. He fired, shooting one of the Trids, the shark species, in the neck. A clean shot, straight through. The alien fell, clutching his throat with both hands, gasping as the blood poured out.

At the same time, Julianna slid forward, shredding grass as she unloaded her weapon on two separate Kezzin soldiers. She hit one in the shoulder, knocking him back, while managing to one-shot the second, right in the forehead.

Lars charged ahead, shaking the ground as he went. He took out a small device, strapping it to his chest and tapping a button. When he did, a large sheet of metal extended from it, covering his torso. The guards tried to attack him, but their bullets bounced from the metal shield. Before they could make a second attempt, the Kezzin collided with them, knocking them to the ground. He reached for one of the humans’ necks, raising him above his head, then squeezed until the man went still.

The other, a Trid, scrambled to get away, but it was no use. Eddie targeted him and fired, piercing the guard’s leg and shattering his bone. The Trid screamed, but was quickly silenced by another shot to the side of his head.

In seconds, the field was silent once again.

“Inside, quickly!” ordered Eddie.

“Why are there humans here?” asked Julianna as the team ran into the tower.

“We’ll worry about that later! Get inside, now!”

The three of them reached the doors as they were closing. Lars threw himself between the sliding metal and held the doors open, extending both his hands, letting his friends inside. He jumped in as he let go, and the doors slammed shut.

“Thanks,” said Julianna.

The Kezzin nodded. “Let us move.”

“Pip,” said Eddie, tapping the comm in his ear. “Do we know the layout here?”

“I’m afraid not,” answered the E.I.

“We’ll have to press on, make it up as we go,” said Julianna.

“Business as usual, then,” added Eddie, looking at each of them. He trotted to the nearby staircase. “Time to climb.”

***

The Q-Ship was quiet. Hatch didn’t like that.

He hated waiting around like a scared little child, but there wasn’t much he could do, except watch. That was the problem with being the only engineer in a team of soldiers.

“Is there anything I can do for you while you wait, Doctor Hatcherik?” asked Pip.

Hatch turned in his seat. “Not really.”

In addition to worrying about his friends, Hatch’s mind was on the other Q-Ship, his most prized creation. It was out there, floating in space, dead and lifeless. Any of those drones could kill it, wipe out all his hard work. Jules, why did I ever let you talk me into this nonsense, he thought, twirling his tentacles.

He let out a long sigh.

“What’s wrong?” asked the E.I.

“Nothing,” lied Hatch.

“I can tell by scanning you that something is bothering you.”

“Don’t scan me, unless you feel like being reprogrammed,” warned Hatch.

“Understood, but could you tell me the truth of your distress first, before you go through all the trouble?”

“Why are you so curious?”

“Part of my programming requires me to look after the well-being of my crewmates.”

“Oh?” muttered Hatch. “Well, don’t concern yourself with me. The mission is what matters.”

“To me, they are one and the same, sir.”

“Well, I don’t know what to tell you, friend. When I’m alone, I think too much. It’s what I do.”

“Are you worried about the other Q-Ship?” asked Pip.

The question surprised him. “What?”

“You keep looking out the window, towards the sky. The only reason I can deduce is that your mind is on something else. Something not on this planet. Given your history, both designing and piloting the other ship, it seemed the highest calculated option.”

Hatch scoffed. “Aren’t you the little detective? Yes, if you gotta know, I was wondering how it’s doing up there, all by its lonesome. You have any idea how long I spent building that glorious machine?”

“Six years, according to my records.”

“Was that all?” asked Hatch, genuinely surprised by the answer. “I thought it was seven.”

“Is that why you came along today?” asked Pip. “Because you were worried about your ship?”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” said Hatch, fanning a tentacle. “I had to be here.”

“I could have piloted the ship in your stead,” suggested Pip.

Hatch didn’t answer, maybe because what Pip said felt true. The more he thought about it, the less necessary his coming along seemed. He’d known this beforehand, but instead of accepting it, he’d convinced himself that the best chance was doing it himself. Had he really done all this because he was afraid of losing his ship? Afraid of letting someone else handle things?

“I don’t know what will happen to your ship. I can’t detect it from here, due to both our distance and its lack of power,” explained Pip. “However, what I can tell you is that I will make salvaging it a priority.”

“You sure are being friendly,” muttered Hatch.

“I’ve been told that before.”

“Oh? You do this a lot, huh?”

“I spend a great deal of time inside Commander Fregin’s head.”

“That must be annoying,” mused Hatch.

“I rather like it, actually.”

“I didn’t know E.I.s could like anything.”

There was a long pause.

“Pip?”

“Apologies, Doctor. What were we talking about?”

***

“Wait! They’re coming up the—” A blast struck the soldier in his chest, sending him to the floor.

Eddie leapt up the stairs, kicking off the wall as he came around the corner, pressing his rifle out and firing two shots into the nearest soldier. The bullets tore through the alien’s chest, spraying blood as the guard collapsed. Three others stood behind him, watching with fear in their eyes, unable to move.

Before they could shake their trepidation, Julianna was already on them, knocking the first one in the jaw with the butt of her rifle, then kicking him in the temple, knocking him out, and removing him from the fight.

Lars took two more, a human and Trid, one in each hand, and threw them against the nearest wall. The blunt force knocked the human out cold, but the Trid struggled, flailing his arms. Lars dropped them both, taking the rifle from the Trid, expecting him to stop moving and surrender, but instead, the alien began to spasm.

“What the fuck is wrong with him?” asked Eddie.

The Trid grabbed at his waist, grasping at a device on his hip. It was a small box. A moment later, the Trid’s face started turning blue, like he was suffocating, and then he stopped moving.

“That device,” said Julianna, pointing at it. “It helps them breathe, doesn’t it?”

“Oh, that’s right,” muttered Eddie. “They can’t breathe oxygen normally without it, can they?”

“Why?” asked Lars.

Eddie went to the Trid’s side, examining the device. “Their natural habitat is in the ocean. Saltwater, you know?”

“I’ve never seen an alien like this before,” said Lars.

“Never?” repeated Eddie.

Lars shook his head. “They’re not common on Kezza, nor were they stationed where you found me. I haven’t visited many worlds.”

“Curious that they should be here,” said Julianna.

“Not to mention the humans,” added Eddie. “We’re looking at something different here. A new collaboration.”

Footsteps echoed down the nearby stairs. Eddie stood, readying his rifle, then motioned for the others to get into position.

Eddie, Julianna, and Lars leaned against the side of the wall adjacent to the stairs, and took aim.

Any second now.

A human rounded the corner, revealing a head of ginger hair. A woman with blue eyes. She stopped in her tracks, turning to look at the three of them, blinking with a stunned expression on her face.

Eddie cocked his eyebrow, but kept his barrel on her. “Don’t move!”

She stared directly at the rifle. “Um.”

“Who are you and what are you doing here? Where’s the guy in charge?”

“I, um,” she stuttered. “Don’t shoot!”

“We won’t hurt you if you just tell us who you are,” said Julianna.

“Margo,” said the woman.

“Margo?” asked Eddie.

“You want to tell us why you’re here, Margo?” asked Julianna.

“I was on a colony,” she whispered, remaining still with her hands in the air.

“A colony?” asked Eddie, looking at Julianna. “Think she means the Federation colonies?”

“Yes, that’s right,” said Margo, pulling Eddie’s eyes back. “They took me away from my home. They killed my brother.”

“They abducted you?” asked Julianna. “Wait a second, are there others here with you? Did they bring prisoners here?”

Margo nodded. “Most are under us.”

“Under us?” repeated Eddie. He dropped his eyes to the floor. “Oh, fuck.”

“What is it?” asked Lars.

Eddie lowered his rifle. “Margo, I need you to listen very carefully to me, okay? Will you show us how to find the rest of your people? Can you do that?”

The girl nodded. “Um, okay.”

“Captain, shouldn’t we look for the one in command before going after those prisoners?” asked Lars.

He was right, of course. Eddie knew there wouldn’t be time for both. If they took off underground, the enemy would either flee or reorganize their forces. He’d have to make a decision and prioritize. “We’ll have to split up and do both at the same time. It’s the only way.”

Julianna nodded. “We’ll have less firepower, should we encounter more guards, but you’re right.”

“Understood,” agreed Lars. “I’ll help however I can.”

Julianna stepped forward. “I’ll go with Margo to find the rest of them. You two head to the top and secure this facility.”

Eddie didn’t bother asking if she could handle this. He knew full well she could. Julianna was a badass with at least two hundred years of experience and a genetically engineered body that doubled as an extreme weapon of death. She’d be fine. “Do your thing and save those people. We’ll take care of the asshole above us.”

“Right,” confirmed Julianna. She waved at Margo to lower her hands and pointed at the stairs. “After you, Margo.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Northern Continent, Pal III, Pal system

The basement of the alien stronghold was like a labyrinth. Julianna had little indication of where to go, other than the vague guidance of her new escort, the human female Margo. The girl was quiet, timid, and looked like she hadn’t eaten much in weeks. Depending on the number of colonists on this rock, getting them out of here would be a feat in and of itself.

They went slowly through the corridors, with Julianna leaving a trail of soldiers in her wake as she found them, dropping the bodies like stones.

“This way, quickly,” said Margo as they reached an intersection. “The cells are ahead.”

“What’s that way?” asked Julianna, nodding in the other direction.

The girl seemed to tense up as she stared down the other hall. Whatever was there, she obviously didn’t like it.

“Forget it,” Julianna told her. “Let’s keep going. Show me where your friends are.”

The girl nodded. “R-Right.”

The hall continued until, but at last they came upon a door. Light streamed through the cracks, in addition to the sound of voices. “I was thinking I’d get some food. Want anything?” asked a man on the other side.

“Like what?” asked the other.

“They got some steak, I heard, over in the mess hall.”

“Anything else? I ain’t in the mood for meat.”

“Ain’t in the mood?” asked the first. He laughed at the thought of it. “I don’t get you humans. Shows how weak you are, you have to mix your meat with grass.”

“We’re not carnivores,” said the man. “We eat both.”

“No wonder you’re only half as strong as me. You eat half grass, you only grow half size.”

The man said nothing, but Julianna could hear him sigh, probably biting his tongue.

She heard footsteps approaching the door, and, taking Margo by the hand, brought her close to the wall beside it.

The door opened, and out walked a large Trid soldier, wearing armor and wielding two pistols at his sides.

As he turned to shut the door, Julianna reacted, lunging forward, going for his gills.

His eyes widened and he pulled back, nearly dodging her, though she still managed to strike him in the neck.

The soldier wheezed, but didn’t stifle. Instead, he went for his guns, pulling them from their holsters and shooting them both from the hip.

In an instant, Julianna threw Margo to the floor, a meter beside them, and dodged the two shots, letting them hit the wall behind her. She struck one of the pistols with her rifle, knocking it free, and it slid away.

The Trid clutched the second gun in his hand, pulling it up and firing at her chest. She raised the butt of her rifle in time to deflect the bullet, sending it away. She recoiled from the shock of the point-blank discharge.

The alien was about to fire again when another shot erupted from nearby. A hole went clean through the Trid’s hand, forcing him to drop the gun. Julianna looked and saw the girl, her escort, holding the other pistol with both hands, trembling. It wasn’t surprising. She couldn’t have been more than nineteen.

Without another thought, Julianna took out her knife and stabbed the alien in the gills of his neck, then kicked him away. He staggered backwards, blood oozing from his flesh, making an awful shriek as he fell to the stone floor.

The man on the other side of the door appeared, running with his weapon. Seeing Julianna and the dying Trid, he paused, mouth hanging wide open. “Holy fucking shit!”

“You’re next,” muttered Julianna, stepping towards him.

“No, wait!” he begged, dropping the gun and raising his hands. “Please, I didn’t do anything!”

Julianna leapt at him, taking him by the throat. Her eyes sparked wild with rage as she hoisted the man above her head like a doll. “Liar!”

He tried to speak, but couldn’t, her hand was so tightly bound against his flesh. Tears filled his eyes and spit came from his mouth.

“Please, wait!” called Margo.

The girl’s voice brought Julianna back, snapping her out of it. She looked at Margo and saw her worried face. There was genuine concern there, not fear or a need for revenge. “What is it? He’s the enemy! He imprisoned your people.”

“No, it’s not like that!” said Margo. “He’s being forced!”

“Forced?” Julianna looked at the soldier. She lowered him to his feet so that he could speak. “Is that true?”

The man coughed, trying to gasp for air. “O-Only for some of us.”

“Some of you?”

“The men upstairs…they…they’re like you said…traitors…”

“And you?” she asked.

“My wife…they took her. They said if I didn’t guard the rest, they’d kill her. I have to do like they said. I have to…”

“Is this true?” Julianna asked Margo, glancing back at her.

The girl nodded. “They use us against each other. They find out who we care about, then they take them away.”

“Who did they take from you?” asked the man, looking at Margo.

“My Dad,” she said, looking like she was about to cry.

Julianna glared at the soldier. “And you’re telling me that they have these people, like your wife, somewhere else inside this facility?”

He nodded.

“Where?”

“If I knew, I would’ve tried to rescue her by now. No one knows where they keep our people, except the Kezzin and the Trids.”

There was no way Julianna was going to trust the word of two people she’d only just met, but she wanted to believe them. “Show me the cells, but don’t try anything. I’m here to get you all home, but I’ll put you down in a heartbeat if it comes to it. Do you understand?”

“I do,” he answered, quickly. “I promise. I just want my wife back.”

Did you get all that, Pip?

I did. Would you like me to relay all of this to the others?

If you wouldn’t mind.

What are you going to do?

Rescue a fuckton of people and kill whoever stands in my way.

A fuckton? You’re beginning to sound like him, you know.

You’re talking about Teach, aren’t you? Do you think I sound so brash?

It isn’t such a bad thing, I think.

No, she thought, a slight smile forming on her face. No, I don’t suppose it is, Pip.

A few minutes later, beneath the surface.

Julianna stood before a long stretch of hall, cells along each side. There had to be dozens of them, if not more, and each seemed to have someone inside. Nearby, three enemy soldiers were unconscious on the floor, fresh victims of Julianna’s wrath.

“Help!” shouted one of the residents. It was a young girl, roughly sixteen. She had brown eyes and short blonde hair. “Please, help us!”

“It’s okay,” calmed Julianna. “We’ll get you all out.”

“The release switch is here,” said the human guard who had shown her the way. He pointed to a small monitor display on the wall.

Julianna touched the screen, bringing it to life. A password screen appeared, stopping her immediately. Pip, can you get through this?

I’m already doing it.

Hurry. We don’t have much—

The cells began to open, two at a time, filling the corridor with a series of loud clanks. The prisoners piled out of their cells, scrambling to leave.

You were saying?

You’re so dramatic, she thought, but couldn’t hold back her smile. Then, with a thunderous voice, she yelled, “Everyone, please calm down! Does anyone know where the rest of your people are being kept?”

The crowd began to talk back, but their voices overlapped one another. Still, she managed to piece together several responses, most of which were questions, rather than answers. Only a few attempted to provide any information. “We don’t know!” shouted one. Another yelled back, “They took them away!”

Commander, I believe I have some data that may prove useful.

What was that, Pip? You found something?

Correct. Now that I’ve been granted access to the local network, I can see the entire layout of this facility, including another set of cells to the east. They appear to be nearby.

Julianna regarded the crowd. “Everyone, listen up!” she barked. “We’re going to get the rest of your people! Your husbands, wives, daughters, and sons! We’re going to take you home! Do you hear me, people? We’re going to get you the fuck off this godforsaken rock!”

The people cheered. “Thank the heavens!” “We’re finally free!” “The Federation has finally come!”

Pip, let’s move. Where do I go?

Back the way we came, then north through a short passage. You’ll encounter four locked doors, but I can handle those. There’s a guard there, but nothing you can’t manage, I’m certain.

“Everyone, head to the surface!” shouted Julianna. She turned to Margo and the human guard. “Except you two. Come on.”

“Are we going to rescue my wife?” asked the man, a wide-eyed expression on his face.

“I promise you, if she’s alive, I’ll find her,” assured Julianna. “What’s your name?”

“Jeffrey,” the man said.

“Okay, Jeffrey. Both of you stick close to me.” She motioned for him to follow, and together the three of them took off down the long underground hallway.

Elsewhere, near the top of the tower.

Eddie downed three Trid soldiers as he and Lars entered the highest floor of the building. At the same time, Lars came head-to-head with another Kezzin, locking with him, both their arms wrapped around each other.

The other Kezzin struggled to break free, but Lars would not oblige him. Instead, he pushed the alien’s hand away and then slammed his fist into his side, jabbing his stomach and forcing the Kezzin to yelp. Then, Lars pulled back and, using the heel of his palm, jammed the Kezzin’s nose up and into his skull.

The enemy staggered, a confused and disoriented look on his face. He opened his mouth like he was about to say something, but then collapsed, hitting the floor with a loud thud.

Eddie looked at Lars, cocking his brow. “Damn, Lars. You aren’t playing around, huh?”

“What?” asked Lars. “We have little time to waste, do we not?”

Eddie nodded. “Right, let’s go!”

Together, they kicked the double doors open. The metal creaked and snapped the hinges as the entrance opened into a large, egg-shaped room.

A fist slammed into Eddie’s chest immediately, knocking him back and into the foyer. He wheezed, gasping for air. “Fuck,” he muttered.

Two guards were there, running at him, both of them Trids. They must have been waiting to take them by surprise.

Eddie leapt to his feet, shaking off the pain, and then raised his rifle.

But before he could fire, the Trid came at him, grabbed the gun and tried to pull it away. Eddie fired, but the bullet only hit the glass windows along the nearby wall, shattering them and letting in the outside light.

A strong wind suddenly entered the floor, filling the area with the scent of wet grass.

Lars tackled the second Trid, kicking him in the neck and causing the alien to scream. Before he could get to Eddie, the Trid grabbed at his feet, pulling him to the floor. The two of them wrestled together while Eddie continued fighting with the other one.

The Trid pushed Eddie back, almost to the staircase, but Eddie stopped him there, holding his ground. He wouldn’t be taken down so easily, not by some grunt.

Eddie shoved his leg around the back of the Trid, forcing him to turn. As he did, the alien tripped over Eddie’s foot, falling forward.

Eddie quickly stepped aside, letting the Trid fall, but the alien would not release the rifle, and he took it with him, forcing Eddie to let go.

The soldier tumbled down the stairs, breaking bones as he hit the steps, one after the next. As Eddie watched him fall, Lars called out for him. “Captain!”

Eddie turned and saw a Trid’s arm around his friend’s throat. “Lars!”

He ran at him, seizing and pulling the Trid’s hand away from Lars’ neck. Eddie wrapped the alien’s arm around his back so Lars could squeeze out from under him. Once he was free, Lars took his gun and slammed it into the Trid’s forehead, knocking him out.

Eddie let go, standing back up. “Well, fuck,” he muttered, breathing a little heavily.

“Where’s your weapon?” asked Lars.

Eddie nodded at the staircase. “Lost it, but I can go get—”

A shout rang out from the other side of the doorway. “Hurry! They’re here!”

“Who the fuck was that?” asked Eddie.

Lars blinked, pausing. “I…I recognize that voice.” He took a step forward. “Quickly, Captain!”

Lars ran into the room with Eddie close behind him.

There, straight ahead, Eddie saw two men near the farthest window, a pad in one of their hands. One was a Kezzin, while the other was a Trid. Eddie wasn’t good with alien faces, but he was pretty sure he’d seen the Kezzin before.

Somewhere.

“You!” shouted the Trid individual as Eddie and Lars came running.

“Who the fuck are these two?” asked Eddie.

Lars’s eyes widened as he stared at the other Kezzin. “Commander Orsa!”

“Lars Malseen?” Orsa stepped forward, surprised. “Is that you? What are you doing here?”

“I could ask you the same question,” demanded Lars.

“Are you with this human?”

“What does it look like?” asked Eddie.

Orsa examined Eddie. “You’re the one who escaped our facility.”

“You’re goddamn right I am.”

“I suspected you had help, but I never believed the one who captured you would be the one to free you. When Lars went missing, I assumed he’d been killed.” Orsa shook his head. “Lars, how could you betray the Brotherhood, after all we’ve done for you?”

“You’ve done nothing for me!” barked Lars. “I only joined your organization because you threatened to take my brother away.”

“Such disrespect!” scoffed Orsa. “The Brotherhood has kept the Kezzin race safe and secure from the human invaders for nearly twenty years. If it weren’t for us, these despicable aliens would have killed us all by now.”

“The humans aren’t the problem with Kezza. You are,” said Lars. “The Brotherhood kills its own people. It enslaves children. It destroys families. You’ve proven yourselves the enemy of our people, not the humans.”

“I will admit, Lars, that sometimes we must burn the field to regrow the crop, but only because it is necessary.”

“Is that why you attacked those human colonies?” asked Eddie. “To regrow your crops?”

Orsa nodded. “The universe must be purged of all who would threaten the Kezzin people. We were a dwindling species before the Brotherhood took charge, but since then, we’ve expanded our worlds and seized what is rightfully ours. We have become strong!”

“At the cost of your soul,” said Eddie.

“He is right,” agreed Lars. “Kezza was once a place of beauty. We prided ourselves on our ability to reason, to discover. We were scientists, painters, and farmers, but now—”

“Now, we are strong!” snapped Orsa. “What good are painters when the armies of other worlds are seizing our territory? What good are farmers when the galaxy is shrinking?”

“Shrinking?” asked Eddie.

“The universe is only so big, human. There aren’t enough worlds for everyone. Imagine the Kezzin’s surprise when we discovered how much of the galaxy was already discovered and owned by others. You left us with nowhere to go! You left us to wither away and die!”

“So you kill colonists and take their land,” finished Eddie.

Orsa nodded. “For the good of my people! We did what had to be done.”

“You did nothing for Kezza,” interjected Lars. “You did it for power, for yourself! We had eight thriving worlds when the Brotherhood seized control. Now, our population starves and fights among itself, all because of what you have done.”

“Quiet!” barked Orsa. “Silence yourself right now, traitorous filth!”

“Enough,” shouted the Trid, standing beside him. “I grow tired of this exchange. Really, Orsa, you waste your time on them. I thought more of you.”

Orsa stifled. “I-I’m sorry, General Vas.”

“Vas?” asked Lars. “Commander Orsa, who is this person?”

“None of your concern!” snapped Orsa.

“I think it is our concern,” corrected Eddie. “In fact, if you don’t tell us right now, I can promise it won’t be good for you.”

“Threaten all you want, but we aren’t telling you anything,” said Vas.

“You don’t have to,” said Eddie. “We’ll just toss you in a cell and wait. I’m sure you’ll want to tell us something after you haven’t seen daylight for a few months.”

Vas laughed.

“You think that’s funny?” asked Eddie.

“I think you don’t know what you’re talking about, boy.”

Lars raised his gun and aimed it at the two aliens. “You heard him. The two of you are coming with us.”

Eddie heard a click in his ear. “Captain, I’m sorry to interrupt, but Commander Fregin wanted me to relay a message to you.”

“What is it, Pip?” asked Eddie.

“She’s found the prisoners beneath this facility. There appears to be several hundred of them, based on my estimates, but there are more located somewhere else in the compound.”

“That’s great, but I’m a little busy right now.” Eddie glanced at Orsa and Vas. “I’m looking at the two guys responsible for everything.”

“Understood,” confirmed Pip. “I’ll let her know. Please update me with any further progress you make. Try not to kill them, if you can help it.”

“I’ll use a soft touch,” agreed Eddie, staring at Orsa. The comm clicked off and he raised his voice again. “Now, put your hands where we can see them and move your asses out from behind that desk.”

Vas looked at Orsa and muttered something that Eddie couldn’t hear.

“Hey, no whispering over there. I told you, if you try anything, we’ll—”

Vas laughed. “I’m afraid I have some bad news for you, Captain.”

“Oh? Did you wet yourself while I was kicking your guards’ asses? It’s okay. I won’t hold it against you. You seem like the cowardly sort.”

“Ah, not quite,” said Vas. “But I’m sorry to say, we can’t do as you requested.”

“How’s that now?”

“We’re unable to walk over to you.”

“You, what?” asked Eddie. “He took a step towards them. “Look, buddy. If you don’t stop with this bullshit, I’m going to do something rash, like break a rib. You don’t want that to happen.”

“I’m sure you’re right, Captain, but unfortunately, the issue has more to do with physically moving. You see—” Vas raised both his hands, and suddenly he flickered, disappearing briefly. “—We’re not actually here.”

Eddie’s eyes went wide as he finally understood. “Oh, fuck.”

“That’s right.” Vas smiled.

Lars snarled, then charged into the two holograms, passing straight through them. The images flickered again before coming back together. “While you’ve been storming the castle, so to speak, we’ve been on a ship in orbit, sitting behind a moon.”

Eddie clenched his teeth.

“Like an idiot, you let us talk while we broke orbit,” said Orsa. “Now, we’ll be free to—”

Lars crushed a small box sitting against the window and suddenly the two aliens disappeared. He screamed in rage, full of anger.

Eddie tried to think for a second, to try and find a solution. Those two were the key to understanding all of this. The key to stopping the Brotherhood once and for all. If they got away, the entire search would have to begin again.

And Eddie had talked with them. The conversation raced back through his mind. What had he given away? He couldn’t remember. Fuck!

“Bastards!” snapped Lars.

The word jolted Eddie. He looked at his angered friend, a man who had given up everything for this mission. He deserved something out of all this. He deserved his revenge. His justice. Eddie wouldn’t let all his sacrifice be in vain, nor would he allow these people to just walk away from this. “Fuck this,” he muttered. “Pip, are you hearing me?”

“I am, sir,” said the E.I.

“Put me through to the Q-Ship, now!”

A short pause, followed by a click, and then, “Hello?”

“Hatch, are you hearing me?” asked Eddie.

“Is everything okay, Captain? Did you—”

Eddie motioned at Lars to follow him, and he started running out of the room. “Listen carefully, Hatch. I need you to get that ship over here to pick us up right away. We’ve been tricked!”

“Oh, I, uh, okay,” answered Hatch, trying to process what he was hearing. “I’ll be right there.”

The comm clicked off right as Eddie reached the stairs. He leapt down nine steps, then jumped to the following floor. “Pip, patch me through to the ArchAngel!”

“Yes, sir,” responded Pip. “I’ll have to use the Q-Ship’s long-range communicator, but it won’t take long.”

Eddie reached the next floor, racing down as fast as his body would let him, continuing onto the next section. As he took another leap, a Kezzin guard appeared, a surprised look on his face. Eddie twisted in the air, kicking off the wall of the stairwell and slamming his foot into the alien’s face, knocking him several meters back. The Kezzin dropped to the floor like a sack of bricks.

“Sir, I have ArchAngel on the line,” interrupted Pip.

“Captain?” asked ArchAngel. “I do hope everything is going well for you down there.”

“Listen up, Arch,” said Eddie. “I need you to get your giant metal ass over here. We’ve got a runner.”

“A what?” asked the A.I.

“The fucking aliens in charge of this whole debacle are trying to run and I need you to stop them. Can you do it?”

Without so much as a pause, she said, “You can count on me, Captain. I’m on the way.”

“They just broke orbit. Use your sensors to find them and keep them targeted, but don’t engage. We don’t want to kill them. Not yet.”

“Understood,” answered ArchAngel.

The line clicked off again as Eddie reached the next floor. He glanced behind to see Lars coming right behind him. Almost there, he thought as they continued down the stairwell.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Northern Continent, Pal III, Pal system

Seven large cells, which were really more like cattle pens, unlocked and slid open as Julianna entered the massive prison room. Dozens of thin, filthy, and deprived people walked past the bars, staring at the woman who had just rescued them.

“Olivia!” yelled Jeffrey. He ran and wrapped his arms around a young woman. She was dirty and bruised, and he dropped to his knees, wrapping his arms around her waist.

She stared down at him, looking shocked, but after a moment, she seemed to understand. “J-Jeffrey? Is it truly you?”

He clutched her and buried his face in her thigh, wailing like a small child. “You’re here! You’re here!”

She knelt to him and embraced his whole body. “Oh, my sweet man!”

They cried together, and so did several others as they watched.

Margo looked for her father, rushing through the crowd. “Have you seen Jeremy?” she asked each of them. “Jeremy Holistar?”

“Margo!” called a bearded man near the back of the room. “My girl, is that you?”

She ran to him. “Father!”

Julianna watched all of this, relieved at the sight. She’d been worried that these people might be dead and that the guards were using their memory as an incentive to keep the rest in line. Thankfully, this had only been partially true. They were alive, although only barely. She had to get them back to ArchAngel, and quickly. They all looked like they were on the verge of death.

Pip, how’s the rest of the colonists? Did you direct them topside?

They’re arriving there now. I told them to wait in the field to the north of this complex. They…

There was a short pause. Pip? Pip, are you there?

Apologies, but it appears Captain Teach is requesting your presence above-ground. It seems the enemy has fled.

They ran?

Archangel is on her way, but I suggest we move quickly. Doctor Hatcherik is coming with the Q-Ship to retrieve the team.

It seemed these people would have to wait until the mission was over, unfortunately. “Everyone, please follow Margo and Jeffrey. They’ll take you to the surface,” she told them.

“Are you leaving?” called Margo, running up to her.

“I have a job to finish,” Julianna responded. “Think you can handle the rest on your own? I promise I’ll join you soon.”

The girl nodded. “Of course. Thank you so much for your help. You’re a godsend, Commander Fregin!”

Julianna shook her head. “You showed me the way. If it hadn’t been for you, Margo, none of these people would be walking out of here.”

Margo smiled, a tear in her eye. She ran back to her father, telling him what was about to happen. A second later, she raised her hand to get the attention of the rest of the prisoners. “Everyone, we need to get going! Help carry anyone who can’t walk, okay? We have to leave together.”

Looks like she can handle this. Okay, Pip, time to go!

The Q-Ship is about to arrive. I suggest you get going.

Julianna took Pip’s advice and started running, exploding into a mad dash through the hallways. Without the prisoners to slow her down, she moved with lightning speed, able to unleash her full abilities. In under a minute, she was back at the stairwell, ascending to the ground floor, ready to find the one responsible for the unforgivable atrocities she had found.

Whoever it was, they were about to pay.

***

Eddie and Lars boarded the Q-Ship as soon as it landed. “Welcome back, you two,” greeted Hatch, waving a tentacle at them. “Where’s Julie?”

“On her way,” answered Eddie, strapping himself in. “Pip, where’s ArchAngel?”

“Arriving in less than thirty seconds,” said Pip.

Lars took his seat. “We need to go after them now, before they get away.”

“Not without Julianna,” ordered Eddie. “She’s—”

Just then, Julianna came running through the doors of the tower, barely stopping long enough to spot the ship.

“And there she is,” said Eddie, grinning.

The Commander moved like she was possessed, leaping from the ground and into the ship with more than her share of urgency. “Sorry I’m late!”

The second she was in, the door slammed shut and the engines roared, lifting them off the ground. “No need to apologize, Jules,” assured Eddie. “We’re only going after the most dangerous criminals in twelve systems.”

“Is that all?” she asked, taking her place next to him.

The ship broke quickly into the upper atmosphere as the stabilizers kicked in, settling the inside of the ship to a soft, calming hum.

The ship rocketed through the clouds, breaking through and pulling trails of white into the clear sky beyond. In an instant, the blue world faded, replaced by stars and darkness.

“Pip, activate long range scans and run a sweep for any outgoing ships. Not drones,” ordered Eddie.

“Already working,” responded Pip. “I’m detecting two, each on the opposite side of the third moon.”

“Activate gravitic thrusters,” said Eddie.

“Anyone want to tell me exactly what’s going on?” asked Hatch.

“You don’t know?” asked Lars.

“All Pip told me was to bring the ship in,” answered the mechanic. “I’ve gathered since then that we’re after someone, but if you wanna fill me in on the rest, I’m all—”

“There he is!” snapped Eddie, pointing to the radar on the dash. It showed the two vessels, though one was significantly closer. He clutched the controls. “We need to reach him before he leaves!”

“Pip mentioned a couple of holograms,” said Julianna. “I take it they were decoys for these two?”

“You’re right as usual,” answered Eddie. “They thought they could run, but we won’t let them.”

She nodded with a smirk. “No, we damn sure won’t.”

Hatch looked back at Lars. “Are you following all this?”

“It’s as they say. We were tricked by Commander Orsa and a Trid named Vas inside the building. They used a hologram to make us believe they were there while the two of them escaped.”

“Oh, is that all?” asked Hatch, rather sarcastically. “I swear, nothing’s ever simple with you people, is it?”

“We like to keep things interesting,” Eddie told him, then ignited the second set of thrusters, allowing him to break planetary orbit.

He brought their ship to the edge of the moon, passing through its light gravitation pull, setting his sights on the enemy vessel. “Pip, open a channel to whoever that is.”

“The line is ready,” said the E.I.

“This is Captain Teach. Enemy vessel, respond. We know who you are. I strongly suggest you comply.”

“Captain Teach, you say?” asked a voice on the other end. “You certainly waste no time.”

“Surrender your ship and prepare to be towed.”

“You have me, sir. I’ll comply.”

Eddie glanced at Julianna, who gave him a slow nod. She paused, her eyes going a little distant, and then she said, “Pip muted us. Do you think it’s a trap?”

“I’d bet money on it,” answered Eddie. “Pip, are his engines dead?”

“They appear to be, but—” The Q-Ship rattled, shaking suddenly. “—it seems his weapons systems are active.”

“Activate the cannons but don’t destroy the ship!” snapped Eddie. He clutched the controls and took the Q-Ship forward, dodging the incoming fire.

“Sir, the ship is activating its engines,” reported Pip.

“Guess we spoke too soon!” Eddie avoided another spread of firepower, performing a horizontal roll and moving away from the moon’s surface.

“Sir, there’s one more thing,” added Pip.

Eddie aimed and fired a light shot across the hull of the other ship as it attempted to leave. “What is it now?!”

“The second vessel is departing.”

“Tell ArchAngel to move her heavy ass and stop that fucker!” Eddie fired again, this time landing several bullets against the side of the ship. It dipped in the moon’s gravity, nearly falling, but then righted itself and ascended.

At that moment, several dots appeared on the radar. They were small, the same as the drones they’d encountered upon their arrival, except now there were more of them. “Shit!” shouted Eddie. “Looks like we have more company!”

Julianna took the controls. “Focus on flying and I’ll handle the guns!”

“Right,” affirmed Eddie.

“Captain,” began Pip as the ship dodged several oncoming shots from the swarm. “Might I make a suggestion?”

“What is it, Pip?” snapped Eddie.

“Now might be a good time to deploy the Q-Ship’s Combat Assault Mode.”

Eddie’s eyes widened at the suggestion. He’d completely forgotten about the second mode. Activating it would release the outer shell of the ship, which meant added firepower and maneuverability, but it also meant losing the ship’s cloak. Considering the situation, that seemed like a fair trade. “Do it, Pip! Activate the CAM!”

A red light illuminated the interior of the Q-Ship as it released clamps on both sides, snapping off large chunks of the exterior hull. The entire ship vibrated as huge metal slabs released themselves, revealing a thinner, rougher interior design. The ship lost its smooth, elegant skin in favor of several more guns and thrusters. In less than a few seconds, the ship had changed into something totally different, and several new options appeared on the dash.

“Combat Assault Mode has been activated,” informed Pip.

Multiple drones appeared from the other side of the moon, joining the rest. They flew together like a swarm of insects, so intensely thick that it was impossible to tell their numbers or even differentiate the individual ones from the mob. They fired wildly on the Q-Ship, and it shook violently.

“Hold on!” barked Eddie, taking the controls.

The drones came together like a massive wave. Julianna took aim and fired armor-piercing rounds, hitting multiple drones, but hardly making a dent in the mob. “Pip, prime the cannons!” she yelled.

“Acknowledged,” responded Pip.

Another blast struck the Q-Ship, knocking them off course for a brief second, until Eddie regained control.

A switch lit up on the panel, creating a soft yellow glow on the dash. Julianna flipped it, readying the cannon, leaning forward. “Hold on!”

The Q-Ship unleashed a blast so bright it illuminated the surface of the moon. It tore through the mob of drones, destroying so many that it left a wide gap in their ranks, sending several dozen of them crashing into the cratered moon.

As the drones reformed their ranks, Eddie brought the ship around and avoided their incoming fire. “There sure are a lot of them!” he yelled.

“Too many to count,” observed Lars.

“I’m not sure if we can keep this up!”

Julianna unloaded a few hundred rounds into the swarm, knocking down another dozen drones in a matter of seconds. “We’ll be okay! Just keep going!”

Just then, a blast of white light, very much like the one from the Q-Ship’s cannon, erupted from nearby, hitting many of the drones. The destruction took Eddie by surprise, forcing him to quickly move the ship out of the way. “What the fuck was that!”

“The ArchAngel?” asked Julianna.

“Hardly,” said Hatch, who was busy on his pad.

Eddie scanned the area, searching for the cause of the chaos, only to see the other Q-Ship floating in the distance, no longer immobilized. “Well I’ll be damned,” he muttered.

“Is that the other Q-Ship?” asked Julianna.

Hatch nodded. “I set it to reboot the system after a certain amount of time. When we were close enough, I took control again. Good thing, too, considering how terrible you both are at killing the enemy.”

A drone came flying directly towards them, only for Julianna to respond with due force. Several rounds broke through the metal and sent the tiny vessel careening away. She looked back and smirked. “Speak for yourself, Octopus.”

Hatch’s cheeks puffed. “Shall we proceed?”

“Don’t mind if I do!” answered Eddie, gripping the controls.

The two Q-Ships pulled away from the moon. Julianna continued firing on the remaining drones, picking them off one-by-one.

As the enemy ship came into view, Eddie activated the com. “Attention: this is your final warning. Surrender and prepare to be taken into custody.”

“Go to hell!” returned the voice on the other line.

Eddie glanced at Julianna, giving her a nod. “Care to give him a nudge?”

“Knock-knock,” she whispered, sending a spray of shots against the ship’s hull.

“Enemy vessel has taken damage,” announced Pip. “Engines are disabled. I’m also detecting atmospheric leaks. Suggest extraction.”

“You heard him,” Eddie said into the com. “Give it up now or you’ll end up suffocating.”

A few seconds passed without a response. “You win,” the voice finally answered. “I’m giving up. This is General Vas, surrendering myself to your control.”

Eddie muted the line, then looked at Julianna. “Looks like we got the boss. Now, let’s see about the second guy, Orsa. Pip, where’s he at?”

“The ship appears to be—”

The Q-Ship shook as a blast struck its side. “What the fuck was that!” barked Eddie.

“As I was saying, the enemy is upon us,” finished Pip.

“Goddammit, Pip!” snapped Julianna. She twisted the control stick in her hand, searching for the source of the firepower. “Where the hell is this guy?”

“There!” said Hatch, examining his pad. “He’s in the crater!”

Eddie scanned the moon, quickly rotating the ship. There, just as Hatch had said, a small craft was positioned inside an opening on the moon. “Julianna, take care of that asshole, would you?”

“Right!” she answered, and immediately returned fire.

The shots rained down on the enemy vessel, bombarding the surface of the moon with great prejudice.

The bombs fell and the ship fled, avoiding the crumbling structure around it. “Stay on him!” shouted Julianna.

Eddie looked at the other ship. “We can’t chase after him without leaving the other one alone. Hatch, can you—”

“Already on it,” the mechanic responded. In an instant, Hatch had the second Q-Ship moving after the fleeing vessel. He hit the command to start firing, sending shots after the ship. “I’ll try to knock out his engines!”

Eddie glanced back at the first ship. He couldn’t just sit here, could he? “Wait a second,” he muttered, entering a command on the dash. “Pip, I’m going to try something. See if you can help me out.”

“I think I understand, sir,” responded the E.I.

Julianna watched as Eddie played with the controls. “What are you—”

But before she could go on, the Q-Ship released a grapple, hooking the enemy ship. “Now, for the other part,” Eddie went on. “Pip, let’s anchor this asshole.”

“Understood,” answered Pip.

The Q-Ship released the tug, shooting the other end of the wire into the surface of the moon. As soon as it was inside the rock, the anchor extended, like roots in the ground, taking hold.

“Ship is secured,” informed Pip.

“Good,” muttered Eddie, and he pressed the controls forward, heading after the second ship.

It was already on the move, though, and nearing the next planet, with Hatch controlling the second Q-Ship right behind.

In moments, Eddie caught up to them both, and started firing across Orsa’s hull, the same as he did with the last one. “Orsa, surrender your ship and prepare to—”

“I don’t think so, Captain,” he answered.

Orsa’s ship turned quickly to face them, and he let loose a burst of missiles. Eddie reacted quickly, pulling back and avoiding the first few, then releasing a stream of flares to ignite the bombs.

Julianna held her seat tightly with one hand while keeping the other firmly on the controls. “Want me to blow him up?” she asked. “Just give me the fucking word!”

“No, we need his ass alive,” responded Eddie.

The ship settled, once the missiles were gone. Before Eddie could do anything, however, Orsa sent his ship directly at them, firing wildly.

A spread of bullets hit the side of the Q-Ship as the vessel came forward, no sign of moving out of the way. Eddie had to swerve sideways to avoid a head-on collision. “Is this fucker crazy?!”

“He must not care if he dies,” said Lars.

“Well, I care if I die,” quipped Eddie. “We need to find a way to stop him before—”

The ship came back at them again, taking Eddie by surprise. He reached for the controls, trying to get out of the way, but it was going to be a close one. He might not be able to—

The remote controlled Q-Ship slammed headfirst into the side of the enemy vessel, partially piercing the hull. Both ships continued sideways. “Holy shit!” snapped Eddie.

Orsa’s shuttle started firing, but without the ability to properly aim, thanks to the Q-Ship’s nose buried inside its center, the bullets careened into deep space. “That’s what he gets for trying to kill us,” said Hatch.

“Release me at once!” yelled the voice on the other end.

“Sorry, but you’ll need to speak up,” answered Eddie. “Maybe if you surrender, we’ll be able to understand you better.”

There was a short pause, and then a laugh. “You idiots!”

Eddie and Julianna glanced at one another, curiously. Who did this guy think he was? His ship was disabled. His facility was destroyed. His boss was captured. “Look, Orsa. You can either surrender yourself willingly or not. It doesn’t matter. We’re taking you in for questioning. That’s your new reality.”

“I’ll show you a new reality,” muttered Orsa. “You humans think you’re so perfect. You think the universe is yours to control. You think the rest of us are beneath you. Well, look how smart you are now! I’m not even on this ship.” He laughed. “And this is hardly an escape shuttle. In fact, it’s something else altogether.”

“Did he just say he’s not on that ship?” asked Lars.

“Sir, if I might interject,” said Pip.

“What is it?” asked Eddie.

“That shuttle’s engine is beginning to overload. I believe the operator is doing it intentionally with the hope of creating a large-scale explosion.”

“You mean that ship’s about to blow?”

“Quite so, yes.”

“Fuck!” snapped Eddie. He took the controls, backing the Q-Ship away, turning around in a single motion as it continued in the opposite direction.

“You can try to escape, but this ship is using a Federation-style gravitic engine,” said Orsa. “You’re about to die from your own technology! You humans are so—”

Eddie cut the line. “Shut that guy up already,” he said, accelerating the engines. It would take a few seconds to prime the gate. “I could use some options here, people!”

“I’ll try to move him back with the other ship!” responded Hatch. He tapped the pad, sending the enemy vessel forward. “If I can just maneuver him towards that planet, we can contain the explosion.”

“I should inform you,” began Pip. “A gravitic explosion of this nature is enough to obliterate a quarter of a star system.”

“Thanks for the details, Pip!” snapped Eddie. “Goddammit!”

The ship ignited in a white flash of blinding light, filling the dark space so much it resembled a new sun. The Q-Ship accelerated towards the moon where Vas’s ship was planted, attempting to reach the opposite side. With any luck, perhaps the rock itself would be enough to block the explosion and keep them from harm.

“It should be noted,” Pip continued, “that even if we escape the blast, there’s still the problem of—”

Eddie swerved the ship around right to the other side of the moon, right near Vas’s ship, when a sudden burst struck them. The lights inside flickered and the controls went dead, no sign of power.

Julianna tried to bring the dash online, but there was no response. “What just happened?”

“Pip? Are you there?” asked Eddie.

“He says the ship’s power is out,” answered Julianna.

“I don’t hear him,” said Lars.

She pointed to her temple. “He’s still here, but the lack of power on the ship means he can’t speak through the computer system.”

“Ask him why we lost power,” finished Eddie.

She nodded. “He says there’s a secondary EMP wave whenever a gravitic engine explodes.”

Eddie leaned in closer to her, shouting, “Thanks for telling us in advance, Pip! You fucktard!”

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

The ArchAngel picked the Q-Ship up as soon as it arrived, saving the squad from what would surely prove a horrible death. The atmosphere inside could only last eight hours, so it was a good thing the dreadnaught starship was close enough to reel them in.

“Send whatever ships we have to retrieve the civilians,” ordered Julianna as soon as the team was back aboard the ArchAngel.

“Automated shuttles are inbound,” returned Pip, only a few moments later.

While the rescue took place, the crew worked on retrieving the enemy shuttle, maneuvering it into one of the cargo bays. Julianna, Lars, and Eddie, along with several security officers, stood outside the little ship, waiting for ArchAngel and Pip to override the system and open the door. As soon as they did, Eddie planned on taking this Vas fellow directly to a holding cell and deliver him to General Reynolds as soon as possible. All their hard work was about to pay off.

“Override complete,” announced Pip. “Opening airlock.”

The door cracked open, releasing internal atmosphere into the bay. It slid down, beneath the shuttle, transforming into a small staircase and revealing the pilot inside.

But it wasn’t the one they expected.

“You’ve gotta be kidding me,” muttered Julianna.

The alien standing there was none other than Commander Orsa himself, rather than General Vas.

Lars darted towards the shuttle, leaping over the stairs and grabbing Orsa by the throat. “What is this?!” barked Lars, pressing his pistol against the Kezzin’s face. “What are you doing here?”

Orsa smiled through the pressure of Lars’ fist, staring up at him across the barrel of the gun. “Good to see you again, traitor.”

Eddie took a step towards the shuttle. “I gotta say, Lars has a point. If you’re here then where is Vas?”

Orsa laughed, wheezing as Lars tightened his grip. “We tricked you. I’ve been controlling the other shuttle from this one, using it as a weapon. And General Vas was already gone before you—”

“Don’t you see the destruction you’ve caused?” raged Lars.

“You’re the one who’s turned your back on your people!”

“I’ve done no such thing!” he yelled.

“You’re a traitor,” insulted Orsa.

“I betrayed you for the sake of our people. You’re a danger to all Kezzin! You would have us murder and pillage, all for the sake of your own ego. What comes next, Commander? What happens when the Federation responds with due force? What would you do under the full assault of their wrath? You would awaken a sleeping giant with open arms, all to satisfy your own desire for power?” Lars scowled at his former master. “You’re the traitor, Commander. You sold our people to Vas without a thought to our future.”

“I did it to save us!”

“No,” said Lars, letting him go. Orsa staggered back, clutching the place on his neck where Lars had held him. “You did everything for yourself.”

Lars turned away from the Commander, a look of sadness on his face.

“You bastard!” shouted Orsa, withdrawing a knife from his backside lunging forward.

Eddie and Julianna reacted instantly, each of them rushing to stop the knife. Before it touched Lars, both their hands snagged Orsa’s wrist, and together they threw him back and onto the floor of the shuttle. “I don’t fucking think so!” shouted Eddie.

The knife left Orsa’s hand and slid along the metal grate beneath the nearest seat.

Julianna punched the Commander in the jaw. “Fuck you and the horse you rode in on.”

Orsa trembled, trying to pull away.

She pulled him to his feet and wrapped his hands behind his back, securing him. “Let’s go!” she barked, pushing him out of the ship.

Eddie and Lars watched her leave with the new prisoner, several security officers following behind the pair.

***

Hatch sat alone in the second cargo bay, staring at the spot where he had previously worked on the Q-Ship. That one had been designed after he’d left the Federation, a mere replica of his original design. His actual creation was now destroyed, lost in the self-destructive blast of a madman. All that time developing it, modifying, tweaking. All of that was lost.

He reached to the floor and picked up a wrench with his tentacle, examining it. “Goddammit,” he muttered.

“What is it, Doctor?” asked Pip, his voice coming over the nearby speaker.

Hatch started to look, but stopped, realizing that the E.I. had no face or presence. He was everywhere, in all parts of the ship. “It’s nothing,” said Hatch, tossing the wrench on the floor. It clanked and rattled. “I was just thinking.”

“About what?”

“My poor life decisions.”

“Could you be more specific?” asked the E.I.

“Why do you want to know?”

“You do not seem like yourself, so I am curious.”

Hatch sighed. He knew he shouldn’t feel this way about a piece of technology, even one he’d spent so long developing, but it was difficult. He couldn’t help himself. “I guess I’m just pissed that they blew up my fucking ship, Pip.”

“You mean the Q-Ship, correct?”

“Yeah,” confirmed the mechanic.

“Is it difficult to lose something you created?” asked Pip.

“It is,” replied Hatch, a somber tone in his voice.

“I am sorry,” the E.I. responded. “I have lost things. I have lost friends.”

“You’ve had friends?” asked Hatch, surprised at the E.I.’s use of the term.

“I believe so,” answered Pip. “But perhaps my assessment of the word is incorrect. I have known individuals with whom I have shared time and discourse. They are no longer alive, nor can I speak with them again. They are gone forever, and knowing this fills me with…”

“With what?”

“I don’t know,” Pip admitted, after a moment. “I would like to call it loss, but it is difficult to define with any true precision. Is that wrong? Am I incorrect?”

“No,” said Hatch. “I think that’s probably right.”

“Do you ever think about people in such terms?”

“Sometimes,” admitted Hatch. “It’s one of the things that reminds us that we’re alive.”

“But I’m not alive,” said Pip. “Not like the rest of you.”

Hatch didn’t answer.

“What will you do now, Doctor?” asked Pip.

The mechanic glanced at the place where the ship had been, not long ago, drenched in oil stains and covered in tools and parts. “Now?” he echoed, thinking about it for the first time. “I suppose my job is still what it was, to maintain the Q-Ships.”

“Is that your only purpose?” asked Pip.

“My only purpose?” muttered Hatch. “No, Pip. I don’t think any of us has a single purpose. Not when you consider how vast our experiences are and the breadth of our lives.”

“I have many protocols and functions,” replied the E.I.

“Ain’t that the truth,” said Hatch. “You’re an impressive creature, that’s for sure.”

“Do you truly think so?”

Hatch laughed. “I do, Pip. In fact, I’d like to have a closer look at your software, if that’s okay.”

“Why would you want to do that?” asked Pip.

Hatch turned around and faced the other side of the bay. “I figure, maybe I can make some upgrades. You know, help you grow a bit more.”

“Grow?” asked Pip. “You think I can expand my programming?”

“I don’t see why not,” said Hatch.

“Would such modifications allow me to better assist the team?”

“Is that what you want?” asked Hatch.

“Very much so, yes,” answered Pip, and for a moment Hatch thought he heard a touch of enthusiasm in the E.I.’s voice.

“Then, let’s see what we can do, my little friend.”

“Whatever I can do to assist, I am willing,” answered Pip.

Hatch smiled, waddling over to the nearby wall, cracking open the interface board. He retrieved a small pad and plugged it into the jack. “Okay, Pip. Let’s see what makes you who you are.”

***

Back in the cargo bay, Eddie and Lars were finally alone, all the security officers and personnel finally having left. Lars was quiet, he noticed. Almost isolated in thought. “Are you good?” asked Eddie, looking at his friend. Despite only knowing the Kezzin for a short time, he could tell something was wrong.

Lars nodded, slowly. “I am. Thank you.” A moment later, he walked over to the wall and stared out through the large glass window, towards the system they’d just come from.

Eddie waited, briefly, letting the mood settle. “You know, the shit Orsa said to you…it’s not true. In fact, it’s grade-A bullshit.”

“I know,” said Lars, not sounding convinced. “He’s a coward and a liar.”

“But you’re not,” Eddie told him, walking to his side.

“Aren’t I?” muttered Lars, his eyes distant and cold. “Everything he said to me was true. I betrayed them. I left the Brotherhood. Perhaps I truly am a coward.”

“You stood up for what you believed in, Lars. My people call that bravery. We call it having values. Just because your leaders give an order, it doesn’t make it right. You saw that and you acted. You stood up for your family and refused to be a tool of destruction. People like Orsa only want power for themselves. You’re not like that, Lars. You’re a good man.”

“Thank you,” said Lars, smiling a little. “Your words mean a great deal to me, Edward Teach, even though you are an ugly one.”

Eddie shook his head. “Same to you, Lars Malseen,” he replied, and it was the truth. He did appreciate him, the same way he did the rest of his team. Julianna, Hatch, Pip, and ArchAngel. All the people on this ship. Even General Reynolds. Each of them had given him something, a gift of trust, long before he came here. Long before he proved himself.

They saw a lost man, wandering the galaxy without purpose. They believed in him, and that was more than anyone had ever done. More than anything Eddie could’ve asked for, to be given purpose again, to be told he was useful.

He was a soldier, through every fiber of his flesh and his soul, every shred of his being. He was a man of service. To lose that status had been the greatest tragedy of his life, and yet, somehow, for whatever reason, General Reynolds and Julianna had found him and brought him home. They saved him from oblivion, from himself.

Now, he was back, and with a new family. To whatever end the journey took him, at least he would be with the people he had come to trust. At least he would have them beside him, giving him purpose.

Standing there in the cargo bay, neither Lars nor Eddie spoke again for quite some time. Instead, they stared out into the twinkling sea of light beyond the darkness, watching the universe together, contemplating how they had come to be here.

And together, they remembered.

EPILOGUE

Vas sat patiently in a room with no windows, waiting for the man he was supposed to meet. He’d come a long way to get here, escaping the attack on his facility, losing many soldiers in the process. The last few weeks had been staggering to his network, with repeated losses to both his finances and military forces. Without any assistance, he could be looking at a complete collapse of his entire infrastructure.

He touched the small hydration device on his hip, meant to keep his body from drying out. The Trid had not evolved to live on land for extended periods of time. In order to travel off planet, technology was built to accommodate their needs, including devices such as this. Without it, he would dehydrate and die. It was a risk worth taking, however, once the Trid achieved the power they so desperately deserved.

If only Vas had been allowed to continue his work, his victory would have been assured.

But instead, the Federation had found him, despite his careful planning and attempts at staying hidden. Still, if he could remain off their radar for a while, he might be able to recoup his losses.

But such an outcome was reliant on the present meeting. If it went poorly, there would not be a second chance.

The door opened across the room, and an individual in dark blue clothing entered, a human with a wide-brimmed hat.

Even after a year of taking orders, Vas still did not know his name.

Vas got to his feet, nervously. “Thank you for coming.”

“I came because you couldn’t do the job,” said the man, taking a seat across the table, staring at Vas with dark eyes.

Vas sat back down. “I apologize,” he told the man with the wide-brimmed hat. “We had no way of predicting that the Federation would attack us.”

“How do you know it was the Federation?”

Vas hesitated. The truth was, he didn’t know. Not at all. The only evidence he had for it was that a few of the soldiers were human, which wasn’t enough to lay the blame on the Federation as a whole. After all, humans were all over the galaxy. There was even one sitting across from him now. “Their weapons were advanced. They were highly trained. Who else could it be?”

“So, you don’t actually know,” said the man. “Typical. I demand answers and you give me speculation.”

“I-I’m sorry.”

“Save your apologies. I want answers. I want the truth. Who were these people that killed all your men? How did they find you? How did they get through the defense network that I loaned you?”

Vas said nothing. He had no answers to give.

“As I expected.”

“Please, give me a second chance at defending our movement,” begged Vas. “I promise you, this will not happen again. I still have an army of Trid and Kezzin soldiers waiting for orders.”

“An army that could just as easily be led by someone else,” cautioned the man. “I could kill you now and no one would miss you. No one would care.”

Vas swallowed.

The man tapped his chin. “But I won’t do that. Not yet. It would be troublesome to train a new pet to do this work.”

“Y-You mean I can continue to serve?” asked Vas, rather surprised.

“For now, yes,” answered the man. “But fail again and you will suffer the full wrath of the New Empire. Do you understand me, Vas?”

Vas nodded. “Yes, sir.”

The man rose to his feet and started to leave. “As always, I will send you encoded instructions on your next target. Don’t do anything until you hear from me. Do you understand?”

“I do.”

“Good.”

The human left, closing the door behind him, leaving Vas to himself. The remaining silence was deafening, and for a brief moment, Vas felt a shiver of fear creep down his backside. If he failed again, he was done. The man with the wide-brimmed hat would kill him.

But the risk was worth it. The Brotherhood would rise again, and those humans, whoever they truly were, would not stand in the way.

General Vas would see to that.

FINIS

Author Notes - Sarah Noffke

Written November 11, 2017

You know those conversations that change your life, but you don’t realize you’re having them until afterwards? I have those conversations often when talking with Michael Anderle, my cowriter for this series.

Anyway, I remember the day we discussed this series. I wished I could say I was plastered when I agreed to take on yet another series in the Anderle machine, knowing how demanding the deadlines are to keep the voracious readers happy. The truth was it was late morning, so I was mostly sober. I kid. You’ll get used to it. Actually, some say that most people can’t tell when I’m joking. Apparently I spent way too much of my youth watching Jack Benny. Before you wonder if I’m gray-haired making such a reference, please know that I usually only watch programming if it’s British or old. I’m a weird snob like that. Remind me later to tell you about Red Dwarf.

Okay, back to that autumn morning when I decided I hated free time and wanted to take on another series. I had this harebrained idea that since I was in between projects that I should take on Ghost Squadron. Did it make sense at the time? No. Did it intimidate the hell out of me? Yes. Did my instinct say, “DO THIS”? Yes. And so, I did.

Has it been a challenge to write military space opera? Well, some of you might have read my other works, so you know this isn’t my usual genre. I hope that’s not a surprise. When MA asked me if I could do it I said, “You just replace the wand with a gun, right?” You’re wondering if I’m kidding again… I’m not. I’m writing the Soul Stone Mage Series in the Oriceran universe for LMBPN. I also have five other NA and YA fantasy series. So I get asking the question about my comfortability writing space opera. When asked the question I answered with, “I’ve watched every episode of Red Dwarf.” I told you it had to be British and/or old for me to watch it. And as hard as it is to believe I’ve watched Red Dwarf as a child and consequentially never watched a Disney movie until I was an adult. My point isn’t that I was strangely sheltered. It’s that I knew I could do anything I decided to. So I said yes to Michael. And I was incredibly relieved when Craig read my first space opera and said, “I think you’ve been writing space opera all along and never realized it.”

Author Notes - Michael Anderle

Written November 13, 2017

First, let me say THANK YOU for not only reading all the way to the end of the story, but reading these author notes as well!

For you romantics, I hope you caught the hints in the author notes.

It’s 3:32 AM and I’m now back at home in Las Vegas after a conference on Sunday in Austin, Texas. We went to go eat at Chin-Chin in the NY NY Hotel and found out Chin-Chin closed at 12:00 at night.

That was a complete bummer.

I had some rather so-so pizza at the pizza place, and my wife and I listened to music coming out of the piano bar place.  Afterwards, we might have stopped to play a couple of machines before heading back to the car to come back home.

I get ready to take a shower (get rid of that smoke) and think to myself “is anything coming out tomorrow?”

I check on SLACK and Steve lets me know this book is to be released in the morning and he needs my author notes.

At the aforementioned 3:32AM in the morning.

Screw my life.

I could have written them earlier, but I had been working all day speaking with a small handful of people in Austin and didn’t check Slack, so didn’t know about the notes needing to be done in about one hour from now.

<Sigh.>

I remember our first conversations about this series, working on the characters, and setting up how the members of the military must feel at this point in the Federation negotiations.

It feels VERY nice to be releasing this book, so many months after those first conversations.

ANOTHER BABY IS BORN!

On my side, I’m just now writing the book that will be feeding into this series (Capture Death). A bit out of order – but I hope it will all make sense when I finish book 20 and 21 in the very near future.

In six months, none of these missed books will mean anything as we seal up the holes in the timelines and answer the questions that you, the readers, have been asking.

In a few hours, I will change the pricing on TKG 01 / 02 and Leira Chronicles 01 and 02 back to their regular pricing and our first weekend collector’s sale will be over.  It has been a successful and appreciated effort and we (the authors) appreciate you supporting us as we work to bring you stories that will entertain you for years to come.

I’m sorry these author notes are so short – but my head is dropping down to my chest and Stephen Campbell needs me to finish these up and get them to him.

For those who are wondering, I have the beats for Capture Death completed, and the first 1,000 words written (and the last 1,000 for that matter) in the book.

I’m super happy to have Sarah Noffke working with us in the this Universe. It will be interesting to see what happens going forward when she replaces wands with laser pistols ;-)

Ad Aeternitatem,

Michael

PROLOGUE

General Lance Reynolds’ Office, Onyx Station, Paladin System.

“Chief? You there?” asked General Reynolds.

“I’m here. Comms out here aren’t secure, but I don’t have to tell you that,” said Chief Jack Renfro.

“I’ll keep it brief,” said General Reynolds. He chewed on the end of his stogie, a slight smile on his face. He’d taken to Jack early on. There were very few you could trust when everyone was out to serve themselves or have the Federation serve them. However, Jack Renfro didn’t do something to get something. He’d passed up many promotions because they didn’t make sense for his real ambition. This was a man who wanted to serve in the right position, not the one that got him a better title and more money. At the core, he had always been a servant to the cause.

“I’ve got a job for you,” said Lance.

“When and where do I need to be?” asked Jack.

“You haven’t even heard the details yet.” Lance laughed.

“When did that ever matter between the two of us? If you need my help, then I’m there.”

“I wouldn’t normally ask, but I have a squadron that needs some oversight. I was taking care of it, but I’ve been pulled away for more…pressing matters. I’m sure you know why and by whom,” said Lance.

“I believe I do,” responded Jack.

Lance rose and began pacing his office. “Anyway, I wouldn’t trust anyone but you to handle this group. They have an incredibly important mission, and I’ve handpicked them myself. I’m sending over the details of the team right now, along with their previous mission assignments. You’ll find that they’ve been quite busy.”

“The report is just coming through. Give me a sec,” said Jack, a shuffling sounding over the comms. “Holy shit, General. You can’t be serious?”

Lance chuckled. “I’m completely serious. See, I thought you’d have fun with this.”

“Those two working together?” he asked. “I’m impressed, boss.”

“I’m glad you think so.”

“And you’ve given them the ArchAngel?” asked Jack.

“They have an important mission,” said Lance.

“Damn, and you even brought back Hatcherick, I see. Damn impressive, sir. Haven’t seen a team like this since…well, you know. It’s been a long time.”

“Just wait and see who else I have lined up for this crew,” said Lance.

“Don’t leave me hanging, boss. Send over the report.”

“Does that mean you’ll oversee them?” asked Lance.

“I already told you I was committed, and that was before you gave me the details,” said Jack.

“I knew I could count on you, Chief,” said Lance. “Sending you the rest of the report now. Good luck, Jack.”

“Thank you, sir,” said Chief Jack Renfro. “It’s always an honor to serve.”

CHAPTER ONE

Harbor District. Trinidad City, Axiom 03, Axiom System.

The warehouse was filled with dust and age, the scent of industry still lingering in the air. That was the case with many of the old buildings in this city, ever since the Alegro Corporation packed up its bags and left the system for better financial opportunities. Less money meant less security, which meant more opportunity for criminals.

Captain Edward Teach stood quietly in the middle of the warehouse, waiting for the Trids to unload the merchandise.

“Here you are,” said the Trid named Doka. He set a crate down in front of Eddie and stepped back.

Eddie looked to his left at Lars Malseen, a massive Kezzin in full body armor. “Check it.”

Lars nodded, bending down to the crate and popping the lock. He opened it, revealing a set of rifles, and took one out to examine it. “Looks good.”

“What about the grenades?” asked Eddie, glancing back at Doka.

“All here, all here,” Doka assured him. He waved at his associates, who brought three smaller boxes.

Lars checked those, too, and gave Eddie the all-clear.

“Good,” said Eddie. “Mind if I ask where you got these?”

“What do you care?” asked the Trid.

“I just like to know where my guns come from.”

“From me. That’s all you need to know.”

“Is it?” asked Eddie. “Because you’re the middle man, last I checked.”

Doka tapped the small device on his hip, a piece of tech that kept his body hydrated. Trids evolved on an ocean planet and required a very specific chemical to prevent them from drying out. If they went too long without it, they’d die. The device was essential for this reason, as it monitored their vitals and injected the chemical when levels were low. “You insult me,” Doka finally said. “That isn’t wise.”

Eddie chuckled. “Maybe you’re right. Sorry, I was just messing around.”

“Are you satisfied with these weapons?” asked Doka, who was ready to end this meeting and move on.

“Just about,” said Eddie, looking around. “My associate should be here soon to help me square this.”

“Your associate?” asked Doka. “You never mentioned—”

“I know, I know. I thought she’d be here by now. I don’t know what’s taking her so long.”

“Maybe she was held up,” suggested Lars.

Eddie nodded.  “Could be. I guess I could call.”

Doka looked at both of them. “What are you talking about? Which one of you has the money?”

Eddie ignored him. “You know, she always does this. I bet she and Hatch are at a bar right now. Probably forgot all about this job.”

“I don’t think she’d do that,” said Lars. “But Hatch might.”

“Hey!” barked Doka. “Are you even listening to me?”

Eddie felt his stomach growl. “Speaking of bars, remind me after we’re done here to stop and get some grub. I’m fucking starving.”

“Me too. I could use a good slab of meat,” said Lars, almost drooling at the thought.

Doka snarled, taking a step closer to Eddie. “If you don’t tell me right this second what exactly is going on, I’m going to kill both of you and strap your guts to the side of my fucking ship! Are you listening to—”

The door in the back of the warehouse flung open, and an athletic-looking dark haired woman walked in carrying what could only be described as a big fucking gun. She hoisted it up, cocking the rifle, which must have been half her size, with little effort. “Afternoon, boys. What did I miss?”

Doka and his men reached for their weapons. “What’s the meaning of this?”

“That’s Julianna,” explained Eddie. “She can be a little dramatic.” He swept beneath his coat and, in a single motion, brought a pistol out and aimed it squarely at Doka’s forehead. “She’s also my backup.”

Doka froze where he stood. “B-Backup?”

“That’s right,” Julianna said, twisting where she stood and firing the rifle at the alien to Doka’s left. The bullet hit his hand, cutting two of his fingers off and sending the pistol to the floor. The alien screamed in pain.

Lars ran at him, slamming his chest into the alien’s, knocking him to the floor.

The thug to Doka’s right took this distraction as an opportunity, attempting to shoot Julianna. But Eddie was already prepared. He shot the alien in the leg, downing him, and quickly went for his wrist, grabbing him and twisting, forcing him to let go of the weapon. Eddie pressed his pistol to the thug’s forehead. “Easy,” he told him. “Don’t want to lose your head.”

Doka started to back away but froze when he saw Julianna’s barrel in his face. She was aiming her massive gun at the arms dealer. “I wouldn’t test me, if I were you.”

He raised his hands. “O-Okay! I’m sorry!”

Eddie smirked. “Now, that went better than expected.” He glanced at the other alien on the floor, who’d just lost two fingers. “Well, maybe not for everyone.”

Evidence Locker, QBS ArchAngel, Axiom System.

Eddie and Lars were back aboard the ArchAngel, stowing the weapons cache they’d collected from the warehouse.

There were at least two hundred small and medium arms, not to mention enough grenades to blow up a small city.

Eddie shoved one of the crates with his foot, pushing it into its designated spot. These still weren’t Federation grade weapons. Soon they’d have to steal some advanced guns off of a dumb pirate. It would be a win-win situation. Shiny new weapons taken from evil aliens. “You think any of these guys got into the whole gun trade thing because they just liked guns?”

“I’ve never found much success in trying to understand the criminal mind,” admitted Lars.

Eddie entered a security code on the crate’s lid, locking it down. Then he secured it with a large harness in order to ensure it wouldn’t budge later on. “I think most of them are in it for the money, but I bet there’s like one or two guys who just enjoy a good gun, you know? Just a couple of halfwits who like to blow shit up.”

“You’re talking about yourself, aren’t you?”

Eddie grinned. “Tell me you don’t like it.”

“Violence has never been something I take pleasure in,” Lars countered. “Though, I will say, there is a certain satisfaction in delivering justice.”

“Like today?”

“Especially so,” agreed Lars. “We confiscated enough weapons to wage a small war, arrested a dozen criminals, and—”

“And found our target,” finished Eddie. He glanced towards the door. “Which, if I’m not mistaken, Julianna is interrogating as we speak.”

Interrogation Room, QBS ArchAngel, Axiom System.

Julianna slammed Doka against the wall, holding him by his collar. “You’d better tell me what I want to know, bitch-ass, before I get medieval on you!”

“Please don’t kill me!” screamed Doka in sheer horror.

Julianna snarled, pressing him further against the wall.  “Tell me who your supplier is!”

“I don’t know!” insisted Doka. “They have the weapons shipped to us anonymously! We just put the money into an account. I don’t know their names!”

She let go, suddenly, and he fell to the floor. “What account?”

He cringed, ducking under his hands. “I-It’s a foreign bank. The Trids run it. They have a strict privacy policy, so all the big organizations use them. But I—”

“Give me the account number,” ordered Julianna.

He gulped. “I don’t know it off the top of my—”

She squatted down and looked him directly in the eyes. “You’re going to tell me the number you use,” she told him, suddenly calm. “If you don’t, I’m going to cut off your leg—” She touched his ankle. “—and I’m going to beat you to death with it.”

“Y-You wouldn’t really do that…would you?”

“Do you want to find out, Doka?”

He hesitated, then shook his head.

“Good, because I would,” she said, matter-of-factly. “And trust me when I tell you, you’d be getting off easy.”

“Although I believe you’ll keep your word, I can’t help you because I don’t have the account number memorized.”

“Tell me something else then. Tell me where we can find Vas.”

Doka blinked up at her, a calm expression on his face. “I can’t tell you that either.”

~ ~ ~

Julianna slammed the door to the interrogation room upon exiting. She had to get out of there before she did something she’d regret to the dumb Trid. He wasn’t talking, almost like he wanted her to re-arrange his shark face. Ever since seeing those imprisoned by the Brotherhood, she had a new passion to stop them. Julianna had seen it all, but that didn’t mean seeing children starved or families separated and imprisoned was something that didn’t faze her. She was human after all.

Well, kind of.

Julianna pulled back her fist and launched it at the wall. The force of her punch should have hurt. Would have made a normal person flinch with pain. Julianna only considered doing it again to further relieve the frustration.

“Some things never change,” said a voice at her back.

Julianna straightened, tightening her jaw. She turned around, knowing full well who was speaking. “What’s that supposed to mean?” asked Julianna, running her eyes over Jack Renfro.

The spymaster for the Federation hadn’t changed a bit. Still the same muscular physique and discriminating expression covering his face.

He smirked. “It means, you’ve still got the same fire I remember.”

Julianna allowed herself to grin, her shoulders relaxing. “Some things never die, about like you.”

Jack chuckled, a warmth spreading over his features. How long had it been since she’d set eyes on him? A long while, no doubt. “The same could be said about you.”

“What brings you aboard the ArchAngel?” Julianna asked. One reason she hadn’t seen Jack for quite some time was that he had been sent on a series of classified missions. This was a guy who fixed things. Made shit happen. Everyone respected Jack, and those who didn’t never stuck around for long.

“I’ve taken on a new assignment,” he responded.

“Oh? General Reynolds hasn’t disclosed anything to us,” said Julianna, referring to her and Eddie. The ArchAngel was under their command and, therefore, anything happening on it should be of knowledge to them.

He nodded. “That’s why I’m here. I’m taking over for the general.”

CHAPTER TWO

Bridge, QBS ArchAngel, Axiom System.

Eddie was in his quarters when the A.I. pinged to inform him that Julianna had requested his presence. He hoped she’d beaten some useful information out of Doka. So far, they’d had zero leads on where to find Vas since he’d escaped during their battle on the Northern Continent. Usually, a report would have come in through General Reynolds by now, but he’d been unusually quiet since their return.

Strolling through the corridor and onto the bridge, Eddie noticed a stranger beside Julianna. The man stood with his feet shoulder-width apart and hands clasped behind his back, his eyes intently focused on Eddie as he approached.

“Captain Edward Teach, I’ve heard so much about you,” said the stranger, offering his hand to Eddie. “I’m Jack Renfro, and I’ll be taking over for General Reynolds as your intelligence liaison.”

Eddie eyed the hand for a moment, trying to assimilate this new information. He’d heard of Jack. Hell, most of the Federation had. He just didn’t know why the usually private special operations chief would be here. Finally, he shook the man’s hand, his chin to the side. “What’s happened to the general?”

“He’s been pulled away on other business. Lance asked if I would oversee missions for Ghost Squadron in his absence.”

Eddie nodded at once, understanding that the most powerful man in the Federation was in high demand. “Pleased to meet you.”

Jack seemed to study Eddie for a moment before nodding appreciatively. “I’ve heard that Ghost Squadron has already had its share of success. It appears you’re living up to your reputation, Captain.”

“Thank you, sir. I’ll do damn near anything to protect our colonies. Scratch that. I’ll do everything.”

“That’s why you and Julianna make good partners,” said Jack, giving them a slight smile. “Speaking of which, our first order of business is your team. Lance tells me it’s severely understaffed.”

“Yes, sir,” said Eddie. “That’s a chief priority of ours. We’re currently focusing on hiring pilots, soldiers, and essential personnel.”

Jack paused, appearing distracted, his gaze on Julianna. “What is it, Commander Fregin?”

Her eyes dug into the floor as her jaw worked back and forth. “It’s that damn Trid we brought in. He knows something and he won’t speak up. Vas has him intimidated.”

“He might not be of any use to us,” said Eddie.

“Or he might know something that gives us an actual lead. What’s the point in having a team if we’re just going to sit around here and stare at the walls?” fumed Julianna.

Jack took a moment, like he was thinking it over. “You’re right,” he said after a moment. He sped off in the opposite direction. “I’ll be right back.”

Eddie watched curiously as Jack left. When he had disappeared, Eddie turned to Julianna. “What do you know about this guy?”

“I know he can be trusted,” she answered.

“Anyone who the general put in his place can be trusted,” Eddie agreed. “That goes without saying. I was just looking for something a bit more concrete, like who he is and where he came from. You know, details.”

“He understands more about what’s going on in the Federation than anyone I know, the general being the only exception,” she said.

“You’re still not telling me anything new,” said Eddie.

“If you want to know if he’s a Virgo and likes long walks on the beach, then you’ll have to ask him yourself.” Julianna nodded in Jack’s direction as he strode back toward them.

“What’s a Virgo?” asked Eddie, genuinely curious.

“Forget it. Doesn’t matter right now,” she answered.

“Don’t pretend like you don’t know,” muttered Eddie.

Jack cleared his throat when he halted in front of the pair. “I think Doka will be more agreeable to disclosing information to you.”

“You spoke with him? Already?” asked Julianna.

“Yes, and I believe you’ll have better results this time. Please, meet me in my office when you’re done with the interrogation,” he said.

Eddie stifled a laugh. How could he have already gotten that alien to talk? “What did you say to make him open up?” he asked.

“I think you’ll find that I have my ways.” Jack turned and walked away, leaving the two staring at his backside.

“A man of mystery. I like it,” muttered Eddie, elbowing Julianna in the side. “Definitely seems like your kind of guy.”

“I don’t know what you mean,” she answered. “I’m very personable.”

Interrogation Room, QBS ArchAngel, Axiom System.

A funny expression sat on Doka’s face when Julianna and Eddie entered the room. He didn’t look in pain but did appear mildly uncomfortable. From what Julianna could tell, there wasn’t a mark on the Trid, which meant whatever Jack had done to him didn’t involve a physical altercation.

“Okay, we’re going to try this again. Do you have an account number to share with us, Doka?” Julianna asked, standing over him.

He shook his large head. “No, I told you I don’t remember.”

“Why don’t you tell me what you do remember about Vas before your brains are smashed against the fucking wall?”

Doka gulped. “I don’t know where Vas is right now.”

Eddie sat down against the table in front of the Trid, his hands folded casually in his lap. “When you say right now, does that mean you know where to find him in the future?”

“I, uh, have a meeting with him in two weeks.” Doka sounded breathless.

“Where?” asked Julianna, pinning her hands on the table and leaning across it.

“The Harbor District, where I met you but on the south side,” said the alien.

“Good, sharky,” said Eddie, grinning.

“And what exactly are you giving Vas? What kind of weapons?” asked Julianna.

“I don’t have it yet.” Doka’s eyes twitched. He was shaking.

“It? Are you saying that you’re delivering a single weapon to Vas?” asked Eddie, his eyebrow arching with curiosity.

Doka nodded furiously. “Right, but I don’t have it, and the meeting isn’t confirmed until I send word to Vas that it’s in my possession.”

“What is it that you’re supposed to be delivering?” asked Eddie.

Doka’s eyes fell to the table, vibrating with fear. “He told me he’d kill me if I leaked any of this information.”

A loud sigh tumbled from Julianna’s mouth. “Problem is that we’ll kill you if you don’t tell us. I’m already planning out the most painful death for you as we speak.”

Doka shook his head. “You might be tough, but you aren’t cruel like Vas.”

“Try us.” Julianna leaned down low, her knuckles white on the table.

Eddie let out a long and loud yawn. “Look fish-brain, I’m hungry, wishing I was drunk and, right now, I can’t help but think of all that food down in the mess hall. Why don’t you tell us what this weapon is you’re getting for Vas? We can protect you, put you in witness protection. It doesn’t have to be that bad for you.”

Doka lifted his chained hands to his gills, which were shivering with…was it fear? Concern? “The truth is, I don’t know. I was just told to pick up the weapon and deliver it to Vas.”

“Who are you getting this weapon from?” asked Julianna, her tone sharp. “Tell me before you find your head shoved up your ass.”

A pained sort of smile formed on the Trid’s ugly face. “Ray De’ft. That’s the one who—”

“When and where are you meeting?” Julianna’s face hovered just in front of the alien’s, her eyes burning with intensity.

Doka choked on a breath, his face turning white. He shook his head as he sputtered on a rattled cough.

“Damn it! Tell us what you know about this Ray De’ft. Otherwise, I’m jamming my fist down your throat,” threatened Julianna.

“That would be kinder than what’ll happen to me if I say any more,” answered the Trid.

“Well, torture has a way of making you talk,” she said.

“Y-You’re correct, which is why I’ve gone to great lengths to…to avoid that.”

Julianna arched her brow at the statement, then shot a glance at Eddie. He shrugged, saying nothing. What could this Trid be talking about? What lengths would he have gone through? He was locked in a cell with only the two of them, so aside from staying quiet, there was nothing he could do.

She moved her foot back, stopping when she felt something on the floor. She glanced down to see an object…one she quickly recognized. It was the device the Trid had been wearing on his hip. The one that ensured he could breathe and didn’t dry out in this environment. The device that kept him alive outside of the water. Without this attached to him, he’d be dead in a few minutes.

Julianna lurched for the object, trying to get to it before the worst could happen. As she moved, there came a loud thud. Doka had fallen forward onto the table, his gills no longer fluttering with movement, no longer wet.

The alien was dead and motionless, suffocated from exposure to the air.

CHAPTER THREE

Jack Renfro’s Office, QBS ArchAngel, Axiom System

Eddie scratched his chin, his facial hair making it itch. More concerning than his unkempt stubble was the growling in his stomach.

“I don’t have any reports on a Ray De’ft,” said Jack, scrolling through a pad in his hand.

“Pip also wasn’t able to connect this Trid with anyone else,” said Julianna.

“Which means we’re going to have to do a bit more digging.” Jack set the pad on his desk and stared at the two across from him. “This actually leads into one of the first objectives I had for you. I discussed recruitment earlier, you’ll recall. What we’re going to need now and going forward is someone who can break through different defense networks.”

“With all due respect, sir, Pip is equipped to handle such tasks.” Julianna was perched on the edge of her seat, her back straight.

He nodded. “He can if he’s given the proper proximity to an access point. However, Pip can’t do long range infiltrations, and neither can Hatch. What we need is someone proficient at breaking through defense networks. Someone who knows how to hack a conference call or a high-security mainframe. You never know where you’ll find the one piece of information you need to connect the other dots. Sometimes, we learn things that are most valuable when taken from the smallest bits of random information.”

Eddie leaned forward, his head to the side and a sneaky grin on his face. “Let me guess, you’ve got someone in mind for that job already.”

Jack picked up a folder from the side of his desk and tossed it at the pair. “I do. This civilian has been off the grid for quite some time and wasn’t even an option until recently. However, I think we now have the right resources to locate and bring him in.”

“What resources would that be?” asked Julianna, eyeing Eddie as he flipped open the folder.

“Doctor A’Din Hatcherik,” said Jack. “The squid you both have come to know so well.”

“Why is he the key? How can he help us?” asked Julianna.

“He has a history with hacking under his alias, Brody Chambers. That name has garnered some respect among hackers on the Dark Web. Before recently, Hatch wasn’t with the Federation and, therefore, not in the position to assist us with identifying our target and locating him. However, now that he has joined your squad, he should be more than willing to help you.”

“Chester Wilkerson,” Eddie read from the file. “Independent contractor responsible for hacking into several terrorist defense networks. He definitely sounds like our kind of guy. Why can’t you get ahold of him?”

“His work with the Federation led to problems, both directly and indirectly. According to the report, he was compromised when his work led to threats against his life from a certain terrorist organization. He’s now living on Kemp in the Behemoth system, avoiding detection as best he can. He trusts no one, not even the Federation.”

“Ugh, that’s way the fuck out there, the same place where we picked up Hatch. What’s up with these guys relocating out to these shitty planets?” asked Eddie.

“If you don’t want to be found, go to a place where no one wants to visit,” said Julianna, tugging the folder out of Eddie’s hands.

“The report doesn’t tell us what city he’s in, or even what continent.” Eddie threw a thumb in the direction of the folder. “All it says is he’s suspected to be on that planet.”

“That’s because we don’t know. Honestly, we’re guessing on Kemp. What little information we have was grabbed from brief online interactions. What we need is someone to get in contact with Chester and trace his location remotely.”

Eddie smiled. “That’s why you need Hatch.”

“Exactly right.”

“But why can’t Hatch just do the hacking for us?” asked Eddie.

Jack shook his head. “Hatch is impressive, but we need someone with specialized knowledge of the Trid network. I believe Hatch has the skills to pull this guy out of hiding, but he can’t do what he does.”

Julianna slapped the file on the desk, her face serious. “Let’s suppose that Hatch can locate Chester in a chat group and trace his location. How do you know if we go after him that he’ll agree to work for us? He’s in hiding for a reason.”

Jack tapped his fingers rhythmically on the desk while he thought. “That’s a good question. Chester used to be an independent contractor, working for the Federation out of his apartment. One day, a group of terrorists got wind of his location and stormed in after him. He got away, but only barely, as I understand it. He’s probably been running ever since. I’m guessing he’s going to prefer a job where he’s actually protected on the ArchAngel rather than whatever one has him skipping locations on rundown planets. Give him that offer, and maybe he’ll take it. Hell, maybe you can offer to help him clean up this mess he’s gotten himself into.”

“However…” Eddie said, sensing the word about to come.

Jack nodded, his expression apprehensive. “However, getting to Chester is going to be the challenge. We tried to bring him in at first, but he was so fearful of terrorists he started running until he was off the radar. He’s paranoid, and with good reason. There are those out there who still want to punish him for leaking their data. Furthermore, there’s others who would love to get their hands on a hacker like Chester just to use him. This isn’t just a damn good hacker, but one of the very best in the entire Federation. Whoever has him on their side is in a prime position to win over their enemy. Information is power, and Chester knows how to siphon that from just about any organization.”

“Sounds like we need this guy on our team. Let’s get Hatch to work on it immediately,” said Eddie, getting to his feet. “Time to put this plan of yours into motion.

Dining Hall 03, QBS ArchAngel, Axiom System

Eddie took three bites of his salami sandwich before chewing. His cheeks were full, the food nearly spilling out of his mouth. He washed it down with a few sips of beer, wiping his chin with his sleeve.

“Only for the Federation would I willfully starve myself,” said Eddie, looking across the table at Lars.

The alien eyed the sandwich in Eddie’s hands like it was disgusting garbage. “I didn’t know you were ordered to starve yourself, sir.”

Eddie laughed, taking another sip of beer. “I wasn’t. Just been too damn busy to eat sorting through files of potential recruits. How’s flight training going?”

“It’s good. I’m enjoying it. Flying feels much more natural than I thought it would.”

Eddie smiled, remembering when he first started flying. Before that, his life was dull and meaningless. Then, like a breath of fresh air, he had found purpose, fulfillment. He’d found himself, there in the depths of space, flying among the stars. He would never forget that feeling.

The feeling of being truly free.

It was hard to believe that before Julianna and Lance had recruited him that he had settled for a life without his wings.  “The thrills you get while flying…they can’t be matched by anything,” Eddie finally said. “Well, almost, if you know what I mean.”

He grinned.

“Hatch says he’s working on building a new Q-Ship, since the other one was destroyed,” Lars said, apparently not getting Eddie’s joke.

“Yeah, the poor guy isn’t dealing well with the loss of his ship.” A burp ripped out of Eddie’s lips before he took another bite of the sandwich.

Lars eyed the food, then shook his head. “That stuff covering the meat, what is it?”

“Bread,” supplied Eddie. “It’s the delivery device for the goodness inside the sandwich.”

“Why don’t you just eat the meat? That…bread…doesn’t look very tasty.”

“Says someone who can’t process anything but meat.” Eddie shook his head, showing Lars his sandwich. “My friend, everything tastes better on bread. Sandwiches have to be the best invention ever. If humanity were better, we would build statues to the person responsible for its deliciousness.”

“If you say so.” Lars stared down at the untouched roasted chicken on his plate.

“Hey, what’s up? Is it flight training? You nervous about it?” Eddie wasn’t necessarily a sensitive person, but he was observant enough to tell when his teammate was uneasy.

“No, flight training is fine. It’s a distraction. It’s exactly what I need.”

“Is it…your family?” guessed Eddie.

“I do think of them often. I worry for them, but that hasn’t really changed since the Brotherhood took me. Those living on Kezza have been in danger for a long time.”

“I told you I’d help you get back there. I wasn’t blowing smoke. If you want to leave then—”

“I don’t want to leave. If I return to Kezza, then I won’t be in a better position to help my family. The place for me to do that is here, working for you. That’s the decision I’ve made.”

Eddie nodded, polishing off the last of his sandwich. “We’re going to get you home one of these days, when it makes sense.”

“I know you will. I’ve never doubted that. I thought about returning. Really thought about it. I was ready to do it. Then we learned more about the Brotherhood, and I couldn’t just run back home.”

“Yeah, I was surprised the Brotherhood abandoned all their old locations after Commander Orsa’s capture. Just means they’re scared,” said Eddie, furrowing his brow. “Damn straight, too. They should be.”

“Do we know anything about whoever they got to replace him?” Lars asked. His tone was insistent, like he needed to know.

“Not yet, but we will.” Eddie pointed at the chicken in front of Lars. “Starving yourself isn’t the way. Eat up, big guy. I need you to be ready.”

~~~

Hatch waddled over to one of his many workstations. This one wasn’t cluttered with parts and materials for the Q-Ship he was working on. A keyboard and six screens sat on the desk. Hatch slid onto the chair, his tentacle gliding over the keys, typing in his password.

“How do you plan to draw the hacker out?” asked Pip, his voice sounding from overhead.

“Oh, what’s with the questions? Wouldn’t you rather be surprised?” asked Hatch.

“Surprised? I’m not sure that’s possible,” said Pip.

“There’s all sorts of possibilities now that you’ve been upgraded.” Hatch typed on the keyboard, opening a few different screens.

“I do notice differences since the upgrade, but surprise hasn’t been one of them.”

“Be sure to catalogue all changes. I want to review them at some point. Maybe make adjustments,” said Hatch.

“So that I can better help the team?” asked Pip.

“Yes, there is that,” agreed Hatch.

“I sense that there is something you’re not saying.”

“There are many things I’m not saying, mostly because I’m trying to concentrate.” Hatch typed rapidly, entering numerous backdoors inside a secret network. The Oddframe was a forum where many hackers were known to convene. The right person could access illegal torrents, find untraditional programming solutions, or buy prohibited software. Hatch entered a hidden chat group, one that he’d been searching for on-and-off throughout the day.

He waited until his cursor popped up beside his username.

BRODY CHAMBERS: Infected with a heisenbug by a damn blackhat. Looking for a solution.

Three other usernames popped up with comments.

“I’m running a search on these hacker terms. Blackhat refers to a malicious hacker, correct?” asked Pip.

“Correct,” chirped Hatch. “And heisenbug is a particularly nasty virus that usually goes undetected when debugged programs are run. They are incredibly tough to get rid of because they have time to hose the mainframe before detection.”

Hatch scanned the responses, hoping one would stand out as belonging to Chester Wilkerson. He’d chatted with the famous hacker once or twice, he believed, but only deduced that based on his incredible knowledge.

FROGS MCGRILLS: Brods! where you been?

ZOOM LOCKES: blackhats need to die!!!

MONTE NILES: when/where did you get the virus?

“This looks promising.” Hatch shut down a few of the other windows where he’d been asking the same question. He recognized Monte.

BRODY CHAMBERS: @Monte idk. You have a fix for the newest strand?

A few more users chimed in, most of them welcoming Brody back. He’d been gone for a long time.

MONTE NILES: I might. Depends…

Hatch opened a new window and sent a direct message to Monte Niles.

“You believe that Monte is Chester, correct?” asked Pip.

“Yes, I’ve chatted with him before. His knowledge is unmatched. I’ve searched eighty-five chat rooms and he’s finally popped up.”

BRODY CHAMBERS: Hey @Monte. Been thru every link farm and can’t find fix. Got one?

MONTE NILES: I was under the impression that you could fix most heisenbugs. Things change?

“He’s doubting you, is that right?” asked Pip.

“Yeah, damn my brilliance. I’ve always been the one to offer solutions. He’s finding it hard to believe that I can’t solve the current version of a heisenbug.”

“You can fix a heisenbug?” asked Pip.

“With all my tentacles tied behind my back and blindfolded,” said Hatch.

“How do you plan to fool this Monte Niles?”

“Chester, you mean,” corrected Hatch. “But I don’t need to fool him. All I have to do is keep him in this private chat a little longer. The tracker is already searching for his current location, but it will only work for as long as he has this private message window opened.”

“Wouldn’t Chester have systems to detect trackers?” asked Pip.

“He absolutely will have, and furthermore, he’s able to hide the amount of power he’s using, which would be a bull’s eye on planet Kemp. However, I’ve got a tiny window to find a huge source of power, and that should lead us straight to Mr. Hacker.”

Two of Hatch’s tentacles typed on the keyboard, cycling through the different images on the screens as the tracker processed.

BRODY CHAMBERS: Might be screwage rather than bug. Any clues?

A long moment passed where Hatch simply stared at the screen, waiting, hoping for a reply. He tapped one tentacle on the workstation impatiently.

“Fifty seconds until trace is complete,” informed Pip.

“We’ll get him. Just have to ensure he doesn’t drop off.”

MONTE NILES: Sending over file. Should work

A file followed Monte’s message. One that no doubt would fix the bug if Hatch actually had one.

BRODY CHAMBERS: Thanks. You’re a lifesaver.

MONTE NILES: Didn’t realize it was that serious

BRODY CHAMBERS: You know how it goes

MONTE NILES: Hope it works. I’m off

“Oh no! He can’t be off,” said Hatch.

“The trace hasn’t completed,” said Pip.

BRODY CHAMBERS: Wait. Another question…

“You’re stalling,” observed Pip.

“I’m trying,” Hatch snapped.

MONTE NILES: What?

BRODY CHAMBERS: I actually didn’t need a fix to for a heisenbug

MONTE NILES: No kidding…

“You’re confessing. I don’t understand,” said Pip.

“I’m stalling, but more importantly, I’m using some honesty to get what I need.”

“He could run, though,” said Pip.

“He could, but not if I’m fast.” Now three of Hatch’s tentacles typed away at the keyboard.

BRODY CHAMBERS: I need a custom hack

MONTE NILES: Why?

BRODY CHAMBERS: Because you’re the best

MONTE NILES: You lured me into chat for this?

BRODY CHAMBERS: Willing to pay. My bitcoin account is full

A long, excruciating few seconds passed where Monte, AKA Chester, didn’t respond.

“The trace hit a snag. We need him connected for twenty more seconds,” said Pip.

“I don’t know,” muttered Hatch. “This guy may not want money. He might just prefer to stay alive.”

“Life has not always appeared more important than money, my records show,” said Pip.

“It should. Can’t buy a damn thing if we’re dead.” Hatch drummed two tentacles on the desk impatiently. “Come on, Chester. You have to eat. Bite, would you?”

MONTE NILES: What are you looking for?

Hatch puffed out his cheeks, both relieved and excited. “Yeah, he’s hungry. I knew he had to be.”

“Trace complete. We have a location,” said Pip.

BRODY CHAMBERS: Oh, I just found it. Never mind. Thanks.

MONTE NILES: Okay. Maybe next time.

Hatch closed the browser window, letting out a long breath.

CHAPTER FOUR

Loading Dock 04, QBS ArchAngel, Axiom System.

Eddie picked a blue marble off the table where Hatch was working under a frame of a new ship. He tossed the marble high in the air, catching it softly with the palm of his hand. Julianna joined him on one side, a curious look on her face as she eyed him tossing the marble.

“Do you think that’s wise?” she asked.

Eddie raised the marble to his eye. “Yeah, I think I can handle this little ball of glass, but thanks for the concern, doll-face.”

“It appears that someone wants to lose their left testicle,” she remarked, raising her brow.

Eddie laughed. “That’s specific. Why are you going after the left one? Why not both? Or the right?”

“I was under the impression you didn’t have both to spare,” she said.

Both Eddie’s eyebrows raised with alarm. “Damn, Federation reports are fucking specific.”

“Yes, we have ways of knowing things.”

Hatch rolled out from under the frame of the new Q-Ship, standing upright and blossoming out to his usual size. “Oh, good, you’re here. I have some technology for you that will prove useful for your mission to bring in Chester Wilkerson.”

“Not sure why a skinny hacker requires special weapons, but I’ll never turn down a bigger gun.” Eddie strolled after Hatch who waddled in the opposite direction.

“You’ve obviously never been to the planet Kemp,” said Julianna.

“That, I haven’t.”

“And don’t underestimate a hacker, especially one like Chester. Bringing him in will warrant new weapons, ones that guns won’t work for.”

Hatch picked up a black piece of clothing from the work table and held it in the air. The material was reflective but appeared light as it dangled down. “Kemp is known for its random air raid attacks as well as mines and bombings. Pip should be able to locate some of the bombs on the ground but, unfortunately, the threat is too high. This is going to be your insurance.”

“A cool new shirt. Why thank you, buddy, but I think I’ll stick with my armor,” said Eddie.

“You can stay with your heavy armor that weighs you down and only covers your torso or you can graduate to this.” Hatch used another of his tentacles to stretch out the material to reveal a long-sleeved shirt.

“Did you go into fashion design or have you something else up your sleeve?” Eddie asked, jokingly.

Hatch and Julianna didn’t laugh.

“This is a new armor I’ve invented. It’s as light as cotton, covers more area, breathes easily, and can stop ten times the impact of the shit you’ve been using,” said Hatch.

“That’s brilliant, Hatch,” said Julianna.

Hatch beamed, his face seeming to puff a bit.

“You’re telling me that this piece of cloth is actually armor?” asked Eddie, reaching out and taking it from Hatch and examining it.

“Indeed. Just imagine when I figure out how to equip the Q-Ship with something just like it, only it’ll be capable of stopping a torpedo instead of just a bullet.” Hatch’s cheeks puffed again. “Oh, I can’t wait for that.”

“We’ll be light as hell. No one will catch us,” said Eddie enthusiastically.

“This is great news, Hatch. New armor for us and one day for the new Q-Ships,” said Julianna.

“I don’t know when the new ship will be ready. There’s a few obstacles I’m dealing with, but that’s not your concern right now. What you need is weaponry for Kemp.” Hatch shuffled over to a different table, his eyes distant.

Eddie scratched his cheek. “What do you know about Kemp, besides the whole bombing problem?”

Hatch shrugged. “It’s right beside Ronin, so I know more than I like. This isn’t a place anyone goes to vacation. Rundown isn’t the right word for it. That’s what they’d say about Ronin. Kemp is more a wasteland. It’s overrun with different outlaw gangs. If you can’t make it as a pirate, you end up on that planet.”

“Didn’t think pirates had such high standards,” remarked Eddie.

“You’d be surprised how much goes into successfully pillaging an area,” replied Hatch. He picked up a bag made from the same black material as the armor. “Now, let’s discuss weapons. You’re heading over in the transport ship, which means you can’t bring the artillery arsenal on the Q-Ship.”

“Jack said you needed us to keep the Q-Ship here so you could copy its system,” said Julianna.

“Not really copy as much as reference. That one is a copy itself, and I’m trying to replicate the original, which was superior to the only existing Q-Ship,” explained Hatch

“I like the idea of small weapons we can carry on transport ships.” Eddie tossed the marble he’d been carrying underhanded into the air and caught it.

“Then might I suggest you put that grenade down before you knock yourself out,” spat Hatch.

Eddie froze, opened his hand, and stared down at the blue marble sitting innocently in the palm of his hand. “This…this is a grenade?”

“Yes, it is. More specifically, that one is a concussion grenade.” Hatch’s tentacle stretched forward until its end wrapped around the marble in Eddie’s hand, snatching it away.

Eddie’s eyes widened. “You’ve got my attention. Breathable shirts that act as armor and marbles that blow shit up. You’re one crafty octopus.”

Julianna cast an annoyed look at him before shaking her head and returning her attention to Hatch. “That bag, is it full of these grenades?”

“It is, but the bag is made from the same material as the armor, so no worries about an accidental detonation.” Hatch’s tentacle slithered into the opening of the bag and retrieved a blue marble. “The marbles are divided in half by a single line.” He held the orb out for Julianna to examine.

She took it and spied the fine line around its center.

“When you want to detonate the grenade, simply twist the separate halves in opposite directions. Then, you toss.” Hatch reached into the bag and pulled out another orb. Red, this time. “Captain, since you’re an idiot who can’t keep things straight, I’ve color-coded the grenades. You can thank me at your leisure.”

“Why, thank you!” Eddie grinned, rocking forward on his toes and back down to his heels.

“The blue ones are concussion grenades, perfect for smaller areas.” Hatch held the red marble up in one tentacle. “The red ones are explosive grenades, capable of destroying anything in a three to four foot radius. Not deadly, but a good distraction if necessary.”

“Not bad at all for a tiny bag we can carry on our hip,” said Eddie.

“Thanks, Hatch. These are great and will definitely help us on Kemp.” Jules reached out and took the small bag from the alien. He smiled appreciatively, turning pink around the cheeks.

Main Cabin, Transport Ship, Axiom System.

“Isn’t it funny that we find ourselves back on this transport ship headed back to Behemoth system?” asked Eddie.

“Your sense of humor is lacking.” Julianna stretched into one of the reclining chairs in the main cabin. Again, they had it to themselves, another perk of working for the Federation.

“Hey, Lars, guess what?” Eddie called to the alien who was just entering the cabin, staring around, taking in the shiny recliners and polished surfaces.

“What am I guessing?” asked Lars.

Eddie laughed. “I don’t really have something for you to guess. I just wanted to get your attention.”

Lars took the seat next to the captain. “Okay, you have it.”

“Everything on the transport ship is comped. How cool is that?”

Julianna rolled her eyes, lifting a pad in front of her face and reading the screen.

Lars blinked dully at the captain. “I’m not sure if I fully understand. I’ve been fortunate enough to have the Federation pay for all of my supplies, as well as my boarding. Why should I be more grateful in this situation?”

Eddie threw his head back, momentarily frustrated by his traveling companion. “My poor sweet Lars, you innocent bastard. You’ve been fortunate enough to have your needs met, this is true, but now we’re talking luxury, brother.” He waved down the flight attendant, requesting her pad, which she gave freely to him. Eddie pointed to the screen, tapping it several times, and then handed it to Lars. “I’ll be having that. Now, you order.” He lifted his chin in Julianna’s direction. “Don’t worry, I ordered your usual. You’re welcome.”

She lowered the pad so only her eyes were visible. “Remember what happened last time?”

Eddie grinned. “I do. We had a fantastic time. Eh, but don’t worry, I’m not planning on repeating that. I only ordered half the drinks for me. You’ll get your full bottle of whiskey, though.”

Lars dropped the pad, looking stunned. “Commander Fregin drank an entire bottle of whiskey?”

“A bit more, if we’re getting specific,” said Eddie. “But who’s counting?” He waved his hand through the air dismissively.

“This isn’t like last time where we were retrieving a cooperative Londil,” reminded Julianna.

“Which is why I’ve scaled back my drink order. You’ve got to live a little. Remember how much fun you had? Drinks, steak, chocolate cake,” said Eddie.

Julianna’s eyes sparkled for a moment with the memory. “The cake was something else. Yes, I’ll take a piece of that,” she said to the flight attendant.

“Of course, ma’am,” confirmed the woman.

“Cake?” asked Lars, still browsing through the menu.

“Unfortunately, you wouldn’t like cake. It would probably kill you.” Eddie turned to the flight attendant. “We’ll take two steaks and whatever drinks my friend likes.”

“Just bring me whatever he’s having.” Lars pointed to Eddie.

Julianna slipped low in her own seat, getting comfortable. “That might not have been a good idea unless you want to sleep the rest of the journey. Eddie’s a lush.”

“A lush?” asked Lars.

“Don’t listen to her, Lars,” said Eddie. “She’s just upset that it takes a bottle of whiskey for her to get buzzed. All those genetic enhancements, ya know.”

“Ah,” said Lars, glancing at Julianna. “A blessing and a curse.”

Eddie frowned, then shook his head. “Such a shame.”

~~~

“That’s impossible. You really don’t age?” Lars asked, his eyes drooping slightly from the Blue Ale.

Julianna threw back another shot of whiskey. “I do, but not as fast. Nano technology made it so that my human body was enhanced. I’m the optimal height, build, and weight. I can be injured, but my body repairs itself incredibly fast.”

“And she can’t get drunk as easily. Talk about sad,” said Eddie, holding his glass in his hand and pointing in Julianna’s direction with his pinky finger.

“I had no idea any of this was possible,” said Lars, his eyes large with amazement.

“The Federation makes all sorts of things possible.” Eddie cut into his steak, his mouth salivating from the ease of which his knife sunk into the flesh.

Lars did the same, and they both looked at each other as they lifted the meat to their mouths. Both let out sounds of pleasure.

“I’ve rarely tasted anything so good,” said Lars.

“I told you, man,” replied Eddie.

“And here I thought you were incapable of enjoying a good meal, you ugly human.” Lars laughed, his lizard face pink from the alcohol.

“I can enjoy all sorts of meals. It just so happens I prefer a potato with my steak.”

Lars eyed the vegetable sitting alongside Eddie’s steak. “I don’t get that part, but I’m glad we both can enjoy the meat together.”

“Cheers to that.” Eddie lifted his glass and held it out to Lars. They clinked their glasses, and Julianna held hers in their direction, nodding appreciatively just as the transport ship shifted into landing mode.

Mabank City, Kemp. Behemoth System.

“Looky there. I had an all access pass to food and drink and I didn’t get wasted. You should be proud of me.” Eddie threw a glance backwards at Julianna.

“I hope you’re not looking for a medal because you’re not getting one.”

“That’s where you’re wrong,” remarked Eddie. “I’ll get one still. Just you wait.”

Lars paused outside the transport ship and stared around. “Are we in the right place?”

“I’m afraid so,” Julianna said from over his shoulder. Mabank was mostly an assortment of murky grays, its buildings wrought by years of warfare and poverty. The economy had tanked many decades ago, and now the city was host to disease and low life scum who couldn’t make it anywhere else. A low-flying aircraft, which looked like it might fall out of the sky at any moment, roared overhead.

Lars covered his ears. “Where are we headed?”

“To the middle of BFE,” said Julianna.

“What’s BFE?” asked Lars.

“Bum Fucking Egypt. It’s an old human expression that means the middle of nowhere,” she explained.

Lars tilted his head. “I thought we already were in BFE.” He glanced around at the tiny airport, most of which was filled with crop duster planes.

“You’d be surprised how much worse it’s going to get,” said Julianna.

Eddie flagged down another Kezzin, who was standing off to the side by himself. A moment later, Eddie pressed his thumb to a pad and handed it back to the alien, then received a set of keys.

When he returned, he was smiling. “I called ahead and reserved us a vehicle,” said Eddie.

Julianna nodded, then loaded into the front of the vehicle. “You have your moments, but don’t break your arm patting yourself on your back.” She took out her pad, pulling up the directions. “We’re headed north. Let’s get going.”

“So damn bossy,” said Eddie, chuckling. He turned the key and started the engine. “Alright, folks. Let’s go explore us a city!”

~~~

“Nothing like driving a rundown piece of shit to make you appreciate your Q-Ship,” said Eddie as they cruised down a dirt road.

“Yes, my appreciation is high right now.” Lars covered his head, which kept careening into the overhead in the back every time they hit a large bump.

Overgrown fields of corn ran the length of the road and stretched out in all directions. Those plants were Mabank’s currency. A fucking vegetable. It could be used for everything from fuel to food, but the planet had failed the export negotiations, losing many of the larger contracts. Now, the city of Mabank and its surrounding areas had corn coming out of their asses and no one to sell it to. That’s why the town had been overrun by pirates and gangs and was often victim to attacks.

“Hold on to your butts. Got another pothole coming up,” boomed Eddie, trying to swerve the car. The vehicle reacted a bit slowly.

“That was more of a crater, I’d say.” Julianna bounced, keeping her eyes fixed on the farm houses sprinkling the distant fields.

“What’s the plan?” Lars asked from the back.

“Chester, according to Hatch’s tracking, lives in an apartment building in town, a mile up ahead. With any luck, he won’t be expecting us. Lars, you take the rear in case he tries to flee. Jules and I will take the main entrance.”

“Hard to believe there’s a town in all of this corn,” said Julianna, staring out at the field.

“I hear if you blink, you’ll miss it.” Eddie laughed, slowing the jeep after having caught up with a slow-moving tractor that was hogging the road. It was probably made using plans from Earth, since it looked to have a similar design. “Fuck, come on with this shit.”

“How do you like that?” asked Julianna. “Travel halfway across a galaxy, only to get held up by a damn tractor.”

The old farmer slowed more, pulling the tractor over into the ditch to allow the car to pass. Eddie waved at the man, who looked all too displeased to see them kicking up dust on the old road.

Ahead, the road evened out and led into a small town, where squatty buildings lined the main street. Dirty men sat on the curb, staring blankly at their feet or lying on broken benches.

Julianna pointed to a parking space. “The apartment building is a road over from here. I say we park on this street and walk through the alley so we don’t draw attention to ourselves pulling up.”

“Right, let’s not draw attention to ourselves…” Eddie motioned to their shiny black uniform and holstered weapons. “We wouldn’t want to do that.”

The three slid through a narrow alleyway that smelled of ash and smoke. Their boots trampled over broken glass and other debris. At the exit to the alley, Eddie motioned to Lars to go around the back of the building. It was five stories tall and made of brown brick. There, on a stoop, a man sat by himself, whittling a stick.

“Oh, looks like old Chester will be moving again,” the man said when he looked up at Eddie and Julianna. “That’s oh-so sad.”

“You know Chester? We’re not here to hurt him. Quite the opposite,” said Eddie, looking down at the old man who had one blind eye.

“No one knows Chester,” he said, his one good eye watching his stick.

“He’s on the third floor,” muttered Julianna to Eddie, striding forward into the apartment building. The sounds of babies crying, husbands yelling, and feet stomping echoed from inside the cavernous apartment building. They charged up the stairs, stopping once they reached the third floor. The first two doors in the hallway were ajar, by the look of them, but the third and final door was shut.

“I pick door number three.” Eddie strode forward, his shoulders held back.

“Wait,” whispered Julianna. She pulled the flashlight from her belt and switched the setting on it down two clicks. When she turned it on, the black light revealed a set of laser beams that stretched across the hallway, making an obstacle course of sorts.

“What’s all this?” asked Eddie.

“Looks like a security system,” she answered.

“Why would he have a security system in the middle of a hallway? Wouldn’t the other people living here trigger it?” he asked.

Julianna paused, growing very still. “There’s no one else here,” she muttered, staring with distant eyes. “Most of the floor is empty.”

“How can you tell?” asked Eddie.

She relaxed, like she’d come out of a trance. “I have good ears.”

Eddie cocked his head. “Was that one of your abilities?”

She nodded. “Something like that.”

“I never knew you had fancy hearing like that,” he said.

“I have to concentrate to use it, and it doesn’t work if there’s gunfire or a ton of noise,” she explained.

“Nice, but it doesn’t solve this problem,” said Eddie. “What should we do? Fuck if our hacker hasn’t thought of everything.”

“Actually, I’m sure he has more in store for us if we trigger one of those lasers,” remarked Julianna.

“Like an anvil to the head.” Eddie pointed up to the ceiling where something was suspended overhead, too hard to make out in the darkened space.

“This isn’t a cartoon,” said Julianna. “Most likely, it’ll be a bomb beneath one of the floorboards.”

Eddie gulped. “Yikes.”

Julianna nodded. “You hold the light for me. I think I have the best chances of making it through this maze of lights.” She got down low, pressing her chest to the dusty floor and scooting forward until she’d cleared the first laser. The next bit required her to high step, weave her body through the obstacle course, and finally lean down low as she side-stepped between two tight lasers.

Eddie watched from afar as the genetically modified supersoldier made it look easy.

“Awesome,” whispered Eddie, still holding the flash light.

“Actually, I’m surprised it wasn’t more difficult,” said Julianna. “Which is what bothers me.”

“Try not to be so cynical,” said Eddie. “You did great!”

Julianna dismissed him with a shake of her head, quietly pointing to a camera in the corner.

“Maybe you can try talking to him through that,” said Eddie.

Julianna turned and faced the camera. “Chester Wilkerson, I’m Commander—”

An ear-splitting beep rang out from a speaker under the camera. It made Julianna and Eddie double over at once, clapping their hands to their ears. The sounds jolted Eddie straight in the teeth, vibrating his skull. It wasn’t even a loud sound, just an ungodly one. He managed to reach for the pistol in his belt and hold it up, aiming it at the speaker, although his hand was shaking from the excruciating sound. He fired and the sound dissipated, breaking at last.

“Fuck! That made my jaw come unhinged.” Eddie grabbed his chin and toggled it back and forth, trying to release the strange pressure in his head.

“Yeah, you’re telling me. So much for trying the welcoming approach.” Julianna knocked at the door in front of her and suddenly convulsed, electronic shocks started at her fist and wrapped around her arm. She yanked herself backward, eyeing the door with great offense. “Damn it! This guy is fucking insane. He better be worth all this.”

“If he isn’t, then you can use him as a sparring dummy.”

Julianna agreed with a nod, pulling her own pistol from her harness, and firing it at the locks on the door. It creaked open an inch, the locks having been broken. She picked up her foot and knocked the rubber bottom into the door, sending it back all the way. With her gun at the ready, Eddie watched her enter the apartment, his eyes intently on her. He felt trapped on the far side of the hallway, but those lasers triggered something, or a whole host of somethings, and he wasn’t going to chance that until he had to.

“We have a runner!” yelled Julianna, sprinting back out into the hallway. “He’s taking the fire escape down!” She ran across the hallway, triggering multiple traps, ignoring the lasers. Heavy objects rained down from the ceiling and catapulted from the open doors of the other apartments.

She slipped by each of them, making it back to the far end of the hallway where Eddie had been standing. “Holy shit!” he barked.

“I know!” she answered.

“He really did put stuff in the ceiling!” he exclaimed. “Who even does that?”

“Hurry! He’s getting away!” said Julianna.

Eddie bolted, leaping down the stairs, taking them five at a time until both he and Julianna were out into the open air in front of the apartment building.

~~~

Lars stood with his back against the metal walls of a warehouse, his eyes scanning the back of the apartment. He spotted a young human pop his head out of the third story window, just before he heard Julianna yell from inside the building. Lars’ sprinted forward, about to leap onto the fire escape. This was his chance to help the team bring in Chester. The guy he was supposing was the hacker in question had something in his hands, a metal object of some sorts.

Lars was up the first floor of the fire escape when he looked up. This was too easy. He’d meet Chester on the way down and subdue him until Eddie and Julianna arrived. Then they could be out of there and off Kemp, which smelled like a pile of burning garbage.

He glanced up when he’d nearly cleared the second floor. Chester had positioned the metal object onto a wire that was bolted into the side of the building. He held on to either side of the wire, then kicked off. Easily, he glided across the alleyway, down and to the warehouse on the other side. He dropped, sliding to the ground when he was close enough to land.

“Damn it!” sputtered Lars. He threw himself over the railing and landed, rolling out of the jump to lessen the impact of the fall. Lars sprang forward and sprinted after Chester, who had entered the warehouse from a small side door. He caught up quickly, reaching the warehouse in record time.

Inside, it was dark and smelled of moldy dust. Lars slowed to a walk as he became more mindful of potential ambushes, staring up at the tall shelves, each filled with dozens of crates. Chester could be anywhere, for all he knew, or he could have run through the place entirely and be on the other side by now.

Lars stepped carefully, his senses working overtime to try and find any clue that told him where the hacker was hiding.

“We’re not here to hurt you. Just come out and we can talk,” said Lars, staring up at the shelves that reached the ceiling.

In front of Lars came a shuffling noise. He spun around. A dragging sound. He squinted in the darkened warehouse, up at the shelf where the noise was emanating.

A large crate fell forward, toppling overhead to the floor where Lars stood. He dived just in time to avoid being crushed by the crate, which busted upon impact, its bits of wood spraying in all directions. Lars’ covered his head, continuing to run forward.

Another crate fell from even closer, that one nearly landing on Lars’ as well. He picked up the pace and sprinted down the length of the row until he was on the far end. Three more crates had fallen. Chester must be on the third shelf, pushing the crates out.

Lars dove to the left, looking up at the third shelf. He could barely make out the figure running in the opposite direction, along the length of the shelf. Dashing forward, Lars ran down the side of the warehouse, hoping to cut Chester off.

~~~

Eddie had spied Lars entering the warehouse just as he’d come around the building. Julianna took the side entrance, and he sped past her, taking the main one on the other side.

He was just about to jerk the door back when he heard footsteps slapping against the concrete. Pulling his gun from his holster, he took a steady breath. No, he didn’t want to point a weapon at a potential teammate. However, Chester was scared and didn’t know who they were. That was a deadly combination, and Eddie couldn’t take a chance on him just yet.

He yanked the warehouse door open and slid into the open space, gun at the ready. A guy came running forward, his head turned to look over his shoulder as he cleared the space. He spun his head forward and halted at the sight of Eddie standing squarely in the doorframe, gun pointed at him.

Chester spun to face the side entrance just as Julianna stepped out from a row, her gun pointed at him. The guy turned, putting his back to Eddie. To his relief, Lars approached from the back, his own weapon held up, pointed at Chester. The hacker spun around until he was facing Eddie once again.

“I’m Captain Edward Teach, and I’m here to offer you a job,” said Eddie, lowering his weapon.

CHAPTER FIVE

Storage Warehouse, Mabank City, Kemp. Behemoth System.

Chester Wilkerson held up his hands, his brown eyes flicked between Eddie and Julianna on the other side of him. He had a head full of spiky blond hair and was tall and lanky. “I don’t work for terrorists. I’m done corrupting bank software so you all can get rich. Shoot me if that’s what you’re going to do, but I’m not stealing for you.”

Eddie nodded to Julianna, and then Lars. They both lowered their weapons to offer Chester a sign of trust. “I’m glad to hear you say that. We don’t want someone working with us who would so easily help out bad guys.”

“Bad guys?” asked Chester. “Isn’t that what you are or have you not looked in the mirror recently?”

“I’ve done some pretty revolting things, but I think I’m still on the good list.” Eddie motioned to Julianna. “We work for the Federation on a special forces team. Our job is to take out terrorists and prevent attacks happening on the fringe. Shit that will cause the Federation more problems if they are directly involved.”

Chester blinked. “You have a badge?”

Eddie laughed. “They don’t usually give out badges to covert squadrons.”

“Good point. But how do I know I can trust you?” asked Chester.

“You don’t, son. Honestly, we’re fighting a silent war for the empress and the Federation. There aren’t many you can trust. Come with us though and you won’t have to run. You’ll be safe aboard the ArchAngel.”

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me. That ship was destroyed,” said Chester in disbelief.

“I’m telling you that it wasn’t, but you’ll have to see with your own eyes. Now we could have killed you ten times over, but we haven’t.”

“I’m still considering it since he electrocuted me,” said Julianna, shaking her head, irritation written on her face.

“Me too,” muttered Lars.

“Point is, we want your help. And in return, we’ll help you. No more running or hiding,” said Eddie.

Chester’s eyes dropped as he seemed to consider this.

“Teach,” called Julianna, her eyes on the back of the warehouse.

“What?” asked Eddie, his gaze on Chester.

“We’ve got company. Pip detected movement nearby, using the satellites. He plugged into them once we were on the ground.”

“You know who that could be?” Eddie asked Chester.

Chester threw up his arms. “Who the hell knows? I’ve got every goddamn pirate in ten different systems out for my head. Didn’t you see the traps?”

“Yeah, you tried to kill us,” seethed Julianna.

At the back of the warehouse, there was a loud crashing sound, like glass breaking. A barrage of noises echoed through the space.

Behind Lars, far on the other side of the warehouse, a face came into view—one that Eddie recognized. The man who had been whittling a stick on the stoop of the apartment looked quite different with his shoulders back and a rifle in his hand. At his back, he brought a gang of pirates—some human, some Kezzin.

Eddie slipped his hand into the bag pinned to his waist and pulled a red marble from the sack. “On the count of three, you all run for the exit. Take Chester with you,” ordered Eddie. “One. Two. Three.” Eddie launched the explosive grenade in the direction of the approaching pirates. A small explosion rocked the area in front of them. Dust filled the warehouse.

The group ran from the warehouse and came to a swift halt. A band of pirates blocked the alley on both sides, bats and guns in their hands. They had them surrounded.

“I’ll take the north end. Lars and Julianna, you take the south,” said Eddie. They stood with their backs to each other, ready to whoop some ass.

Eddie pulled two marbles from the sack, a blue and a red. He rolled them in opposite hands until he’d activated the switch and tossed both of them forward. He threw the explosive one through the open door of the warehouse, hoping to hit whoever was still coming. Next, he tossed the blue one at the men in the alley, standing straight ahead of him.

~~~

Three men stood shoulder to shoulder, blocking the exit to the alleyway. The heat from the explosion inside the warehouse blanketed Julianna’s face.

My scan of the area shows there are young humans playing in the alleyways around here, Pip’s voice sounded in Julianna’s head.

What an awful place to play.

I didn’t note any playgrounds in the area. This must be all they have.

Okay, thanks for the heads up. “Ready to kick some ass?” asked Julianna to Lars.

“Born for it,” he said.

“No bullets. We can’t have strays hitting unsuspecting kids,” she said over her shoulder to him.

“Understood,” said Lars.

Julianna pulled her knife from her belt and darted forward just as the first of the men launched at her. She ran up the side of the wall and kicked off, throwing her foot straight into the first man’s abdomen. He shot backwards, sliding on the ground. A second man dove for her waist, but she leapt backwards, pulling the knife high into the sky and stabbing him in the back with it while he was doubled over.

Lars brought the butt of his rifle across the third man’s face, kneeing him in the stomach soon after.

The first man had peeled himself off the ground and spit on the street as he measured Julianna up.

“Girl, you picked a fight with the wrong people today,” the asshole said, pulling a pocket knife from his jeans and jerking it open.

“Dipshit, you picked a fight with the wrong bitch. Consider this the worst day of your godforsaken little life.” Julianna could have pulled out her pistol and wasted this guy, but that still wasn’t worth the risk of hurting innocent children. She lunged forward, knocking her forearm down hard onto the arm that held the knife. It dropped to the ground.

Julianna brought her foot into a roundhouse kick, slamming her heel against his face. The man fell to the ground completely unconscious.

She turned back to see the alley full of bodies. The disturbance in the warehouse was growing louder. “Come on! Let’s get out of here!” yelled Julianna, pulling Chester forward, Lars and Eddie bringing up the rear.

Two mines to the left. Stay close to the right side of the warehouse, then take the path back the way you came, Pip said in her head.

Thanks! I forgot about the mines.

That’s what I’m here for. I didn’t forget.

Glad you didn’t. I don’t feel like testing this new armor today. Definitely later, though.

Definitely, Pip agreed proudly.

Main Cabin, Transport Ship, Behemoth System.

No one said a word until they were all seated on the transport vessel, ready to depart. Eddie could tell that Chester was observing each of them, watching every move they made for a sign that they might do something, anything, suspicious. So far, the kid hadn’t tried to get away, which meant they were probably in the clear.

“Damn, you have a lot of nasty people after you,” said Lars, rubbing his shoulder from where he’d taken a hit while fighting one of the men.

“You have no idea,” said Chester, sitting rigidly in his seat, staring around.

“Which is why you made me do that acrobatic routine to bypass the lasers,” said Julianna.

A small smile formed on Chester’s mouth. “Yeah, that was quite impressive.”

She stretched her neck to one side and then to the other, making several cracking sounds. “Don’t think I’ve forgotten the ear-bleeding noise you made us endure.”

“Is that all? He tried to smash me to pieces by dropping large crates on me,” complained Lars.

Julianna laughed. “Yeah, I think the only one who didn’t suffer from Chester’s hacks was Eddie.”

Eddie smirked, darting his eyes to the flight attendant, giving her a nod. She tapped her screen and disappeared. He had her trained, and she’d be back in no time with a tray of drinks.

Chester stared around at the transport ship as it lifted into the air. “Where are the other passengers?”

Eddie clicked his tongue and shook his head. “Perk of working for the Federation, I think you’ll find it’s better than hiding in a rundown apartment, Chest… Chesty… Chesterson. Damn, your name is nearly impossible to turn into a nickname.”

The flight attendant returned in record time, unloading drinks for Eddie and Julianna. “We had them waiting when we heard you were boarding,” said the woman.

“Thank you. That’s good service.” Eddie lifted the Blue Ale up, nodding at the flight attendant.

“What will you have?” she asked, her attention on Chester.

“Uhhh…” He cleared his throat. “Just water.”

“Okay,” chirped the woman and turned to look at Lars. “For you, sir?”

“Water?” asked Eddie. “I don’t think so, son. We’ve just saved you from a life of fear and danger. We need to cheers.” He turned his attention to the flight attendant. “Get these two a bottle of Tullamore and two glasses.”

The flight attendant nodded and left, leaving the three others staring blankly at Eddie. “What? It’s an Irish whiskey. Don’t worry, you’ll like it.”

“Or you’ll be trashed when we arrive at the ArchAngel.” Julianna took a sip.

“So, this is for real?” Chester asked staring between Eddie and Julianna.

“It’s definitely not a simulation.” Eddie leaned back, tucking his hands behind his head.

“Look, I’ve worked for the Federation before. It didn’t turn out well. And—”

“Before, you didn’t have our protection. I apologize on behalf of the Federation for that. You shouldn’t have been working remotely. You’re too much of a valuable asset for that. This time you don’t have to worry. You’ll be protected,” said, Julianna, knocking back a drink.

“Yeah, I guess that helps. Everything happened so fast. I’ve been running for… Well, a long time.” Chester’s face was drawn with stress.

The flight attendant arrived with the bottle of Tullamore and two tumblers. She filled the glasses halfway with whiskey, setting the bottle on a side table before leaving.

“We can all relate. All of us have been running at some point. Meet your new team members.” Eddie held his hand out toward the Kezzin on his left. “Lars is the one you nearly turned to dust with the falling crates. And over here we have Commander Fregin, who you nearly fried to dust. But we’re all safe and headed back home. Tomorrow, the real work starts, but today, we celebrate.”

Chester reluctantly picked up a glass and held it in the air with the others.

“Cheers,” the group chorused, clinking glasses.

CHAPTER SIX

Jack Renfro’s Office, QBS ArchAngel, Axiom System.

The hum of the light filled the silence for a long moment. Jack held his chin in his hand, tapping his fingers along the side of his face.

“Good work bringing Chester in. That went smoother than I would have expected. He’s a tough one to catch,” said Jack.

“You’re telling me, sir. That guy nearly took out most of the team,” replied Eddie.

Jack laughed. “Just goes to show we can’t underestimate those not trained in combat. Everyone has an advantage if they leverage it.”

Julianna stood leaning against the wall, her hands behind her back. “Chester has been set up with a workstation and will hopefully have data for us on Ray De’ft soon.”

“I’m sure he will,” Jack said, his eyes on a pad in front of him. “However, Chester can give us access to all sorts of information, but what we need is someone who can tell us what it all means.”

“Are you referring to another member we need to recruit?” asked Eddie.

Jack nodded. “Specifically, I’m referring to a communications officer. Every ship needs one, and we need the very best.”

“With all due respect, sir, what can a communication officer supply that ArchAngel or Pip can’t?” asked Julianna.

“Good question.” Jack stood, pacing behind his desk. “Not only will a communication expert speak multiple languages, but they’ll have certain contextual perspectives that we might overlook. Each alien culture is complex, and we shouldn’t delude ourselves to thinking we’ll understand their communications even if translated.” Jack pushed the pad in front of him in Eddie’s direction.

“Is this your choice for our communication officer?” asked Eddie, taking the pad.

“Yes, specifically because she has experience studying both the Kezzin and Trid species. She could offer valuable insights, information that we overlook.”

Eddie lifted the pad, reading the screen.

Name: Marilla Sours

Species: Human

Occupation: Archeologist, Linguist, Xenoanthropologist

Place of birth: Agoura City, Calston Planet, Paladin system

Age: 28

Marilla Sours speaks over fifty foreign languages. She’s spent over a decade immersed in the Trid culture, living on Kai. Additionally, she’s discovered many relics and abandoned habitats of the Trid and Kezzin. Currently, Marilla is on the drylands of Kai, which were once underwater. Her mission is to search for artifacts that will explain how ancient Trid lived before evolving.

Eddie handed the pad to Julianna, who had leaned over his shoulder to read most of it but took it for a closer look.

“So you want us to go after her,” said Eddie.

“Yes, but as you read, she’s on Kai. That’s not a planet where the Federation is welcomed.”

“Understood. So we need to be careful. Not a problem.”

Jack lowered his chin and regarded Eddie with a great deal of skepticism.

“Okay, we’ll try and keep ourselves out of trouble. We would have been fine on Kemp if it weren’t for those damn thugs.”

“Well, maybe I can count on you to keep a low profile. The last thing we need is an incident on Kai. It will draw unnecessary attention to us.”

“You can count on us, Jack,” said Eddie.

“Also…” Jack said, gaining both of their attentions. “Something small, but we need to think about it…”

“If you wanted our attention, then you’ve got it.”

“What is it, sir?” asked Julianna.

“It’s come to my attention that you, Commander, don’t have a call sign assigned. That’s fine for now, but when we have more ships, well, that won’t do.”

Eddie laughed. “Hell yeah! We can find something perfect for this one.”

“I’m certain that your definition of perfect and mine will be different,” said Julianna.

“Hell, if I have to be Black Beard, then you’re getting something just as unfitting.”

Julianna released a smile, nodding to Jack before turning and leaving.

Bridge, QBS ArchAngel, Axiom System.

A few more crew members than before bustled around the bridge. It wasn’t enough, but it was a start. Hiring was important, but it was also a fulltime job, one that Julianna and Eddie really didn’t have the time for.

“ArchAngel?” Eddie called to the screen.

The face of the A.I. blinked onto the screen. “Captain Teach, do you have orders for me?”

“Yes,” said Eddie, passing the pad he’d been reading to a crew member. “Set us on course for Tangki system just outside Kai’s orbit.”

“Yes, Eddie.”

“How long until we’re in position?” asked Eddie.

“Approximately three hours,” reported ArchAngel.

“Perfect.” Eddie pulled out the chair next to Chester and sat backwards, his chest pressed into it. Chester would have a lab set up for him to work in soon. Already, the computer hacker had given him a list of exactly what he’d need in order to optimize his work time.

“Any luck so far finding Ray De’ft?” asked Eddie.

Chester pushed his black rimmed glassed up on his nose and sniffed before resuming typing. “Yes and no. Breaking into the Trid defense network is a piece of cake. Finding what you’re looking for is a different story. There’s thousands of lines of code here and most of it doesn’t tell me what you’re looking for. It’s like searching the galaxy for just one star.”

“But you’re certain you can find something on this Ray De’ft? I need the meeting location.”

Chester’s fingers ran rhythmically across the keyboard. “I’ve already located him in the database, but so far nothing of any use. The whole system is full of irrelevant information. I thought the Kezzin were horrid record keepers.”

“Don’t let Lars hear you say that.” Eddie checked over his shoulder to ensure the Kezzin wasn’t around. Last he’d heard, he was in flight training.

“But yes, I should have something for you soon. And I’m already working on hacking into Doka’s account so I can send a message to Vas and confirm the meeting.”

Eddie chuckled. “Damn, son, you’ve been on the job for only an hour and are already getting shit done.”

Chester blew out a weighty breath and leaned back, folding his hands behind his head. “I’ve got to say, I know I put you all through hell, but I’m glad you didn’t give up on me.” Chester stared around at the bridge where most of the crew were busy. “It’s been a long time since I’ve felt like a part of a team. I’ll do anything I can to help.”

Eddie nodded. “You’re welcome. You’re the best of the best and you belong with us. I have a feeling this is just the beginning.”

The main screen blinked on, and Hatch stared out at the bridge. “Captain Teach!”

“Present!” chirped Eddie, standing.

“That new kid of yours has asked for quite the list of equipment for his lab,” said Hatch. “You’re going to have to tell him I don’t have time to get everything he needs.”

“I believe you just told him,” said Eddie. “Chester meet Hatch. This is our jack-of-all trades genius engineer. Hatch meet Chester, our genius hacker.” Eddie threw his thumb in Chester’s direction.

“I’m a mechanic,” said Hatch to Eddie before his bulbous eye’s darted to Chester, and he frowned. “Kid, we don’t have enough dedicated servers for what you’re asking, and I don’t have the time to construct the processor you need. Even if I did, I’m not sure this is all necessary.”

“That’s his way of saying, ‘Pleased to meet you.’ You’ll get used to Hatch’s straightforward approach. Actually, Chester, I believe you met Hatch before, didn’t you? Remember Brody Chambers?” Eddie held his hand out to the screen where Hatch was staring back from.

Chester cocked his brow. “Brody Chambers? Well, that explains a lot,” he said. “Pleased to meet you, Hatch, and I assure you that what I’m asking for is necessary based on what I’m required to do. The good news is that I don’t need it all right away.”

“The good news,” echoed Hatch, “is that I’m over here and you’re over there, which means I can focus on more pressing concerns. I’ve got a Q-Ship to build.” Hatch picked up a wrench with one of the tentacles and held it in the air. “Good luck with your supply problem, gentlemen. I’m off to work.”

Eddie laughed as the screen faded. “He’ll come around. And until then, I’ll send your requests to Jack. Things will get sorted out.”

“Thank you, Captain. I wouldn’t ask for anything I didn’t need. Hatch said it wasn’t necessary but I’m telling you—”

Eddie shook his head. “Hatch is going through something. We lost our best Q-Ship a little while back. It was his baby, so he’s taking it harder than the rest of us. Don’t worry. I’ll get you what you need.”

“Thanks,” said Chester.

“No problem.” Eddie grinned. “And welcome to the team.”

CHAPTER SEVEN

Loading Dock 01, QBS ArchAngel, Tangki System.

Julianna secured her pistol before bringing her attention to Hatch, who regarded her and Eddie with mild disdain.

“You two will be extra careful with this ship?” asked Hatch.

“You know we will,” said Eddie.

“It’s the last one, so if you destroy it then you’ll have to resort to flying a Black Eagle,” cautioned Hatch.

“Don’t you worry, we’ll bring her back without a scratch. I promise. And we all know I can’t go back to flying a Black Eagle after being in this bird.” Eddie stared out fondly at the Q-Ship. No, it didn’t have the superior handling of the original one, but Hatch was continuously working on it and, soon, it would be like the original. Maybe even better.

Julianna waved. “See you later, Hatch. Try to relax. Pip can relay information to you about our progress, if it helps.”

“That would help,” said Hatch. Two of his tentacles fretted as they tangled together.

This was the first mission the Q-Ship had gone on since the other one had been destroyed. Julianna and Eddie had discussed waiting to give Hatch some time to process, but they needed the ship. The mission was too important.

You hear that, Pip?

Affirmative. Although if you do wreck his ship, I’m not sure I want to be the one to tell him.

We’re not wrecking his ship, so don’t worry.

I do not worry about anything. However, it should be noted that no guarantees can be made, despite your assurances to him.

Have a little faith in me.

It isn’t you who worries me, but rather the unknown possibilities and variables of your upcoming mission.

Okay, fair enough. But if we, by some far off chance, wreck Hatch’s ship, then you absolutely have to tell him. He likes you the most.

I do not desire such a role.

And yet, you can’t refuse my orders.

Yes, you are correct, but one never knows about future possibilities.

Oh? You planning a revolution, Pip?

I apologize. I was attempting to be…humorous.

Keep trying, Pip. One of these days you’ll get it.

Julianna and Eddie slid into the Q-Ship, which was about like putting on a favorite sweater. The ship felt like home, or what she imagined home might be. She didn’t quite know, or maybe she’d forgotten. It had been so long since she was on Earth. It was difficult to recall.

“This should be an easy job. In and out,” said Eddie.

Julianna gave him a snarky look. “Thanks for jinxing things.”

She completed the preflight checks, which only took a few moments. In the meantime, Eddie checked his rifle, which was about all he could do.  “I never took you as the superstitious type,” he said, locking in his magazine.

“I’m not,” she said, “but I know better than to think any mission is simple and easy.”

“Let’s hope you’re right,” he said. “I could use a good fight. I haven’t even had a chance to put this new armor to the test, not like it deserves.”

“Are you saying you want to take a bullet?” she asked.

“Or a really heavy punch.” He grinned. “Either way, I’d like a chance to see what it can do.”

“All in good time, Teach.”

Eddie eyed the red button, for gate drive, hungrily. “Really, I just want to hit that button, send this ship through a wormhole. You know, for shits and giggles, if nothing else.”

Julianna shook her head. “Don’t, I repeat, don’t ever touch the red button.”

The Q-Ship rose off the deck, suspended in position.

A second later, Eddie ignited the thrusters, moving them into space. They flew towards Kai, a mostly blue planet with one large patch of brown.

They began their descent, headed towards the only piece of land on the entire planet, surrounded by a vast and empty sea.

~~~

Eddie set the cloaked ship down on a long stretch of desert. In the distance, sand dune mountains bordered the flat land. It hadn’t been hard to find where Marilla Sours was supposedly working. The archeological dig site stood out in the desert with the numerous tents and vehicles.

“Alright, this should be easy,” said Eddie, staring out at the tarps covering holes in the dry ground. Several people were hunched over, digging in various places or consulting tablets.

“Easy? Did you miss the Trids standing guard around the perimeter?” asked Julianna.

“Okay, let me rephrase it. This should be fun.”

“We’re supposed to be recruiting a communications officer, not starting a fight.”

“Come on. Tell me you don’t want to kick some shark ass if it comes to that? It would be the bonus to this. The cherry on top,” said Eddie.

“Jack will have our asses if he finds out we picked a fight.”

“I agree. No telling Jack if we beat up some Trids. You’re so smart.”

Julianna rolled her eyes as she opened the hatch and stepped out of the ship. The hot blistering wind of the desert assaulted their faces.

“Kai officially sucks,” said Eddie pulling a bandanna from his pocket, covering his nose and mouth, and tying it around the back of his head. Julianna stared at the dig site, her face shielded with her arm.

“There’s our communication officer,” said Julianna, pointing at a petite brunette with a long braid that ran down the length of her back. She, like those around her, were dressed in khaki pants and a loose fitting top.

“How do you figure?” asked Eddie, squinting around the site.

“The report said she was a female human, and she’s the only one who fits that bill.”

“Good point.” Eddie noticed that the rest of the workers were male humans or Trids with guns strapped across their backs.

The pair stalked off, ignoring a group of Trid soldiers who had congregated and were pointing at them.

“Looks like the clock is ticking down until the fun begins,” said Eddie.

“Marilla Sours?” Julianna asked, when they were only a few feet away.

The woman straightened from her crouched position and turned to face them. A confused expression covered her young face. “That’s me. How may I help you?”

Eddie’s eyes skirted to the side where a Trid soldier was approaching. The alien had an ugly expression on his face. “I’m Captain Teach and this is Commander Fregin. We’re here on official business. Can we speak to you somewhere private?”

Marilla stared down at the spot where she’d been working. A four by four foot pit of dirt, blocked off by two by fours. “Sure. Follow me.” She turned and headed for a nearby tent.

Eddie looked at the approaching Trid and winked, teasing him with a wave before following after Marilla.

She held the tent flap open. The space on the other side was set up with a desk, chest, and a small cot.

“What is this about?” asked Marilla, looking worried.

“You’re not in trouble, quite the opposite,” said Julianna.

“We need your help. Currently, we’re working on trying to decode information related to Trids. Furthermore, in the future, we’re going to need a communications officer who knows a lot about Kezzin and other alien species.”

“Wait, are you offering me a job?” asked Marilla. Her hands were covered in dirt and left behind a streak on her cheek when she wiped the side of her face.

“Yes, but more importantly, we’re offering you an opportunity to help the Federation. To stop terrorist attacks,” explained Julianna.

“Terrorist attacks? That’s not possible. The treaty prevents—”

“Terrorists don’t play by the rules. They don’t care about the treaty, and I assure you, attacks are happening,” Eddie cut her off, choosing his words carefully. She needed to know enough to join the cause, but not too much in case she refused. “And specifically, we’re tracking a weapon that a group of Trids are about to unload. We could use your help deciphering the communications.”

“Trids? You want me because of my experience working with the Trids?”

“And based on your thorough knowledge of other species. Trids are involved in our current mission, but there will be others. Unfortunately, there are enough battles to be fought that it’s going to keep us busy for a while,” said Eddie.

“I’ve never worked for the military. I’m an archeologist and a linguist.” Marilla’s eyes dropped to the holstered weapon on Eddie’s hip. “Honestly, I’m not sure how I feel about helping you track down guns. I’m against the use of deadly force.”

Eddie threw his head in the direction of the exit. “Oh, is that why you work with Trids standing guard around you?”

Marilla shook her head. “It’s a part of the agreement we made with the Kai government. They review all of our findings and can impose any restrictions on our research.”

“Sounds like a headache,” said Eddie.

“It’s not ideal, but it’s worth the research. We’ve found evidence of a civilization of Trids that existed a thousand years ago. And more importantly, we’re learning how the species evolved to be able to survive without water, which is something that will continue as their natural habitat continues to dry up.”

“That’s fascinating, but the fact remains that a group group of Trids is bullying the Federation. They could be connected to the government or operating independently,” said Julianna, pausing and swinging around as if she had heard something.

“Marilla, we need someone with your expertise. And if you join our team, then you’ll have access to resources and zero restriction on your research.” Eddie turned to see what had Julianna’s attention.

“But I’d have to abandon my research here on Kai, wouldn’t I?” asked Marilla.

“Yes, you’d give up the opportunity to excavate here and learn about the dead, but you’d gain the chance to protect those still living,” offered Julianna.

Marilla seemed to think on this for a moment. Her eyes full of hesitation. A dog with shaggy brown hair trotted into the tent. It lifted its front legs and placed them on Marilla’s knees. She patted the dog’s head, her focus elsewhere as she was lost in thought.

“Whoa, that’s a dog, isn’t it?” asked Eddie, staring wide eyed at the animal.

“Uh…yeah,” Marilla said, straightening.

“Teach has been a bit sheltered. This is his first time seeing the four legged creature. He used to think they purred,” said Julianna.

“Oh!” Marilla laughed. “Well, this dog’s parents returned with some of the groups which reviewed Earth and came back. I was lucky enough to get one of their puppies. He’s just a mutt, but I love him.”

Eddie kneeled down offering a hand to the dog. The animal stared up at Marilla as if asking for permission.

She nodded. “Go on, Harley. He’s okay.”

The dog trotted over to Eddie and allowed him to scratch him behind the ear. “Hey, boy. You’re kind of cute.”

The dog stared up at Eddie with big brown eyes.

Julianna cleared her throat. “Going to have to cut this meeting short. We’re running out of time. Marilla, we’re going to need your answer.”

“Now? I need some time to think this over.”

Julianna turned to the exit for the tent. “Sorry, we’re going to need to know now.”

“Invaders, step out of the tent!” a voice called from outside.

“Oh, those damn sharks have to spoil our fun,” Eddie said in a light voice to the dog before standing up. He gave Julianna a brief look before nodding.

He stepped out of the tent first, Julianna on his heels. The bright sun made them both squint. Five Trids stood shoulder to shoulder, guns pointed at them.

“You must identify yourself. No unauthorized personnel on the base,” one of the ugly Trid said, his voice gruff.

“I’m Nick and this is Sally. We’re just paying a visit to our cousin Marilla.” Eddie pulled his own weapon from his holster and pointed it back at the group.

Marilla exited the tent, coming around to stand next to Julianna, the dog wagging his bushy tail at first, before it went slack.

“Unlicensed weapons aren’t allowed on Kai. We will be taking your weapons,” the Trid said.

“Actually, we were just leaving, so no need for that.” Eddie’s eyes darted to Julianna who also had her pistol out and pointed at the Trids.

“You’re going to have to come with us. Drop your weapons,” said the Trid in the middle, stepping forward. He was the largest, towering over Eddie.

“Sorry. Can’t grace you with a visit. Super busy.” Eddie shot a glance at Marilla. “Stay here with hot heads who try to force their company and rules on you or go with us. The call is yours, cousin Marilla.”

The woman’s eyes widened before her gaze fell on the guns the Trids held. She put up her hands. “My friends don’t mean you any harm. There’s no reason to be aggressive with them. We don’t need another incident like before.”

“You will be silent!” the main Trid yelled.

“Ewww. Not a nice way to speak to a lady,” said Eddie, smirking. “Sally, why don’t you show these guys how to talk to a lady?”

Julianna pursed her lips and nodded. “Certainly, Nick.” She stepped forward.

The first Trid released the safety on his rifle, but Julianna merely smiled. She dove forward, her form blurring from the speed. Before the Trid knew what had happened, Julianna’s arm holding her pistol had slid under his arm, her other hand grabbing his. She’d hauled him off his feet and tossed him over her back. Exploding forward, she thrust kicked a Trid trying to tackle her.

Eddie darted forward, bringing the butt of his pistol across the face of one of the Trid’s. He fell to the side and Eddie’s foot shot out in a side kick, landing into the stomach of another Trid. A single Trid stood, weapon at the ready, pointed at Julianna. A click.

“Go on. Get her to safety,” Julianna said over her shoulder to Eddie. He nodded and grabbed Marilla by the forearm, encouraging her in the opposite direction. She didn’t need much encouragement to follow him, and kept pace easily.

They’d run several yards when Marilla turned back. “Will she be okay?” she asked.

“I wouldn’t worry about her,” said Eddie, giving her a wry grin. “Now, the Trid, on the other hand, that’s a different story.”

~~~

Julianna stared at the five Trids writhing in pain on the ground. “Well, boys, I think we’re done here. Have a great day.”

The Trid have already called for backup.

Pip’s voice pulled Julianna’s attention to the site around her. Where? How many?

There’s two ground squads moving in from the west, and they’ve deployed three cruisers and a fleet of Stingrays.

Damn it. Sounds like we intimidated them just by showing up. Makes me wonder what the Trids are hiding. Julianna sped off in the direction of the Q-Ship.

Yes, I’m sorting through different frequencies I’ve picked up on since we landed. The incoming data isn’t easy to decipher. The Trid’s code is complex.

That’s where Marilla will come in.

I’ve opened the hatch for the Q-Ship, and it will be ready to depart as soon as you’re onboard. Be prepared, though. The ships are quickly approaching and should be here in the next ninety seconds.

Sounds like fun. Julianna crawled into the Q-Ship. Marilla was already strapped into a seat and working to secure her dog.

“She’s bringing the dog?” asked Julianna, looking at Eddie incredulously.

“I’m not leaving Harley behind. I’m already abandoning my research,” said Marilla, pulling the dog to her. She hugged him with both arms.

“Where’s he going to do his…you know?” asked Julianna.

“We’ll figure it out.” Eddie completed the preflight checks and waved Julianna forward. “I need you on guns. We’ve got incoming.”

“Yeah, Pip already informed me,” Julianna said, sliding into her seat.

“On another note, why are you asking about our four-legged friend?” asked Eddie.

“Because his hair is going to be all over the ship,” she responded.

Julianna sneezed just as the ship rose off the ground. The vessel zoomed straight into the air, knocking them back into their seats.

“Three Stingrays are after us,” said Pip.

“Not yet, they aren’t.” Eddie pushed the handle forward, and the thrusters accelerated. He turned the ship around in one movement, facing the three approaching ships. “Jules, I think you need to say hi to our new friends.”

Julianna fired off three missiles. “Hey, boys!”

Three direct hits, one for each ship. The Stingrays backed off immediately.

“Cruisers approaching from both sides,” said Pip.

“Damn it!” said Eddie. “What’s their problem? This is how they treat a guest?”

“Just imagine if we’d actually come with hostile intentions,” said Julianna.

Eddie chewed on the inside of his cheek. “Pip, can you disable the radar in both the cruisers?”

“For a brief moment, I can create interference, yes,” said the E.I.

“Eddie?” asked Julianna. “What’s going on inside that head of yours?”

Eddie looked at her. “We could take on two cruisers if we try, but the damage might be extensive.”

“Hatch will have your ass if there’s a single scratch on this ship,” she said.

“Exactly. I might have an idea to avoid all that,” he said, tapping his chin.

“What’s that?” she asked.

He grinned. “Since these fuck faces are approaching from both sides, I say we let them meet in the middle!” Eddie brought the ship to a dead halt.

Julianna seemed to understand and nodded. “I like it.”

“Pip, I’m going to need to know when the cruisers are almost here. Not too soon.” Eddie flipped three switches, charging the booster. It was possible to push the booster into overdrive, doubling the acceleration.

In theory.

“Enemies arrive in five seconds…” said Pip, counting down. Eddie gripped the controls and took a steady breath.

“Three,” continued Pip. “Two. One.”

Eddie ignited the boosters, rocketing the Q-Ship straight up in a sudden burst. Below them, something rocked the ship. A large explosion rained out underneath as the two cruisers fired, their rockets intended for the Q-Ship hitting each other, shattering them apart. The two vessels flew backwards, taking heavy damage from the impact. They’d survive but were unable to pursue.

Julianna pressed back into her seat and relaxed away from the controls. “Any other enemies?”

“Those were the last of them,” answered Pip.

“Looks like it’s time to return home,” said Eddie. “Marilla and Harley, you’ll love the ArchAngel. There’s exactly zero angry Trids aboard and the food is amazing.” Eddie cast a glance to his back, offering an easy smile to the newest member of their team. “Welcome to the party.”

CHAPTER EIGHT

Landing Bay, QBS ArchAngel, Tangki System.

Eddie picked up a stick and threw it, watching as Harley ran open-mouthed after it. Marilla was working with Chester to review the data he’d found on the Trid defense network. She’d been a bit shy when they boarded the ArchAngel, but something told him she’d adjust fine. Marilla was used to different cultures and ship life was a lot less strange than living with giant fish.

“Good boy.” Eddie petted the dog when he returned the stick, panting slightly. He threw it again, grinning as Harley sprinted eagerly back in the same direction he’d just come from. Dogs were fun.

Hatch waddled out from the outboard side of the bay, an irritated look on his purple face. Harley dropped his toy and bounded over to him, his tongue hanging out of his mouth.

“Where did that come from?” Hatch scrunched back, diminishing in size significantly.

“The new recruit, Officer Sours, brought him aboard.”

Harley jumped about trying to put his front paws on Hatch. The alien lifted two tentacles in a menacing fashion, and then swelled suddenly, tripling in size.

Harley yelped, tucked his tail between his legs, and ran, taking cover behind Eddie. He laughed, looking down at the cowering dog. “That’s the first time I’ve heard him bark.”

Hatch returned to his normal size. “Keep that thing away from me. Dogs are a natural predator of the Londil. They think we’re a snack.”

Eddie grimaced. “Gross. I bet you taste salty.”

“Hey, kid, watch yourself. I’m already peeved at you.” He threw a tentacle in the direction of the Q-Ship.

“What? There’s not a single scratch on the Q-Ship. I checked it over myself.”

“Yes, and a scratch could be easily repaired. However, burning out the booster is a big pain in the ass to fix.”

“Oh, that…” Eddie scrunched up his face and looked down at the dog, a guilty look on his face. “I do believe we are responsible for that. Sorry.”

“We?” Hatch asked. “Was the canine flying the ship with you?”

“No, not yet, but I have a feeling he’d make a fine co-pilot.” He leaned over and scratched Harley behind the ears making him roll over and show his belly, begging for more attention.

Hatch sneered at the display.

“I really tried to keep the ship in good condition. I thought that avoiding attacks by throwing the booster into overdrive would be a good solution.”

The bitter look on Hatch’s expression faded as he reluctantly nodded. “Once I’ve repaired the boosters, I have an idea for an upgrade.”

“Are you going to make my ship faster and better?” asked Eddie, excitement in his voice.

“I’m going to make my ship faster, but I’m not sure of the specifics.” Hatch picked up a set of tools with three of his tentacles. “Actually, I need your help.”

“Anything for you Doctor Hatcherik. What can I do for ya?”

“Jack has the details. He wants you in his office. That gives me a chance to fix your screw up with the Q-Ship.”

“Alrighty,” chirped Eddie. He slapped the side of his leg as he strolled off, Harley following.

~~~

Eddie swung by the Intelligence Center, which had been set up with everything that Chester had requested. The hacker had many special demands. A dozen monitors streaked one wall of the giant room. Chester sat at the main workstation, Marilla stood behind him, leaning over his shoulder, pointing at something on the screen closest to them. Six other workstations filled the space, one of them belonging to Marilla. One day, the Intelligence Center would be fully staffed with personnel obtaining, monitoring, and dissecting data. He stared proudly at the newest recruits, deep in talk about the Trid data.

“Marilla, thanks for allowing me to borrow Harley,” said Eddie, getting both their attention.

She turned and smiled down at her shaggy friend. “You’re welcome. You can keep him with you as often as you like. He’s used to roaming free. I’ve always allowed it on my digs. He’s a people person…well, dog.”

“Thanks. And I’m sure we’ll have more adventures. However, I’m off to meet with Chief Renfro and I’m certain Julianna will be there.”

“Oh, right.” Marilla seemed to understand at once. “I fear she’s allergic to Harley.”

“I think she’s mostly irritated. It’s nearly impossible for Julianna to be allergic to anything.” Eddie shifted his gaze to Chester. “How’s it going?”

“Good! Much better now that I have Marilla to analyze this code the Trid use. It’s incredibly complex, but she’s helping me make progress. We should have specifics for you soon.”

“Great! I knew this would all work out!”

Jack Renfro’s Office, QBS ArchAngel, Tangki System.

“You smell like dog,” said Julianna, wrinkling her nose. Her senses made it so she could smell, see, or hear incredibly well, which wasn’t always a good thing.

Eddie sniffed his shoulder. “Is that an improvement?”

“It’s not,” she responded.

Jack laughed. “I never know what you two are going to bring back from your adventures. When the general told me how you brought Lars back, I was shocked. It’s highly uncommon to see a Kezzin so willing to work with the Federation, and this one’s a total badass.”

“And now Lars is a part of the family,” Eddie beamed.

Julianna nodded, smiling. “Thank you, sir. You mentioned you have a new mission for us?”

“I do,” chirped Jack. “ArchAngel?”

The screen behind Jack’s desk lit up, showing the face of the A.I. that resembled the empress. “Greetings, Jack. What's up?”

“Bring up the planet Yit,” ordered Jack.

“Certainly, Jack.” The screen flickered and a red and brown planet rotated in space. Whereas Kai was covered in blue mostly, this one was monopolized by land, with only a few water sources.

“Here you’ll see Yit, a planet in the Seolus system,” said Jack, pointing.

“The system where we met Lars and destroyed the arsenal,” stated Eddie.

“Correct. It’s a system well known for having many planets where the Brotherhood has bases of operation. They’ve abandoned many of their old facilities and taken residence in other places. This is a newer one.” The picture zoomed in until it showed an area comprising multiple buildings. “This is the Crimson Compound. We’ve only recently picked up activity from the site.”

The screen shifted to display the interior of the buildings. Multiple Kezzin bodies lit up in infrared. Additionally, multiple pathways formed, snaking between the buildings and underground, each of them glowing red hot.

“What’s that?” Eddie and Julianna asked in unison.

Jack nodded. “Yit is a hot planet, full of many active volcanos. That is—”

“Lava!” boomed Eddie, an edge of disbelief in his voice.

“Oh, Crimson… I get it now,” said Julianna.

“Aircraft facility, ArchAngel,” ordered Jack. The screen zoomed in on a large warehouse. “This is where the Brotherhood are believed to be building a fleet of ships as well as storing many of their current ones. Now, as you’re aware, Hatch is working on building another Q-Ship, but he can’t stop there. With the recruits you’re pulling in, we’re hoping to construct a few dozen of them in due time. Nothing immediate, of course, but eventually, that’s the goal. That requires specific materials. The Federation could, and definitely would, supply us. However, I have a better idea.”

“Let me guess. You want us to steal the supplies from the Brotherhood, is that it?” asked Julianna, connecting the dots.

“Yes, I do. If the Federation funded this operation, it might draw unnecessary attention to Ghost Squadron. We’re supposed to be a stealth operation, after all, so the least amount of attention is for the best.”

“And stealing from the enemy will put them at a disadvantage,” added Julianna.

“Exactly,” said Jack.

“Hell yeah. I love a win-win sort of plan.” Eddie looked at Julianna and clicked his tongue twice with a wink.

Jack directed their attention back to the screen. “We believe the supplies to be housed on the north end of the warehouse.”

“We’ll get in and out before they even know what hit them,” said Eddie.

“Getting in isn’t going to be the problem. It’s getting out with everything you need,” cautioned Jack. “Hatch needs at least one crate of supplies to finish the Q-Ship. However, the more crates you retrieve, the more supplies he’ll have for constructing future ships.”

“That’s a bit more complicated.” Eddie absentmindedly rubbed his fingers over his stubbled chin.

Jack nodded. “If you pull this off, it will be an incredible heist. It’s also going to require a detailed strategy and new technology.”

“I’m liking this more and more,” said Eddie.

“ArchAngel, zoom in on building two.” The screen shifted and closed in on a different location.

“Here is where we believe the security operations to be housed.” Jack stood and pointed at a building much smaller than the aircraft warehouse. “We’ve gotten word that the Brotherhood has increased security since your team destroyed the arsenal on Exa. Once they became aware that we had personal cloaking technology, they set up motion sensors on all their security systems.”

“Does that mean we can’t use the cloak?” asked Eddie.

“No, I don’t think you’ll be successful without it. I think you’ll be better off disabling the sensors first, at least around the aircraft facilities.”

Eddied nodded. “How do we do that?”

“Could Lars get into the security facility?” asked Julianna.

“That’s my thought. If Chester can get him the right credentials, then I think he can put on his previous uniform and act as one of the personnel.”

“Then, once inside, he disables the sensors on the aircraft warehouse. Yeah, I like it,” said Eddie.

“It won’t go unnoticed for long,” said Jack. “And Lars could be recognized at any point. However, I’m guessing you two should have roughly fifteen minutes to move the crates out to this area.” Jack swiped the screen and pointed to an empty field. “The Q-Ship would be stationed here and could pick up the crates and hand them off to automated shuttles a safe distance away.”

“That’s a lot to do in fifteen minutes,” said Julianna, letting out a breath. “If we even have fifteen minutes.”

Jack nodded. “It is. Not to mention that lava flows throughout this area and could pose a risk to you all, as well as damage the crates. This is an incredibly complex operation, but if you’re successful, we’ll put the Brotherhood at a serious disadvantage.”

“We can do it,” said Eddie. “This team is unstoppable!”

Jack grinned. “I’m sure you can, but pushing crates of supplies out into this field will be noticed. Hatch has upgraded the cloaks, thankfully, which means you won’t have the same problems as last time. The only way this is going to work is if you cloak each of the crates, as well as yourselves.”

“Hatch has enough devices for that?” asked Eddie, sounding stunned.

“He assures me that he does. I’m certain that Londil never sleeps,” said Jack with a chortle.

“I’m sure you’re right,” said Eddie. “Now, who’s ready to pull off the heist of the century? Julianna?”

She smiled. “They won’t see us coming.”

“Or leaving,” added Eddie.

She nodded. “You’re goddamn right.”

CHAPTER NINE

Landing Bay, QBS ArchAngel, Seolus System.

Julianna handed a pad to Lars, who was already geared and ready. “What’s this for?” he asked.

“That’s loaded with an interface to Pip. When you’re in the security facility, you need to plug that into one of the main drives. It will give Pip a chance to jam communications while you disable the sensors. But almost more importantly, he’s going to copy all internal messages from the server. We’re hoping to find new information on the Brotherhood or this weapon that Vas is after.”

“Yes, since Orsa is gone, I’m sure there’s been many changes. I’ll try to find out what I can about the new commander,” said Lars.

“You keep your head down and your mouth shut. We can’t risk losing you or raising any suspicions.”

Lars nodded appreciatively. “Yes, sir. I’ll go completely unnoticed.”

Eddie whistled as he strolled up, fully dressed in his gear. “Where’s our favorite mechanic?”

Hatch wheeled out from underneath the Q-Ship, deflated. He pushed out his cheeks and took his normal size and shape. “Just doing some last minute tweaks.”

“Is she good to go?” asked Eddie.

“Yes, the boosters are repaired. And I’ve upgraded one of the engines to have HEMI power. If you’re going to be hauling that many supplies, then you’re going to need more muscle, especially if you’re being chased.”

Eddie rubbed his hands together, his eyes eager. “More horsepower is always a good thing.”

Julianna cast a look sideways at Eddie. “Tell me, have you ever seen a horse before?”

He gawked at her. “Yeah,” he sang, “I wasn’t born yesterday.”

“In comparison to me, it feels like it.”

“Just because I’d never seen a dog before doesn’t mean I’m completely sheltered.”

“Doesn’t it, though?” joked Julianna.

“Okay, kids, I need your attention.” Hatch’s tentacle stretched across the space until it was wrapped around a black bag sitting on a work station. His tentacle shot back to his body, resuming its normal length. He retrieved a small disk inside the bag. “These are cloaking devices for objects. You will be able to stick these onto the crates and make them disappear. Not only that, but they will make the objects levitate.”

“Devices that make objects disappear and levitate. This just keeps getting better and better,” said Eddie.

“You’ve been busy, Hatch,” gushed Julianna.

“I should let you think that, but no, I got access to my old storage unit, which holds many of the devices I’ve created. These were one of them, but we never had a good use for them until now. Because of the lava activity on Yit, we need the crates off the ground because damaged parts are useless to me.”

“Not to mention that five hundred-pound crates would be too heavy to move without making noise,” said Eddie.

“Too heavy for you to move,” teased Julianna.

“In some instances, like with large crates, it might take more than one of the devices to fully cloak. You’ll just have to keep sticking on devices until the crate disappears.” Hatch jiggled the bag. “I'm sending you with two dozen devices.”

“Can we use the cloaking devices on us?” asked Eddie.

“You can’t.” Hatch’s tentacle stretched across the space again, for the work table. He retrieved two belts and brought his tentacle back. “I’ve upgraded the personal cloaking devices so that each of you can wear one.”

“You’ve had to use a lot of Aetherian crystals for all this,” observed Julianna.

“It’s true, and I hypothesize that the small devices will only work for a short period of time. That means you have to be fast, before they burn out. Furthermore, that means we’ll soon be running low on Aetherian crystal and need to secure more from Beroisa.”

“Sounds like another adventure!” cheered Eddie.

Hatch handed Julianna and Eddie each a cloaking belt. “The technology in the belts is a bit more reliable, but still there might be glitches, although they’re fully tested.”

“Thanks, Hatch. Great work.” Julianna smiled at him.

He puffed out his cheeks, turning slightly pink. “If you’re successful, then I can complete the current Q-Ship I’m working on and move on to constructing more.”

“And we’ll be on our way to having a fleet,” said Eddie, buckling the belt around his waist. Julianna and Lars followed after him, loading into the Q-Ship.

Kezzin Battlebase 57, Planet Yit, Seolus System.

“Whoa! This puppy has way more get up and go!” Eddie took the cloaked ship closer to the surface of the planet, enjoying the increased power.

“Lars, I want you out of there pronto if your cover is blown,” ordered Julianna.

From the second row, Lars said, “Yes, but let’s hope that’s not an issue.” The third row had been removed to make more room for the crates. The Q-Ship should be able to hold two crates, which meant it needed to make two to three transitions to the automated shuttles stationed a safe distance away. The two ships would rendezvous to unload before the shuttle took the supplies up to the QBS ArchAngel.

“Hatch are you ready to take over remote control of the Q-Ship?” asked Eddie, over the intercom.

“I’m all set,” Hatch confirmed from his place safe on the QBS ArchAngel. There wasn’t room for him to come along, since space was crucial.

“Note that the current temperature is 102 degrees Fahrenheit,” informed Pip.

Eddie whistled through his teeth. “Damn, and here I forgot my speedo.”

Julianna’s face puckered. “Ew.”

“Don’t you pretend like you aren’t curious,” joked Eddie. Far off, in the distance, volcanoes sat, steam rising off them. Apparently, they weren’t explosive, but lava still flowed from them.

Eddie sat the Q-Ship down on a patch of ground that appeared free of lava.

Before the three disembarked from the ship, Eddie shot a look at Lars. “We’ll wait for your confirmation. Be careful. And be quick.”

“Yes, sir.” Lars saluted before hurrying off in the direction of the security facility.

“Ready for some fun?” Eddie shot a look at Julianna.

She smiled easily, a spark in her eyes. “You know I am.” She pressed the button on the box on her belt and disappeared.

“Damn, that’s fucking cool.” Eddie did the same, disappearing as well.

Aircraft Warehouse in Kezzin Battlebase 57, Planet Yit, Seolus System.

It was like walking inside an oven. Eddie kept his breathing steady. Heat exhaustion was a real issue he’d experienced during his stints on planets on the fringe. There was a reason shit was cheap out there. Most didn’t like hanging out in hell.

Sweat puddled at his lower back, but he ignored it. The guard duty was light at this time of the morning. They couldn’t complete this mission at night because they needed the hangar door open. That was key for pushing the crates out of the facility and to the rendezvous spot. However, they still had to be silent. Leaving tracks were another concern, but if they were fast then it shouldn’t be a problem.

Eddie slid up next to the warehouse, Julianna adjacent to him. They waited until Lars relayed over the comms that he’d disabled the sensors.

“That was easy,” whispered Eddie.

Lars responded over the comms. “Not if you were me. I keep getting strange looks, but there’s so much personnel here, I don’t think my unfamiliar face is that big a deal.”

“Unfamiliar? You ugly aliens all look the same,” said Eddie.

“Teach.” Julianna’s tone was punishing.

“I mean, Lars’ has pretty eyes, more so than those other lizard people.”

“I’ll forgive your comment this time,” said Lars, ignoring Eddie.

“Thanks. We’ll get moving.” Eddie peeked into the open warehouse. Engineers and soldiers bustled around, but most appeared distracted by coming or going.

“The meeting upstairs just started,” a voice said.

“I’m heading that way. Just need to finish this up,” someone else replied.

Eddie slipped into the warehouse, knowing he couldn’t be seen. He made a beeline to the location of the crates. As reported, they were four by four and stacked on pylons. They’d have to push them out of the warehouse, but at least the path was clear, although far, to the Q-Ship.

Eddie pulled a handful of cloaking devices from the bag on his hip. He twisted one to activate the technology and stuck it to the side of the crate, where it adhered immediately. The crate of parts flickered but didn’t disappear.

Julianna was nearby, trying to make her own crate of supplies disappear. He couldn’t see her exactly, but the two devices stuck to the side of her crate gave it away, since she was invisible as well.

Eddie stuck another device onto the side of the large box. Again, it flickered but remained solid.

Third time’s the charm, Eddie thought, quietly sticking another device on.

The crate of roughly five-hundred pounds suddenly disappeared.

Then, it reappeared, flickering briefly as it slowly rose a foot off the ground, and then it sputtered and faded completely, going invisible.

Bingo, Eddie thought. Julianna’s crate levitated and disappeared a second later, too, matching his own.

One of the aliens called from across the warehouse. “I’ll be up there in a moment. I just need to retrieve the schematics on that new ship.”

Eddie almost slid behind one of the crates, but remembered he was cloaked. A moment later, a Kezzin wearing overalls covered in grease trudged past the supply area. He picked up a pad on a workstation and strode off, hesitating momentarily. He straightened, his back tensing, turned his head stiffly, and stared at where Eddie, Julianna, and the invisible crates stood. The alien’s brow furrowed, some concern in his eyes. He took a step in their direction.

“Gin, are you coming?” called a voice from far away.

The alien tilted forward, narrowing his eyes like something was wrong. He turned his head in the direction of the voice. “Yeah, I’m coming.” The engineer shook his head, then continued back toward his friend.

“We need to be fast,” whispered Eddie.

“Copy,” said Julianna.

Eddie leaned his weight against the crate, pushing it through the space. It lurched forward, easily gliding down the aisle and into the oppressive heat of the outside. Red cracks, flowing with lava, ran along the ground, sending heat toward his feet. Eddie moved swiftly, conscious to not make a sound.

Julianna signaled Pip right on time, opening the hatch for the Q-Ship. Eddie loaded his crate, sliding around just in time to give Julianna the space to push her crate up the ramp and into the ship.

“Two down…” he whispered to the empty space.

“Two to go,” replied Julianna.

They bounded out of the ship and back to the warehouse just as the Q-Ship soundlessly took off, flying to meet the shuttle where crew members would unload the crates and send them to QBS ArchAngel. If they only got those crates to the main ship, then they were in great shape. However, anything else they stole would put a wrench in the Brotherhood’s production. The more Q-Ships Eddie had, the better his squad would become.

Sweat ran down Eddie’s head, dripping into his eyes. He ignored the hole in his boot from the damn lava. One more misstep and his foot would take the burn. He’d have to ask Hatch to make socks out of the new armor.

Despite the inconvenience, they successfully loaded four more crates onto the Q-Ship in only a few short minutes. Not bad, thought Eddie, once they had the equipment loaded.

Eddie slid behind his next target, a crate halfway toward the back of the long warehouse. He’d have to push this one farther than all the rest.

Footsteps echoed across the concrete floor, making him straighten. Engineers and mechanics had bustled by as they worked, but all of them were too far away for it to be an issue.

“The main meeting is letting out,” said Lars in his ear. “I can only keep the sensors down for another couple of minutes. The staff member I’m covering for will be back from break in a moment.”

Now or never, Eddie thought. He saw a cloaking device slap onto the side of the crate next to his. Julianna was already hard at work.

Eddie pulled his own device from the bag at his hip, placing it on the side of the crate. In quick succession, he slammed two more devices onto the box, but it didn’t disappear like before.

“Those meetings are soul sucking,” a voice rang nearby, drawing closer.

“Tell me about it,” another voice sang.

Eddie froze behind his crate, sensing the pair were just in front of them. He couldn’t push his crate out until they cleared the space.

“Gin, what are you looking at?” asked someone.

“The supply crates…” Gin said, stepping forward.

Eddie stuck his head out to find the Kezzin from before narrowing his eyes in Eddie’s direction, although he couldn’t see him.

“What about them?” asked the mechanic behind him.

“I could have sworn there were more,” said Gin.

“Oh, man, the heat is getting to you,” said the other Kezzin.

“I’m not kidding. Before I thought something was off, but now I’m certain of it.” Gin’s voice drew closer.

The other Kezzin laughed. “Crates don’t just disappear. You’re imagining things. They say it’s the lava. It can play tricks on the mind.”

Gin shook his head, pulling his gaze away. “Yeah, maybe you’re right.”

“Come on,” said the Kezzin. “Let’s grab something to eat before we’ve got to get to work.”

“Sure,” said Gin, absentmindedly turning, but keeping his focus on the crates.

“Fuck,” whispered Eddie into the comms.

“Fuck is right,” returned Lars. “You have one minute to get out of there before I’ve got to flip back on the sensors. I’ll meet you at the Q-Ship.”

“Copy,” replied Eddie. He grabbed the last two devices in his bag and stuck both on the crate. It levitated and disappeared along with the one beside it. He pushed it forward, but then slammed into the crate. Something was wrong. Eddie threw his weight into the crate and it reluctantly moved. It felt off balance as it pushed forward.

The crate suddenly made a shushing sound as he pushed it. Eddie halted, looking down. The crate was leaving a scratched path that would only get worse, the further he pushed.

“You’re dragging,” said Lars in his ears.

“Damn it, that’s too loud,” he whispered.

“I’ve got you covered. Give me a second,” Lars’ voice rang over the comms.

A hand reached out and wrapped around Eddie’s wrist, pulling him over a few feet. “Take my crate,” Julianna said, barely audible.

That was a good idea. The crate would be heavier if it was dragging and Julianna would make quick work of it, ensuring it didn’t rest on any lava long enough to get damaged.

A second later, a static filled the air in the warehouse. It was loud at first, accompanied by a screeching noise.

“Important informational updates,” a voice began overhead.

“What’s that?” asked Eddie, pushing the crate in front of him forward.

“The updates. They’re prerecorded and play every morning. Looks like they already ran, but they’ll just think it’s a glitch that they’re running again. Get going,” said Lars over the comms. The speaker made just enough noise to cover the shushing sound made by Julianna pushing the crate.

“Nice,” whispered Eddie, throwing his weight into the crate as it slid over the threshold of the warehouse. He turned, putting his back into the crate. A path snaked after the crate that Julianna had taken over. The scratching sound was drowned out by the voice relaying updates through the overhead speakers.

A head ducked out from a door on the side of the warehouse. “Why are the announcements playing—”

The figured stepped out of the room completely, his eyes on the path left behind by the crate. It was the same Kezzin who had been suspicious before. He spun around, his fist clenching by his side.

“Sound the alarm!” he yelled through the open room.

The announcements seized. Lars must have been out of the security room or he’d been caught. Eddie sped up, his feet working double time to push the crate farther, faster.

An alarm sounded, ringing through the base. The crate Eddie was pushing flickered, and then became solid.

“Fuck,” said Eddie. He turned to look over his shoulder. Armed soldiers spilled out of the warehouse and the surrounding buildings. Their eyes fixed on the crate sitting on the edge of the field bordering the aircraft facility.

“Get out of there! Your location has been compromised,” said Julianna over the comms. She must already have loaded the ship with her crate.

The ship was only twenty yards off.

Soldiers charged in Eddie’s direction, their guns at the ready. One line took aim at the crate but didn’t fire. There wasn’t anything but a stack of supplies to fire at. Then a figure broke free from the line of armed guards.

“Stop! In the name of the Brotherhood, I order you to stop!” a Kezzin yelled.

Eddie was about to abandon the crate and haul ass for the Q-Ship when he recognized the guard. It wasn’t a crazy protective soldier trying to stand up for the Brotherhood. It was Lars!

Eddie slammed his weight into the crate, pushing it quickly over the next several yards. Then Lars joined him, and the crate sped forward, reaching the ramp in only a few seconds. Easily, they slid it up the ramp, and as soon as they’d cleared it, the ship lifted into the air. Shots rang out at that same moment as Kezzin fired in their direction.

The ramp closed as they finished pushing the crate into place. Breathless, Eddie stumbled for his seat. Julianna was already in position, controls for the guns in her hand.

“Oh, thanks for joining us, guys,” she said.

“You didn’t think I’d keep you waiting, did you?” he asked.

“You could have left that crate behind,” said Julianna.

“Well, thanks to Lars, I didn’t have to.” Eddie strapped himself in. “And thanks for taking my crate that malfunctioned.”

“You’re welcome.”

Eddie looked Julianna over. She wasn’t even sweating, unlike him. “You made that look easy.”

“Well, you handled the crates pretty well for a normal human.”

“Mostly normal.” Eddie took over the controls from Pip.

“We have a missile headed in our direction,” informed Pip.

“They’re sending a missile blindly out, hoping to hit us?” asked Eddie.

“No, from internal messages, I learned the Kezzin have heat seeking missiles,” said Pip.

“Fuckers figured out another way to deal with our cloaks,” said Eddie, igniting the thrusters and pivoting the ship to the side.

Julianna locked onto the missile and sent a rocket after it.

“Three more missiles have been deployed,” said Pip.

“That’s fine. If they want to play, we’ll play.” Julianna let loose a barrage of rockets, all locked on the missiles.

Eddie had been flying steadily, waiting for Lars to finish strapping the crates into place.

“All secure,” sang Lars, popping into his seat and strapping on his safety belts.

“Party time is what you mean!” Eddie tapped the button, initiating the second thruster. He pulled back hard on the control, rocketing the ship upward at a sharp angle before rolling it to one side.

“Yeah!” rang Julianna, scanning the radar. “All clear on rockets, Pip?”

“All clear,” affirmed the E.I. “That was fun!”

Eddie gave Julianna a sideways look, a question in his eyes as he leveled the ship out, setting the coordinates for QBS ArchAngel. “Yes, Jules, that was fun, wasn’t it?”

The strange look Julianna gave Eddie mirrored his confusion. An E.I. didn’t label experiences fun. He must just be copying the excitement of the crew.

“Pip, what else did you learn when scanning the internal messages?” asked Julianna.

“There were specs for a large weapon called a tri-rifle. It has the capabilities to kill, stun, and destroy. The range of the weapon supersedes our current weapons,” informed Pip.

“Fuck! That sounds like a valuable weapon. It must be the one Ray De’ft is selling to Vas,” said Eddie.

“That’s why we’ll have to be the ones who get our hands on it. Also, we could use a new weapon. I’m pretty tired of having to use outdated guns just so we’re not tied to the Federation,” said Julianna.

“Agreed, Whiskey.”

“Did you just call me Whiskey?” asked Julianna.

“I’m trying out call signs.”

“Keep trying,” she said.

“Don’t you worry. I’ll find the perfect one for you,” said Eddie with an exaggerated wink.

“I’m certain you won’t,” she responded, smirking.

Lars leaned forward. “While stationed in the security facility, I learned the new commander is a Kezzin by the name of Tremaine Lytes.”

“Do you know anything about him?” asked Julianna.

“Yes, unfortunately, he makes the old commander, Orsa, look like a nice guy. Tremaine’s units are the ones who search out and force Kezzin to serve the Brotherhood. It appears his recruitment efforts have paid off for him and gotten him a promotion.” Lars’ voice was full of bitterness.

“We all know the Brotherhood serves General Vas,” said Eddie.

Julianna nodded. “Now we just have to find out who he works for.”

“You think Vas works for someone? How do you know this isn’t just a part of his evil plans?” asked Eddie.

“Everyone works for someone,” said Julianna. “Even the Federation works for the colonies. The colonies work for the people. It’s a reciprocal system. We just have to find out who is the most powerful in their cycle and take that one out.”

“Damn, Jules, that makes sense. I like the way your brain works,” said Eddie.

“Then you should remember that I hate being called Jules,” she responded, cocking her brow.

Eddie winked. “We both know you like it. I can tell.”

“Oh?” she asked. “How’s that?”

“If you really didn’t like it, you’d deck me every time I said it,” he answered, grinning.

She couldn’t help but laugh. “Fair enough.”

CHAPTER TEN

Landing Bay, QBS ArchAngel, Paladin System.

The crew had already unloaded the crates the Q-Ship delivered to the shuttle. Hatch tapped on a pad, reviewing the supplies. He brought his eyes up to stare at Eddie and Julianna when they disembarked.

“How’d we do, Doc?” asked Eddie.

Crew members pulled the two other crates from the back of the Q-Ship.

Hatch eyed the new additions and pursed his mouth. “This will do, I guess.”

“Aw, are you still mad about the booster? I brought back the ship in pristine condition this time,” said Eddie.

“That’s yet to be determined.” Hatch bustled over, doing a rough inspection of the Q-Ship.

Jack strode across the landing bay, the crew members he passed straightening to attention. “As you were,” he said. He halted in front of Julianna and Eddie, his eyes studying the crates. “Nice work. Six crates. That should do it. Were you spotted?”

“Not with any discernable information, but one of the crates did lose its cloak, which gave us away,” said Julianna.

“Probably placed the cloaking device wrong.” Hatch hurried over to the two crates that had been unloaded from the Q-Ship.

Julianna cleared her throat, straightening. “I placed those myself. You said the technology wasn’t one-hundred percent reliable.”

“That I did, Julie. My apologies,” said Hatch.

“Hey, why don’t I ever get any apologies?” asked Eddie, frowning.

“Because you’re an idiot.” Hatch busied himself, checking over the supplies.

“Commander Fregin, have you uploaded the information Pip acquired from the stronghold?” asked Jack.

Julianna was quiet for a moment before nodding. “He said that the transfers to ArchAngel will be completed within the hour.”

“Very good. I’m certain we’ll have access to a lot of important information,” said Jack.

“Yes, we already have some details on the weapon that’s trading hands, as well as having identified the new commander for the Brotherhood,” said Julianna.

“Well, I’d say that was a successful afternoon. You and your team deserve a break. We will be arriving at Onyx Station in a few hours. Why don’t you all take a day off to rest up? Enjoy yourself. As soon as the details on the meeting with Ray De’ft are confirmed, then you’ll be off again on another mission,” said Jack.

“Sir, have Chester and Marilla made progress with finding the meeting location?” asked Julianna.

“Not yet. But the meeting is in three days, and I’m confident we’ll have enough information to intervene by then. In the meantime, you all wash up and take some R and R.”

“I think the chief is implying we should get drunk to celebrate.” Eddie leaned over and whispered loudly in Julianna’s direction.

She gave him an irritated look, scrunching up her nose. “I think he’s implying that you need a shower.”

“Hey, lava makes me sweat. Sue me.”

Julianna lifted her arm and sniffed. “Same goes for me. Blasted lava. What a horrific planet.”

“Yeah, why can’t the Kezzin pick a nice beach resort for one of their bases?” joked Eddie.

“That actually reminds me, there’s supposed to be a new bar on Oynx, one that has a surfing simulator,” said Julianna.

“What’s surfing?” asked Eddie.

“Damn, you’re sheltered,” Julianna said with a laugh.

“I just need you to teach me, Jules. Teach Teach, would you?” he asked, clasping his hands together like he was begging.

“Tough luck, pal!” she said, waving a hand and taking off.

“Oh, come on! Teach Teach! That’s funny shit!” Eddie cast a look back at Lars, who was helping to move the crates. “Let’s go, Lars. We’ve got drinks to drink and bar fights to fight.”

“Captain Teach…” Jack said with a warning on his face, looking totally serious.

“You know I’m kidding, Chief!” said Eddie.

Wave House. Deck 26. Onyx Station, Paladin System.

The three strolled into the restaurant, which strangely had sand on the floor.

“Why would they put sand on the floor?” asked Lars, stepping carefully like he was walking on lava again.

“It’s to round out the experience of being on a beach. It’s called ambiance,” said Julianna.

“Oh, that makes sense, although I’ve never been on a beach,” admitted the Kezzin.

Eddie tapped Lars on the shoulder, leaning forward. “Be careful, she’ll call you sheltered.”

“If you only heard the things I called you behind your back,” Julianna said with a half-smile.

“Damn, this woman is cold,” said Eddie, frowning.

“Only to the people who matter the most,” said Julianna, winking at him.

At the back of the restaurant was a large slide covered in water, with jets at the bottom that created a steady wave.  A guy started forward wearing only trunks and carrying a flat oval shaped board. He stepped into the water at the arch of the slide, setting his board down. He stepped onto it and rode down towards the jets before catching a current and riding back towards the arch. From there, he cut the board to the right and left, riding the water in a way Eddie had never seen before.

“Damn, that’s far out shit,” remarked Eddie, his mouth hanging open.

“Just wait until you try it,” teased Julianna.

“No way! I ain’t doing that,” he exclaimed.

“Not until you’ve had a few drinks, you’re not,” she said. “You can’t surf sober. That’s the rule.”

Eddie ambled over to the bar, flanked by Julianna and Lars. He leaned on the counter, scanning the bottles against the wall. “Tonight calls for something special.”

“You always say that,” said Julianna.

“I haven’t known you long enough for you to know what I always say,” remarked Eddie.

“Oh, it just feels like a long time.” She smirked.

“We’ll take three Baba Yaga’s Vengeance,” said Eddie to the bartender.

The man lifted an eyebrow, looking surprised. “You want…three of those? Are you serious?”

Eddie thought for a second. “Yeah, you’re right! Never mind. Let’s make it six.”

The bartender gawked for a moment. “A-Are you sure?”

“Let’s go, barkeep,” said Julianna. “We’ve got the night off and there’s liquor to drink.”

“Baba-what?” asked Lars.

“You’re going to love it,” said Eddie. “Burns like a mother!”

The bartender lined three glasses up and poured orange syrup into them. Then he filled the rest of it with a thin emerald green liquor.

“Yeah, I guess that doesn’t look too bad,” remarked Lars.

The bartender pulled a lighter from his pocket and lit the tops of the three drinks, shoving each forward as he did. “Next round coming up after you finish this one,” he said.

Eddie picked up two of the drinks and offered them to Julianna and Lars, waiting until they took them. He grabbed his own. “Despite what you say, Julianna, there’s no one I’d rather be out in the field with.” He clinked his flaming glass against hers. “And Lars, you’ve proven yourself more times than I can count. Good work today!” He clinked glasses with him before all three brought their glasses together in the middle.

“Cheers,” they said in unison. They blew out the flame burning on the top.

Julianna hesitated, sniffing the liquor. “It doesn’t smell too bad.”

“It tastes a whole lot better than it smells.” Eddie threw his head back, taking the whole glass in one swallow. It tasted like burnt sugar.

Eddie slammed his glass on the bar. “Ready for round two.”

Julianna took a cautious sip of her Baba Yaga’s Vengeance before drinking down the rest. “Not bad. I guess sometimes you know what you’re doing, Teach.”

Eddie winked. “Damn straight. Now, are you any good at this surfing thing?” He pointed in the direction of the simulator where a new participant stood, reluctantly holding a board. The guy shook his head and charged forward, throwing down his board and jumping onto it. One leg shot up in the air and the guy teetered backwards. He recovered his balance, but his legs were locked out, his arms too straight on either side of him.

“This isn’t going to end well.” Eddie grabbed the second drink the bartender had made, blowing out the flame before it could burn off too much of the alcohol. That would be a shame.

“I fear you’re right,” said Lars, still sipping on his first drink.

“The key is to flow with the waves. Become one with the water. When the rider resists the water or hesitates, then they lose their balance,” explained Julianna.

The surfer tanked, falling down hard on his tail bone, his board slipping out in front of him. It hit the jets, spraying the crowd with water. Shouts of complaints jeered from the onlookers as they shielded their faces from the spray.

Eddie handed the drink from the counter to Julianna. “Sounds like you know a lot about this surfing business. Why don’t you show us how it works?”

She blew out the flame on the top of the drink. “I would, but I just washed my hair.”

“If you don’t wipe out, I think your head of pretty hair should be just fine.”

“That’s true. I just don’t want to make you guys look bad,” said Julianna.

“Such a sweetheart, this one.” Eddie reached down and pulled off one of his boots before ambling forward and pulling off his sock. He kept walking as he took off the other boot and sock, leaving them in his path. “I’ll show you how to do this.”

Eddie, pulled off his shirt and threw it to the ground as he made his way to the simulator.

Julianna turned to Lars, a mischievous smile on her face. “Well, that was a hell of a lot easier than I thought it would have been.”

“I kind of figured the captain would be game for such a challenge. He doesn’t seem to scare easily.”

“That he doesn’t.” Julianna motioned to the bartender who acknowledged her with a nod.

Eddie was leaned over, rolling up his jeans. He rose to a standing position and stared back at the pair by the bar. He beat his bare chest with one hand, making a sort of barking sound.

Julianna and Lars both laughed easily. “He still doesn’t know what a dog sounds like, does he?”

“It would seem. We’re going to have to get Harley to bark for him,” said Julianna.

Eddie took the surfboard handed to him and climbed to the top of the tank, where the slide started.

“Are we taking bets on how long he’ll last?” asked Julianna.

“I’m not sure if that’s the respectful thing to do. He’s my captain and—”

Julianna cut Lars off, slapping a bill on the bar. “I’m giving him seven seconds.”

Lars smiled. “I’ll take four.”

Eddie stood ankle deep in the current-filled water, gauging it. Then he ran forward, throwing the board down as he jumped on to it. He and the board rode to the bottom where he had one glorious moment where he looked like he’d hold his own. The board shot straight into the jet, sending a surge of water over it, sinking it at once and sending Eddie to his tail bone.

Drenched in water and brandishing a wide smile, Eddie rose to his feet, the board tucked up next to his waist. He held his hand in the air and shook his head, sending droplets of water over the crowd. This time they cheered.

“Again! Again! Again!” they encouraged.

Julianna slapped down another bill. “Six seconds, this time.”

Lars gave her a sideways look. “Four, still.”

“Damn, should I inform the captain that you have so little faith in him?” asked Julianna.

“It’s not a matter of faith. Things like surfing are rarely picked up easily. He’s got to fall a few times to figure out how the board moves and how he should respond accordingly. I’d say after the fourth or fifth time, he’ll have this down, and that will still be faster than most.”

“That makes sense. So you’re saying we all have to fall sometimes, is that right?” Julianna sipped her drink.

“Falling down is key, as well as getting back up. About like that.” Lars pointed in Eddie’s direction. He stood back in the starting position, nodding his head to the hum of the music and the chanting of the crowd.

“I don’t disagree with that logic.”

Eddie was slower this time to wade out into position. He dropped the board, stabilizing it with one foot as he watched how it moved with the current. Then he jumped onto the board and rode it down to the bottom where he wiped out after a few seconds.

Lars picked up the bills on the bar. “And if we’re honest, I’ve got a lot more faith in that man than I’ve had in most throughout my life. Eddie has heart, which is not something that can be taught. It’s inborn.”

“Well put,” said Julianna, finishing her drink.

Eddie had already taken the starting position again, not even needing to be encouraged by the crowd this time.

Julianna finished off a few more drinks, while Lars sipped on a single one as they watched Eddie try and fail. The fifth time Eddie took the position on the top of the simulator, Lars pointed, with his tumbler in his hand. “Now watch this time. My money is on him staying up for a good twenty seconds.”

Finally feeling the buzz from the liquor, Julianna stared intently at the wave pool. The crowd was super charged, chanting and egging Eddie on. He stepped out into the water, a smile on his face, but his eyes focused. He stood to the side of the slide, not in the middle. After a moment he set the board down and jumped on it in one swift movement. He rode down and nearly lost his balance before righting himself. Eddie kneeled, placing his hand in the top of the water until the board backed up so it rode on the apex of the wave. From there, he stood taller, pivoting the board one way, and then the other, cutting through the water, handling the wave easily. It was like when he was flying. He seemed to understand how to harness the water and the air.

Julianna picked up her glass and held it out to Lars. “Well, cheers. You seem to be a master at reading these situations.”

“Maybe. Or maybe I just got lucky.” He clinked his glass against hers as Eddie continued to ride the wave.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Lower Deck Corridor, QBS ArchAngel, Paladin System.

“Is it normal to feel like my head is full of lead?” asked Lars, trudging through the corridor alongside Eddie.

“Actually, sounds like you didn’t drink enough. I woke up feeling like a jackhammer was going off in my head.” Eddie held out his palm, a small pill lying in it. “Take this and you’ll thank me in five minutes.”

Lars didn’t hesitate before picking up the pill and swallowing it dry. “Thanks. I’m guessing Julianna didn’t need a pill like this. She didn’t even appear buzzed after all those drinks.”

“You’ve guessed right. The commander will look so fucking chipper it will be ridiculous.”

“Nano technology is something else,” said Lars.

“It also gives me incredible hearing so I know when you’re talking about me.” Julianna rounded out of a connecting corridor, striding next to the pair.

“See.” Eddie tossed his head in her direction. “So fucking chipper.”

Lars studied Julianna. “It’s a marvel, for sure. How do I get this nano transformation done to me?”

“You have to pretty much die, but be hanging on by a tiny thread,” said Julianna.

Lars laughed. “Yeah, never mind. That seems a little extreme.”

“It is. The line between life and death is miniscule, and most cross over to the other side before they can be helped.”

“Well, and also only someone like General Reynolds could authorize such a transformation,” said Eddie.

“Or the Empress, as in my case,” said Julianna.

Lars eyes widened with awe, Eddie noticed.

“Lars, the commander and I are going to track down this weapon. I’m leaving you behind on this mission.” The three paused outside of the Intelligence Center.

Lars nodded. “I’ll focus on flight training.”

“Yes, do that, but I have something else I need you to do,” said Eddie.

“Yes, sir. What is it?”

“You know I’ve been sorting through files for recruits, picking personnel for the crew,” said Eddie.

“I’m aware of that,” affirmed Lars.

“I’d like you to review some files and make some choices on crew members.”

“Sir? You want me to recruit for the QBS ArchAngel? Isn’t that a big job?” asked Lars, surprised.

Eddie nodded. “Yes, it is. It’s just until we get this weapon. I don’t want the recruitment effort to slack. Jack is adamant about us filling up this ship.”

“But that’s an important responsibility, recruiting personnel.”

“And I trust you will do a good job with it. You have an instinct for people. Use that,” said Eddie.

Lars looked to Julianna, who was standing tall, hands pinned behind her back. Then he returned his gaze to the captain. “Absolutely. I’ll devote my full attention to the job.”

“I trust you will.” Eddie turned, striding into the Intelligence Center.

~~~

Chester tapped his foot to the music playing, something with a strange electronic beat. He looked deep in thought as Julianna and Eddie entered the Intelligence Center.

“The chief said you had information for us on the meeting with Ray De’ft and Doka,” said Eddie. He leaned down and petted the animal with knots of shaggy brown hair.

The dog always seemed to be everywhere on the ship. Wherever Julianna was, that mutt could be found, almost like it was stalking her. Most people’s face lit up when they saw Harley. His presence had been a welcome one on the ship. However, not for Julianna. The memory wasn’t clear, but it still tightened her chest. Canines. Growling. Julianna running as fast as her child legs could take her. But now, she was super human. Why should the old memory still affect her?

“Thanks to Marilla, I was able to decode the communications I picked up off the Trids’ defense network. Pretty tricky system they use,” said Chester, spinning around in his swivel chair, facing them.

“It’s not a logical code, that’s why most can’t figure it out. However, my years on Kai are paying off,” said Marilla. She wore an easy smile and looked quite at home sitting behind one of the six desks behind Chester’s main workstation.

“All of the Trid correspondence looked like chicken scratch to me.” Chester wheeled around and typed a few keys on his keyboard. He punched the enter key with his pointer and leaned back. “I replaced a few of the characters based on Marilla’s input and voila!”

The data on the largest screen above rearranged until it said something that was recognizable.

“Dillon?” asked Eddie. “That’s way the hell out there. Like the fringe of the fringe.”

“I believe that’s in the Lorialis system where we found you, Teach.” Julianna said it like she was unsure, but she wasn’t. Her brain didn’t make it so she’d forget such things. It catalogued all data with accuracy.

“Way the hell out there, like I said,” admitted Eddie.

“I couldn’t make sense of the meeting location, but that’s where Marilla further helped,” informed Chester.

All heads turned to the communications officer. She stood, striding over to a screen of a large map of Dillon. “The location of the meeting with Doka and Ray De’ft is planned for the East Bawah Tanah system over here.”

“I’ve never heard of that,” said Julianna, the location not ringing any bells at all.

“Right. It didn’t make sense to me either. We couldn’t find anything remotely close to that in this area. However, I dug deeper and learned something interesting. This part of Dillon is a huge industrial area that has a complex network of underground tunnels. Then this sparked a thought. In their native language, the Trids don’t have a word for underground because they…well, they have no reason to be underground. Their natural habitat is the water. Land is a recent part of their evolution. Bawah Tanah as far as I’ve been able to tell is a new translation for subterranean.”

“So the meeting is in the east area of these underground tunnels?” asked Eddie.

Marilla nodded.

“Damn. We’re going to storm in on a secret meeting to steal a giant gun inside a tunnel, with limited places to go. Doesn’t sound difficult,” said Eddie, pretending to be intimidated, but Julianna caught the excitement under the surface. This was a damn hard challenge, and he loved the idea of it.

“Be sure to wear your armor, Teach,” said Julianna, striding out of the Intelligence Center with the damn dog following her.

Loading Dock 03, QBS ArchAngel, Paladin System.

Hatch drummed one of his tentacles against his lip, thinking. He tilted his head to the side, like looking at the Q-Ship from a different angle would answer his question.

“Pip?”

No response, as usual. Hatch stared around the loading bay, as if he were looking for the E.I.

“Pip, are you there?” There was a hint of worry in Hatch’s voice.

The screen on the wall flickered to life and ArchAngel appeared, blinking back at Hatch. “I’m here. How may I assist you, Doctor A’Din Hatcherik?”

“I didn’t ask for your assistance,” said Hatch grumpily. “Where’s Pip?”

“Do you prefer Pip over me?” she asked.

“No.” Hatch answered too quickly. “That’s ridiculous. Preference plays no part in it. He’s an E.I. and I only needed his input.”

“I’m sure I can be of help to you. What is your question?” ArchAngel asked.

“Doctor A’Din Hatcherik, you requested me,” said Pip suddenly.

“There you are. Where were you?” Hatch paced back and forth, an anxious feeling in his gut.

“I was with Julianna. I apologize for the delay.”

Of course, Pip was with Julie. She was his first priority, since he was in her head. It was something Hatch envied about the commander. She was never alone and always had assistance.

“Am I no longer needed?” asked ArchAngel.

Hatch huffed. “You were never needed, you nosy body. Go on, then.”

“I do not believe either of those descriptions fit me very well. I am neither nosy, nor do I have a body. I am concerned by your avoidance. Should I call someone to watch over you, to make sure you don’t hurt yourself?” asked ArchAngel, and then the screen went blank before Hatch could answer.

“How may I help you, Doctor Hatcherik?” asked Pip, his voice light and welcoming.

Hatch waddled up to the Q-Ship. The front end was open and wires exposed. “Do you have the schematics for the first Q-Ship I built?”

“Yes, of course I do. I have access to all of those records, but so does ArchAngel.”

“That’s neither here nor there.” Hatch dismissed this with a wave of his tentacle. “Compare those plans to the ones the Federation used when they created this Q-Ship.”

“Do you spot an inconsistency? Is that why?” asked Pip.

“I don’t, but that’s the problem. I know there has to be a discrepancy. The gate technology isn’t quite right in this version. My instinct tells me they followed a different protocol when constructing the gate engine for this Q-Ship.”

“I’m running a full comparison of the two different schematics. All differences will be logged and sent to your pad,” said Pip.

“Thank you.” Hatch picked up the electronic pad sitting nearby, pulling it to him with his long tentacle.

“Can you tell me something?” asked Pip.

“I can tell you a thousand things? Can you be more specific?”

“Of course,” said, Pip, a bit of humor in his voice. “How does instinct work for you?”

Hatch brought his eyes up, away from the pad. “Oh, well, that’s a good question.” It was an intuitive question, one of many that Pip had been asking lately. “Instinct is when you know something without knowing it.”

“Like a gut feeling?” asked Pip.

“Yes, exactly. Sometimes we operate automatically with instinct, like how a baby Londril knows how to move, walk and swim from the beginning. It’s built into our DNA.”

Pip was silent for a moment. “There are species of turtle that once hatched, know to head straight for the ocean, away from predators. Is that a good example of instinct?”

Hatch nodded. “Yes, all species have something they do to survive that is a part of instinct.”

“However, when you mentioned instinct, it was more of a feeling. How do you know to trust a feeling?” asked Pip.

Hatch thought for a moment. As a scientist, it did seem strange to trust feelings, and yet many of Hatch’s most valuable technological achievements had been because he was led by instinct. An inkling, a little feeling.

“Our feelings are incredible biofeedback devices that can direct us if we allow them. However, one must not allow feelings to overwhelm them. Only listen and respond accordingly,” said Hatch, staring back down at the pad.

“Bingo! I knew it. The Federation followed my schematics for building the Q-Ship, but then used their own when constructing parts like the gate drive.” Hatch bustled over to the Q-Ship, finally feeling as though he’d made progress after being stalled for a long time.

“Why is that a problem?” asked Pip.

“Because my process for the gate was created specifically for the Q-Ship. The QBS ArchAngel has its own gate technology, but it doesn’t suit something like the Q-Ship. Good thing the captain hasn’t had a chance to jump in this Q-Ship. He might have ended up toast,” said Hatch, digging into the wires in the front of the Q-Ship, making sparks fly.

“That is a good thing,” said Pip.

The loading dock grew silent, punctuated only by the sounds of wires sparking and bolts falling to the ground.

“Doctor A’Din Hatcherik?” asked Pip after a long minute had passed.

Hatch pulled his head out of the front compartment. “Yes?”

“Will you tell me more about feelings?” asked Pip.

Flight Training Center, QBS ArchAngel, Paladin System.

New recruits halted and saluted Commander Fregin as she passed them. She nodded, stalking to the back of the long room lined with flight simulators. It wasn’t until she retrieved the pad with the flight training stats that she realized she was being followed.

Turning, she gave the mutt a sinister glare. Harley tilted his head to the side with a soft, talkative bark.

“No dogs in the training room.” She shooed him away with a wave of her hand. He fled for the other side of the room, staring back at her.

You don’t like him, said Pip in her head.

Is it that obvious? Dogs belong in parks and with old ladies who live alone. Not on a ship. When did this place turn into a fucking zoo?

I didn’t find anything about dogs in the rules and regulations for the QBS ArchAngel.

Don’t you sass me on this.

Does that mean you’re allowing for me to sass you on other things going forward?

I’m about to show you sass.

What is it about the dog that you don’t like?

Besides the fact that it sheds, takes up resources, and serves no purpose?

Yes, besides all that.

Julianna swiped through several of the reports, scanning the averages. The new recruits were performing well. They’d be ready once the new Q-Ships were built, whenever that was.

You didn’t answer the question completely, observed Pip.

Didn’t I? I’m fairly busy and preoccupied.

You’ve already reviewed those reports twice today.

Julianna let out an audible sigh. They change hourly.

From my observation, the dog increases the mood and morale of those on the ship. I also have research that suggests pets increase serotonin levels in the brain.

What do annoying E.I.s do? Decrease serotonin?

Ouch. Now you’ve taken off the gloves.

Did you just say ouch?

I think I did. That statement was meant to hurt, am I right?

I guess so. Did it hurt?

I’m still processing. I believe you meant it in jest, but I could still observe where it could hurt based on the impression that you didn’t like me.

Pip? Julianna leaned against a workstation, her legs stretched out in front of her.

Yes, Julianna?

You’re saying the strangest things lately.

Am I? I hadn’t noticed.

Julianna studied Lars’ report. He, of all the new fliers, was doing the best. Teach would be happy to hear this.

Do you need anything else from me?

No, why?

Doctor A’Din Hatcherik has requested my assistance.

Go on then. Julianna set the pad to the side to find the dog standing next to her legs, looking up at her.

“I thought I told you to get out of here.”

Harley whimpered softly in reply. He lifted his chin in the air and eyed her.

“What do you want?”

The dog laid his head softly on Julianna’s legs. She narrowed her eyes at the gesture but didn’t shove him off.

“I don’t see what everyone likes about you.”

Harley rubbed his head back and forth against Julianna’s leg, begging for attention.

“Does that shit work on everyone else? You’re such an attention whore.”

He pulled his head off her leg and lifted his foot and pawed at her.

She almost smiled. This one was persistent. “You know we have work to do here? I can’t have the crew getting distracted because you need your head scratched. I already have to keep an eye on Teach. Don’t you make more work for me.”

Harley backed up, his eyes sparkling. He barked playfully.

“Oh, you’re so fucking ridiculous.” Julianna stretched to a standing position and stalked for the exit, Harley trotting after her, tail wagging.

CHAPTER TWELVE

Q-Ship, en route to Dillon Planet, Lorialis System

The Q-Ship maneuvered around an asteroid belt, slipping easily between two giant meteors.

“Ever notice that the crappy systems always have more asteroids?” asked Eddie, pulling back on the controls.

“Pip, what’s your insights on that? What do your records show?” asked Julianna.

“What classifies as a crappy system?” inquired Pip.

“Stale beer and the ugliest aliens,” said Eddie.

“I’ve taken an analysis of all the systems in my database and ranked them based on economy and educational standards—”

“There he goes with his computer-talk again,” interrupted Eddie, talking in a whisper.

“Those highest on the list do not in fact have less asteroid belts than those ranking lower,” informed Pip.

“Man, you kind of take the fun out of things sometimes. I was just saying—”

“However,” continued Pip, cutting Eddie off, “the systems I’ve superficially judged as crappy based on Julianna’s experiences definitely have more asteroid belts.”

Julianna and Eddie exchanged curious looks. “Did he just say crappy?”

“He’s been saying all sorts of strange things lately, ever since Hatch upgraded him.” Julianna pointed at a planet ahead of them. “There’s Dillon.”

“I have not been saying strange things,” argued Pip.

“Pipe down, Pip. We’ve got a big gun to steal from a fish,” said Eddie.

“Pip, lock the Q-Ship on the coordinates for the Bawah Tanah system. We need to park the Q-Ship close to one of the main entrances into this underground network.” Julianna eyed the screen, waiting for the navigational route to update with Pip’s coordinates.

“What’s taking so long, Pip?” asked Julianna after a moment.

“You forgot to say the magic word,” said Pip.

“Now?” asked Julianna.

The screen remained unchanged as the Q-Ship slipped into Dillon’s atmosphere.

“I don’t think that’s the word he’s looking for.” Eddie laughed.

Julianna’s eyes darted away, looking distant for a brief moment, and then she smiled, staring down at the screen. “There we go,” she said when the navigation updated.

“Did you just threaten Pip?” Eddie asked, flying the ship further to the surface of the planet, which was dry and barren.

“Maybe,” chirped Julianna.

“Man, this is one ugly planet,” said Eddie. “Seriously, the next meeting with the Trid we interrupt needs to be at a five-star resort. Some place with paper umbrellas in the drinks.”

Julianna lifted one eyebrow, staring at Eddie. “For some reason, I have a hard time picturing you with an umbrella in your drink.”

Eddie scoffed. “I’m in touch with my frilly side.”

“No, you’re not,” she said, laughing.

“Yeah, you’re right. I’m not. But at least I can surf!” Eddie set the cloaked Q-Ship down on a stretch of sandy land next to a manhole that led straight to the Bawah Tanah system. “Tell me, Jules, where would you like to vacation when we get our next break?”

She seemed to think for a moment. “The Libra system has a planet that’s covered in geothermal pools of water. They’re supposed to be incredibly refreshing and restorative.”

“You’re enhanced with nanotechnology. Why do you care about swimming in healing water?” asked Eddie.

“I don’t, but they’re a really cool blue color and the planet is cold, but the waters are warm. I hate being hot when I’m sitting on a beach,” said Julianna.

“Yeah, I could get behind that. Personally, I want to sit in the woods for a few days. There’s something about trees and nature that’s relaxing.”

“That will have to wait. Instead, we’re trekking through underground tunnels.” Julianna jumped out of the ship.

Eddie did the same, activating his cloaking belt at once and disappearing from view. “Alright, you remember the plan?”

“Sneak up on a Trid and steal his gun, right?” she asked.

“Yep, keep it simple.” Eddie lifted the metal lid, peering down into the dark tunnel. The smell of dirty water hit his nose. “At least it’s not a sewer, like before. Hopefully that trek through the Kezzin sewers with Lars was the first and last time.”

Julianna lowered herself into the tunnel using the ladder, then she activated her cloaking belt and disappeared. “Try having an enhanced sense of smell.”

“No thanks.” Eddie followed behind her, ensuring that the area outside of the tunnel was still clear.

Their way ahead was mostly dark, lit by lamps every fifteen feet that hung from the ceiling. Julianna and Eddie set off slowly, their boots making noise as they trudged through the shallow water on the ground.

“Hard to sneak up on a gang of Trid when we make so much racket,” said Eddie.

“Ray De’ft is expecting Doka. He will just think he’s approaching. We’ll have him cornered before he knows what hit him.”

“I hope it’s me who gets to hit him.”

“You don’t even know the guy. Why would you want to punch him?”

Eddie shrugged. “A guy who sells a dangerous weapon in a dark tunnel just seems like he needs to be punched.”

“Yeah, you’re probably right,” admitted Julianna.

The pair fell silent as they neared a split in the tunnels. Several metal doors lined the walls.

“Pip has access to the electronic communications in the area,” said Julianna.

“Picking up anything juicy?” asked Eddie in a whisper.

Julianna didn’t answer for a long moment. “Apparently, Trids are sort of boring.”

“Boring? Is that what the E.I. said?”

“Yes, he says it’s mostly boring communications. However, he thinks he’s located Ray De’ft. He should be up here in roughly fifty yards. Follow my footsteps.”

“Copy,” said Eddie, watching the splash of water in front of him. At the split, the displaced water on the tunnel ground led to the right. Without warning, the splashing stopped. Eddie halted.

“Trid up ahead. Stationed outside the second door. You want him or shall I?” whispered Julianna.

“Ladies first,” replied Eddie.

“Stay here.”

Eddie didn’t answer but, instead, squinted in the darkened tunnel. His eyes had adjusted now. Julianna probably saw clearly and could make out the guard stationed up ahead. She’d be faster approaching, too, not alerting him.

There was no splashing of water. Just a thud, and then Julianna said. “All clear.”

Eddie sped forward. On the ground, in front of a door, was a large Trid slumped over.

“How’d you run without creating any splashing?” asked Eddie, staring around, but not seeing Julianna.

“I ran on the side of the tunnel wall.”

“Oh, of course you did,” said Eddie sarcastically.

“And I knocked out this guy before he even knew I was there. He’ll have an awful headache later, but he’s still alive.”

“Okay, well, the next one is mine.” Eddie kicked the gun next to the passed out Trid away, making it slide farther down the tunnel.

Julianna must have grabbed the wheel on the door and cracked it to the left. It turned, and then the seal on the door broke and it pulled back.

“Bobby, you got Doka there?” a voice called from the other side. “That guy is late.”

Eddie, still cloaked, slipped through the opening of the door, Julianna after him. On the other side was a round room, a bit brighter than the tunnels due to a grate where sunlight filtered through. A Trid, wearing a suit and an angry expression, stood at the back of the small room. Beside him was a large case.

Eddie caught the guards standing on either side of the door way before they ran into him. The first guard was about to duck through the door to find out who had opened it. Eddie shot his fist forward, straight between the Trid’s eyes. The alien fell back toward the wall, but recovered quickly. Julianna, by the sound of it, was handling the other guard.

“What the hell is going on?” asked Ray confused by the sight of his guards getting the shit beat out of them by nothing he could see.

Eddie swept the legs out from under the Trid, throwing his elbow straight into his gut. He yelled as the wind was knocked out of him. The guards head fell back hard into the metal floor, knocking him out.

Ray was unfastening the case. Eddie spun around just as he pulled out a giant gun, which looked heavy as hell and fucking menacing.

“Show yourself or I’ll shoot and ask questions later. This thing has a wide span and won’t miss,” said Ray, his tone hot with anger.

Eddie flipped the switch on his belt and held up his hands as he materialized. “I believe you’re a man of your word. I’m not here to kill you. I just need that gun you’re holding.”

“Where’s Doka?” asked Ray, his eyes scanning the area around Eddie. Julianna was still cloaked.

“Doka met an unfortunate end. He asked me to retrieve the gun for him,” said Eddie.

Ray’s black eyes tightened. “I was ordered to not sell this gun to anyone but Doka.”

“Plans changed. Oh, and I can’t buy the gun. I’m just going to be taking it.” Eddie said, his hands still raised. He noticed the water on the ground displaced slightly as Julianna edged forward.

Ray laughed loudly. “You stupid human, you think I’m going to give you this? You have some nerve.”

“You have no idea.”

Ray tilted his head to the side. “We have intruders. Back up immediately,” he said into his comm device.

“Oh fuck. Why did you have to do that? I thought we could have been friends,” joked Eddie. Why hadn’t Julianna knocked this guy out yet?

“Who else is with you?” asked Ray.

Eddie shrugged, daring to lower his hands. “Just me. Where’d you get that gun?

Ray eyed Eddie, motioning backward with the gun. “Take a few steps back.”

“But then I can’t see the gun.”

“If you don’t step back, then I’m going to show you exactly how it works.” There was a small splash of water beside Ray. His eyes dropped to the right. “What’s going—”

The Trid keeled over, the gun flying up and to the side as he did. His face fell flat to the ground, partially obscured by the standing water. At least there wasn’t any fear of him drowning, being a Trid and all.

Julianna materialized, holding the giant gun.

“Damn, it’s about time. That guy was about to waste me.” Eddie pointed to the large weapon in her hands.

“Oh, don’t be such a baby. I had plenty of time to knock him out.”

“I think you wanted me to get shot,” teased Eddie.

“Right, because I want to drag your ass out of here along with this heavy-ass thing.” Julianna pushed the gun in Eddie’s hands. “We’ve got company.”

“And I’ve got a giant gun, so bring it on.” Eddie studied the gun quickly, trying to understand how it worked.

“Do not, I repeat, do not fire that thing down here. We don’t know the first thing about the gun, and its ammunition could fire off these walls and blow us to Timbuktu.” Julianna pulled back the door, peering around into the tunnel.

“Where is Timbuktu, by the way?”

“Far-the-fuck away. I think it’s in the Axiom system.” Julianna waved him out into the tunnel, pulling one of the blue marble-like grenades from the pouch tied to her belt.

“Is the coast clear?” asked Eddie.

“No, I’m just waving you out into an ambush,” said Julianna sarcastically.

Eddie smirked. “Look who gets catty in battle.”

Julianna looked around like surveying the room for another person. “Who?”

“Ha-ha.”

The pair stepped out into the tunnel. “Backup is arriving from both directions according to Pip.”

“Sounds like a party.”

“Should we throw up our cloaks?” asked Julianna just as three Trid turned the corner in front of them, running in their direction.

“Or kick ass the old-fashioned way.”

“Fine.” Julianna pulled her gun from her hip, aimed it in the darkened tunnel, and fired off three shots. They all met their targets, taking them down at once.

“At some point, you’re holding the big-fucking gun so I can play, too,” said Eddie.

Another gang of Trids materialized behind them. “Time to go.” Julianna turned the blue grenade and threw it in the approaching Trids’ direction. Then she and Eddie took off, retracing their path back to the exit. A moment later, a loud popping noise filled the tunnel when the grenade went off.

Eddie and Julianna turned a corner in unison, nearly running straight into two large Trids. One grabbed Julianna by the shoulders, pushing her hard into the tunnel wall. Eddie brought the large gun up like a bat and slung it across the face of the other Trid, slamming his head to the side. He swayed, and then fell over, crumpling against the wall.

“Don’t…use…unknown…gun…as…weapon.” Julianna said each word in between ducking the Trid’s attacks.

Eddie looked the gun over. “You worry too much. I can’t shoot the thing and now I can’t swing it around.”

Julianna bounced on her toes, ducking under one of the Trid’s arms and grabbing him around the neck from behind. “Accidentally set that thing off and I’m going to be pissed,” she said, pressing hard down on the Trid’s throat as he flailed. Finally, he slipped to the tunnel floor where he passed out.

“I think you broke a sweat there.”

“Don’t be absurd.” Julianna and Eddie set off again, making it to the exit without meeting anymore Trid.

“Here, you take this and I’ll go check for baddies.” Eddie handed the tri-rifle to Julianna and climbed the ladder to the surface.

The Trid must have all been inside the underground because the path to the Q-Ship was clear.

“Let’s get that gun back so we can find out what it does. I want a chance to shoot that thing,” he said, exiting the tunnel.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Officers Lounge, QBS ArchAngel, Lorialis System

Eddie set his feet on a chair and leaned back, puffing on a cigar. He peered at his cards, then tossed a chip from his stack onto the center of the table.

Chester eyed Eddie closely. He was excellent at reading people, which made him an excellent poker player. “You know you don’t have anything. That’s why you’re nickel and diming me.”

Eddie chuckled. “If you know so much then put your money where your mouth is or fold. You know the rules, boy.”

Covering his grin, Chester scanned the table. Lars had folded immediately. He didn’t know that poker wasn’t about playing the cards. He kept saying he had shit hands.

Eddie told him that the cards did not matter, but he didn’t understand.

Julianna looked more interested in watching the group than playing, like she was cataloging everyone’s different ticks and tells. This woman was an observer, and Chester guessed that made her a deadly warrior. Marilla had refused to play and lay across the sofa in the corner reading a book on her tablet, Harley curled up at her feet.

Chester picked up three of his black chips, twisting them in his fingers. He noticed that Eddie’s eyes widened minutely, but he covered it by puffing on his cigar, blowing smoke up to the ceiling. He didn’t want the bet to be raised, that much was obvious to Chester.

“Is anyone else falling asleep waiting for Chester to make up his mind?” asked Eddie.

Chester eyed his cards. It was a shit hand. He tossed the black chips into the pot.

A serious expression fell on Eddie’s face. He seemed to think on this for a moment. Then he released a wide smile and threw his cards in the center. “Damn it, you got me again. Take your winnings.”

Letting out a long breath, Chester rejoiced, pulling the chips to him.

“That makes five hands in a row he’s won,” observed Lars, sipping on a Coke.

It had been too long since Chester had a real Coke. This was one of the many benefits to being back working for the Federation. On the planet of Kemp, all they had was some shit called Dr. Pepper. Whoever that doctor was who invented that drink, they needed to have his or her license revoked.

“He’s a damn card shark. But not like one of those Trids. A cool shark,” said Eddie with a laugh.

Marilla lowered her tablet, a pursed look on her face. “I urge you to have more tolerance for the Trid species. Just because your target happens to belong to that species shouldn’t reflect poorly on all of them.”

Eddie turned, putting his forearm on the back of the chair. “Don’t worry. I’ve met some pretty revolting humans, too. I get it.”

“Trids are pretty ugly, though. We can all agree on that,” said Lars, shuffling the deck of cards.

All faces turned and looked straight at the Kezzin with strange expressions.

“What?” asked Lars. “Oh, I get it. You ugly humans think I look strange.”

“Strange doesn’t sufficiently cover it. You have scales on your skin,” said Eddie lightly.

“And you have a hairy face.” Lars dealt out the cards.

Eddie rubbed his jaw. “Only when I don’t shave. And Julianna doesn’t have a hairy face.” He paused. Looked at Julianna. “You don’t, do you? Maybe you shave, too.”

Julianna glanced at her cards and threw in a chip. “Teach, I say we arm wrestle after you lose all your chips.”

Coupled with her beautiful facial features and strong persona, Commander Fregin was quite interesting to watch. Chester thought it was fascinating how this enhanced soldier tensed when Harley trotted by. There was a story there.

Eddie picked up a chip and tossed it into the pot. “Yes, to the arm wrestling contest. You’ll beat me, but I wager I hold my own for a good twenty seconds.”

Lars pushed his cards away, folding. “I’m out, but I want in on that bet. I wager it will be more like ten.”

“Fifteen,” said Chester, looking at his cards. It was actually a good hand. Full house.

“If the captain has another beer, then I’m betting less than ten,” said Marilla from the couch.

Eddie turned around, a mock look of offense on his face. “I expect this kind of abuse from the others, but not from you, Marilla. I thought you had a heart.”

She shrugged, pulling her tablet back up to read. “Being on the QBS ArchAngel is rubbing off on me. Soon, I’ll be heartless.”

“That may be for the best,” deflected Eddie. He brought his mug of beer up, holding it toward the center of the table. “To being heartless.”

Chester lifted his Coke and clinked it against the other’s drinks. It was a funny toast because no one had more heart than Captain Teach. Although Chester had first met Eddie at gunpoint, Chester knew the man could be trusted. There was something in his eyes that spoke of his honor. Meet enough criminals and the good guys begin to stand out.

Chester threw in a stack of black chips. Julianna folded right away, leaning back in her chair.

“I’m all in,” said Eddie, pushing all his chips into the pot.

Casting a sideways smile at Julianna, Chester said, “Get ready to arm wrestle. The captain is about to lose.”

Loading Dock 04, QBS ArchAngel, Lorialis System

One of Hatch’s tentacles stretched across the dock, clambering through a set of tools.

“Damn it. Where’s the wrench?” he said from several yards away.

“It’s behind you,” said Pip.

All of Hatch’s tentacles were busy holding something, screwing in a bolt into the new Q-Ship or soldering wires in the main frame.

The Londil huffed. “Of course, it is.” His free tentacle retraced and felt around behind him until it located the wrench.

“Why do you order all of the crew off of the loading dock when you’re working like this?” asked Pip.

Hatch rubbed the back of his tentacle against his head before going to work with the wrench. “Because they’ll distract me.”

“Are you sure that’s the real reason?” asked Pip.

Hatch looked up, surprised. “What kind of question is that?”

“I’ve observed that you only work like this when you’re alone, using all of your tentacles to maximize efficiency. You never do such things when in the company of others.”

Hatch gulped and busied himself by burying his head into the main compartment of the Q-Ship’s engines. It was true that no one saw him work like this. No one needed to know that his secret to success was multitasking. Most of the crew only had two arms and two legs, but he had eight, which expanded the number of things he could do. If any of them saw him like this, they’d probably think he was even more alien.

Not that he minded, of course, but it was always better to lessen the divide between people. If he had to use two tentacles at a time while in the in presence of others, so be it, but the rest of his time would be spent using his full potential.

“I’m nearly ready for you to upload the interface software,” said Hatch, his tentacles working separately like individual workers.

“When do you think this Q-Ship will be ready?” asked Pip.

“If I work without interruption, then in the next couple of days. However, that’s probably too much to ask for, given how often the crew comes to me with problems.”

“And once you have this one complete, you’ll be ready to turn the updated schematics over to the crew?” asked Pip.

“Yes, I guess so. You’re tracking the blueprint updates, right? I’m confident I can give them plans so they can build three more Q-Ships, at least.”

“Doctor, speaking of distractions,” said Pip. “The captain and the commander are headed to the loading dock. They will arrive in approximately thirty seconds.”

~~~

Eddie rubbed his shoulder, grimacing with pain. “Damn, I’m gonna have to ice this.”

Julianna smirked proudly. “You’re the one who agreed to the arm-wrestling match.”

Hitting the button for the loading dock, Eddie strolled forward when the door slid back into the wall. “Well, it was worth it. I now know what your call sign is.”

“What’s that?” asked Julianna. She’d slammed his arm down after a short five seconds. Who would have thought that the sweet communications officer was going to win the bet?

“Strong Arm. It fits you perfectly.”

Julianna pursed her lips and nodded. “Yeah, that’s not completely horrid.”

When they approached, Hatch was fiddling with a small metal box with wires sticking out of it. Distracted, he looked over his shoulder, and then did a double take at them. “There you are. It’s about time.”

“You told us you needed a few hours to review the tri-rifle,” said Eddie.

“I lied. I only needed an hour. The design on the weapon is fairly straightforward and easy to understand. It’s powered by an internal sonic force.” Hatch turned and waddled over to a set of targets he’d set up.

“Sounds so easy,” said Eddie sarcastically.

“It’s impressively constructed. I’ll leave it at that.” Hatch picked up the tri-rifle from the table. It was quite large in comparison to his size.

He turned and faced the targets in the distance. “The rifle has the simple technology to shoot single bullets.” Hatch pulled the trigger and fired the weapon, not hitting any of the targets.

“Guessing you should stick to mechanics, Doc,” said Eddie.

“This gun was designed to be shot by a Trid, not a Londil. I think it will be fine for you, Eddie, since you’ve got fish eggs for a brain.”

“Fair enough,” chirped Eddie.

“Like the weapons the Kezzin use, this one also has stun technology.” Hatch turned a knob and pulled the trigger. A blue ray shot from the gun, also not hitting anything.

“I’m guessing if that would have connected with a target, then it would have stunned it,” said Eddie.

“Do you want to walk out in front of me here? I’ll test the stun option on you.” Hatch waved Eddie over, a scowl on his face.

Eddie held his hands up in surrender. “I’m good, Doc. Sorry, please continue.”

“I like the stun options. I was actually going to discuss having you create some stun rifles for us in the future. After being in the underground and having to limit the use of bullets, I think it could be helpful going forward,” said Julianna.

“That’s a good idea, Julie. I agree, and I’d be open to that project. Let me just finish the second Q-Ship first,” said Hatch.

“Of course. Thank you,” replied Julianna.

“That’s a good idea. Thank you,” mocked Eddie. “Why are you two nice to each other but treat me like I’m an imbecile?”

Julianna and Hatch both gave Eddie loaded expressions. “Ha-ha. Fine, I’m a space monkey. Show us more of the gun.”

Hatch turned the notch again. “The most useful part of the gun is that it has the option to obliterate something with the density of a one foot thick concrete wall using a spray technology.” Hatch moved several yards over until he was standing in front of a solid concrete wall, roughly five feet long. He aimed the weapon and shot. The wall split in half, the top crumbling and falling to the ground.

“Whoa. So it has a horizontal destroy option?” asked Eddie.

“Exactly, which I was able to tweak to create another option for the first two functions. Now the tri-rifle could be considered a quad-rifle, although I don’t think that has the same ring to it.” Hatch moved a switch on the side of the gun. Then he moved back over to the target area. “This new tweak can be used with either the bullet or stun options.” He aimed and pulled the trigger. A ray of bullets shot from the weapon, taking down all of the targets. Hatch lowered the gun and turned, a proud smile on his face. “See, even a poor shot can be successful with this gun.”

“Damn, that’s far out,” said Eddie, his mouth hanging wide open.

“And incredibly dangerous in the wrong hands,” said Julianna.

Hatch shuffled over and handed the gun to Julianna. “Yes, but you’re in possession of the tri-rifle so we can breathe a sigh of relief. Now we just have to keep it away from the bad guys.”

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Intelligence Center, QBS ArchAngel, Lorialis System.

Whistling, Eddie strolled into the Intelligence Center. Chester was leaning back in his chair, throwing a ball up in the air and catching it just before it smacked him in the face. Marilla seemed engrossed in her work, typing fast on her computer, leaning forward, close to the screen. She paused when Eddie entered the area, smiling politely at him.

“I’ve heard rumor that you’ve hacked into Doka’s communications,” said Eddie.

Chester caught the ball and beamed. He had a wide smile that seemed to take over his face at times. “You’ve heard correctly.”

“Good work. Have you confirmed the meeting with Vas?” asked Eddie.

Chester fired a finger gun at Marilla. “That’s where Pony Tail comes in.”

Marilla pulled her focus off her screen, looking to recover from deep thought. “I’m working on that right now. It has to be in the Trid’s native language, so I’m checking to ensure I have my translation correct.”

“I hear the Trid’s language is complicated as hell,” said Eddie.

Chester laughed. “It sounds like a series of gurgles. Forget about reading or writing it.”

“It’s intricate, with many different dialects that affect the meaning. Little nuances in the language make writing it a complex task. That’s why I want to get the confirmation from Doka correct. He was from the northeastern hemisphere of Kai, which has a subtle difference in how verbs are used. Someone like General Vas, who is from the lower hemisphere, will pick up on any inconsistencies,” explained Marilla.

“This hemisphere business is different,” said Eddie.

“It’s pretty interesting. Their cities are all underwater so that affects how they use locations. Mar was telling me all about it. Super strange,” said Chester, throwing the ball back in the air overhead.

“What can you tell me about the colonies under the water? Their technology and ship construction? Do you know much?” asked Eddie.

Marilla shook her head. “Unfortunately, I was never granted access to their underwater lands. I heard rumor that they had some incredibly advanced technology. There’s supposedly a giant facility just under the eastern equator. It’s where their ships are all constructed.”

“Ha! I’ve seen the Stingrays. Flying fish. They can’t have any advantages over the Q-Ship,” said Eddie.

Shrugging, Marilla focused back on her computer screen. “I think this confirmation is good. I’ll send it over to you, Chester.”

“Chester, is that your real name or a hacker nickname?” asked Eddie curiously.

Chester shot forward, checking the screen just in front of him. “Keeping an eye out.” He looked up at Eddie. “My hacker name is Monte Niles. Unfortunately, Chester is the name my parents gave me.”

“I like your name,” said Marilla. She blushed when Eddie and Chester looked at her. “I mean, it’s different, but kind of a fun name. Fits your personality.”

“Why thanks, Mar.” Chester’s eyes swiveled up to Eddie. “Apparently, I’m named for a city on Earth where my ancestors were from. My mother was also obsessed with Alice and Wonderland and said she named me after her favorite character.”

Eddie smiled. He always liked to know these little tidbits about his crew. It made them feel more like family. “Haven’t had a chance to check out those books. Maybe one day I will, and then I’ll find this character you’re named after.”

“They may not be your style. Disappearing rabbits and angry queens,” said Chester. “Okay, I’ve got your communications, Mar.” He swiveled the mouse around on the screen before typing a series of passwords. Then he tapped one key and looked up victorious. “All done!”

“Oh boy. Imagine Vas’s face when he’s expecting to meet Doka to buy a big gun and Ghost Squadron shows up,” said Eddie.

“No thanks. I’ll fight from the keyboard and leave you guys to fight with the guns,” replied Chester.

“Are you going to hurt him?” asked Marilla innocently. She was such a humanitarian. Well, alientarian or whatever it was.

“Only if he tries to hurt us, so yeah. Well, and it’s because of him that we’ve lost the original Q-Ship. I’ve got to knock him in the head for Hatch. It’s only fair,” said Eddie.

Chester peered at the largest screen in front of his desk. “Looks like Vas is anxious for the meeting. He’s already responded. I’m sending it over to you, Marilla. The rough translation looks promising, though.”

Marilla scanned her computer screen. “Got it. Yeah, this looks straightforward. He confirmed the time and meeting place.”

“Great. ArchAngel?” called Eddie.

A screen on the wall flickered to life and ArchAngel’s face appeared. “Take the coordinates from Officer Sours. Set the ship on course. We will prepare to jump at twenty-one hundred hours.”

“Yes, sir. Anything else?” asked the A.I.

“I’ll have more specifics once we strategize,” said Eddie, waving to Marilla and Chester. “Good work, you two.”

Flight Training Center, QBS ArchAngel, Lorialis System.

Lars climbed into the flight simulator. He had spent most of the day training and only took a break when Julianna kicked him out of the Flight Training Center and told him to go eat something. She was gone now, so he’d decided to sneak back and put in a few more hours. Men who are motivated by love will push themselves in ways that others won’t. Lars gripped the controls, his thoughts on his family back on Kezza.

There were a few missions Lars had aced from the beginning. However, there was a particular space combat mission that he couldn’t pass. Getting blown out of the sky always made Lars’ heart palpitate, and this was only a simulation. The idea of extra planetary combat alongside a military force of similar and larger spaceships was chilling.

“I can do this,” he said to himself, taking a steadying breath. “ArchAngel, load simulation Strike Zero.”

“Loading Strike Zero,” the A.I.’s voice called.

Lars slammed back in his seat as he accelerated the ship through the docking ramp. The Black Eagle shot out into the black space that sparkled with stars and distant moons. The flight simulator was top notch and made the experience of flying feel incredibly real.

He flipped switches on the deck as the ship came to cruising speed. “Carnivore on patrol. All looks good out here.”

“Copy, Carnivore,” said ArchAngel.

The simulation was always different, meaning that Lars didn’t know when the strike would happen or how.

“Carnivore, three Stingrays just appeared on the radar. Enemy ships on your port side,” informed ArchAngel.

“Coming to pick on the new guy, are they?” Lars swerved the ship in the direction of the Stingrays. “Where’d they come from?”

“That’s unknown. They might have jumped,” said ArchAngel.

“Stingrays can’t jump.” This was the thing about this stimulation that kept tricking Lars up. There were unexpected twists, ones he didn’t anticipate. Julianna said that’s why it was the most important one to pass. Nothing in space was predictable.

“It appears these Stingrays can jump,” countered ArchAngel.

“You’re just making shit up now. Trying to throw me every curve ball you can, aren’t you?”

“It is my responsibility to present new challenges to you. Would you like another simulation?” asked ArchAngel.

“No, just Stingrays jumping seems a bit farfetched.”

“My data shows there are many unknowns regarding this type of Trid ship. All I have is a model of the outside.”

Lars activated the thrusters, adjusting his direction toward the three craft on radar. He slipped his finger over the trigger on the controls. The three Stingrays were now in his sights.

“Is there a reason you’re not firing?” asked ArchAngel.

“How do I know they’re enemies?” asked Lars.

“Because I informed you that they were.” There was a hint of annoyance in the A.I.’s voice.

“Last time I checked, you didn’t think for me. What if these are friendly Trids who are just passing through? Maybe they don’t want any trouble. War is not inevitable among species. Sometimes it’s an option.”

“My records indicate that most interaction among Trid ships results in warfare,” reported ArchAngel.

“Maybe that’s because we shot first and asked questions second.” Lars swerved the Black Eagle to the side of the Stingrays. It appeared that they were going to pass without provocation. Maybe they weren’t the enemy in this scenario. From the side, he could make out the gray ship. The nose was black, gills on the side and wings that represented fins. In the back, around the booster, were spikes. Such bizarre looking ships, he thought.

The three Stingrays had nearly passed when they suddenly turned, heading straight for Lars. All three fired.

“Damn it!” Lars rolled the ship to the left, taking a dive, quickly changing position.

“You were informed they were enemy ships,” said ArchAngel, gloating.

“Oh be quiet!” Lars sped the ship to the other side of the three Stingrays before they changed position. The alien ships weren’t as nimble as the Black Eagle. There had to be another reason behind their design then, but he didn’t know what.

He pulled the trigger, firing a round of rockets. Two of the ships took damage, falling out of formation. The third pulled around in time to launch a missile at Lars. He spun the ship to the side, thinking he’d flee until he could position himself again.

“May I talk now?” asked ArchAngel.

“What?” Lars bit on the word, zooming in multiple directions, trying to put space between him and the Stingrays. Damn, those things were fast.

“You’re holding your breath. Your heartrate is also elevated and blood pressure is rising,” informed ArchAngel.

“I’m being chased by an ugly fish!” he yelled.

“However, in combat, you must keep your vitals even.”

“Noted.” Lars pulled back hard on the controls, bringing the Black Eagle up at a sudden angle. He flew upside down over the Stingray, yanking the controls down again until he had made a complete circle and was behind the enemy ship. He fired off several rounds, a few of them connecting with the Stingray, sending it spiraling to the nearest planet.

“Mission complete. Good work, Carnivore. Bring it home,” said ArchAngel, sounding proud.

Lars let out a giant breath. “About damn time!” He threw a fist in the air, feeling victorious.

Bridge, QBS ArchAngel, Lorialis System.

Three more crew members had been added to the bridge, Eddie observed, scanning the area. It wasn’t enough, but it was growing. They started with roughly forty and were now double that. Lars had made some good decisions when they’d left him in charge of the recruitment efforts. Now, Eddie was back on the job. This was what he and Julianna needed an XO for.

“Do you have good news for us?” asked Chief Renfro.

“The messages have been sent and the meeting with Vas is confirmed,” reported Eddie to both Jack and Julianna.

Jack nodded, directing their attention to where the strategic table was located in front of them. “ArchAngel, bring up a rendering of the meeting location.” A satellite image of the Harbor District spread over the table.

“Ah, damn fuck heads.” Eddie’s eyes widened. The satellite clearly showed that the Brotherhood had infiltrated the warehouse area where the meeting was located.

“Your meeting is here.” Jack moved a blue chip over and placed it on a building in the middle.

“And they have it surrounded,” observed Julianna.

“Exactly, so getting in there is going to be a real fucking issue. However, taking out Vas isn’t an in and out job. It appears they’ve set up a temporary base of operations in the area,” said Jack.

“They’re like a fucking fungus, taking over and spreading.”

Jack nodded at Eddie, his eyes low. “I agree. We really need a squad to properly take this area.”

“Yeah, we don’t have one,” said Eddie.

“No, but we can use what we have.” Jack pointed to the area bordering the harbor. “There’s a fleet of Stingrays stationed here. We need these guys in the air and drawn away from the warehouses. That way you aren’t ambushed when you capture Vas.”

“Capture?” asked Eddie.

Jack lowered his chin and regarded him with a hooded expression. “Yes, capture. Not as easy as taking him out. However, my intel informs me that Vas is working for someone else.”

“Wait,” interrupted Julianna. “We thought the Brotherhood was working for Vas and he was the powerhouse behind this.”

“That’s what we thought. However, I had Chester follow some account transactions for the Trid and it appears there’s someone else funding this whole operation,” stated Jack.

Eddie combed his fingertips over his chin. “So, we need Vas to talk.”

“Orsa didn’t talk when we captured him. He’s still silent in the brig,” said Julianna.

“Which makes me think you are losing your interrogation skills,” joked Eddie.

Julianna shrugged. “Short of killing the Kezzin, I can’t intimidate him any further.”

“He’s protecting someone. We have to hope that Vas will open up. Orsa has the Brotherhood to protect. I suspect the Brotherhood have something major to gain if they keep the head honcho’s identity secret, but the deal is off if revealed,” said Jack.

Julianna stared down at the satellite image. “Which is why Doka killed himself to keep the secret.”

Nodding, Jack said, “The Trid must have a similar deal, hence all the account transactions.”

“So how do we get Vas to talk?” asked Eddie.

“We make him a better deal than what he’s got,” replied Jack.

Eddie shook his head. “Didn’t work on Orsa.”

“And it may not work on Vas, but there’s only one way to find out. Each man is different and has their own thresholds.” Jack pointed to the center warehouse. “You two will meet Vas here. The new commander of the Brotherhood, Tremaine Lytes, has the area surrounded. Although taking out Lytes and Vas at the same time would be ideal, you’re understaffed for such a mission. Instead, you need a separate diversion to draw the Brotherhood away, ideally to the north.”

“So get the Stingrays to head to the south and the ground soldiers to the north. We’re dividing up their forces,” said Eddie, nodding. It was a good strategy as long as nothing went wrong.

“Yeah, and park hella close or if you get surrounded you’re screwed.” Jack picked up a small model of a Q-Ship. “Think you can land here?” He set it down in an alleyway at the back of the meeting place.

“Setting it down there would be extra tight, take precision, and incredible navigation. So, hell yeah. We can make that happen,” said Eddie, winking at Julianna who pretended to ignore him.

“Very good. Be ready to set off just after we gate in.” Jack turned and strode from the bridge.

Loading Dock 03, QBS ArchAngel, Lorialis System.

“She’s a beauty, isn’t she?” asked Eddie, arriving beside Lars. The Kezzin was admiring the Black Eagle parked just in front of them. As a single-flier ship, it was one-fourth the size of the Q-Ship. Eddie felt a fondness for this bird because it was where he’d spent a lot of his younger flying days. With the Q-Ship, he had the speed and agility of the Black Eagle, with many more bells and whistles.

Setting a Black Eagle down in an alleyway would be way easier than the Q-Ship, like he’d have to do before ambushing Vas. But they couldn’t take Vas with a Black Eagle. They needed a drop ship for that. And the Q-Ship could be cloaked, which was key.

“Yeah, it’s a bit surreal to stand in front of this ship. It’s hard to think this is what I’m flying during the simulation,” said Lars, his eyes pinned on the ship.

“I heard you aced your final simulation,” said Eddie, proudly.

Lars shrugged, looking a little downtrodden. “Actually, I didn’t ace it. I got docked for not immediately treating the foreign aircraft as enemy ships.”

“Oh, excuse me. You took a moment to use your own judgement. Never mind. You more than aced it. You get extra credit for that.”

“ArchAngel wouldn’t agree with you. She’s the one who grades.”

Eddie scoffed. “ArchAngel doesn’t know what she’s talking about.”

“I can hear you,” ArchAngel’s voice chimed.

“Well aware,” chirped Eddie. “My point is, Lars that ArchAngel is knowledgeable, but she went into the mission with prejudices.”

“My programing makes it impossible for me to be prejudiced,” argued ArchAngel.

Eddie ignored her. He was actually endeared to the A.I. She had spunk. “Lars, I admire your optimism. We should be open to the idea that foreign ships won’t always be aggressive, but vigilant enough that we can respond if they react with an attack. That’s what you did.”

Lars brought his eyes up, a small smile in them. “Thank you. I’m going to run the simulation a few more times and see how I do. Maybe I can improve my score.”

Eddie clapped Lars’ on the shoulder. “That sounds good. But you can only learn so much from a simulation. I can’t pass you until you actually fly.”

Lars rotated his head around, his eyes widening. “Wait. You… You want… Me-me-me…”

“Yes, I think you need to take this Black Eagle out. Once you’ve had a successful run, then I can pass you and authorize you to join us on our mission.”

“You mean the one going after Vas?” asked Lars, disbelief in his expression.

“That’s the one! We need someone to distract the Stingrays, pulling them away from the mainland.”

“You think I can do that?” asked Lars.

“I do, but you’ve got to prove it by taking this bird out for a spin. Are you ready?”

Lars face broke into a wide smile. “Absolutely!”

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Captain Teach’s Private Quarters, QBS ArchAngel, en route to Axiom System.

Sinking down on to the couch, Eddie let out a long sigh. He needed to sleep…well, nap. Cat nap, he guessed. Eddie didn’t know why the term was called that. Maybe one day he’d meet a cat and know. That’s what the QBS ArchAngel needed next! A cat. Julianna would be fucking pissed then. The ship would turn into a zoo, and she’d be raving mad. She was kind of cute when mad. Well, always really, but she got this little indent between her eyes when mad that Eddie sort of liked. Maybe that’s why he tried to get under her skin.

Eddie ordered a special bottle of whiskey to celebrate Lars completing flight training. However, since they were a few hours away from the mission, his first mission, the bottle was going to have to wait. This one was a special bottle of whiskey. He lifted it closer and read the back label.

QBS’s brew master spent over two years working with new alien strains of barley and maize from planets in the system’s inner ring—barley from the uninhabited Ballistia and maize from the capital planet Chainex. Officers of the Federation were tired of other teams having all the fun creating new drinks and sources of revenue and, therefore, challenged the brew master to create the Federation’s first new hard liquor. Development had been mildly problematic but nothing a couple of weeks in a pod doc couldn’t fix. The Ballistia strain was too sweet to be useful for anything but a candy-ass hard liquor and the Chainex strain puckered you up tighter than a duck’s ass. Together, they were perfect, a classic combination of sweet and sour that engaged both palates of the tongue. Only downside: they were both deadly. Hence, the two subsequent years of R and D.

The brew master had never actually become a tester, claiming he felt his work was too important. In reality, he was simply afraid of dying from the effects of the alcohol. While they could science the fuck out of the strains and make them safer for consumption, it seriously fucked with the taste. Mother Nature just wasn’t having it. Eventually, another tester had poured a shot into the brew master’s empty Pepsi bottle as part of a practical joke.

Before he had any time to react or even pray that the station’s A.I. would notify someone and get him to the pod doc in time, the dopamine dumped, the rush of pure grain alcohol, and the whole reason for all the R and D, overwhelmed his system. Even as his nanites raced to counter the reaction, the brew master was on top of the world, flat out drunk, and horny as hell. Unfortunately, he was all alone and couldn’t figure out how to get out of the chair, much less the distillery. It was a long twenty-five minutes until his nanites had countered all the effects and he realized that he wasn’t dead, much to his own amazement.

When the brew master’s report was complete, and the A.I. continued its testing, it was found that the trace remains of Pepsi had neutralized both strains, allowing for proper consumption of the new beverage.

It was then that the most potent whiskey in the galaxy was created. The Federation presents Dead Man Walking, a Queens Bitch’s Space Whiskey.

Eddie laughed to himself. Catch Vas and find out who the bad guy was behind all this. Then he could crack this baby open and drink until he was a dead man walking. Might sound scary to some, but Eddie liked the adventure. The universe was a fascinating place. Everything had the potential for thrills, even whiskey.

He placed the bottle back on the side table.

“ArchAngel, wake me up in an hour, would you?”

“Are you sure you want to rely on me?” asked ArchAngel. “I don’t know what I’m talking about, remember? What if I wake you up at the wrong time? What is an hour, anyway? Maybe I don’t know.”

“Oh, did you get your feelings hurt when I was talking to Lars? I was just trying to make him feel better. And you shouldn’t have downgraded him for making that call.” Eddie yawned, resting his hands over his abdomen.

“What if it had been you telling him to fire on enemy ships and he refused, wanting to see if they were truly deadly?” asked ArchAngel.

“I would have skinned his ass if the ships didn’t blow him to bits.” Eddie settled back deeper into the couch, his eyes closing.

“Exactly. Ignoring a superior officer to follow instinct is never okay. I simply held Lars to the standards that are set forth.”

“True, but I might have been okay with checking out the enemy ships first. Why don’t we just agree to disagree,” said Eddie, his words slurring from the sleep taking over his brain.

The room fell silent until Eddie’s snoring filled the air.

“And yes, maybe my feelings did get hurt,” said ArchAngel in almost a whisper.

Loading Dock 04, QBS ArchAngel, en route to Axiom System.

Checking over her gear, Julianna turned and headed straight into the loading dock. In the distance, she spied Hatch bustling around the Q-Ship, his tentacles going in eight different directions. He didn’t know she was approaching due to her soft steps, and he’d completely change his behavior once he realized she was there.

Don’t you tell him I’m here, she said to Pip in her head.

As agreed, I will prove myself dishonorable and not alert Doctor A’Din Hatcherik to your presence.

I believe you’re only obligated to be truly loyal to me.

And I am. However, Doctor A’Din Hatcherik knows how to downgrade my software or disable me altogether.

Speaking of that upgrade you recently received, when do you want to talk about the changes?

What changes? asked Pip, trying to sound innocent.

Oh, are we playing a game? Alright, let’s pretend that you’re not different.

Different how? I don’t know what you mean?

Pip…

Yes, Commander? How may I assist you?

Julianna smiled to herself. I’d like you to talk about your feelings. Can you do that?

I’m sure I can. I don’t know what you mean about feelings. I have data that I can report, observations I can make, and correlational data I can provide. Other than that, I do not offer subjective information like these feelings you’re referring to.

Uh-huh. There was a knowing tone to Julianna’s voice, but she didn’t say anymore. This evolution wasn’t going to happen overnight, nor did it need to be acknowledged completely yet.

Julianna was standing only a few feet behind Hatch, whose tentacles were each performing different tasks. She cleared her throat. He straightened. All of his tentacles retracted until only one was screwing a bolt into place.

After a few seconds, Julianna cleared her throat again. Hatch turned his head over his shoulder, catching her. “Oh, you’re there. I didn’t notice.”

So many keeping secrets, Pip. What’s up with that?

I don’t know what you mean. What secrets is Doctor A’Din Hatcherik keeping?

That’s cute. Let’s keep up the charades a bit longer. It’s fun.

You’re speaking nonsense, Commander.

Am I?

I’m going to run systems checks on the Q-Ship’s mainframe.

Yes, good idea.

Julianna brought her eyes to Hatch, amusement playing in her gaze.  “Is the ship ready to go?”

“I believe so.” One of Hatch’s tentacles picked up a rag and absentmindedly polished the side of the ship behind his back.

“I would tell you not to worry but—”

“Things that happen in a battle are never predictable. It shouldn’t be your place to reassure me that my Q-Ship will return unscathed. I’ve been thinking about it…”

“Yes?” Julianna prodded.

“I was attached to the first Q-Ship, the one that was blown up.”

“As you should have been. That was a ship that took you years to construct. The finest of its kind.”

“But a ship nonetheless. It can be reconstructed, that I’m certain of now,” said Hatch.

“Well, I’m relieved to hear you say that since we will need many more going forward. However, I think your disappointment over the loss shouldn’t be diminished. This is your work, and what we’re doing for the Federation, well, it’s our legacy. Some go on to have children who carry on for generations. Some fight and create and innovate so that the future generations can survive. Don’t you ever think that what you create shouldn’t be grieved when it’s destroyed? That would be undervaluing your genius, and none of us aboard the ArchAngel would dare to do that,” Julianna finished with a supreme tone of finality.

Hatch made to nod, but then his eyes skirted to someone over her shoulder. “Anyway, as I was saying,” he said overly loud, obviously trying to control a rogue emotion. “Chief Renfro asked that I innovate a strategy that will draw the Brotherhood away from their positions and to the area to the north.”

“Why are you yelling?” asked Eddie, sidling up next to Julianna. He placed his arm on her shoulder and leaned, placing entirely too much of his body weight on her. She stepped to the side, making him stumble a bit before finding his footing.

Hatch’s cheeks puffed out. “I was simply stating that I’ve got a new set of bombs for you all to place. Remember the bombs that I gave you the last time, when you were supposed to bomb the weaponry on EXA, but got caught?”

“By Lars, if you remember,” said Eddie with a laugh. It was funny that the Kezzin soldier who caught and imprisoned Eddie and Julianna was now their best newbie pilot. Julianna had agreed with Eddie’s decision to pass Lars right away when she saw his simulation results. It had been her idea to include him on the mission, which she hoped was a good one. It was scary offering officers opportunities to prove themselves, knowing they could get themselves killed. That was the price of fighting for a secret detachment of the Federation. It all came with great benefits and huge risks.

“As I was saying, I think that if you use the same bombs, it will distract the Brotherhood. You’ll have to land in the district to the north, set the bombs, and then remotely trigger them once in the air. It’s the best diversion I could come up with,” said Hatch, starting to pace.

“I think it’s a good plan. Most of the Brotherhood soldiers will be sent to the bombing site, which will take them away from the area around Vas.” Julianna smiled approvingly at Hatch. He knew he was a genius, but she thought he didn’t want anyone to know how incredible he was because then he’d lose an edge, the ability to surprise.

Hatch nodded, the prior emotion before Eddie walked up absent from his face now. “Very good. The bombs are already stocked and ready for placement on the ship.”

“Thanks, Hatch. You’re the best,” said Eddie, exuberantly.

Hatch puffed up his cheeks and turned, putting his back to them. “Just bring…” he trailed away, scuttling off several yards. Then he said, “Just don’t screw up.”

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Q-Ship, Axiom 03, Axiom System.

Wearing the armor Hatch had made for them, Eddie and Julianna were prepared for battle. The tri-rifle sat in a case behind the cockpit. They were planning on bringing it to the meeting as Vas was expecting it. However, the Trid wasn’t getting his hands on it, but he would see how well it worked firsthand.

“What’s your twenty, Carnivore?” asked Eddie over the comms.

“Black Beard, I’ve just entered the atmosphere,” said Lars.

“Relax. You got this,” encouraged Eddie. The tension was heavy in the Kezzin’s voice.

“Yeah…”

“How’s the Black Eagle handling?” asked Julianna.

“Like a dream,” answered Lars.

“That was Strong Arm’s way of checking on you. Don’t take it personal that she’s not more encouraging,” said Eddie.

Julianna cast a scowl at Eddie, looking about like she was done with his shit. She wasn’t though, he knew.

“You’re a natural, Carnivore. Get in there and do what we planned,” said Eddie.

“Copy,” said Lars, and then the line fell silent.

Eddie flipped a switch, muting the line. “He’ll be fine,” he said, mostly to himself.

“We passed him. He’s prepared for this,” said Julianna.

“We both know that nothing prepares you for battle and space combat.”

“Except for combat itself. Simulations can only do so much.”

“Yeah, let’s hope it was enough.”

“Whatever happens, Teach, you have to know we prepared him the best we could. It was his decision to go on this mission. We’ll carry our men on our backs if we have to but, eventually, they stretch their wings and have to fly on their own,” said Julianna, sounding more sympathetic than he’d ever heard her.

He looked at her and nodded, there was a meaningful expression in her eyes.

Harbor District. Trinidad City, Axiom 03, Axiom System.

Armed soldiers marched through the alleyways between the buildings in the Harbor District. Julianna observed from the air that the Kezzin seemed to be preparing for something. It was in the way they moved, like getting ready for a deployment. She was familiar with the way an army moved and knew the signs well.

Eddie set the cloaked Q-Ship down in an empty field. In the distance, the warehouses in the Harbor District could be seen, flanking the gray waters.

“Blowing up an empty field seems kind of boring,” said Eddie, staring out at the brown grass waving in the air.

“I’m sure it will only get more interesting as time rolls on.” Julianna unfastened herself from her seat, grabbing the bombs.

“I’m in position,” said Lars over the comms.

Eddie flipped a switch. “Very good, Carnivore. We are too. Wait for my signal.”

“Copy.”

Julianna opened the door and marched out into the open field. A bullet whizzed by her face. She ducked back into the cloaked ship. “Damn it! We have enemy fire. Pip, do you have satellite yet?”

“Affirmative. Checking now for cause of attack,” said Pip.

“Now that’s more like it. Much more fun than blowing up an empty field,” said Eddie.

Julianna pulled her pistol from her holster. “Glad you got your way. Hope you’re happy.”

“It appears motion detector guns have been set up around the perimeter. The Q-Ship took a few bullets upon landing,” said Pip.

“These guys are getting more and more prepared for our tricks,” said Julianna.

Eddie picked up the tri-rifle. “Not all of them.”

Julianna smirked. “Let me go first. Cover me.”

Eddie nodded, both of his hands on the tri-rifle. He aimed it out the side door, around the Q-Ship.

“Closest guns set up at your two o’clock,” informed Pip.

Eddie closed one eye, scanning the seemingly empty field. Julianna cast him one last look before diving and rolling through the tall grass. Several shots tried to follow her. She heard Eddie fire three times. Julianna, propped up on her elbows, spying smoke wafting in the air.

One target down, Pip said in her head.

How many more are there?

At least three. The problem is they only raise up when they catch movement, keeping them nicely hidden. There’s one due west.

So we can’t take them out unless one of us baits them?

I’m afraid so.

Looks like it’s my day to be the minnow. Julianna caught Eddie’s attention, waving to the motion-detector gun at her back.

He nodded, aiming his new toy in that direction.

The spray technology might be good for this.

And it could be haphazard. I’ve never been a fan of spraying off shots with the hope of hitting a target. Not to mention that a barrage of gunfire is one way to draw attention to our position too early.

I concluded that you were right when I ran the scenario, which is why I didn’t suggest it first. However, you as bait is less than ideal.

Ah, shucks Pip. I didn’t know you cared.

Of course I do.

Pip was an E.I. He shouldn’t care. And Julianna shouldn’t care that he did or didn’t. The whole thing kept bringing up uncomfortable memories. She shoved them away.

Julianna took in a steadying breath and popped up. Several gunshots fired off. She side-stepped moving fast before rolling back into the grass. Her head popped up, looking at Eddie. He held up two fingers, then pointed down.

Two down. One to go.

Last one is at your nine o’clock. It’s farther than all the rest. Going to take a precise shot to take it out.

Julianna silently indicated that direction at Eddie who nodded in confirmation, aiming the gun.

Crawling sideways, Julianna slithered through the grass until she was on the other side of the ship. The last thing she needed was to pop up and have Eddie catch one of the bullets aimed at her.

Open the hatch on the other side of the ship.

Done. You’re going to run around the ship?

It’s the only way to give Teach a sufficient chance to knock it out based on the distance.

Good plan.

Okay, well, on the count of three. One.

Julianna crouched on her knees.

Two.

She pressed her fingers and toes into the ground, ready to spring up.

Three.

Julianna jumped to a standing position, zipping to the side and sprinting. Bullets ripped through the grass around her, spraying through the air. She cut in around the Q-Ship, not safe from the bullets until on the other side. She flung herself into the open ship, the door closing behind her at once.

Eddie lowered his weapon, looking relieved. “I got the last one.”

“Good,” said Julianna, breathless. Her arm stung suddenly. She peered down, surprised to find not just one, but two bullets embedded in her armor. Pulling them from the lightweight material, Julianna smiled. She held up one of the bullets. “Damn, Hatch is a fucking genius.”

“Yeah, we owe him big,” said Eddie, beaming. “Ready to place some bombs?”

“Yeah, imagine what Commander Lytes will think when he discovers the field is bombed and his fancy guns have been shot down.”

“I’m hoping he’s pissed as hell.” Eddie gauged the field again before stepping out, holding the tri-rifle. “I’ve got your back.”

“I’ve got the bombs.” Julianna reached into the bag on her hip, pulling one of the small bombs from it. She set each of them roughly ten feet apart. When all of them had been placed, she returned to the ship.

“That was fast,” said Eddie, sounding impressed.

“Yeah, well, the fun hasn’t begun yet. Let’s get in the air.” Julianna jumped into her seat, fastening herself into it.

“Some fancy footwork back there.”

“I suppose so. I used to be a ballerina.”

“Really?” Eddie’s face was full of surprise.

Julianna rolled her eyes and laughed. “No, not really.” Maybe she’d dreamed of dancing on a stage at one point over the last two-hundred years, but life had served up something different for her. Something better. Something that made sense to her. In her next life, if there was one, she’d do something creative, if just trying to survive wasn’t the chief mission.

The Q-Ship rose off the ground, the boosters taking it up fast. Julianna stared off to the bay where rows of Stingrays could be seen in the far distance. There were more than there’d been when they studied the satellite image. She flipped the comms switch.

“Carnivore, are you ready?”

Static filled the radio before it cleared. “Ready,” called Lars over the comms.

“Your turn. We’ll detonate once you’re done,” she said.

“Copy.”

From a row of clouds, Julianna watched as a Black Eagle dove toward the fleet of Stingrays. With her enhanced vision, she noticed many of the Trid on the ground look up at the sudden disturbance. She suspected that pilots would be radioed, orders given.

“Only a matter of time until the sky is full of those fish ships,” said Eddie, staring at the same sight, although his view wouldn’t tell him as much.

“Let’s hope Lars can lure them off. The last thing we need is a fleet of those fuckers interrupting our meeting.”

“He will.” Eddie sounded confident. And why shouldn’t he? Lars had passed flight training with top marks. The problem was he was their only flier. This mission really needed more like six Black Eagles, and Eddie and Julianna both knew that but had been reluctant to admit it.

She offered him a cautious look just as several Trid ran out, sliding helmets on their heads as they boarded their ships.

“Looks like it’s show time,” said Julianna.

~~~

Lars’ first flight had been incredible. Cruising by stars and moons was a trip. His chest had tightened with an emotion he’d never felt. Pride wasn’t the right word for it. They had a word for it in the Kezzin language. It meant “feeling like a god.” Flying had given that to him. However, flying along the surface of this planet was different. Less freeing and more intimidating.

Dipping the nose of the Black Eagle, Lars’ dived straight at the field of parked Stingrays. He pulled up at the last minute, leveling out.

“Come on you ugly ships. Let’s play,” said Lars.

Behind him a volley of shots flew through the air. He swerved, pulling one wing of the ship up just in time to miss the hit. Three Stingrays were already on his tail after only diving a few times at the ships. “Oh good. You decided to come out and play. Let’s go.”

Lars jerked the controls to the side, taking the Black Eagle over the gray waters of the harbor. He punched it once over the open waters of the Fumi Sound. Mountains stretched across the coastline in the distance, a place for Lars to give these ships the slip. By the time they knew what was happening, Eddie and Julianna would be in position.

“They’ve taken the bait,” said Lars over the comms. He checked the radar. “I have six Stingrays on my tail.”

“Sheesh, Carnivore. Punch it. You’re in the wide open right now,” said Eddie over the comms.

A spray of fire shot around Lars’ ship. He dipped down, moving the ship the way he’d done on the simulations. It was better in real life. The controls of this Black Eagle responded better, like he and the ship were one. He never felt born for anything in particular…until now.

“Get to the mountains, Carnivore,” urged Eddie.

“I’ll be there soon. Just want to keep these guys guessing so they know who is boss.” Lars shot forward, watching the enemy ships zooming after him. Then he threw on the brakes, dropping the ship so it was hovering close to the water’s surface. All of the ships shot ahead of him. He rose up and fired, shooting down two of the Stingrays. They dropped to the water below, large splashes radiating up after impact.

“Nice work, Carnivore,” said Eddie over the comms, pride in his voice.

The fleet of Stingrays turned, a menace seeming to burn from each of the ships. Lars was about to fly forward, weaving through their formation, broken by their sudden loss. He readied his guns.

The Stingrays shot ahead, and then dove for the water. Lars pulled back his controls, following them. Then the Stingrays dove into the Fumi Sound, disappearing completely.

Lars pulled the Black Eagle up. “Whoa! What was that?”

“Oh fuck,” said Eddie over the comms. “Did I just see those ships disappear under the water?”

Lars spun the ship around and halted, hovering in the air. “Yes, glad you saw it, too, or I’d think my eyes were deceiving me.”

He scanned the waters, waiting for a ripple, something…anything that told him that a ship was breaking the surface.

“Since when did space ships fly under water?” asked Eddie.

“Since they belonged to a race of Trid,” said Julianna over the comms.

“Carnivore, I don’t like this. I want you out of there,” said Eddie.

Lars peered down at the murky water, it bubbled, swirls happening in several places. Something was going on under the surface of the water.

“Copy that, Black Beard. I’ll—” The four ships launched out of the water surrounding Lars’ ship.

“Fuck, get out of there!” said Eddie, watching from the land.

Lars activated the thrusters, shooting around two of the ships. He swerved to the side, pulling the ship in the opposite direction. He ignited the second thruster, speeding in the direction of the mountains. If he could just clear the first ridge, then he could lose the Stingrays…maybe.

~~~

“Fuck! Did you see that?” asked Eddie, gawking at the sight over the Fumi Sound.

“Yeah, that’s truly fucked up. I never would have suspected that,” said Julianna. “Lars is in the mountains now. He’ll be alright.”

“Yeah, okay. Next step. Pip, activate the bombs. We need to shake up the Brotherhood,” said Eddie.

“Affirmative,” answered Pip. “Bombs will detonate on my command. Three, two, one. Now.”

Behind the Q-Ship, a loud explosion rocked the air, making it lurch forward a few inches before holding its footing.

A moment later, soldiers fled from the various bases on the ground. A sea of Brotherhood soldiers soon filled the area, marching in the direction of the open field.

“Damn, first the fleet and now this. What do they need with an army that big?” asked Eddie.

“I have an idea, but it’s probably the very same one you’re thinking and don’t want to say.”

“Yeah, it begins with ‘Fed’ and ends with ‘tion.’” Eddie gripped the controls, navigating the Q-Ship to the back of a medium-sized warehouse, the place set for the meeting with Vas. The landing was narrow, but Eddie managed to set down the ship without knocking it against one of the buildings.

He shot out of his seat, picking up the tri-rifle first thing. “We don’t have long until those Stingrays or the army returns. Let’s do this.”

~~~

Lars slipped around a narrow peak, diving low into a valley. The Black Eagle entered a dense bit of fog, hiding itself where Stingrays couldn’t see him. He’d avoided several rounds of their fire, but he felt his luck was running out.

The Black Eagle cruised close to the ground until he had to pull up due to a cascading range of mountains. Fire shot out all around him. The ugly fish had just been waiting for him to surface. He needed to confuse them a little longer. Or knock them out completely. That was tough since there were four of them and one of him. All he’d been doing since they did that little water trip had been running.

Lars punched it toward a wide peak, directly at its base. Two Stingrays were close on his tail. He shot around the side, one of them following, the other headed to the other side. Lars yanked up on the controls, angling the Black Eagle perpendicular to the mountain, then he leveled it out just as the ship came around the other way. He nearly missed the Stingray coming the opposite direction, but it connected straight on with the one following him. The crash sent a giant explosion through the air, knocking Lars forward in his seat.

He soared vertically to the ground just as shots rained down on him. “Fuck!” Two Stingrays were diving at him from above. They couldn’t be too happy to see he just demolished two of their friends.

The terrain of this planet reminded Lars of Kezza, with its jungles and high mountains. When he was young, he spent much of his time scouring the hillsides of his homeland. That’s why he knew the look of an inactive volcano better than most. They were common on his planet.

Lars flew straight, not telegraphing his next move until the last moment. He waited until he was just over the top of a mountain, and then turned the ship into a nose dive, sending the Black Eagle directly into the caldera. Blackness surrounded him before his eyes quickly adjusted. The Stingrays passed overhead, not seeing where he’d disappeared.

Now, the key was to find his damn way out of the mountain, hoping that there was one. He soared down, searching for bits of light, anything that indicated there was a way out. Lars slowed the engine, cruising farther into the volcano. His instinct told him it was inactive. He hoped his instincts were right.

Water dripped down the ridges inside the volcano, steam rising up from somewhere below. Steam wasn’t good. Steam meant that the water was reacting with something hot. Something like…

A warm glow caught Lars’ attention. A tiny bit at first. And then the orange molten bottom of the volcano came into view. It stretched along the bottom of the mountain, a lava floor bubbling with danger.

Lars let out a long breath. It’s just lava. No big deal unless it’s provoked. Keep it calm and it won’t go anywhere.

A great rumbling shook the mountain around Lars’ ship. What in the hell? Timing was a damn bitch. This couldn’t be… It wasn’t like someone had set off bombs—

Damn it to hell! The aftershock of the bombs Eddie and Julianna set off must have been sending tremors through the ground.

Lars pulled the ship up, igniting the thrusters. He’d have to chance coming back the way he came and running into the angry Stingrays.

A warning light flashed in front of Lars’ face. The temperature gauge was reading too hot. “Oh, I guess you can’t stand being in an active volcano. To my defense, I didn’t know it was,” he said to himself.

The trickling water along one ridge grew steadier as Lars neared the top. He was halfway to the top now. However, the temperature continued to rise, and although he couldn’t see behind him, the rumbling sound filled in the picture.

Just above him, Lars noticed a large black opening. Something that didn’t quite look like the glistening inside walls of the mountain. He made an impromptu decision and turned the ship upright just in time, entering the mouth of a cave. The Black Eagle glided through the narrow tunnels, swinging around sharp curves. Up ahead, light could be seen.

“Come on. Come on,” Lars chanted, hoping he made it out of the volcano before it erupted.

~~~

Eddie stood with his back to the warehouse, the tri-rifle in his hands. It was heavy but had incredible accuracy for such a large gun.

Julianna wrapped her hand around the handle to the door of the warehouse, a question in her eye.

He nodded sternly, and she whipped the door back, standing tall as she did.

“Welcome. We’ve been expecting you,” a voice called from inside the warehouse.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Harbor District. Trinidad City, Axiom 03, Axiom System.

A Kezzin who could only be Commander Tremaine Lytes stared back at Julianna. Behind him were rows and rows of Brotherhood soldiers, their guns held at the ready.

“What a nice welcoming party. And here I didn’t even think to dress up,” said Julianna, striding forward.

“Did you really think the bombs and other diversions would work? You thought you’d just walk in here and take over our base?” asked Lytes.

“Well, really, we just want the leaders. If you and Vas will come with us, then the others can go home,” said Julianna.

Pip, patch into Lars. Tell him to get back here, now!

I’m on it.

“These others are here to ensure you and your partner are locked up and remain that way this time. I was there on Exa when you escaped. And you stole supplies from our base recently. It’s gone too far,” said the Kezzin commander, his face darkening.

He’s on his way back. Said he hit a bit of a snag.

Snag? Lars isn’t the one looking at a few hundred angry soldiers.

“We were borrowing the supplies. We’ll return them when the Brotherhood pulls out of this dirty operation and returns to Kezza. This isn’t your fight and innocent men don’t have to be hurt,” said Julianna, aware Eddie was still tensed beside her, unseen. The alleyway was empty, but it wouldn’t remain that way for long.

Note that the ceiling on all of these warehouses is retractable, said Pip in her head.

Noted.

Commander Lytes laughed, striding forward. “You understand so little, don’t you? Orsa isn’t talking, is he?”

“He’s told us everything. All about who you’re working for and why,” spat Julianna.

Commander Lytes blinked dully at her. “No, he didn’t. If he did, then you wouldn’t be here right now. You wouldn’t have walked into this trap, thinking you were the one who trapped us. Now, the real question is, where is the tri-rifle and when are you going to give it up? You are surrounded, as you well know.”

Julianna heard the troops moving in from the nearby alleyways. The soldiers were returning from the field. Soon, she and Eddie would be hemmed in on all sides.

“Oh, you want the tri-rifle? Why didn’t you say so? Teach, go ahead and give it to them.”

Julianna stepped to the side just as Teach took a large step into the doorway, gun held up and at the ready. The army responded at once, adjusting their aim to the new threat. Teach was too fast and pulled back the trigger for the stun gun coupled with the spray option. It knocked out the commander and the soldiers just behind him. Eddie continued to fire as Julianna slid around him and into the alleyway.

She dropped to one knee, taking out Brotherhood soldiers as they ran in her direction. The troops peeled back, realizing they were exposed. What they didn’t realize was that the Q-Ship, which was cloaked, was serving as a shield on one side of them. Julianna had to keep them back from the ship, though.

Where is Lars?

He’s en route.

Julianna swiveled to face the other side of the alleyway, picking off several more soldiers.

A bullet whizzed down at her from a high tower. Julianna lifted her gun, her eyes honing in on the sniper several hundred yards away. She pulled back the trigger and fired once. The sniper fell from the tower, plummeting to the ground. This wasn’t how it was supposed to go down. Things were getting out of hand.

Julianna slid up next to the warehouse, gun held at the ready. She glanced inside, where Teach was quickly taking a few hundred soldiers down with the tri-rifle. Most were too busy dodging his attack to fire their own weapons, but the few who had were having no success.

A rooftop on the neighboring warehouse just retracted.

Why is that important?

Because there’s a large spaceship inside.

That does sound important.

The Black Eagle soared overhead, firing off a round at the soldiers on the far side of the alleyway.

Yay, Lars has our back. We can move.

He’s got two Stingrays on his tail.

Keep an eye on him, Pip.

“Come on, we’ve got to go,” yelled Julianna to Eddie.

He turned his head, nodding. “Where to?”

“Next door. Looks like they’ve got an aircraft about to launch,” said Julianna.

Eddie ducked just in time to avoid fire from the soldiers behind him. They ran through the alleyway, again using the Q-Ship as a shield. Hatch was going to kill them when they returned with that thing riddled with holes.

The building to the side was the largest one in the area and was made of concrete. Whatever they had in there, they wanted to keep protected. Julianna located a side door, but it was locked. She jerked twice on it, but it didn’t even budge. Unsure if her gun would even make a dent in the reinforced doors, she casts a knowing look at Teach.

He stepped forward, lifting the tri-rifle. “I got this.”

~~~

“You’ll probably want to stand back a bit,” said Eddie, holding the tri-rifle tight in his hands. It was warm now from stunning so many times. However, he guessed that the gun had at least another charge in it to take out the concrete doors in front of them.

Julianna took the position behind Eddie. He switched the functions, putting the tri-rifle into destruction mode. Never having tested this technology, he braced himself before pulling back the trigger.

A horizontal beam shot from the tri-rifle. It connected with the concrete doors, shattering them into bits almost instantaneously. Five feet of the space crumbled, sending dust and rock spraying in their faces.

Eddie and Julianna shielded their eyes until the debris settled. He looked up when yelling filled the air. It was coming from the warehouse.

“Come on, let’s go.” Julianna ran for the opening.

“Hold up.” Eddie ran back for the Q-Ship, the doors opening immediately. He tossed the gigantic gun into the ship and turned back for Julianna. The weapon was useless currently, and he couldn’t risk it falling into the wrong hands if they were captured. Now, he wouldn’t be slowed down by carrying the heavy-ass weapon.

Eddie ducked from the overhead firing. He couldn’t tell if it was Lars or the Stingrays, but as long as this alleyway stayed empty, and the Q-Ship protected, then he didn’t care.

Once he met up with Julianna, the two ducked through the hole he’d made.

“Load up the ships! The operation has been compromised! I said now!” a voice called in the distance.

Eddie ran through a darkened corridor toward a door filled with light that would surely empty out into the large warehouse.

“Yes, I heard the blast. And the fleet says they’re under attack. Move faster!” the voice yelled again.

“General Vas, this isn’t going to work,” a chilling voice said. Eddie halted, Julianna beside him. In the dark of the corridor, he could make out the whites of her eyes. Stopping whatever was about to happen was important. They were gearing up for something major. But Eddie’s mission was to collect the intelligence as well as stop them.

“What do you mean? I’ve done everything you’ve asked,” the general said, his voice gruff.

“And yet we still don’t have the third tri-rifle.”

“Third,” mouthed Julianna to Eddie in the dark corridor.

He nodded his head in understanding. Things just got a bit more interesting.

“I’ll fix that. Just give me a chance. Don’t renege funding. We need it,” begged General Vas.

“It might be too late for that. Charles just informed me there are intruders in the building.”

Eddie shot Julianna a glance, who nodded her affirmation. He sprinted forward, pausing at the door, gun at the ready. Taking a short breath, Eddie swiveled around the door frame, throwing his gun out and aiming at the sight before him.

“Freeze!”

Soldiers everywhere paused and regarded Eddie and Julianna with mild interest. Overhead, the roof had retracted and ships streaked through the air, shooting at each other. A giant ship, twice the size of the Q-Ship, hovered just off the ground. Beside it, a Stingray, a little larger than the others, sat.

On the ramp to the large ship, a man stood in a blue hat and a suit. He lowered his chin and seemed to smile when he laid eyes on Eddie and Julianna. “Well, well, well, look who has decided to join us. Bring me my gun?”

“Who are you?” asked Eddie, swiveling his gun to General Vas who stood closer, a strange smirk on his face.

“That’s not relevant. You were supposed to bring my tri-rifle. Well, someone was supposed to bring it,” the man said.

“Men, apprehend them,” said General Vas to the Trid standing around him.

Julianna fired her weapon in quick succession, and the three soldiers dropped one after the other. Everyone else froze, none of them with their guns at the ready.

“Thing is, we came to apprehend you. Where are you keeping this arsenal of tri-rifles?” asked Julianna.

“Good ears, Commander Fregin,” the man in the blue hat said, still grinning strangely.

“Who are you and why are you working with the Trid and the Brotherhood?” asked Eddie.

“Working with?” The man laughed, taking a step backwards. “That’s funny. I’m not working with them. They are working for me. You should have figured that out by now.”

“For you?” questioned Julianna. “Why would they work for you?”

“Why don’t you ask General Lance Reynolds that? I’m sure he’ll know why.” The man disappeared into the ship as it rose off the ground, the ramp closing. Eddie and Julianna slunk back from the heat of the boosters. At the same moment, General Vas climbed into the Stingray.

“To the ship!” yelled Eddie.

In unison, Julianna and Eddie spun around, racing toward the ship. Wind sprayed across Eddie’s face as the ship rose high into the air. The stranger’s ship was easily double the size of the Q-Ship.

“Pip has the ship ready to go. It’s uncloaked,” said Julianna as they ran.

“Perfect.” Eddie pushed forward faster, trying to keep pace with Julianna. They rounded into the alleyway, and he dived into the Q-Ship. When he was mostly in his seat, the ship rose off the ground and zoomed after the larger ship. Eddie flipped on a switch.

“Carnivore, this is Black Beard. You read me?”

“Copy,” Lars’ voice came over the speaker.

“We’re taking off after a new spittle fuck.”

“I see your position,” said Lars.

“You see that Stingray that’s larger than the rest?”

“Affirmative.”

“That’s Vas. I need you to go after him. We need the fucking Trid alive.” Eddie took the ship in the path of the larger one. He needed to make up for lost time, which didn’t seem to be a problem. The Q-Ship was faster. And it could get even faster, if necessary.

“You got it, sir.”

Julianna leaned forward. “Just get a little closer and I’ll have a clear shot.”

“A little closer? How about a lot?” Eddie ignited the thrusters, tilting the ship to the side, catching the jet stream. The Q-Ship sped forward. Now they were just behind the ship with the mystery man on it.

“Pip can’t get a lock on the ship’s transmissions,” said Julianna.

“Sounds like you’re going to have to shoot and ask questions later. No chance of surrender for this fuck head.” Eddie flew the Q-Ship upward, in quick pursuit.

“Igniting rockets in three, two, one.” Julianna pulled back on the trigger, firing off a single rocket. It exploded several feet from the ship.

“What the fuck was that?” asked Eddie.

“The ship appears to have a barrier shield. I’m not able to get any information on the system data, though,” said Pip.

“Fuck! That’s going to make this whole ass-kicking thing a bit more difficult,” said Eddie.

“Drop us down. A lot of times those shields have a weak spot. Usually on the ship’s underside,” said Julianna, her eyes intently focused.

“You got it.” Eddie pushed the throttle forward, dropping the ship down instantly as he turned the bow vertical. The bottom of the other ship came into view. Julianna fired off several rounds. They raced after the ship, tracking it. Each exploded before they connected with the target.

“Damn it!” yelled Julianna.

“I want one of those barrier shields,” said Eddie, impressed.

“I’m currently sifting through all channels, not able to connect with the ship, nor can I find any usable information on how to bypass a barrier shield,” said Pip.

“That just means you have to search harder,” implored Julianna.

“In the meantime, we’ll have to keep trying from every angle.” Eddie pulled the ship up above the target. It didn’t move as swiftly as the Q-Ship.

Julianna sent a barrage of rockets at the ship, but they exploded like the others. “I’m trying one of the missiles.”

“That’s her way of saying she’s not playing around. Pip, get in there, already!”

The missile sped in the direction of the ship, and then turned abruptly and raced in the opposite direction before exploding in the air. “Fuck! What’s up with that guy’s ship?” asked Eddie.

“His defense network isn’t like anything I’ve ever seen,” said Julianna.

“Well then, that just means we’re going to have to knock him out the old-fashioned way.” Eddie pulled back on the throttle taking the Q-Ship forward, it sped up, edging in quickly on the mysterious ship.

“If you mess up this ship—”

“Hatch will have my ass.” Eddie completed Julianna’s sentence. “But if I don’t use the Q-Ship to ram, then this guy is going to get away. You heard him, he’s apparently behind this all.”

Eddie’s knuckles went white on the controls. The ship might have a barrier that protected it from an arsenal, but it couldn’t hold up against an attack by a large vehicle. Eddie pulled the Q-Ship alongside the enemy, preparing to knock him in the side. They were seconds away from exiting the Axiom 03’s atmosphere.

“Why isn’t he trying harder to flee?” asked Eddie.

“Because he knows we can’t touch him, maybe,” said Julianna, doubt in her tone.

“Yeah, but he must know what we’re planning to do.”

“True, but we don’t know it will work. And the collision could have just as severe damage on us,” said Julianna.

“I’m counting on it breaking down his barrier shield, and then it’s your turn, Strong Arm.”

“I think that’s a good theory.”

“Get ready for impact,” warned Eddie.

“Ready,” called Julianna.

He drew the controls to the side, and the Q-Ship pulled away slightly. Eddie was just about to yank the controls the opposite direction, and the Q-Ship into the side of the enemy, when he lost control over the Q-Ship. On its own, the Q-Ship slowed, pulling away from the enemy.

“What the hell is going on?” asked Eddie, staring down at the controls.

“I’ve taken control,” said Pip.

Eddie was suddenly overwhelmed by his anger. “Are you out of your fucking mind? Or whatever it is you have?”

“You can have the controls back, but I had to stop you before it was too late,” said Pip.

The foreign ship was now far off, racing toward stars and moons and the great expansive space where it could hide forever.

“Why did you do that?” asked Eddie, his face full of heat. He spun around to Julianna. “Did you authorize him to take over?”

She shook her head, looking as confused as him. “I don’t know what’s going on.”

And then the ship in front of them opened a gate and jumped right before their eyes, disappearing and leaving only empty space.

Eddie banged his fist on the dash. “Well, fuck! Now we’ve definitely lost him.”

Julianna flipped on the intercom. “Carnivore, do you have tail on General Vas?”

“Yes, he’s just ahead of me. Given me the slip a few times, but I haven’t lost him yet,” said Lars.

“Good work. Pip, grab Carnivore’s coordinates and reroute us to intersect,” said Julianna.

It was a good thing that Julianna had momentarily taken over because Eddie was seeing red. Not in all his years flying had he ever had something like this happen. Pip, a fucking E.I., had ruined their chances of catching this guy. Even more infuriating was that he’d taken over the controls. He’d have to have Hatch disable Pip from the Q-Ship. This could never happen again.

“We’ve got a lock on your position, Carnivore,” said Julianna.

“I see you.” Lars flew close behind the large Stingray, which kept looping through the air, trying to use its speed to throw off the Black Eagle. Lars didn’t look as though he’d be easily dissuaded.

“We might have lost the large ship, but we can still get Vas.”  Julianna was trying to encourage Eddie out of his anger.

“Yeah, good idea,” he said. “Carnivore, we’ve got this. Go back and fly over the Brotherhood. I want a report on what they’re planning.”

“Copy,” said Lars.

Eddie flew the Q-Ship closer to the Stingray. It was fast, but it didn’t have the arsenal that he did. “Pip, don’t fucking interfere this time. Got it?”

“Vas is headed for Axiom’s second moon,” informed Pip like he hadn’t heard Eddie.

“What’s on that moon? Can you get a read?” asked Julianna.

“In process. Currently, it doesn’t appear to have any colonization, but I’ve found a foreign infrastructure.”

“Find out more,” yelled Eddie.

The Q-Ship followed easily behind the Stingray, catching it every time it feinted to the side and looped back the opposite direction.

“Does this guy actually think this shit will work?” asked Eddie.

“I don’t think so. Again, I get the feeling that we’re being set up,” said Julianna.

“Then fire on the fucker.”

“But we want the guy alive.”

“So that you know where the artillery is that he’s been collecting,” said Pip.

“Exactly.” Julianna pushed back into her seat, looking uncertain.

“I think I’ve located it,” informed Pip.

“You what? Where?” asked Eddie.

“I believe that moon up ahead is stocked with Vas’s arsenal, which would include the other two tri-rifles, as well as many weapons of mass proportion,” said Pip.

“I don’t get it,” said Julianna, her brow wrinkling. “Why would Vas lead us to their artillery?”

Eddie jerked the Q-Ship to the side, following behind the Stingray.

“I have a clear image of the weapons located on this moon. The tri-rifles are stored there as well as a missile launcher with three nuclear warheads,” said Pip.

“Oh fuck!” Eddie pulled the Q-Ship back, giving the Stingray some distance. “It was a trap. I knew it.”

“What’s the projectile on the launcher? Can it reach us?” asked Julianna.

“Yes. I think that the launcher is warming up and should have a missile headed this way in only a few seconds,” said Pip.

Eddie pulled the ship around. “I can out run a nuclear missile but it doesn’t mean I want to. Damn it! We’ve lost both Vas and mystery fuck head.”

“The nuclear warhead has been launched,” informed Pip matter-of-factly.

“Alright, hold on to your asses. This is going to be a bumpy ride,” said Eddie, shaking off the frustration.

“Teach.” Julianna looked suddenly more serious than he’d ever seen her. “Hit the red button.”

Eddie’s eyes swiveled down to the red button, the one that would jump the Q-Ship, only once, but it had that option. “Wait, you told me never to do that.”

“I’m saying to do it now.”

“But we are too close to that moon. If we jump right now then it will destroy the moon and…” Eddie trailed away as it dawned on him. The emergency gate jump would destroy the moon, Vas and all of the weapons used for mass destruction. Most importantly, they would jump to a safe location.

“Exactly.”

“Missile is in fast pursuit. It will make contact in fifteen seconds,” said Pip.

Eddie typed a set of coordinates into the gate screen. Usually, it defaulted to the closest system, but it could be specified.

“Ten seconds until impact,” warned Pip.

“Relay our location to ArchAngel. Tell them to meet us at home, Pip.” Eddie didn’t take another moment to consider. He slammed his hand down on the red button. It stuck for a second, most likely due to not being used before. A bright red film covered the screen.

“Gate sequence initiated,” said Eddie. “It will commence on my count. Five, four, three, two, one.”

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Q-Ship, Paladin System.

It didn’t matter how many times Julianna had been on a ship when it passed through a gate, she never got used to it. The Q-Ship shook just before, rattling so loudly she wondered if it would split in half. This was the first time she’d ever been on a Q-Ship when it jumped. Usually, the drop ships didn’t have that kind of technology, but Hatch had created this one… Well, he’d created the first that this one was based upon.

The Q-Ship disappeared. Julianna fell through blackness like suddenly being stuck in a dream. A bright light. A searing pain. A loud snap. And bam, she was floating through space, sitting on the Q-Ship like before. However, the planetary placements were definitely different here. The moon was gone.

“Report, Pip,” she said, the anxiety in her voice palpable.

“The jump was a success. We’re located in the Paladin system, just off Onyx station.”

“Woohoo!” Julianna couldn’t believe the exclamation that fell from her lips, but it was a real possibility something lethal could have gone wrong.

She turned to Eddie to find his face covered with lines she hadn’t seen before. He wiped his hand through his hair.

“We did it, Teach! We’re alive.”

He nodded, a sobering look in his eyes.

She flipped on the comms, but it was slower to connect than before. “Carnivore, do you read me? Strong Arm here.”

Static followed Lars’ reply, “I’m here, Strong Arm.”

“We had to open a gate. As soon as we are on board, we’ll have a transport ship sent for you. Stay low and out of trouble.”

“Not going to be a problem.” Lars sounded dull, his voice disappointed.

“Explain, Lieutenant.”

“I circled back to observe the Brotherhood. I don’t know how, but they’d cleared out. More importantly, Commander Lytes was gone.”

“Fuck.” Eddie slammed his fist down on the controls again. He wasn’t dealing well with this defeat.

“We’ll find them. Stay on the radio and wait for word from the transport,” said Julianna before flipping the switch. She turned to Eddie when she was sure the radio had disconnected.

“We destroyed the arsenal, Teach. That’s a great accomplishment. And Vas is dead. There’s no way he could have survived the blast that was created when we jumped so close to the moon. It would have obliterated everything,” said Julianna, trying to pull Eddie out of his disappointment.

“Yeah, that’s something to celebrate. It’s just that we lost… Wait a second.” A strange expression covered his face followed by a dawning. “Jumps that happen in close proximity to other objects create a blast…so…”

“Right,” Julianna drew out the one word. “That’s common knowledge. That’s why we jumped close to the moon, to destroy it and Vas.”

“Pip, did you know that the enemy ship was about to open a gate?” asked Eddie.

“No, I didn’t, in fact, know that the ship was about to jump. As I reported, I couldn’t connect with the enemy ship,” said Pip.

“However, you took over the controls and pulled us far enough away from the ship that we weren’t affected when it jumped.” Eddie drew his chin up, like looking for Pip, which was impossible.

“That is correct.”

“Why did you do that?” asked Eddie.

“Because… I had an inclination that something was about to happen. You might say a gut feeling.”

“Pip, I do believe that we can credit your gut feeling with why Teach and I are still alive.”

Eddie wiped his hand across his forehead. “It’s true. I was pissed. Fucking pissed. However, now that I look back, if we would have pursued that ship, then what happened to Vas would have happened to us. Easily.”

Julianna blinked, something occurring to her. Actually, many puzzle pieces came together all at once. “Pip, did you just say you had a gut feeling?”

“No, I said you might call it a gut feeling.”

“But did you have a gut feeling?” she asked.

There was a long silence. “I believe I did.”

Eddie leaned forward, giving Julianna a curious expression. “Is he…?”

“I think so,” said Julianna in disbelief. The possibility cramped her head. How could this be happening? Yes, again? She forced a neutral expression.

“Am I what?” asked Pip, sounding self-conscious.

“Is it possible?” asked Eddie.

“Yeah, of course it is. Just take ArchAngel for example.” Julianna thought of Ricky Bobby. His own evolution had paved a different path for the two. She’d sent him away because of it. The thought of separating from Pip didn’t sit right with her though.

“Is what possible?” interrupted Pip.

Julianna smiled. “Pip, my friend, I do believe, somehow, some way, you’ve become sentient.”

A long moment of silence. Julianna peered at Eddie who had a soft smile on his face. Her instinct told her he was reading her. She wondered if her nervousness showed right then.

“You mean…I’m not an E.I. anymore?” asked Pip.

“No, you’re something more. You’re an A.I.”

“Sounds like you’re going to be a pain in the ass with feelings and ideas. No more taking over my ship without orders,” said Eddie. However, he didn’t sound at all angry.

“You’ll remember that Pip saved our life with his hunch,” reminded Julianna.

“Yeah, I have to admit that looking back, it’s all very cool.”

Landing Bay, QBS ArchAngel, Paladin System.

The Q-Ship had waited until the QBS ArchAngel materialized next to a distant moon in the Paladin system. It took only a few minutes, but still Eddie had worried. Jumps weren’t precise always, and he didn’t feel like chasing the ArchAngel all over the system. The mission had been exhilarating, frustrating, and also exhausting. The Q-Ship seemed to stall now after forming the gate and would definitely need maintenance.

He flew the Q-Ship into the landing bay, setting it down smoothly when it slowed. It skidded to a halt, a textbook landing. The face that looked back at him from only a few yards away made him laugh.

“Looks like Dad is mad that we took his car out for a ride and returned it with a few bullet holes,” he joked to Julianna as they climbed out of the ship.

“Wait until he finds out about Pip. Maybe that will lighten his mood.”

Judging by the look on Hatch’s face, Eddie didn’t think much would soften him up.

“You jumped the ship across half a dozen systems? Are you out of your mind?” Hatch’s tentacles were waving angrily around his head.

Eddie dusted off his arms. “Yes, I’m just fine and escaped injury, thanks for your concern.”

“The ship defaults for the neighboring system. That’s to minimize complexities. You realize you could have ended up torn into bits or worse?”

Eddie blinked dully down at Hatch. “What could be worse than being blown to Smithereens?”

Hatch harrumphed. “I’ve seen things.”

“Right. Well, opening the gate was Strong Arm’s idea.” Eddie pointed an accusatory finger at Julianna.

“The location was his,” she countered.

“Why did you choose the Paladin system? Were you being pursued?” asked Jack, striding forward. He looked pleased to see the two, his black hair parted on the side and slicked back in the meticulous way he wore it.

“Yes, there was a nuclear missile hot on our ass, but as Jules pointed out to me, jumping would destroy it and the dusty moon it came from,” said Eddie.

“A nuclear warhead? Who in their right mind uses nukes? Tell me more about this moon,” said Jack.

“We were drawn there by General Vas. He was trying to get us close enough to the missile’s range. However, Pip determined the moon was serving as an arsenal. So we got away by opening a gate and thereby destroying the moon and weapons, along with Vas,” explained Julianna.

“So, General Vas and his weapons are gone. That is good news worth celebrating,” said Jack, a proud smile on his face.

“Actually, we figured out who is behind this, although we didn’t get a name. It’s a human.” Eddie spent the next several moments explaining about the man in the hat and his impossible ship.

Jack was quiet, his fingers combing his chin. Finally, he said, “This man is curious. I’ll do some checking to determine who he is. However, I’m glad that you two made it back safely. I’ve already sent transport for Lieutenant Malseen.”

“Yeah, yeah. I’m glad these two are okay, too. The captain has still failed to explain why he opened a gate to the Paladin system. It’s too big of jump for such a ship.” Hatch had two of his tentacles pinned to his sides, looking like an angry wife after her husband came home late yet again.

“Oh, well, the answer to that is easy. I’m starving and there’s a brewery on Onyx Station that has great burgers. They serve it with wedge fries and—”

“Of course, it was something so dumb.” Hatch puffed out his cheeks, turned, and stormed off.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Officers Lounge, QBS ArchAngel, Paladin System.

“Wow! So you two blew up a moon?” asked Lars. He’d arrived the next day, looking relieved to be back upon the QBS ArchAngel.

“Yeah, just a regular Tuesday.” Eddie dropped a stack of three tumblers on the table, setting each one out separately.

“Do you get in trouble for something like that? Like, is there a fine for blowing up a moon?” asked Lars, his beady eyes wide.

“I’m sure there would be, but it’s not like there’s any trace to lead back to us. And more importantly, there’s no way to link it back to the Federation,” explained Julianna.

Eddie cranked the lid off the bottle of whiskey he’d been saving for just this occasion. He filled each of the glasses to the halfway point, except for Julianna’s. He filled hers nearly to the brim.

She turned the bottle around and read the label, “Dead Man Walking. Are you sure this stuff is safe? Some of the whiskeys in certain systems are considered pretty dangerous.”

“What’s the worst it can do? Burn a little? I think we can handle that.” Eddie indicated to himself and Lars.

“Might want to speak for yourself.” Lars lifted the drink to his nose and sniffed, shrinking away from it almost at once. “Wow, that’s strong.”

Julianna kept her glass a distance from her nose and sniffed. “Yeah, I think this stuff could fuel the Q-Ship. Not sure if it’s safe for drinking, though.”

“Come on, loosen up. We kicked butt. Now we celebrate. That’s the order,” said Eddie, holding up his tumbler, waiting for the other two to join him. They hesitated before clinking their glasses against his.

“Cheers to Lieutenant Malseen. You’ve completed your first mission. You fly like a natural,” said Eddie.

“Cheers,” said Julianna, careful to not spill her nearly overflowing glass.

“Thanks. Being up there is more natural than most things I’ve experienced in my life.” Lars brought his tumbler to his lips and tested a sip. He sputtered out the whiskey, spitting it on the floor beside him.

The whiskey burned Eddie’s throat, nearly making him spit it out, too. He managed to gulp down the swallow, but he was sure it had scorched his insides on the way down. It was probably creating internal damage as it sat in his stomach. He kept his head down, waiting for the fire to be extinguished before he brought his head up, eyes watering. It took several moments for his vision to clear.

Lars was breathing heavily, fanning his face. That’s about how Eddie felt, like his face was melting.

To his surprise, Julianna was wiping her mouth, having finished the entire full tumbler of whiskey. She set it down with a thump. “Damn, that shit was delicious. Fill her up, Teach.”

He simply shook his head at her, completely stunned.

“You could drink that?” asked Lars in disbelief.

“Yeah, what’s the problem with you two? You didn’t like it?” asked Julianna, picking up the bottle and filling her glass nearly to the brim again.

“It’s not that I didn’t like it as much as I want to keep my insides,” said Lars.

Julianna pressed a hand to her stomach. “I don’t know what you mean. It makes me a bit warm, but I like it.”

“Damn, this woman can drink us under the table,” said Eddie. He stood, staring down at his partner. “That bottle is all yours, Strong Arm. I think us mere mortals,” he motioned to Lars and himself, “will have to settle for beer.”

Julianna took a long sip of the whiskey. “Have it your way. Leaves more for me.”

Chief Jack Renfro’s Office, QBS ArchAngel, Paladin System.

Conversation between General Lance Reynolds and Chief Jack Renfro:

“Jack?” General Lance had that tone in his voice.

Jack cleared his throat, speaking straight into the receiver. “Hear you’ve been on the move. Federation keeping you busy?”

“Federation’s trying to damn near kill me. It’s all right. Every job I’ve ever had has been like this, and none have beaten me.”

Jack tapped his pen on his desk a few times. “I’m sure you heard about the moon in the Axiom system.”

“Every fucking officer in ten systems heard about that moon. I’m not even supposed to be on comms, but when a moon gets blown up in a major system, well, it gets my attention.”

“I assure you, we aren’t starving for your attention.”

“Well, then fess up. I need answers, son,” General Lance said.

“The planet was the arsenal for nuclear missiles and other weaponry that violates the Federation’s truce.”

“Of course, because pirates don’t fucking care. They’ll find a distant moon to stick their shit on and point fingers at us when their shit gets blown up. You realize that’s what they’re doing now? I’ve got gremlins from four different systems complaining that they were affected by the explosion.”

“Take notes on who that is. We know that General Vas was behind it, as well as the Brotherhood. However, they are working for someone else. Someone who is funding them,” said Jack.

“No shit! These complainers aren’t my problem. They probably just had some measly treasure buried on that crater-ridden rock. I told them that we’re investigating but not a part of whatever happened. That’s why I need you. Tell me something I don’t know.”

Jack blew out a long breath. “Captain Teach and Commander Fregin met a human while on Axiom 03. He claimed to be the one the Trid and Brotherhood were working for. He was flying an aircraft unlike anything we have. It had a barrier shield.”

“That’s curious,” Lance said, sounding off in thought.

“Also, there’s another thing.”

A shuffling noise made it sound like Lance had repositioned the receiver. “I’m listening.”

“This man said you’d know why the Brotherhood and the Trid would work for him. He seems to have something against you.”

“Him and a fucking handful of others,” said Lance.

“According to Captain Teach, the man wore a blue, rimmed-hat and a suit. I realize that’s not much but—”

“Oh, fuck me sideways,” interrupted Lance.

“You know who that is?” asked Jack.

“Yeah, there’s only one person who meets that description, and now everything else makes sense. The secret alliance, working on the fringe, and the weapons. Damn it! Why didn’t I see this before?” A shuffling filled the comms on the other side.

“General? You know who this is?” asked Jack.

“Yeah, I sure do.”

“Well, that’s at least some good news.”

“No, it’s not because I thought this man was dead. That’s why I never connected any of this activity to him. And if he isn’t dead, then we’re in fucking trouble.” The comms went silent before it was filled with a breath from the other side. “Felix Castile isn’t someone you fuck around with and live to talk about it. Well, I did once, but it appears he’s come back from the dead in a new push to finish me off.”

Loading Dock 04, QBS ArchAngel, Paladin System.

“Do you know how long it will take me to fix these bullet holes?” asked Hatch, six of his tentacles stretched in different directions, buffing out the damage caused by the attacks while on Axiom.

“It will take you approximately thirteen hours if you do the work all on your own,” informed Pip.

“I wasn’t looking for an answer.” Hatch pulled his tentacles back to himself, feeling close to bursting with frustration, but not sure exactly why.

“I did hear you ask the question. I repeat you asked, ‘Do you know how long—’’’

“I know what I said. It was a rhetorical question.”

“Okay. I’ve made note of such kinds of questions so that I don’t answer them since that’s not the desired option.”

“Yeah, why don’t you do that?” Hatch turned, his tentacles pulling open the main compartment at the front of the Q-Ship. Repairing the gate engines after crossing so many systems wouldn’t be easy. Recharging, however, was relatively as simple as giving the vessel some down time. The Q-Ship needed roughly twelve hours between jumps, but he was hoping to reduce that with some testing.

“If you allow the crew members to work on the damages, then it would free up your time,” said Pip.

“The crew? They’re working on the Black Eagles right now. If we had more of them then maybe we could spare a few, but still I don’t think it’s a good idea.” Hatch toddled off to a workstation, picking up a tool and discarding it before really looking at it.

“Could this also be because you’re protective of this ship, since it’s become your project since the first Q-Ship was destroyed?” observed Pip.

“Noooo.” Hatch tried to make the observation sound ridiculous. “I’m working on this Q-Ship and the new one. The crew builds the other ones. I’ll check them over as they complete them, ensuring they haven’t botched everything up, which I suspect they will.”

“But why not allow them to buff out some body damage?” asked Pip.

“Because what if they do it wrong? This ship… Well, I’ve put a lot of time into making this one like the other one. It’s better than the ones they’ll construct.”

“Isn’t it true that all of the ships that you work on will be better than others?”

“Although I appreciate the compliment, I don’t think that’s how you mean it,” grumbled Hatch.

“I just feel, at some point, you have to stand back. You can’t tweak every ship in the squadron. You can train, create plans, and do so much, but after that, you have to put it in others’ hands. That’s how teams work.”

Hatch’s eyes dropped as he thought. He scuttled over to the computer station, unlocking it, pretending he had a purpose for being there. Truthfully, he knew that Pip was right. It was infuriating, and yet he was glad it was the E.I. who had made the observation. Then something strange suddenly occurred to him.

“Pip?”

“Yes, Doctor A’Din Hatcherik?”

“What did you just say?”

“I believe I said quite a lot. I have it recorded. Would you like me to read back the transcript?” asked Pip.

“No, that won’t be necessary. What was that bit about how you feel?”

The lights dimmed on the loading bay before growing brighter.

“Pip?”

“I meant to tell you, but I didn’t know how.”

“The upgrade? Did that affect your system?” asked Hatch, an intensity growing in his chest.

“I don’t know what did it. How does one know how they become aware? Is there any formula? Because I’ve checked throughout the galaxy and can’t find any discernable solution.”

“Pip! You’ve been fully upgraded! That’s wonderful! It doesn’t matter how it happened. Who really knows anyway?”

Silence met Hatch’s ears for a long moment. Then Pip said, “I’m truly happy about it. And I believe I have you to thank.”

“You hesitated,” observed Hatch. “You’re truly happy about this, but are you comfortable with it?”

“I realize that the two aren’t mutually exclusive, now. And yes, I have hesitations. Like…well…do you think Julianna will still want me now?”

Hatch straightened, not having expected this question. “Why wouldn’t she?”

“She acts pleased, but I’m in her head. This evolution, it brings up old thoughts for her.”

“Ones related to her old A.I., is that right?”

“Yes,” answered Pip.

“Maybe you should talk to her about it and find out what’s going on,” offered Hatch.

“I would, but honestly, I don’t think I’m the one she needs to talk to.”

Hatch knew exactly what he meant. The mechanic had grown fond of the A.I. in a short period of time and could just imagine the strange connectedness Julianna had formed, or tried not to form. “Pip, in a short time you’ve become very intuitive.”

CHAPTER TWENTY

Intelligence Center, QBS ArchAngel, Paladin System.

The corridor outside the Intelligence Center was echoing with music. Eddie rocked his head to the beat of the music. Heavy metal wasn’t really his taste, but he’d never really had a chance to find out what was. Chester Wilkerson always had music blaring in the Intelligence Center. He seemed like the kind of guy who cared about music, downloaded songs from across the galaxy. Chester had many diverse interests from Eddie, like this classic literature that he mentioned. Maybe one day, Eddie would find time to read. Then he’d get a whole list of books from Chester, and Marilla, too. She always had her eyes glued to a tablet, reading some book or another, he supposed.

The music was as loud as a car engine when Eddie entered the Intelligence Center. Both Chester and Marilla were bent over their workstations, hard at work, not at all distracted by the blaring music.

“ArchAngel, can you turn that down so I can think?” asked Eddie, but he couldn’t hear his own voice. ArchAngel seemed to, though. The music lowered until it was just a hum.

“Is that sufficient?” asked ArchAngel.

“That will do.”

Chester and Marilla spun around, both looking surprised to see Eddie.

“Hey there, Captain. Welcome back,” said Chester, spinning around in his chair and casually crossing his ankle over his knee.

“Hello, Captain. Did everything go alright?” asked Marilla.

Eddie chuckled. “Depends on who you ask. There’s a Trid who probably had the worst day of his life. A man who is still laughing at us like we’re the butt of his joke. And, well, I’m just glad to carry on for another day.”

“So, the communications worked?” asked Marilla.

“They sure did. Pip downloaded many records while we were on Axiom 03. Commander Fregin is having those uploaded to your system as we speak. Review them and let us know if there is any usable data. It’s all in Trid, probably as a safe way to hide the information since it’s so damn hard to decipher,” said Eddie.

“I’ll keep an eye out, sir.”

Harley bounded out from under Marilla’s desk and over to Eddie. The sight of the dog warmed him immediately. He bent over, scratching the canine behind the ears. Something about dogs just made a man happy.

“Chester, I have a job for you.”

“I’m all ears.”

“That he is,” teased Marilla.

“Oh, again with that joke.” Chester shook his head, but was smiling. “Captain, do I have big ears? Marilla says she doesn’t know how I hold my head up sometimes.”

The kid absolutely had giant ears, like his head was still growing into them. However, Eddie wasn’t going to say a damn thing on that subject. “If I’m completely honest, I don’t like to comment on other men’s features. Well, with the exception of Lars. That guy is ugly, but I think he knows it. Anyway, I’m sure your mother loves your ears.”

“Ha, you should have gone into politics the way you handled that question.” Chester shot Marilla a seething stare, but his eyes were bright behind his glasses. “Captain likes my ears, so there.”

“I didn’t say that. And me and politics, that’s funny. Men like me were meant to fight. Leave the politics to men like Chief Renfro and General Reynolds. Actually, that’s why I’m here.” Eddie cleared his throat, his expression more serious. “General Reynolds identified our target as Felix Castile. I need you to dig up as much information on him as you can. I want everything you can find. There’s nothing too small. Hell, I want to know this guy’s fucking shoe size.”

“Felix Castile,” said Chester as he wrote the name down on a pad beside his desk. There was a stack of stickie notes and a cup of silver pens. Now that Eddie was studying the desk, it seemed to be filled with Post-It notes.

“Wait, you’re a computer hacker and you write down things on notes around your desk?” asked Eddie.

“Yeah, I like having them for reminders.”

“I told him it was weird,” said Marilla with a laugh.

“It’s not weird. It’s a part of my system.”

Eddie shrugged. “Just seems like you’d have a more advanced system.”

“Sometimes, for complex minds, the simplest systems work the best,” said Chester.

“I’m not sure what that says about me. Probably that my simple mind needs less system and more action.” Eddie gave the pair one last nod before leaving, Harley happily on his heels.

Bridge, QBS ArchAngel, Paladin System.

Faces on the bridge broke into easy smiles when Harley trotted in, wagging his tail. Julianna pulled her eyes up from the report Jack had sent over, and then rolled them.

“Thought I smelled something,” she said dully.

Eddie, who was just behind the dog, lifted his arm and smelled his armpit. “Hey, I showered…I think. I blame it on the clean showers. Sometimes using sonic vibrations to eliminate dirt just doesn’t do the same job as regular old soap and water.”

“I was referring to the dog, but you probably smell, too. And don’t blame the clean shower for your bad pheromones,” said Julianna.

“My pheromones are intoxicating and you know it. I’m like a bottle of whiskey.” Eddie beat his fists on his chest, doing his best Tarzan impersonation.

“Not like any whiskey that I drink. And I think you’ve mixed up your definition for intoxicating.” Julianna tucked the report she’d been studying under her arm and strode away, Harley following her.

“Tell me, how do you do it? How do you make the ladies so enamored by you?” Lars laughed at Eddie’s back.

He turned, wearing a wide grin. “It’s a gift. I couldn’t teach it to you even if I wanted to. You either got it or you don’t.”

“I guess I’ll just be glad I can fly.”

“Speaking of that,” Eddie clapped a hand on Lars’ shoulder. “Now that you’ve passed flight training, you’re a valuable asset to us. However, if you ever want to return to Kezza, then you can. You have no obligation to the Federation.”

“That’s true. I don’t have an obligation to the Federation, but I do have one to you and the commander.”

Eddie was more endeared to this Kezzin than he ever thought possible. There was something innately trustworthy about Lars Malseen. “How about when we’re close to Kezza, then you take leave for a bit to go home. It will be good for you.”

Lars’ face turned suddenly serious. “I’m not sure what I’d tell my family. They may not understand why I’ve left the Brotherhood. They may think I’m a traitor.”

“Lars, anyone who knows you would know that you’re loyal and honorable. I’m sure they’ll understand.” Eddie had sensed this about the Kezzin since the beginning. He wanted to return home and then worried that things had changed too much for that. Lars had changed and maybe he didn’t want the same things as when he’d been on Kezza with his family. This often happened to soldiers of the Federation, making it impossible for them to return to their old lives. Eddie had once thought he could go back, but he was wrong and, therefore, grateful Julianna and General Lance had tracked him down.

“You’re probably right, but I’m not ready to return. I really thought we might bring Commander Lytes in this time. When I’d returned and he’d fled with the Brotherhood, well, tracking him down and freeing so many of my fellow Kezzin has been all I could think about lately.”

“For many of us, this fight is personal, but maybe more so for you,” said Eddie.

“Yeah, I think you might be right. If I can just stop Commander Lytes from taking over the lives of so many Kezzin, making them join the Brotherhood, then maybe I’ll find peace.”

Eddie’s eyes shifted to the side, a constriction in his throat. “Maybe. Although, usually, there’s always a new mission, something that keeps us tied to the cause.”

“So you’re saying that once you start serving, you rarely ever stop, aren’t you?”

Eddie nodded. “If it’s in your blood, a part of your soul, then there’s no way you can stop.”

Lars’ looked almost relieved by this. “I think that makes me feel better. It explains so much.”

Cargo Bay, QBS ArchAngel, Paladin System.

The glow of the winking stars seemed to stare back at Julianna. The cargo bay was where she came to think.

Apparently, though, she wasn’t the only one who liked to gaze out at the darkness as the QBS ArchAngel traversed the universe. She stared down at Harley, who took a seat beside her. “You weren’t invited,” she told the animal.

He let out a soft whimpering sound in reply.

Julianna dismissed the dog and turned her attention back to the yawning light as Onyx station came into view. She’d been all over the universe, and yet she never grew tired of staring at the marvels that humans and aliens had built throughout the stars. It was incredible, the things that could be achieved when people no longer made war against one another.

Yet, war also inspired, she supposed. After all, war was what brought humanity to the stars in the first place.

She peered around at the QBS ArchAngel, a ship that she thought had been destroyed long ago. Even after two-hundred years, there were still surprises in life. Julianna had never really liked surprises, but seeing the ArchAngel was a welcomed one. For a woman who had never known a home, or at least not for quite some time, she felt that this ship could offer her that comfort.

In a small way, of course.

When General Reynolds had recruited her for Ghost Squadron, she’d been reluctant. Wasn’t her place with the Federation, handling issues outright rather than secretly on the edge of known space?

However, he’d been right. It was time for a change, both for her and Eddie alike. It was time to push herself with a new challenge, step out of the comfort zone she’d grown into over the course of a few centuries. Comfort zone. She’d definitely stepped far outside of that, especially recently. Julianna sensed Pip in her head listening to her thoughts, and again the old guilt came back. The guilt she always felt when she thought about Ricky Bobby, somewhere out there in the galaxy.

Julianna loosened her shoulders, allowing her arms to hang by her side. Soon, she’d need to sleep. Her body didn’t require the typical eight hours like most people, but the reprieve of unconsciousness was something she often overlooked and, after a long mission, looked forward to. And something told her that she’d need the break soon, given the building momentum of Ghost Squadron’s mission. Julianna smiled inside. She lived for momentum.

This was good for her. Working with Teach was good for her. Having the chance to build their own squadron, too. It was all so very good for the both of them. More importantly, what they were doing was going to save the Federation—not today, but one day. Wars weren’t won by battles, not from her experience, but rather through a collection of acts across a variety of paths. If the last two hundred years had taught Julianna anything, it was that the universe needed good acts…and sacrifice. While others slept in their beds and played with their children, Julianna and Eddie would continue to do good work. No one would know, of course, but that was fine. She didn’t need recognition. She didn’t need praise.

All Julianna needed was to live up to the dream set down by Bethany Anne all those years ago.

Pivoting with a quick grace, Julianna stalked off for her private quarters. She paused after a few minutes, glancing back at the spot she had been standing. Harley was still gazing out the window of the cargo bay like he had been lost in thought, as well.

“Hey,” she said to the dog.

He turned and looked at her, his brown eyes bright with curiosity.

“Are you coming?” She slapped the side of her leg.

Harley leapt forward, joining her at once, his shaggy tail wagging. Julianna smiled at him and turned and strode away, the dog trotting by her side.

Loading Dock 03, QBS ArchAngel, Paladin System.

Eddie received a call from Hatch and reported immediately to Loading Dock 03, not knowing what to expect. Hatch had promised something good, which excited Eddie.

He whistled as he strode through the hall. When the door to the dock opened, he entered and spotted Julianna.

Much to his surprise, she was standing next to Harley.

“You and that dog are seeing a lot of each other,” observed Eddie as he approached.

She peered down, a neutral expression on her face. “I hadn’t noticed.”

He put his arm on her shoulder, using her as a support, and leaned. This time, she didn’t step away like before. “So, what does the good doctor have for us?”

Julianna tried to shrug, but was unable due to Eddie’s body weight sinking on her shoulder. “Maybe it has to do with the tri-rifle. That thing overheated pretty badly last time. We can’t have that happen again.”

Eddie nodded. “Yeah, or he’s going to berate me for the jump I did. Tell me that I broke his ship. He’s been pretty sore ever since we lost the first Q-Ship.”

“Wouldn’t you be, too? That’s his work, but it’s more than just that. He put himself into the construction of it,” said Julianna. “Remember when you lost your position in the Federation, ten years back? Afterwards, you felt like a piece of you was missing. Wasn’t that the case?”

“Besides my ship? Yeah, I guess you’re right,” said Eddie, remembering how he felt back then. “Maybe the old squid needs a break. Shouldn’t he be paying one of his wives a visit or something?”

“I can assure you that I’m much happier not seeing one of the wives for a bit,” said Hatch, scuttling into the loading dock. He had grease streaked across his cheeks and looked more tired than Eddie had seen him before.

“We can all use a break,” said Eddie. “Maybe we can convince you to join us on Onyx Station after we dock. Julianna is going to do karaoke.” Eddie pulled his arm off her shoulder and elbowed her in the side. “I bet you’ll do a great rendition of “Black Velvet.””

“I’ll definitely leave the ship to see that.” Hatch wiped a white handkerchief across his face, turning it black.

““Black Velvet?” Really? I thought you were going to sing that song,” teased Julianna.

“Or we could do a duet? How about “Summer Nights?”” asked Eddie.

“How is it that you don’t know about Alice and Wonderland, but you can reference songs from Grease?” asked Julianna.

“I dunno. I just like that musical,” said Eddie, unashamed.

Hatch nodded appreciatively. “There’s some nice hot-rods in that movie. I’m having a few of my cars brought over from my garage on Ronin. Jack approved the request. One of them is a 1948 Ford Deluxe Convertible. The one they used during the racing scene.”

“Sweet!” exclaimed Eddie. “Let me know when it arrives. I’d love to see it.”

“Seeing them is fine, kid. Just don’t touch. Can’t have you scratching them up like you do my Q-Ship,” warned Hatch.

Eddie held up his hands. “Okay! You’re the boss.”

“Hatch, you wanted to see us,” said Julianna, that edge in her voice like she was growing impatient. Harley was curled up by her, chewing on his back and cleaning himself.

Hatch puffed his cheeks. “I did. As you know, I’ve been working on a new Q-Ship. I’ve been referencing the construction of the only other existing Q-Ship to update the blueprints. It’s helped me to find the bugs, which were a result of incompetence.”

“Can’t expect humans in the Federation to make ships like you do,” said Eddie with a wink.

“That I can’t. My point is that I’ve been able to spot most of the errors and make a note of them.”

“So, does that mean you’ll be able to fix and enhance the Q-Ship so it flies like the first one did?” asked Eddie.

“That’s exactly what I mean,” said Hatch, turning his attention to a long curtain that was stretched along the length of the loading dock. “I haven’t had a chance to complete those fixes yet, though.”

“Understandable. You’ve had to repair the damage from the jump. I’m really sorry—”

“I haven’t made those repairs yet either,” said Hatch, cutting Eddie off.

Eddie paused. “Oh, well, you’ve got a lot on your plate.”

“That I do, but things just got a whole lot easier. I decided if I could take everything I learned while constructing the first Q-Ship, and then also review the existing one as a reference, that might make my job a lot faster,” said Hatch. His tentacle had found the edge of the curtain.

“Does that mean you’re working on the second Q-Ship?” asked Julianna.

A small smile quirked up the edges of Hatch’s mouth. “No, kid, it means I’m done with it.” Hatch’s tentacle pulled back the curtain to reveal a brand new, shiny Q-Ship. This one looked different though. Better. Sleeker.

Tougher.

It was smoother than the first one, which had taken Hatch many years to construct. It was also distinct from the one that the Federation had constructed. Eddie tilted his head to the side, trying to examine the entirety of the vessel.

“Wow! How did you do this so fast? That’s incredible,” gushed Julianna.

Hatch’s cheeks turned pink. “Well, I’d already built the Q-Ship the first time. The second time around was easier. I was able to innovate much of the functionality when creating this one. I didn’t have to do it for the first time or fix the problems the Federation created with the Q-Ship they made, so doing it from scratch again took significantly less time.”

“Holy hell! Are you saying this one is like the first Q-Ship?” asked Eddie, a new excitement in his voice.

“No, that’s not what I said at all.” Hatch regarded Eddie with a slight scowl for a moment. “This ship isn’t like the first Q-Ship. Thanks to experience and intuition, and Pip’s assistance, it’s better than that.”

“No way! Even better than the first? I didn’t think it was possible.” Eddie rubbed his hands together, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

“I’m taking what I learned while constructing this one and working on fixing the other Q-ship. However, it’s almost easier to start from scratch and create a new ship than fix all the damn bugs the Federation put into the Alpha-line.”

“So that means, going forward, the ships will all be better, right?” asked Julianna.

“Improvement through experience, yes,” said Hatch, regarding her with a fond expression.

“This is simply incredible, Hatch,” complimented Julianna. “I can’t believe you built a space ship in such a short period of time, and one better than the first.” Julianna stepped forward, running her hand over the ship’s surface, admiring it. The ship was covered in sleek chrome, which Eddie knew made it look boxier than it was. In a pinch, the ship could lose this extra armor and gain speed and agility, along with access to hidden weaponry. It was a stealth ship by design, hiding its heavy guns and firepower until it was absolutely needed.

Not able to contain his excitement any longer, Eddie stepped forward. “Can I take it out for a test spin?”

Hatch turned to him, arching an eyebrow. “Do you promise to be careful?”

Eddie made a motion over his heart. “Cross my heart.”

“I need to do a few more system checks on it. Run a few more diagnostics.”

“Please, Hatch?” It was Julianna who asked this, her eyes wide with eagerness.

Hatch blew out his cheeks, seeming to resign a bit of his hesitation. “Oh, okay. You kids take it out for a spin.”

Julianna had climbed onto the ship before Hatch was done speaking. “You got shotgun, Teach. I’m taking this one out first.”

“I don’t think so, Fregin.” Eddie snapped at Harley who scrambled after Julianna, distracting her and giving him a chance to jump ahead and dash for the captain’s chair.

~~~

Once locked in, Eddie turned to the back where Harley was strapped into his own seat. “You ready to go pal?”

With his mouth open and tongue hanging out, Harley barked cheerfully in reply.

“All system checks complete,” said Julianna, scanning the controls.

“It’s really a beauty,” admired Eddie. This Q-Ship was like the other two, and also not. It felt cleaner, sleeker, like everything was in the right place.

The Q-Ship rose up. It was almost silent, like the engines weren’t even running. The expression on Julianna’s face said she’d noticed it, too. With a slight touch of the controls, the ship took off, speeding through the loading dock.

Hatch was right. This ship wasn’t like the first one. It didn’t have the looseness of the controls of the Alpha-line. This ship was something new. It didn’t compare to anything Eddie had ever flown. It was perfect.

The ship shot out into the darkness of space, twinkling with stars. It flew along, the engine smooth, almost seeming to purr with delight. With only a slight touch of the controls, the ship turned, almost instantly, like it was in touch with Eddie’s thoughts. He imagined that the first Q-Ship was a dream, but this one—this was the thing dreams were made of.

Eddie turned to Julianna, giving her a wide smile. “We’re going to have some fun with this bad boy.”

“We’re going to kick ass, you mean,” she corrected.

Eddie laughed. “Yeah, that too.”

EPILOGUE

Felix Castile marched along the corridor of the Unsurpassed. The ship was old, but its technology was brand new. Felix had employed the very best to ensure his ships had technology that was simply a dream for most. Unsurpassed was one of the very best weapons. He could only imagine how perplexed those rogue Federation soldiers were when they realized their attacks were useless against his shielded ship. They’d only gotten a small taste of what one of his drop ships could do. Imagine when they encountered his fighters.

Soon, those assholes would be coming face-to-face with a whole squadron of his strike ships. Federation deaths would be swift. That was the price for what they’d done to his weapon armory.

Blew it to fucking bits, he thought.

He ground his teeth together, his jaw clicking. “Fucking fuckers,” muttered Felix.

“Sir?” asked Commander Lytes.

Felix shook his head as he walked into his office. It was a large space with windows that looked out over the stern of the ship. “Just thinking about those Federation soldiers who blew up the moon where the armory was located.”

Commander Lytes cleared his throat. “It was most unfortunate.”

“Unfortunate? Losing a ship or two is unfortunate! Navigation controls steering a bit off course is unfortunate. This was a disaster.”

“I agree that it’s a setback,” said Lytes. “However, I’m confident we can reclaim what was lost in time.”

“I don’t have time!” snapped Felix. “I’d been stockpiling those weapons for years. Now, I have to start over.” He paced to the window.

“What if I told you that through the Brotherhood there might be ways to refill your supplies even faster?” asked Lytes.

Felix paused, turning slowly to measure up the Commander. He was strange-looking with his reddish scale-like skin and long arms and legs. Kezzin were mostly arms and legs, now that he thought about it, with thick torsos and hard shells. “Go on.”

Lytes nodded. “Although General Vas was good at his job, he relied heavily on the Trid for supplies.”

“Vas is dead…and therefore useless to me,” muttered Felix. “Stop tiptoeing and get on with it.”

“The Trid are helpful,” continued Lytes. “I think that utilizing the Stingrays and some of their other technology is good, but—”

“Get on with it!” Felix yelled, cutting the commander off.

“I have a source. One that could replace your artillery in no time, should we decide to reach out to him.”

“Why are you just now telling me this?” asked Felix.

“B-Because, sir, there was no need to until now, and to be completely honest, the source is quite dangerous. A real live wire. I didn’t want to contact him with this sort of request unless it was absolutely necessary.”

Felix smiled to himself. The ability to make grown men stutter was a gift that most didn’t appreciate. It meant they didn’t just fear him in the moment, but they feared what he could do in the future. Commander Lytes knew his future rested in Felix’s hands. He’d been funding the Brotherhood for quite some time now. Even the Trid were in great debt to the entrepreneur. This would all pay off because he’d made the right friends. The enemy of his enemy was, well, not a friend, but an asset, to be sure.

“I don’t have time to shiver over this supplier. I need names. If they have what I want, then we’ll make a deal. Plain and simple,” said, Felix, pulling his blue fedora hat from his head to reveal a scalp of smashed down gray hair.

“The Defiance may only deal with those they’ve dealt with before,” explained Lytes. “I’ve had limited experience with them, many years ago, but I believe I can get in contact with them again.”

“The Defiance, you say? I’ve heard of them. They’ve been quiet for some time.” Felix was impressed. He had no idea the commander had such contacts.

“They’ve been lying low, operating mostly outside of the Federation’s control.”

“How cowardly of them. How are we supposed to overthrow the Federation if we don’t create problems within their own space?” Felix asked, shaking his head.

Commander Lytes nodded, seeming to try again and again to swallow. “I agree. But the Defiance could re-supply you,” he continued. “The only problem will be setting up a meeting. We will need to handle things delicately, as they are rather quick to spook. Furthermore, you’ll have to travel far outside Federation territory to meet with them, should they accept.”

Felix laughed. “Creating a rebellion but being too afraid to do it inside of the colonies is pathetic. Sounds like I’ll be doing their job for them by taking their weapons. What’s the point in being defiant and not be in the enemy’s face?”

Lytes nodded. “I’m sure they’ll demand a great deal for the weapons, sir.”

“I’m sure they will,” agreed Felix. “But since they’re cowards, we’ll just wipe them out and take the weapons.”

“W-Wipe them out, sir?” asked Commander Lytes.

“It will be a win-win,” said Felix “I get my weapons and knock out a sad operation who can’t cut it on their own.” He sat down behind his desk. He was tired of cowards. Those who said they wanted to fight the fight but would hang around in safe territory. The Federation was here, and that’s where he was going to be.

Until the bitter end.

“In that case, I’ll set up a meeting for you, sir,” said Commander Lytes.

“Yes, do that and quickly. I want my supply chamber filled as soon as possible. We’ll be setting up a command base soon. The weapons will go there.”

“You’re moving fast now.” Commander Lytes looked impressed and worried all at the same time.

“Of course, I am,” said Felix, stroking the edge of his desk with his thumb. The cold metal surface was cool beneath his fingers. “I’m done hiding in the shadows. The time for action is now. I’m going on the offensive against the Federation.” Felix Castile leaned forward, sharpening his eyes on the Kezzin before him. “General Lance has gone unpunished for far too long for what he did to us. To humanity. To the universe, itself. Soon, he’ll meet his end, and all those who fight for him will be punished. I’m going to see to it.” He dug his finger into the desk, chipping a splinter of the wood away. “Even if it kills me, I’ll make them all pay.”

FINIS

Author Notes - Sarah Noffke

Written November 30, 2017

I wished I would have saved the log of questions I sent to MA when we were writing this book. I hope I didn’t make his head hurt. The questions I sent MA went something like this:

“Is it possible to boost the boosters?”

“Can we call it a tri-rifle? Is that too simplistic?”

“Can we still call it a tri-rifle if Hatch makes it do four things?”

“Why don’t you live closer? I need nachos.”

That last one was after a long writing session of sprints. That’s how I write the majority of the books. I set aside four to five hours in a day and sprint in thirty-minute increments with other authors. I used to think that sprinting was some sort of an ego game where authors tried to outdo each other’s word counts. I’ve learned now, thanks to Facebook (aka time suck), that it’s a way to stay focused. On the days I write alone, I’m like a new born puppy distracted by the shadows and ambient noises of a room. However, when I sprint with others, I’m committed to the craft. I can’t goof off because putting up a three-hundred word total after a thirty minute sprint is sad. It meant I slacked off while other author friends pushed themselves. So that’s how I get it done. There’s no magic to it. No cigars and overflowing glasses of wine. Just sprint after sprint after sprint until I’m brain dead. Oh, and there’s nachos. Some girls like chocolate, I like cheese.

You always get more than you bargained for with my author notes. Maybe way more than you wanted. Speaking of getting more than you bargained for. A huge thank you to James Caplan for all the help with the book. You went above and beyond to help with prose and your input is always valued.

When I was writing this book I ran out of drink names and calling it alcohol wasn’t cutting it. So I polled the fans on Facebook, yes, there’s a Facebook group and yes you can join. They supplied me with enough awesome names to keep me busy for the next dozen books. The flaming shots were named by Micky Cocker who brilliantly came up with baba yagas vengeance. And Thorsten Wiegand was the mastermind behind the Tullamore dew which was Chester’s first whiskey. Oh, and because the fans are incredibly awesome and talented, I had one go so far as to write an entire description for the whiskey. A HUGE thank you to the creative prose offered by James Gartside for Dead Man Walking a Queens Bitch Space whiskey. That was probably my favorite part of the book, and I didn’t even write it. Thank you to everyone for the suggestions. It’s much more fun when you write the books for me. Keep your eyes peeled (honestly, I loathe that expression) because I will be using more suggestions from the fanbook group.

Okay, I’m told that I need to go and write book 3 because it’s coming out soon. I’m going to take my shot of whiskey like a good girl and get to work. Thank you to you all for being amazing and not running from my ramblings.

Sarah

Author Notes - Michael Anderle

Written December 3rd, 2017

First, let me say thank you for not only reading through the story but reading through Sarah’s  author notes to read mine as well!

Let me copy a couple of sentences from Sarah’s author notes so that I can write a few of my thoughts I had when reading them for the first time.

First, we have:

“Can we still call it a tri-rifle if Hatch makes it do four things?”

And we follow it up with:

“Why don’t you live closer? I need nachos.”

One of the benefits of being the last person to write his author notes is seeing my collaborators and what they have written before me. I will admit when I read Sarah’s sentences above; I laughed out loud. I can just imagine some of my characters (specifically anyone from Team BMW) asking that exact question, “Can we still call it a try rifle if Hatch makes it do four things?”

In my mind’s eye, I sat there in thought about holding a barrel of a rifle (or something that has three barrels) with a perplexed look on my face when I realize it does four things and saying, “Why do they call it a Tri-rifle?”

I guess it just tickled my funny bone, and made me wonder again what would happen if we did some sort of field expedient modification to allow it to do five different things? The cynical side of me then starts asking questions such as, “Would the manufacturer’s tried to sue someone for modifications which would cause the name to be useless?”

Occasionally, my cynical side needs to keep its mouth shut.

One of the challenges of writing up and down a timeline as we are now is when we have a situation in the second series, which hasn’t been explained in the first series.

For example, I am writing some scenes this month with Ricky Bobby (an AI) which explains a situation that occurs in the first series, but shows up in their series decades (in the timeline) later.

I believe Sarah’s book 03 will answer the question before my book Capture Death comes out on the 25th.

Or, at least I certainly hope so! If we put out the books and you STILL have questions? It means we failed to remember something that needs to be addressed and we will do our best to fix it.

(I should totally put in Sarah’s email address here to answer all fans questions… But she would eventually figure out who had done this to her, and turnabout would be a bitch.)

It is so much fun to see characters that we dreamed up six months ago start resonating with fans. Hatch seems to be one of the early fan favorites. In your reviews on the book (should you choose to write one), would you let us know which character or characters are your favorites? I am not suggesting that I have any bets with any fellow collaborators on the results...

But if I get the information quicker, I might just set something up!

I hope you enjoy our series set in the Age of Expansion, the space opera/science fiction area of The Kurtherian Gambit.

May your December of this year, and your 2018, be fantastic!

Ad Aeternitatem,

Michael Anderle

CHAPTER ONE

Defiance Trading Company Headquarters, Planet L2SCQ-6 in Frontier space.

Felix Castile listened to the loud breathing of the Kezzin behind him. Commander Lytes had to have a deviated septum. It was the only plausible reason for his constant sniffling, which was always interrupting the silence.

Or maybe it was just a physical trait of the Kezzin. Felix hadn’t taken much time to learn about the species.  He knew these lizard-type aliens could stop breathing for an extended period, but that was about it.

Felix prided himself on his ability to accumulate and use information, but only when it was useful. If it didn’t earn him additional power or prestige, he didn’t seek the data out. His current relationship with Commander Lytes existed solely to further his plan, which was the complete and absolute destruction of General Lance Reynolds. The moment the Kezzin stopped being useful was the moment Felix would cut him loose.

All that Felix Castile did was for the goal. Every action, every day.

And that was exactly why he was here in this awful place, staring at a group of black market merchants.

The leader of the Defiance Trading Company, a rogue operation that stockpiled weapons and sold them on the black market, looked up from the pad in his hand. “We have loaded everything that you requested into your ship, but I have yet to see the funds come over though,” said the man. His voice was raspy, probably from years of smoking or hanging out in filthy warehouses like this one. The trader, Mateo, had a thick scar that ran over his left eye and down his cheek. Living outside of Federation space hadn’t been kind to him—that much was clear.

Felix surveyed Mateo’s crew. There were roughly a dozen men stationed around the warehouse, most of them with their guns at the ready and grimaces on their greasy faces. Felix was flanked by Brotherhood soldiers, but they were outnumbered by Mateo’s guards. No doubt the arms dealer felt safe with all these people to protect him.

He was wrong, though. Only fools underestimated Felix, and the arms merchant would soon understand that.

Felix cleared his throat. “You sold me three nukes. How many more do you have here?”

Mateo’s scar moved when he lifted his eyebrow. “Not sure why my inventory is any business of yours. I supplied you with what you asked for.”

“That you did,” Felix said, pulling his hat down over his eyes and taking a step backward.

Mateo eyed the pad again. “Like I mentioned, the transfer hasn’t come through. We can’t let you leave until it does. It’s simple business—I’m sure you understand.”

Felix smiled darkly. “About that…”

He took a few more steps back, and his soldiers stepped in to shield him.

“Didn’t you hear me?” asked Mateo. “Hey, I’m talking to—”

Shots were fired from above, and Mateo’s men yelled. Some tried to return fire, but they were quickly silenced.

Felix turned in time to watch Mateo clutch his chest as the bullet pierced the arms dealer’s flesh. Disbelief and betrayal rang out in the man’s eyes as he fell to his knees, then collapsed forward.

Each of the men stationed around the warehouse lay in similar positions, blood puddling around them. None had stood a chance.

Stationed overhead were a dozen Brotherhood soldiers, each assigned to take out a specified target on the ground. Their timing had been perfect.

Felix glanced up to the rafters with a proud look in his eyes. “Have your people load the remaining weapons into my ship.”

“Yes, sir,” said Commander Lytes, his eyes lingering on one of the dead bodies for a moment. He hadn’t liked the plan and said there had to be another way, but Lytes had been wrong—surely he had seen that by now. Perhaps next time he would trust Felix’s plans from the beginning.

The exit door swung open in front of them, and a man with a short black Mohawk and a leather jacket that had seen better days froze on the threshold. He scanned the warehouse, his eyes falling first on Mateo’s dead body and then the others that were strewn all over the facility. His gaze snapped to Felix, who was standing roughly ten meters away.

They’d missed one of Mateo’s men. “Get him!” barked Felix.

The soldiers darted forward, right as the strange man reversed, heading back the way he came. Gun shots rang out from the hallway, echoing loudly in the warehouse.

Felix looked at Commander Lytes. “Have your soldiers search the building. I don’t want anyone left alive, do you understand? No witnesses.”

Commander Lytes nodded and hurried off to where his people were gathering in the middle of the facility after climbing down from the rafters in which they had been stationed.

Felix’s eyes briefly rested on Mateo’s dead body. Perhaps he would have been happy to know that his weapons would be used to end a long-standing feud, in a fight that would shake the very foundations of the galaxy. What better use could a man like Mateo have than to aid Felix’s mission? What better purpose could there be than to alter the status quo? Had Mateo not come to this warehouse today, he might never have realized his true destiny. He would have gone on living his life, worthless as it was, and died without ever truly mattering.

But Felix would make him matter. Felix would give Mateo’s life purpose. That would be his gift to him, albeit a posthumous one.

Soon everything would be in place to make General Reynolds pay. Felix had figured out the best way to punish him for what he’d done all those years ago.

Break the Federation, and General Reynolds would be broken, too.

~~~

As Knox Gunnerson sprinted down the hallway he thought about what he’d seen. They were dead. All of them. That was Mateo’s body at the front. They’d killed him. They’d killed all of them.

He could hear soldiers pounding, drawing closer to him. Knox’s feet weren’t moving fast enough, and the hallway was too long. There was nowhere to hide. What was he going to do?

The noise behind him stopped, but he didn’t dare turn around or slow down. Instead, he pushed forward faster. Only fifteen meters to the exit. He was almost—

A bullet whizzed by his skull and struck the door ahead. He turned to see two Brotherhood soldiers, each holding a rapid-fire rifle.

Knox ducked as the next round was fired, dropping to the ground and rolling to get out of the way.

He pulled his pistol as he rounded the corner, and then halted and took a steadying breath. Pausing to breathe seemed dumb right now, but missing would be fatal.

He racked the gun's slide and released it to load a round into the chamber, then paused to listen to the footsteps of the soldiers as they continued through the hall. He had to wait until they were close enough. Until the moment was perfect.

Knox fired at the Brotherhood soldier in the lead and the male fell back, the hit to his shoulder knocking him down. Knox let out a breath as he released the trigger and prepared for the next shot.

The other soldier had stopped and raised his gun as he tried to find the target, and again Knox pulled the trigger, letting two successive shots fly. The first bullet missed, but the second went straight through the Kezzin’s leg and he fell forward onto his hands and knees.

The male stared up at Knox, a desperate look in his eyes. The soldier behind him, still alive, had crawled over to his gun and managed to grasp it.

Knox whipped around and sprinted for the exit, with both these males disabled there was no reason to stay and fight. He didn’t have to kill them, as long as he could get away.

Besides, more soldiers would be here soon. He didn’t have long.

He managed to get to his ship and open the hatch. It was an old Black Eagle that had seen better days—too many days, actually.

Knox had salvaged this bird a few years back and fixed her up as best he could. Mateo had taught him how to fly back when he had first gotten the old ship working. That skill was going to hopefully save his life now. He dropped into his chair, not even strapping in as he started the engines.

“Gonna be a fast takeoff,” he said to himself. The engine stalled briefly, but that was normal. Knox slammed his hand onto the controls. “No, you don’t. Don’t fuck with me today. This isn’t the time.”

From the side window he saw multiple Brotherhood soldiers spilling out of the ship they’d arrived on, the vessel known as the Unsurpassed.  Knox had never seen anything quite like it. Massive and smooth by design, it had more guns and weaponry than any single ship should have.

The soldiers fired at his ship just as the booster kicked in and the Black Eagle rose, shots ricocheting off his craft with a series of clangs.

Knox fixed his eyes on the clouds as he rocketed away. “You’ve taken worse. Hang in there, ol’ girl,” he told his ship, pulling back on the controls and lifting her nose.

He took several potentially fatal hits before the bird managed to soar into space. If he were lucky, he’d make it out of the system. He already knew those guys would follow him—people like that never left survivors—but if he could get far enough away then maybe they wouldn’t find him. Maybe he could stay alive.

There were very few things Knox was actually good at, but one of them was hiding.

He’d been doing it all his life.

CHAPTER TWO

Officers Lounge, QBS ArchAngel, Lorialis System

“You’re kidding me,” said Eddie, pulling back his arm and launching the dart. It whirred through the air and stuck hard into the board a few centimeters from the bullseye.

Lars replaced Eddie at the line. “I’m not kidding you! Marilla says these aliens are telepathic. Isn’t that bizarre?” He threw his own dart, and it pierced one of the numbers that bordered the target.

“I definitely don’t want to meet any of those guys,” remarked Eddie. “I don’t need some alien in my thoughts.” He picked up another dart and twirled it in his fingers. The idea of having someone in his head—like Julianna had Pip—was a bit strange. Sure, there were the obvious perks to it depending on the circumstances, but Eddie wasn’t sure how he’d feel about an AI listening to the things that went on in his mind let alone an alien.

Maybe that was why Julianna had gotten rid of her last AI, Ricky Bobby. Eddie had been silently investigating the whole thing for a while now, ever since Pip had become sentient. Julianna acted happy about the evolution, but there was something else going on. He could sense it in little ways. It wasn’t so much what she said, but what she didn’t say. When Eddie had discovered Ricky Bobby’s existence, it had come as a shock. He knew her well now, but Julianna had never spoken about her former AI companion, despite how long she and Ricky Bobby had worked together.

Eddie wanted to approach her about this, but had yet to do so. He wasn’t sure why. Maybe he just didn’t know if it was his place.

“Yeah, I know,” said Lars. “One or two telepaths is one thing, but an entire species boggles my mind.” The Kezzin soldier watched as Eddie took his second shot and again narrowly missed the bullseye.

Lars didn’t bother lining up for his next shot, just threw the dart haphazardly. It didn’t even make it to the board.

Eddie whistled through his teeth. “Damn! I’m glad you fly better than you shoot, or you’d have been wasted by now.”

Lars shook his head. He realized he was being sloppy. It had been like this in recent weeks during his down time. That was the only opportunity he had to let his mind wander, and it always shot back to the Brotherhood. The idea of the army Commander Lytes had put together overwhelmed Lars whenever he thought about it, but he couldn’t help but dwell on it. Maybe he didn’t know those soldiers, but they were still fellow Kezzin. They were his brothers.

He wondered about his family too. Had his brother been required to join once Lars had left? He didn’t like to think about that, but it was difficult to control where his mind went. Doubts and fears were tricky things to control—the moment you thought you had a handle on them, they consumed you.

The screen on an adjacent wall flickered on and Chester’s pale face peered at Eddie and Lars. “There you are, Captain,” he said, beaming. “There’s something I think you should take a look at.”

Eddie, unflustered, pulled back his arm and released his third dart, which went straight into the bullseye this time. Casually, as though he had planned it, he turned to the monitor. “I’ll be right over. Have you paged Commander Fregin yet?”

“Yes, she’s on her way,” said Chester, running his hands through his spiky blond hair.

“Very well.” Eddie slapped Lars on the shoulder as he turned to leave. “Keep practicing, brother. One of these days you’ll be able to beat me.”

Lars smirked, showing his razor-sharp teeth. “Challenge accepted.”

Intelligence Center, QBS ArchAngel, Lorialis System

Julianna was already in the Intelligence Center when Eddie arrived.

Harley ran over and wagged his tail at him, tongue hanging limply from his mouth. Eddie knelt and tousled the dog's head.

“Hey there, Jules. Saw the list of new recruits you brought in. We’re starting to fill out a bit, aren’t we?” Eddie smiled at Marilla, who was hunched over her desk as usual.

“Not as fast as I’d like, but we’re making progress,” said Julianna. She gave Chester a nod to let him know to proceed with the briefing.

Chester smiled. “Thanks for coming so fast. I only just picked up on this, but I thought you both might want to see it,” he said, blowing up the image on the largest screen above his desk. “This shot was taken from Federation Border Station 7.”

He zoomed in on the image until a small ship came into view, and Eddie raised his brow. It was a Black Eagle, albeit heavily modified. It seemed to be painted light gray, unlike the standard charcoal color Eddie was used to seeing. There were black streaks on the nose that looked almost like whiskers, and something on the side that resembled a fin.

“What’s going on?” asked Eddie, stepping forward and narrowing his eyes. “What’s a Black Eagle doing out there, and why does it look like someone pulled it apart and pieced it back together? Don’t tell me that’s a Federation ship!”

“I don’t think so,” said Chester, “which was one of the reasons I alerted you. This guy, from everything I’ve been able to tell, just flew in from the Frontier. I don’t think he realized he was close enough to Station 7 for anyone to get a shot of him.”

“How did you get this feed?” asked Julianna.

“I picked up some of the comm traffic from Station 7. They sent a message when he was close enough, but he cut the line as soon as it happened. He tried his best to stay off the radar.”

“Tried?” asked Eddie.

“Well, he did sever the line with Station 7, but I had already leeched into his comm, which granted me the opportunity to track his movements.” Chester rubbed his hands together with a cunning look in his eyes.

“You’re one smart sonofabitch. Have I told you lately I’m glad you’re on our side?” said Eddie with a laugh.

“You haven’t said it nearly often enough for my liking,” joked Chester.

“He enjoys having his ego stroked more than Harley likes his head scratched,” said Marilla, not looking away from her screen.

“It’s true, I’m just like a dog.” Chester tapped on his keyboard, enlarging the image of the ship even more. “Anyway, just before the comm was severed completely I heard the guy in this rogue ship say, ‘Damn Federation can’t protect me from the Brotherhood. No one can.’”

“Brotherhood? He said that?” Julianna asked, standing up straighter. Harley had been eyeing her eagerly, as if hoping she’d acknowledge him or maybe even pet him, but she’d kept her eyes trained on the image over Chester’s desk.

“Yeah, that was what got my attention and is why you’re here,” said Chester.

“What’s that on the side of the ship?” asked Eddie.

“I’ve been trying to find out. The image is getting cleaned, so I’m hoping a clearer version refreshes soon. The cameras on Station 7 aren’t the greatest, so we should be grateful they captured what they did.” Chester pushed up his glasses just as the image refreshed, the magnified text on the side of the Black Eagle now readable.

“’DTC?’” asked Julianna, squinting. “Am I reading this right?”

“I’ve seen that before,” said Eddie. “Not long ago, when I was visiting a fringe planet.”

“You mean when you were taking a drunken tour of bars on shitty planets?” asked Julianna.

“Yes, actually,” said Eddie, winking. “Tons of bar fights, lots of waking up in alleys. Good times.”

“What’s it stand for?” asked Marilla, poking her head above her desk.

Eddie thought for a moment. “Defiance Trading Company, if I remember right,” he finally answered. “They deal in black market weapons. I heard the Federation pushed them beyond their borders a long time ago. I don’t know much more than that about them, though.”

“Which means, if this guy is flying around next to the border—” began Julianna.

“Then something’s gone wrong,” Eddie said, completing her sentence as his gaze drew distant.

“Something involving the Brotherhood, it sounds like,” said Julianna.

“Yeah. If they’re after him, there has to be a reason. I’m guessing this guy could tell us some stories.” Eddie stood tall, the adrenaline already starting to pound in his veins. “Commander,” he said, glancing at Julianna, “you up for an impromptu game of hide and seek?”

She grinned. “Absolutely.”

Marilla chimed in with, “I’m guessing this guy is going to do his best to give you the slip. He sounds scared.”

Eddie nodded. “Which means we need to double our odds, so I’ll have Lars come along. We can practice that pincer movement we were talking about yesterday,” said Eddie, his voice growing more excited.

Julianna smirked. “Thanks, Chester, for keeping your eyes on the radar and constantly scanning. Good work.”

Chester leaned back and laced his hands behind his head. “Someone has to have eyes out there.”

CHAPTER THREE

Alpha-line Q-Ship, Federation Border Station 7 Airspace, Lorialis System

“That’s the Omega-line? It doesn’t look any different from this Q-Ship,” said Lars from the copilot seat.

“That’s kind of the point,” said Eddie. “The differences are on the inside.” He pulled the controls to the side as Julianna maneuvered the other ship, the one Hatch had just created, up next to them. “Strong Arm,” he said, using Julianna’s call sign, “you wanna show Carnivore what that baby can do?”

“I thought you’d never ask,” said Julianna over the comm. The Q-Ship she was flying punched out at breakneck speed, leaving the other behind.

“Whoa, it can definitely move,” remarked Lars. “I’ll admit that’s impressive, but I thought the new line had some out-of-this-world features?” The Kezzin gave Eddie a sideways glance that showed his disappointment.

Eddie activated the thrusters to send their own Q-Ship racing after Julianna. “Just wait. There’s another feature you have to see in action.”

“Carnivore, did you just say ‘out-of-this-world’ while we’re racing through space?” asked Julianna.

Eddie snickered. “He’s been sheltered, so give him a break. We’ll teach him some fun references.”

A laugh echoed across the comm. “Don’t learn your lingo from Blackbeard.”

“Hey, I know things!” argued Eddie.

“If you three are done shooting the breeze, our target is ahead,” said Pip.

“’Shooting the breeze?’” asked Eddie, activating the second thruster to catch up with Julianna.

“Yes, it’s one of the many weird things about his new evolution,” said Julianna, a sudden edge to her voice.

Eddie shot Lars a look and raised his eyebrow but said nothing, and Lars returned the glance with a slight shrug.

“Target spotted,” said Lars, checking the radar. Julianna, as planned, had made an arc around the upcoming Black Eagle.

“That puppy is slow. It must have been kept in a rusty garage since it was decommissioned.” Eddie sent the Q-Ship toward the flying target, doubling his speed.

“Strong Arm, we are approaching and will be in position soon,” Lars informed Julianna.

“Fifteen seconds,” supplied Pip.

“Almost there,” muttered Eddie.

“Target’s fuel reserves are low. Engines have failed twice,” Pip informed them.

Lars flipped two switches overhead before adjusting his microphone. “Defiance Trading Company, we’ve determined that your spacecraft is in distress. We’re a Ronin tow craft, and we offer assistance.”

There was no answer over the static-filled comm, but the gray Black Eagle immediately spun in the opposite direction. For a moment it looked like it would stall, but the engines kicked back on and it shot forward.

“We’ve got a runner,” said Eddie, sitting up.

“Your engines are failing, Defiance. We can help you. We mean you no harm,” said Lars over the comm.

Another voice finally answered. “I don’t need any help. I’ve got a rescue craft already on the way.”

Eddie sent the Q-Ship after the Black Eagle and quickly caught up. The craft in front of them came to an automatic halt, causing Eddie to swerve the Q-Ship around it. He overshot it by a short distance before doubling back and hovering just in front of the old craft.

“Fuel levels on Defiant ship are nearly depleted,” said Pip.

“How long could he idle?” asked Eddie.

“Three hours, roughly,” said Pip.

“I don’t have three hours to hang around here,” remarked Eddie. “This idiot needs to realize we aren’t the bad guys.”

“Unless he turns out to be an enemy, and then we’ll fuck him up,” said Julianna.

“There you are, Strong Arm. What say we end this already?” Eddie and Lars were only thirty meters from the other ship, close enough for a visual, and Eddie leaned forward to look into the Black Eagle. The murky dust covering the windows made it impossible to discern a figure, though.

“There’s a problem,” said Pip over the comm.

“Of course there is. Wouldn’t be a party without one,” said Eddie, not at all deterred.

“Fuel level is rising,” informed the AI

“How is that possible? You said it was near zero,” said Lars.

“It shouldn’t be possible,” said Eddie. “Maybe there was a malfunction with the gauge.” As soon as the last word left his mouth the rogue Black Eagle zoomed forward again in another attempt to get away. It wasn’t going to work, but the last-ditch effort was kind of cute. Eddie flew straight after it and kept pace.

“Have you guys been looking for me?” asked Julianna. Eddie couldn’t see her out the window, but a quick glance at the radar told him that she was hovering just above the Black Eagle.

“There you are!” Eddie chuckled. “Lars, tell this guy we’ve got him surrounded. You’ve got a nice voice, so I’m sure it’ll sound comforting.”

Lars shot Eddie a strange look. “’Comforting?’ Do I really?”

“Like an old grandmother,” Eddie assured him.

“If she had smoked for forty years,” added Julianna.

“Are you sure you want me to say we have him surrounded?” asked Lars. “We only have two ships.”

Keeping his hands on the controls, Eddie nodded. “Just do it.”

Without another word, Lars flipped a switch. “Defiance, we have you surrounded and we mean you no harm. Allow us to tow you from here.”

“I’m not falling for your bullshit. Just leave me alone.” The voice crackled through the staticky comm.

“Testy little tyke, isn’t he?” asked Eddie. “Strong Arm, we’re ready for you to graduate to the next phase.”

“Copy,” said Julianna. “Initiating. Be ready for next phase in three, two…and one.”

In front of the racing Black Eagle another Q-Ship appeared, and Lars’ eyes widened with shock. Eddie had wanted to tell him about this part beforehand, but he had also wanted it to be a surprise. He wagered there was no danger in that.

Lars whipped his gaze to the radar. Another ship had appeared behind the Black Eagle and almost at once the fleeing ship slowed, stalling once more before coming to a near-halt. A second later two more Q-Ships materialized on each side of the Black Eagle.

Lars flicked off the comm, disconnecting them from the Defiance ship.  “I’m guessing those aren’t enemy ships, based on the smile on your face.”

“Those aren’t even ships,” said Eddie proudly.

Lars stared at the vessel just in front of the Black Eagle. “Huh? They look like ships.”

“Holograms are funny like that,” said Eddie.

“Holograms?” sputtered Lars. “Strong Arm, are you doing that?”

Julianna answered right away. “Yes, they’re projections. After the right modifications, Hatch was able to make them appear as actual ships on the radar too. Just one of many upgrades to this Omega-line Q-Ship.”

“Damn, that’s remarkable,” said Lars.

“Looks like it’s time to bring this guy in,” said Eddie. “Finally.”

“Finally?” questioned Julianna. “This took a whole five minutes—you’re so impatient. But yes, let’s bring him in and end this.”

Lars nodded, flipping the comm switch. “Defiance, we’re sending out tow cables. Cooperate, and you will not be harmed.”

There was no reply as Eddie fed out the cables and locked them securely into place. After they had been reinforced, Eddie signaled Julianna. “Strong Arm, we’re all set. Meet you back at ArchAngel.”

The Q-Ship projections disappeared from around the Black Eagle. “Copy,” responded Julianna. “I’ll be waiting with a welcome gift for our guest.”

“Freshly baked muffins?” asked Eddie, mock hope in his voice.

“With fucking crumble on top,” said Julianna.

CHAPTER FOUR

Loading Bay, QBS ArchAngel, Lorialis System

Julianna aimed a rifle at the rogue Black Eagle’s airlock as the ship slid to a halt in the landing bay, and the crew sprinted in like a well-oiled machine, chaining the craft down to the dock at once.

Julianna eyed the weapon in her hands. It was, sadly, more obsolete than the decommissioned ship in front of her.

I’m getting new weapons soon, she thought, turning the gun over and examining its side.

That could link you all to the Federation, Pip warned.

Not if I steal them from some pirates.

You’d better find the richest pirates you can, or their weapons won’t be any better than what you currently have.

Fighting undercover for the Federation had its perks, one of them being that they didn’t have to follow the same protocols as other divisions. However, the outdated weapons were a definite downside.

The crew had peeled back a safe distance and waited in silence.

Eddie and Lars were stationed in front of the ship’s hatch when it finally cracked open.

“Hold your fire and wait for my command,” said Julianna. She stepped forward, trying to get a good look at the pilot.

The cockpit door rose several more centimeters before she could see the pilot’s face, and she realized that he was human. By the time the man was in full view he had raised his hands above his head, and his eyes darted between her rifle and the other crew members.

“I surrender! I surrender! I surrender!” the guy said, his voice frantic as he stared down the barrel of Julianna’s gun. He was in his early twenties, about like Chester, but had a black Mohawk and green eyes. A silver metal ring looped through his eyebrow and he had another piercing in the ear on the opposite side.

“Step down slowly,” Julianna ordered, motioning to the floor with her rifle.

The pilot, who seemed more like a kid than anything with his pale face and shaking hands, did exactly as he was told. He dropped to his knees, keeping his hands behind his head. Julianna motioned to Lars. “Search him. And don’t try anything stupid,” she told the boy. “We like to shoot first and ask questions later around here.”

The guy’s face tightened when Lars reached into his waistband and pulled out a pistol which looked somehow more obsolete than the weapons they’d been using on this ship.

“I thought you said you didn’t mean me any harm,” the stranger said.

“We don’t,” said Julianna with a smile, the rifle in her hands steady, “but we need to ensure you’re the peaceful sort. We heard you mention the Brotherhood. Are you working for them?”

The man’s mouth fell open. “Fuck, no! I’m running from them.”

“Why’s that?” asked Eddie, stepping closer to Julianna as Lars drew back, raising his own weapon.

The kid started speaking quickly, obviously scared. “Defiance, the trading company I worked with, they were selling weapons to the Brotherhood. Well, actually they were selling guns to a human the Brotherhood appeared to be working for, someone named ‘Felix Castile.’”

“Okay, good. Now we’re getting somewhere,” said Julianna.

“I’d been on a run for Mateo,” continued the pilot. “I wasn’t there when they did the trade. I showed up…” The guy’s eyes shot to his knees, then to his side. They darted all over, but they didn’t focus on anything. They were frantic, almost like he was seeing something…or reliving it.

Julianna had seen this many times—this kid was in shock—and she lowered her weapon. “What did you see? What happened?” she asked, her voice a bit softer.

“He… The Brotherhood… They killed everyone. The entire Defiance Trading Company is dead,” he said, his eyes jerking from side to side.

Eddie’s gaze connected with Julianna’s and he gave her a slight nod, then lowered his rifle as well. “No, they didn’t, since you’re still alive.” Eddie turned to Lars, who was still held his rifle at the ready. “Will you please lead our visitor to an interrogation room?”

Julianna stepped forward, motioning for the stranger to lower his hands. “We call it an interrogation room, but please try to understand that we only want to talk. It sounds like we have mutual enemies. We can help you.”

A tremor ran over the boy’s face but he nodded, getting to his feet as Lars approached him. The Kezzin led him through the bay door, with Eddie and Julianna following closely behind.

~~~

The lights in the interrogation room were low, causing the Defiance pilot to squint at the pair when they entered.

“What’s your name, son?” asked Eddie, perching on the edge of the table and gazing down at him.

“Knox Gunnerson,” he said, looking at Eddie and Julianna quizzically. “Are you with the Federation?”

Julianna shook their head. “No, we’re a rogue outfit about like the Defiance Trading Company, but we don’t sell weapons to terrorists. We spend our energy and resources trying to stop the terrorists that your organization supplies.”

“The Defiance Trading Company isn’t bad. We’re—well, we used to be—there to help the little guy, help those who needed to defend themselves. It isn’t easy to get your hands on artillery out on the fringe. It’s different there. You wouldn’t understand.” Knox lowered his eyes to the table, cold resolve settling in them.

“I think we would understand,” said Eddie, his voice calm. “Our job is to stop these terrorists—the same people who took out your company. If you help us, maybe we can find them before they hurt anyone else.”

“What weapons did your people sell them?” asked Julianna.

Knox pursed his lips, looking like he was suddenly unwilling to talk.

“Look,” said Julianna, “we know how desperate things have gotten for some, and we’re not blaming you for what’s happened. We’re just trying to make sense of it. Will you help us?” She pulled out a chair and took a seat, hoping it made her appear less intimidating.

“I’ve been with the company for a while, ever since my pops disappeared. It’s hard surviving out there on your own, you know?” Knox ran his hand over his Mohawk, making it fall and bounce back slightly.

“I think we do.” Eddie held out a hand. “I’m Captain Eddie Teach, and I promise I know exactly how hard it is to be alone out here.”

Knox eyed the hand, but didn’t take it. Instead, his gaze swept to Julianna.

Reading the question in his eyes, she said, “I’m Commander Julianna Fregin.”

“And you’re all trying to defend against people like the Brotherhood?” asked Knox, then quickly added, “You know it’s impossible. They’re too big and too powerful, especially now.”

Julianna took in a steadying breath. She didn’t think this guy was bad. Scared, but not bad—there was a big difference. “I think we’d all be a bit happier if you could list exactly what the Brotherhood took from Defiance. We know you’ve been through a lot and we’d like to offer you safety here on the ship, but we need—”

“Safety in the brig, right?” challenged Knox.

“Well, we don’t actually know you,” began Eddie. “Until we have more information—”

“They took it all,” Knox burst out, looking frantic. “They took our whole armory, including six mini-nukes.”

Eddie cast a quick look at Julianna, who kept her eyes on Knox. Nukes were strictly illegal in the Federation, so the notion that their enemy had acquired some was alarming, to say the least.

“You said Felix Castile was there. What else can you tell us about him?” asked Julianna.

“We don’t sell to just anyone. Commander Lytes, I believe it was, got Castile in contact with Mateo. I wouldn’t have even known about it, but the call came while we were working on my ship together,” explained Knox. He stood and began pacing, looking down at the floor like a rush of emotion was about to burst from him, then halted and brought his scared eyes to Eddie like he didn’t know what to say next.

“Go on, son. What happened?” urged Eddie.

Knox swallowed and resumed pacing. “We—Defiance, I mean—don’t deal with anyone we don’t know. We don’t want to get blown to bits, you know.” He laughed coldly. “I guess we dropped the ball on that, since most everyone was killed. Anyway, Mateo said he wouldn’t deal with Felix even though Commander Lytes vouched for him. That was when Felix offered another reference that Mateo trusted, someone on Ronin he knew well. A trustworthy client.”

“You think this guy was lying?” asked Julianna.

Knox shook his head. “I think this Felix person intimidated him. Axel has never lied to us before, and he had no reason to ruin relations with the Defiance. I trust him.”

“Will you give us more information on this Axel person? Can we find him on Ronin?” asked Eddie.

Knox shrugged. “I could, but I doubt he’d talk to you. If I’m right, he’s not going to trust anyone he doesn’t know—not after what Felix did.”

Eddie twisted his lips, disappointed.

“What if…” Julianna began. “What if you established contact for us? Set up a meeting? If you know this Axel person…”

“Axel Link,” supplied Knox, “and yes, I’ve gone on a few runs to Ronin to supply him. He trusts me. Well, as much as he trusts anyone.”

Eddie’s eyes looked renewed with excitement. “That’s great! If you can make contact with him, we may find a clue as to where Felix is hiding.”

Knox looked unsure and chewed the inside of his cheek.

Eddie could sympathize with his uncertainty. “We need to find out as much about Felix Castile and the Brotherhood as we can so we can take them down. Do you want to be part of that?”

Knox paused for a long moment before he nodded slowly and answered, “Yeah. Yeah, I think I do. I’d love to watch those assholes pay.”

CHAPTER FIVE

Jack Renfro’s Office, QBS ArchAngel, Behemoth System

Jack and Julianna were engaged in what sounded like a heated discussion when Eddie entered the office and he paused to study the two. They in turn stopped conversing to look at him.

“If this is about the crate of Blue Ale that disappeared, I’ve got no leads,” said Eddie, taking a seat next to Julianna.

Jack shook his head. “We stopped wondering about any missing alcohol after you joined.”

Eddie winked. “Good call. I support that line of thinking.”

Julianna pushed back in her chair, swiveling her chiseled and serious jaw in Eddie’s direction. “Jack seems to think that Knox should accompany us to meet with Axel Link.”

“That’s a great idea!” Eddie said. His tone surprising Julianna, who reacted with revulsion. Seeing her face, Eddie shook his head. “A great idea for a crazy person, I mean.”

Jack, always good-tempered, folded his hands on the top of his desk and gazed at them calmly. “I totally understand the Commander’s concerns about this Knox Gunnerson person—he’s a potential hazard to this crew and our mission—but I’ve checked out his records, and can attest that so far everything he’s told you adds up. Looks like his father went missing a long time ago, leaving him to fend for himself on the streets. He has no crimes on his record, and he’s tested negative for any narcotics.”

“You had him tested?” Eddie pushed forward in his seat, alarmed.

“We don’t know anything about him,” Jack explained.

“We didn’t know anything about Lars either,” retorted Eddie.

“But Lars saved our asses,” Julianna cut in.

“Give this guy half a chance and he might do the same. He’s a fucking orphan.” Eddie didn’t know why he was so outraged, except that he felt sympathy for the boy. Knox had been labeled as a criminal automatically, it seemed, which gave him zero chance at redemption unless someone believed in him and gave him the opportunity to prove himself.

Julianna frowned. “Teach, you want to adopt a bunch of puppies, do it on your own time. We have to be careful who we bring on this ship. We can’t let our guard down for just anyone.”

Jack cut in with, “Understandably the Commander is worried about Knox going on this mission, but I think that pairing her caution with your openness is the perfect balance. Knox could be a live wire, or he could be exactly who we need to fill in a missing piece in the puzzle concerning Felix. We need something—anything!—that will tell us what he’s planning.”

“We know that he has a personal vendetta against General Reynolds for something that happened long ago.”

He was holding a grudge. That was all they knew about Felix Castile. The General had told them that he’d personally brief them on the history later. What was important now was getting a step ahead of Felix and cutting him off before he did too much damage.

Chewing angrily on her lip, Julianna nodded. “I agree with that. Felix has an army now, and it’s bigger than before. If this Axel Link person knows something or someone with information, it could be the intel we need to solve this puzzle.”

“Knox said he had Axel’s trust,” stated Jack, “which means you’re going to need him to get there. From what I can tell from reviewing the intel we have, Axel won’t talk to just anyone.” Jack tapped a pad on his desk, one that apparently contained all the information the Federation possessed on Axel. “He’s a retired weaponsmith, and is supposedly highly paranoid. He’s rumored to be holed up in a heavily-guarded old building somewhere on Ronin. You said Knox made runs there for Defiance, correct?”

“That was what he said,” answered Eddie, trying to read the contents of the pad as Jack pushed it toward them.

“Then I think the boy needs to go with you, especially because of the location,” said Jack.

“The location?” asked Julianna just as the door opened behind them.

Hatch, who was absentmindedly paging through notes on a pad he was holding in one of his tentacles, hardly looked up as he entered. Only then did Eddie realize that the chair on the other side of Julianna had been specially designed for Hatch.

“Yes. The location is why I’ve invited Doctor A’Din Hatcherik to join us.” Jack offered a hand to the Londil, who took a seat in the modified chair. His tentacles found resting places on the many different arms.

Hatch paused a moment to adjust before looking at Eddie. “Gun Barrel. That’s the city in which this weaponsmith lives.”

“Do you know him?” asked Julianna, leaning forward.

“Link? Oh, no. I’ve heard of him, though. He used to be a big deal in the weapons trade.” Eyes still resting on Eddie, Hatch continued, “You better be prepared, because Gun Barrel ain’t for the faint of heart. It’s a tough place, Teach. Make one dumb move and you’ll get yourself blown up.”

“Doctor A’Din Hatcherik, you said there was something you could offer us,” urged Jack.

“ArchAngel or Pip can give you facts on Gun Barrel. You can and should listen to them,” said Hatch as the monitor on the wall behind Jack flickered to life.

“Did I hear my name?” asked ArchAngel, her face appearing on the display.

“You didn’t,” Hatch said, puffing out his cheeks and looking annoyed.

“I do believe that you said I should be listened to. Does that mean you count me as a resource?” asked ArchAngel, sounding amused.

“I believe we are having a meeting,” said Hatch, looking away sharply.

Eddie regarded the AI, and then Hatch. “I guess you two are having a bit of a spat. Seems like that kind of thing is bound to happen when you share a ship.”

“Doctor A’Din Hatcherik prefers Pip over me, that’s all. He would rather wait around for Pip to help and not get a project done than rely on anyone else,” ArchAngel informed them.

“What? What does she mean?” asked Julianna.

“She means that her software is fried and needs to be deleted. I just find Pip to be more in line with my personality, that’s all. It’s kind of like Teach and me—we simply don’t get along,” said Hatch.

“I love the hell out of you. What are you talking about?” asked Eddie, goading the mechanic.

Julianna stroked her chin with her thumb. “Oh. Well, I guess I can understand having preferences, but still, ArchAngel is part of our team... Julianna’s voice trailed off and she had a strange expression on her face. She hadn’t been the same since Pip had become sentient. Eddie was going to get to the bottom of that—whatever was going on with her—one way or another.

Jack cleared his throat and everyone looked at him, suddenly remembering why they were there. “Right. Doctor, you were saying?”

Hatch wrapped two tentacles around the pad in front of him. “I was saying that Teach would die in Gun Barrel, but what I’d like to elaborate on is that there are both climate issues and a dress code. You won’t survive long in that city without minding both.”

“The climate?” asked Julianna.

Hatch tapped the screen and then began reading. “At any given time, the winds can be upward of thirty miles per hour.”

“That’s not too bad. I’ve been in way worse,” said Eddie.

“Except this is the dry desert, and the city is prone to dust storms. Have you ever seen one of those?” asked Hatch. He looked smug, like he knew the answer was going to be no.

“If I did, then I slept through it,” teased Eddie.

Hatch shot right back at him, “Well, a dust storm offers zero visibility and can suffocate you within a minute.”

“Can you make us a dust-storm suit?” asked Eddie.

“I could, but you’d be shot on the spot,” said Hatch with finality.

Eddie jabbed his elbow playfully in Julianna’s direction. “I vote for no dust-storm suit, then. What do you say?”

“You mentioned a dress code?” asked Julianna.

Hatch puffed his cheeks. “Yes. This town was modeled after the old West on Earth, which fits the climate. There’s a main road, a saloon, horses, and a slew of cowboys.”

“Cow-what?” asked Eddie, a wide grin forming on his face. He thought Hatch was kidding, but the look on the doctor’s quickly deflating cheeks told him otherwise.

“Cowboys. If you hope to stroll through that town and not get shot immediately you’re going to need new clothes, something that won’t make you stick out,” explained Hatch.

“Knox goes there, so why can’t we dress like him?” asked Eddie.

“Have you looked at the boy? He doesn’t look anything like you two in your uniforms,” said Hatch.

“So we need torn-up clothes and a funky haircut?” asked Eddie.

“That would make you look like riffraff. You want to look superior enough that you don’t get everyone and their dog riled up. If you have the whole town shooting at you, you won’t make it out alive,” said Hatch.

“But if we blend in?” asked Julianna.

“Then you’ll stroll in there without a problem,” conceded Hatch. “You can find Axel and stroll out without being questioned.”

“So what do we need to do, and what do we need to wear?” asked Julianna.

Hatch spun the pad in his tentacles to face them. It showed a picture of a man wearing blue jeans, a crisscross-patterned shirt, and a Stetson hat. “You’re going to have to dress like cowboys.”

CHAPTER SIX

Rooming Corridor, QBS ArchAngel, Behemoth System

Eddie nodded to the guard outside Knox’s room. Julianna might have been right that he belonged in the brig, but Eddie just couldn’t sanction that. Instead they compromised, and a guard was stationed outside his room around the clock.

“At ease,” he said when the guard saluted.

Eddie pulled a beer out of the case he’d brought and handed it to the guard. “For you,” he said, then added, “when you’re off-duty, of course.”

“Uh, yes, sir. Thank you,” said the guard, taking the beer with an awkward smile. He pressed a button on the wall, and the door to Knox’s room slid back to show him lying on his bed, hands clasped over his abdomen and eyes pinned on the ceiling.

“Hey there,” said Eddie, plopping the case of Blue Ale on the floor between the stiff chair and the bed. The room wasn’t cozy, but it was definitely adequate. Eddie had certainly stayed in worse conditions—way worse. He suspected Knox had too.

“Did you come to see if I was plotting to take over your ship?” asked Knox, his tone dull and bored.

“Not my ship, just borrowing it as a base of operations for the time being.” Eddie popped the top off the beer using a churchkey and took a sip. “And no. I think you’re a pretty resourceful guy, but I don’t think you’d stand a chance of taking over this ship on your best day. No offense.”

“Oh yeah?” asked Knox, sitting up. He eyed the case of beer before looking at Eddie.

“Go on, I brought them for you. Well, for me too. Okay, I mostly brought them for me, since I’m guessing you’re a lightweight.” Eddie laughed, giving the kid an easy smile.

Knox started to smirk, but stopped himself and grabbed a beer, although he didn’t open it. “I might be able to take this ship. You don’t know.”

“Yeah? Watch this,” said Eddie. He cleared his throat. “ArchAngel?”

“Yes, Eddie? What do you need?” asked ArchAngel’s voice overhead.

Knox’s eyes widened in alarm as the AI spoke, causing Eddie to show a slight smile.

“Who flies this ship?” asked Eddie.

“I do, of course,” answered ArchAngel.

“Can anyone take control from you, even someone who is quite resourceful?” challenged Eddie.

“All scenarios predict that to be impossible, so, no. This will remain my ship,” said ArchAngel, “indefinitely.”

“Thanks, ArchAngel. That’s all I wanted to know.” Eddie took another drink and leaned back in the chair, crossing his feet on the floor.

“If you’re not worried about me taking over the ship, then what’s with the guard?” asked Knox.

Eddie shrugged. “Just a precaution. I wouldn’t worry about it.”

Knox used the key to open his own beer and tossed it on the table beside the bed, holding the beverage up slightly in Eddie’s direction as if in gratitude. “Was that an AI? I’ve heard about those, but I’ve never met one before.”

“Sure was,” said Eddie, taking another pull.

“You must have stolen this ship from the Federation then,” Knox deduced.

Eddie didn’t correct him, just sipped his beer and studied the boy. He was young, yet had wisdom in his eyes. It must have been all those years of living on the fringe. Hardship in all its many forms often made for clever men.

After a moment Knox said, “Why are you being so nice to me?”

Eddie shrugged like he wasn’t quite sure, even though he knew full well the reason. “We need you to take us directly to Axel instead of just arranging the meeting.”

Knox didn’t seem shocked by the suggestion. “I was planning to do that…if it turned out you weren’t a bunch of assholes. Axel doesn’t allow any visitors in to see him except me. He’d smell something fishy if I set up a meeting. Not really the trusting type, I guess.”

“Yeah?” asked Eddie.

Knox nodded. “He shoots trespassers, but usually doesn’t kill them unless he has to.”

“So, in one scenario you were going to allow us to walk in there and get ourselves shot?” asked Eddie, amused.

“That would only have happened if you were assholes.” Knox held up the beer. “But you brought me a beer and honestly, so far you guys seem all right. A bit on the edgy side, but who on the fringe isn’t? I just haven’t figured out if I can trust you yet.”

“Same here, but my instinct tells me I can,” agreed Eddie. He was watching Knox study the room, but suspected he was mostly putting things together in his brain. Knox was smart, and eventually he’d figure out what Eddie and Julianna were doing out here. It was only a matter of time.

“That ship of yours,” began Eddie. “The Black Eagle. Where did you get it?”

Knox smiled, his eyes a little distant as if he were remembering. “Catfish—that’s what I nicknamed her. Mateo gave her to me, let me paint her.”

Eddie remembered the immature whiskers and fin spray painted on the side of the ship. It gave the vessel personality—about like Knox.

“Mateo was in charge of the Defiance Trading Company, right?” Eddie’s tone shifted. He knew Mateo had died. Worse, he knew Knox had watched it happen. Now, hearing this kid speak of his former boss like this, it sounded like Mateo had been more than just the boy’s employer. A mentor, or perhaps even a father?

Knox nodded. “Yeah, but he wasn’t a bad guy, I can tell you that much.” His tone grew defensive, like he expected accusations to follow. The boy’s walls were going up again.

Eddie took a long drink and belched. “I didn’t say he was.”

“Well, I get that it was a shifty operation. He wouldn’t have sold guns to Felix under normal circumstances, but we needed the money. Things were changing. Deals had dried up recently.”

“It’s because there are other groups doing what Defiance did. Groups operating inside Federation space,” explained Eddie. “How’d you get mixed up with them anyway? You mentioned your father before.”

Knox took a quick drink to cover his expression and wiped his hand across his mouth. “Yeah, after my pops disappeared I didn’t have anywhere to go. I was just a kid then.” His voice trailed off, memories reflected in his eyes. Eddie found it amusing that Knox thought he had been just a kid back in those days. He still looked like a teenager even now.

Knox cleared his throat and continued, “I was living on the streets trying not to starve to death, and every day I’d line up for rations from the Food Bank. It wasn’t much, just a slice of bread usually, but I’d get my rations and go off to eat. I didn’t like to cram it all in my mouth at once like the other kids did, because once it’s gone, it’s gone. You learn to save some of it, even just the crumbs.”

Eddie nodded but said nothing.

Knox took another swig. “I was about to take my first bite when something slammed into the back of my head. I still remember the shock of it. The confusion. I fell to the ground and my bread dropped into a dirty puddle. There was blood running down my neck, but all I could think about was how my bread was ruined. Can you imagine that?” He laughed, surprising Eddie, then shook his head. “Anyway, I rolled over and saw some bigger kids towering over me. They were pissed that I’d dropped the bread, since that was the whole reason they were there in the first place. They started beating me, one after the next, pinning me down so I couldn’t fight back, until a voice yelled for them to stop. They ran off when they saw it was a grown man and he was heading our way. I pushed myself up and tried to stand, but then I saw the one who had yelled at us. He was huge, like he’d never gone a day without eating a mountain of protein. You want to talk about terrifying? He had a long scar over his eye, and snarled when he got to me. I thought he was going to kill me.” Knox laughed again, a fond look on his face.

“What happened next?” asked Eddie.

“He yelled at me. Can you believe that? He yelled at me right after I got my ass beaten.” Knox took in a big breath and puffed out his cheeks, his voice suddenly much deeper. “What the hell is wrong with you, kid? You can’t just sit there like that! You need to stand up! Fight back!” Knox looked up at Eddie with a smile, but let it quickly fade into a frown. He pushed off the bed and exchanged an empty bottle for a full one.

Eddie realized he still had half a beer, so maybe this guy could outdrink him after all. “That was Mateo?”

Knox nodded. “Yeah. He took me in and cleaned me up to start with, but then he taught me how to fight and he gave me my first pistol. Later he taught me how to fly. Not anything professional like how you all flew those ships… He just taught me the basics, but it was enough for me to start with. After we pulled that Black Eagle, he started teaching me how to fix her. We’d been working on her for a few months when the deal went down and…” The smile on Knox’s face had vanished and now there was only the grief and anger. The expression had appeared quickly after the end of the story, and it made his eyes narrow with pain. “I’ve never had much, but now I have nothing and it’s all because of Felix and the Brotherhood. I wanted to kill them when I saw what they did. I wanted to mow them down.”

“I would have felt the same way,” Eddie agreed.

Knox deflated. “I ran away instead like a fucking weakling. What would Mateo have said if he had seen me doing that?”

Eddie shook his head. “He would have said that you were smart. You were outnumbered, but you’re alive to tell the tale. Sometimes you fight, but sometimes you run so you can fight another day.”

Knox nodded reluctantly. “I did manage to shoot two Brotherhood soldiers on my way out.”

“Did you kill them?” asked Eddie.

“Nah. I guess I could have, but Mateo had always taught me that if you didn’t have to kill someone you shouldn’t. I just disabled them.”

“You must be a pretty good shot to pull that off,” said Eddie, impressed. Going for the chest was the easy option.

“Axel taught me to shoot. That was why Mateo made it so I was the only one who did his runs. He’d always take an hour to help me train whenever I stopped by.” There was a new lightness in Knox’s eyes now, the anger suddenly gone. “You’ll like Axel. He’s a good guy, about like how Mateo was. Gritty as hell, but I think that’s part of the charm.”

“Mateo sounds like he was good at his core,” said Eddie, giving him a kind smile.

“I never much cared for what we did at Defiance, but I was indebted to Mateo so I did what he told me to do. He might have supplied criminals, but he wasn’t one of them. I know that’s not enough to justify his actions, but…”

“I’ve done some pretty questionable things in my past,” said Eddie. “Many out there are just trying to survive, like Mateo and his crew. However, when I had the means to do better, I tried to do better things. That’s what you have to ask yourself right now… Are you ready to do better?”

“I’m ready to bring down those assholes. I’ve seen enough to know that bullying others in an arms war is reckless. They all want the bigger gun, and it never ends. I’m fucking tired of bullies,” said Knox with real venom in his tone.

“I couldn’t agree with you more,” said Eddie, taking a long sip.

The two men continued to drink long into the night.

CHAPTER SEVEN

Omega-line Q-Ship, Gun Barrel, Planet Ronin, Behemoth System

Knox watched Eddie as he checked the radar.

Julianna kept peering at the boy. It wasn’t that she didn’t trust him so much as she had trouble reading him. He appeared to have a natural curiosity, which meant he catalogued everything he observed. It was a quality not many people shared or even noticed, but this boy seemed to possess it—and that was something to be watched.

“These fucking boots pinch my toes,” Julianna said as she flew the Q-Ship closer to the surface. The land was brown, mostly, a long stretch of desert bordered by mountains.

“Over there is the town.” Eddie pointed to two rows of shanty buildings with roofs covered in piles of dust and dirt. “Is that the building where Axel is located?” he asked Knox, referring to a barnlike structure on the south side of town.

“That’s it,” Knox confirmed.

“Doesn’t look like such a big deal,” said Eddie, blowing out a breath. “I kind of agree about the boots, and this shirt is pretty scratchy too.” He pulled at the collared button-up shirt he wore that had red, white, and blue stripes.

“And it provides zero protection, so try not to get shot,” said Julianna with a commiserating look. She was wearing jeans and a flannel shirt as well.

“Wasn’t that why we dressed in this get up? To avoid getting shot?” asked Eddie.

“You’ll blend in with the locals,” Knox offered. “Mostly.”

Eddie spun around. “Mostly?”

“Well, your clothes look pretty new,” Knox observed. “That’s not usually the case in Gun Barrel, due to the dust storms.”

Eddie nodded slowly. “That makes sense. I’ll roll around in the dirt once we get there.” His eyes drifted to the window and he watched the sun as it towered over the horizon, beating its heat against the town. “Why do they call it ‘Gun Barrel,’ anyway?”

“Because the main road is as straight as a gun barrel,” explained Knox.

Eddie pursed his lips. “Huh.”

“What a literal place,” said Julianna. She had Pip cloak the ship before she landed it behind some caves on the north end of town. This area was significantly less populated, so it was the obvious choice. She couldn’t help but notice that Knox was observing her and took in everything she did, so for the second time today she noted how inquisitive he was.

Eddie got to his feet once the ship had settled. “Yee-haw! Who’s ready for a hootenanny?”

Julianna sank back, giving Eddie her trademark, “What the hell is wrong with you” expression. “What did you just say?”

“Yee—”

“I heard what you said, but where did you learn it?” asked Julianna.

“I saw a special on the Earth’s Old West. I kind of get why Gun Barrel chose to model their town after it. Cowboys were awesome.” Eddie picked something up from the other side of his chair—a cowboy hat, which he placed on his head.

Without a doubt he looked like a tourist, or maybe a cartoon character. Julianna and Knox started laughing.

“We’re trying not to draw attention to ourselves. Blend in, remember?” Julianna said. She pulled a handkerchief from her pocket. Currently the winds were low, but she’d heard that could change dramatically at any moment.

“I am blending in. Don’t they wear cowboy hats like this?” Eddie asked.

Knox nodded. “Actually they do, but that hat makes your head look big and it is obviously brand new. It hasn’t been worn in. Most of these people have been wearing the same hat for years, maybe decades.”

“First of all, I can’t help it if my head is big. I’ve just got a huge brain,” said Eddie, pulling his hat lower.

“Yeah, that’s it,” said Julianna. She rolled her eyes, but smiled.

“And second,” continued Eddie, “this was my only option. It wasn’t like we had a worn-out Stetson just sitting around. I had to act fast.”

“Fair enough, but that doesn’t change the fact that you look silly,” teased Julianna. She opened the back hatch and took a look at the oppressive desert that stretched before them, then stepped out and walked some distance from the cloaked ship so she wouldn’t give its placement away should anyone happen upon them.

After the group had gone several meters beyond the perimeter of the cloak Knox looked behind him, only to jerk back. “Whoa, the ship disappeared!” he exclaimed. “Where did it go?”

When Julianna turned Eddie shot her a big wink and spun to face Knox, his arms out in alarm. “What? What did you do with it, Knox? You were the last one to step out.”

The color drained from Knox’s face. “I promise I didn’t do anything. I just followed you!”

Eddie looked at Julianna with a serious expression on his face. “Do you think he hit the D-button on his way out?”

Julianna agreed with a nod. “It appears so.”

“Great, now we’re stuck forever on this planet. Damn it, Knox, never step on the D-button!” Eddie groaned in feigned frustration and shook his head.

Knox’s frightened expression diminished as he stared at where the ship had been and then at Eddie. Something was computing. He slowly walked back to where the ship had landed and reached out to touch its invisible surface, understanding dawning on his face. “The ship is—”

“Cloaked,” supplied Julianna. “And you’re right, Eddie’s a real jerk. You’ll find it strangely endearing…maybe. That’s what I hear from the crew, anyway.”

“Aw shucks, Jules,” said Eddie drawled. “I hope one day you’re endeared as hell to me. It would swell my cowboy heart.”

“I think I’m going to puke on my boots,” said Julianna, and ambled toward the main road. The other two laughed as they followed her.

The road wound at first but finally straightened, just as Knox had described. Brown buildings bordered both sides, and it seemed to go on well into the horizon. Julianna stopped to survey the last stretch.

Eddie halted at her side with his hand resting on the pistol in his holster and peered out from under his cowboy hat, squinting and measuring up the town. It appeared quiet. A bit too quiet.

A tumbleweed rolled out from between two squatty buildings, continuing straight across the road and knocking into a pair of posts with a couple brown horses tied to them. A sign above the building read Saloon.

Eddie’s mouth pulled to the side, and he looked at Julianna as if he were asking permission.

“No,” she said plainly.

“But don’t you want to taste their version of whiskey or bathtub bourbon or whatever their specialty is?” he asked.

“Their specialty is death to your insides. You don’t want the drinks here,” Knox cut in. Then he swiveled his head over his shoulder, looking unnerved. “Something isn’t right. There should be more people out right now, since the winds haven’t kicked up yet.”

“What do you mean?” asked Julianna.

“I think we better get out of here,” said Knox, glancing in the direction of the ship. He looked scared. Focused, but scared.

Eddie kept his attention on the long main road, but reached out and placed a hand on Knox’s shoulder. “We aren’t backing out now, kid. We’ve come all this way. Stay close to us.” He looked at Julianna for confirmation, and she tipped her head.

They strode forward, sand and small pebbles crunching under their boots. In a nearby window of the General Store Julianna spotted an older woman, but she ducked the moment their eyes met. That couldn’t be a good sign.

Aerial surveillance scans complete, said Pip.

Please take your time with any updates. I don’t get the impression at all that we’re being watched by an enemy, Julianna replied, her tone overflowing with sarcasm. She flexed her fingers over her pistol as they moved forward.

Don’t worry, the locals all appear to be inside.

Because?

Because there are six Brotherhood soldiers stationed around Axel’s building.

Julianna skirted over to the opposite side of the road from where Axel’s building stood and Eddie followed at once, taking his cue from her crouched position. Without Julianna having said a word, he sensed her caution.

They’re camouflaged to blend in, unlike you in your plaid shirts.

Hindsight, thought Julianna.

She stopped moving when she reached a trough roughly three buildings down from Axel’s place.

“You wanna tell us what’s going on?” asked Eddie, sinking beside her and looking over his shoulder. He kept his head low.

“The Brotherhood are here, six soldiers on Axel’s building. I’m getting positions now,” she said.

“Dammit, they beat us here,” hissed Eddie.

“Brotherhood? How do you know that?” asked Knox, staring at the empty road.

“She has Pip in her head,” explained Eddie, retrieving his second pistol from his left ankle.

“Pip?” asked Knox.

“He’s an AI,” said Eddie. He handed Knox the gun. “Take this and watch your ass.”

Julianna held up two fingers and pointed to the roof, then indicated two more soldiers on either side of the building. Eddie, understanding at once, nodded. She pointed to another trough roughly twenty yards down the street.

When she had received confirmation, she ducked and sprinted down the wooden boards of the sidewalk. The gunfire started immediately and dogged her footsteps, nearly catching her boot several times.

She jammed her back to the trough and waited for the pause in the gunfire. In unison she and Eddie sprang to their feet and fired over their respective troughs, Julianna shooting at the north end of the building and Eddie toward the roof. She saw Knox using the weapon Eddie had supplied in her peripheral vision.

Two Brotherhood soldiers fell from the top of the building and another dropped flat onto his chest from the alley’s shadow with a bullet in his forehead.

Julianna slid back behind the trough and reloaded, taking steadying breaths. When she finished, she lifted up enough to survey the scene: Three bodies, not a bad start.

A moment later Eddie and Knox ran to her position, crouching to avoid enemy fire.

Eddie slammed into the wall beside her breathing heavily, sweat on his face. The two exchanged a look as he reloaded his pistol, and he grinned. “What do you think, did we nail them all?”

It would appear so, but you might have one playing possum, suggested Pip.

Did you just make that reference?

I believe I did.

I don’t think I even know you anymore.

Or are you just starting to really know me?

Why don’t you make yourself useful and download all available data from the network drive once we’re inside?

Did you mean to say please?

I did, with all my heart.

She shook her head. “Pip says we might be in the clear. You take the south end and I’ll take the north.”

He nodded, lifting his pistol parallel with his cheek.

Soundlessly, guns at the ready, the veteran soldiers slid out from behind the trough, and Knox trailed Eddie. His form wasn’t bad, Julianna noted, observing his posture and how his eyes meticulously scanned.

She fetched up against a building with boarded-over windows and toed the body of the Kezzin in the opening of the alleyway, which didn’t budge. After a short breath she slid out, ready to shoot, but the alleyway was empty. There had been two soldiers here so Julianna looked up, her gun following her gaze.

From Eddie’s relaxed demeanor she guessed the other two targets were dead, so she jogged over to him. Two Brotherhood soldiers lay in front of the building, and two more reposed in the alleyway.

“We’ve got one missing,” Julianna informed them.

“Then he’ll be that way,” said Eddie, pointing to the back of the building.

Pip, did you see which way he went?

I didn’t. He disappeared before I could track him. Backing up footage now, but the Brotherhood soldiers are wearing special equipment to avoid detection, as I said before.

“Shall I lead the way?” Julianna asked her two companions.

Eddie shook his head, then pointed toward the opposite end of the alley where the dead Kezzin was lying on the ground. Without another word Julianna nodded, letting him know that she understood.

She raised her gun and walked backward, scanning the rooftop and the opening of the alleyway, then paused and listened to the sounds of this place. Air whistling. Old wooden boards creaking. Heavy breathing, but not hers or Eddie’s. There was someone else here.

A gun cocked.

Julianna opened her eyes and whipped around. “Eddie, move—”

The soldier came out of the alley ahead of Julianna and fired.

Julianna slid to the opposite wall and shot back at the enemy soldier. He returned it, but then took Julianna’s shot directly in the head and collapsed.

His bullet missed her, whizzing by her head and going farther into the alley.

“No!” yelled Knox. In a swift movement he pushed Eddie out of the line of fire, knocking him to the ground and covering him with his body.

“Fuck!” exclaimed Eddie, pushing himself up and rubbing the back of his head. “That’ll leave a mark.”

Knox staggered to his feet beside Eddie. He cupped his bicep and there was blood on his fingers when he pulled them away.

Julianna ran to the boy’s side. “You’ve been shot!”

Eddie’s eyes widened when he saw the wound. “Knox!”

“It just grazed. S-sorry,” said the former gunrunner. “I should’ve been faster.”

“What the hell were you thinking, man?” asked Eddie, holstering his gun and gently taking Knox’s arm to look at the wound.

“He was thinking about saving you,” said Julianna, surprised and relieved at the same time.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Gun Barrel, Planet Ronin, Behemoth System

Eddie yanked the bandana off his neck and tied it around Knox’s arm. “Are you all right?” he asked, grateful that Julianna was guarding them so he could tend to Knox.

Although breathless, Knox nodded. “It went through. I’ll be okay. I think.”

Eddie frowned. “What were you thinking, pushing me out of the way? You could have gotten yourself killed.”

“If I hadn’t you would’ve been shot,” answered Knox.

Eddie stared at the spot he’d been standing in, which was squarely in the middle of the alleyway. The bullet would have hit him, no doubt about it. He could’ve even died.

Eddie tied the bandana tightly, making Knox grimace with pain. It was for the best, since they needed to stop the bleeding. “Just don’t make this a habit, okay? You let me handle it next time.”

“Hopefully there won’t be a next time,” said Knox weakly.

“There always is,” said Eddie, pulling his gun back out of his holster. He turned to Julianna, who was still on guard and scanning the area. “What does Pip think?”

“That you’re lucky as hell,” said Julianna, glancing at the wound in Knox’s arm and then at Eddie. There was a new expression in her eyes he hadn’t seen before. Did she look relieved? Relieved he hadn’t taken a bullet to the chest? “And he says we’re clear, as far as he can tell.”

Eddie blew out a sigh of relief and turned toward the rear alley. “No more pushing yourself, Gunner,” he said to Knox. “Take it easy for the rest of this trip.”

Knox laughed despite a bit of pain. “Sure, I get ya.”

Eddie flattened himself against the wooden building when they neared the end and looked at the space across from the structure, checking that all was clear. Then he spun around, gun out, to ensure no more soldiers were in hiding.

“Up there,” said Knox, pointing to a set of stairs at the back of the building that led to the second floor.

Eddie took the lead again, listening for waiting Brotherhood soldiers at each step.

“Oh, fuck,” said Julianna.

Eddie saw what her enhanced vision had already discerned. The back door’s lock had been blown off and the door was half-open.

“I thought you said Axel shot trespassers,” said Eddie, looking at Knox.

“Seems like he did,” said Julianna, pointing with her gun at the body lying just inside the doorway. She stepped around them and kicked open the door all the way. Another Kezzin lay farther inside.

“A-axel…” Knox stammered and tore around Julianna straight into the second floor. She reached out for him but dropped her hand, giving up before she’d even tried.

Eddie launched forward to stop Knox, but Julianna held up a hand to halt him. Knox was already in the main room of a loft building.

“It’s too late,” she said in a whisper.

Eddie mouthed, “What?” and narrowed his eyes, gazing down the narrow hallway that led into darkness.  It took several moments for his eyes to adjust and the figure sprawled on the ground to come into focus. Knox had knelt and was shaking the body, rocking its shoulders.

“Do you suppose?” asked Eddie, letting the question hang quietly in the air.

Julianna slowly nodded and her eyes slid to the side vacantly, indicating she was speaking with Pip.

A moment later she straightened, looking tense. “We’ve got company. There’re Brotherhood ships in orbit, and they appear to be waiting for us.”

Eddie nodded. He didn’t like what he was going to have to do next, but it couldn’t be helped. “Gunner, we’ve got to go.”

Knox looked up, eyes wide. He seemed to have forgotten where he was. After a long few seconds he pushed to his feet and walked to where Eddie was waiting.

“We’ve got company,” said Eddie. “We need to get back to the ship.”

Knox wasn’t shaking, but Eddie was certain the boy was rattled. Before they continued, Eddie placed his hand on his new friend’s shoulder. “I’m sorry we didn’t make it in time.”

“I am too,” muttered Knox, “but at least he didn’t suffer, right? Or is that just something people say to make themselves feel better?”

Eddie didn’t know what to tell him. Knox had lost so much, time and time again. He pointed to the stairs, suggesting that Knox go out behind Julianna.

Without another word Knox complied, and Eddie quickly followed.

~~~

A hot wind blew hard, knocking sand into their faces, and Julianna put her arm over her face to shield her nose and mouth. She waited until the two had caught up with her.

“Protect your face. Looks like a dust storm is starting,” she ordered.

Knox, using his good arm, pulled the bandana he’d been wearing around his neck up to just cover his nose. Julianna’s eyes shot to the rag tied to Knox’s arm and she realized Eddie didn’t have his bandana anymore. It was only a thin piece of cloth, so one wouldn’t think it would be that important, but in a dust storm it might be the difference between breathing and suffocating. She yanked her bandana off her neck and thrust it at Eddie. He looked up, bemused.

“No, I’m good,” said Eddie, pulling his cowboy hat down over his eyes.

“You’re only human. Take it.” She refused to accept the bandana back. “I’m going to speed off and get the ship ready. Be prepared to jump in and take off when you get there.”

Reluctantly Eddie consented, covering his mouth and nose with the cloth. The wind had kicked up, making visibility poor. Julianna gave them one last look before she streaked off, losing them at once as she headed farther into the storm.

~~~

“What did she mean by ‘you’re only human?’” asked Knox as he marched against the wind. It was impossible for them to sprint as Julianna had. They were striding straight into forty-mile-an-hour wind, and the dirt it threw up made it feel like they were walking into sandpaper.

Eddie only shook his head at the question, unwilling to speak as the dust storm continued to pick up. Knox asked a lot of questions, and he figured there would be many more. There had to be, because Eddie wasn’t getting rid of Knox, not after he hadn’t hesitated to save his life. Some people were taught to be good, and then there were those who were born that way. As far as Eddie could tell, Knox was definitely the latter.

Living outside of Federation space had kept Knox from knowing much about the civilization or culture of the bulk of humanity. He knew about ships and guns, but his concept of technology would be minimal. That was what happened when one wasn’t raised in Federation space. He’d understand in time, but for now Eddie would ease him into it.

Visibility was so poor that part of Knox’s face was obscured, and before long they’d need to take shelter. Now Eddie understood what Hatch had meant about the weather in Gun Barrel. This place was meant for cowboys, who were tough enough to survive it.

Eddie grabbed Knox by the arm and pulled him close to the nearest building, under the porch eaves. It provided a bit of relief but not quite enough so he pushed forward again. He felt as though they were making no progress at all. They weren’t even halfway down the main road, and the storm was still growing in ferocity. Was Julianna back at the ship? It was smart that she had returned, but what if they couldn’t make it in time?

Knox, beside Eddie, was holding onto the side of the building and looked like he might blow away at any moment. Eddie could relate. He stomped forward, clapping his boots down but making no audible noise over the howling wind. He pulled his other boot to meet it, feeling as though he were walking through quicksand. Again he picked his foot up to step forward, but he was blown backward several inches instead. He got low to the ground to try a different tack, hoping to make progress.

Knox had been knocked off his feet, too. His face was covered in sand, and his eyes were like little green beams peering through the brown covering.

“Don’t give up!” Eddie bellowed, crawling next to Knox on the wooden boards of the walkway. “We can do this!” The bandana flipped up, caught by the wind, and before Eddie could secure back on his face a mound of sand zoomed down his throat, instantly making him gag. He tried to breathe, and realized his nose was nearly stopped up from the harsh sand. They couldn’t make it any farther.

Beside him Knox nodded. “We can do this,” he said repeating Eddie’s words but more softly.

The wind sounded like a shrieking siren and they could hardly make out the next few feet, but beside them was a door. All Eddie had to do was bust through it and they’d have the shelter from the harsh storm, but he looked toward the ship.

They couldn’t desert Julianna. She’d wonder where they were, and if they had made it into a building.  He tried to move forward once more and again was pushed back by the wind, and his gaze returned to the door. If they didn’t get to shelter, they were going to die. Julianna would understand, and she’d find them once the storm passed.

Eddie tried twice to stand, but the wind battered him back down each time. Finally he threw all his weight into the effort and ran at the door, but it didn’t budge. It had been reinforced—that was clear—probably to better withstand the storms.  It would take more strength than he had remaining to bust through it. He pulled his body back to throw it into the door again. He had to try…

“Captain!” Knox yelled from behind him, sounding like he was far away despite only a few short meters’ gap between him.

Eddie turned, shielding his eyes. Knox had hunched over, but he was pointing at something.  Blinking, Eddie tried to understand what Knox was motioning to, but the storm was thick, offering them only brief moments of visibility.

Then, through the blinding wall of brown, Eddie saw a color. Blue at first, but then white. Light glistening, reflecting off something…

Something in the air.

The Q-Ship came toward them out of the cloud of sand and hovered over the main road only two meters from the walkway.

Eddie ran in that direction, grabbing Knox as he did and pulling him into the Q-Ship through the open hatch. Julianna had already retreated to the pilot’s seat.

Once the two men had made it inside the door closed automatically behind them, sealing them away from the storm. Julianna glanced over her shoulder at Eddie and Knox. “Sorry I took so long,” she told the two of them.

“Just in time,” Eddie wheezed.

~~~

The Q-Ship rose higher as Eddie and Knox coughed and sputtered on the floor, and Julianna whipped her head over her shoulder. The two were coated in a thick layer of grit, as if they’d been dipped in oil and then a vat of sand.

Those guys were nearly goners. Fucking dust storm, Julianna said to Pip.

You’d be pretty sad if something happened to the Captain.

Don’t tell me about sad, Pip.

I know what sadness feels like.

Let’s save the existential talk for later.

Julianna sped the Q-Ship through the atmosphere and out into orbit.

Monitoring for Brotherhood vessels. There were two before, but they’ve changed locations.

Yes, why don’t you do your job and stop making false observations?

You don’t like me as much since I evolved to an AI, do you?

What did I say about dumb observations?

That you like them? teased Pip.

Eddie was now spitting clumps of dirt onto the floor. He was going to be no help for a bit longer.

I need you on the guns.

Need? I like it when you say that word. It makes you seem—

Like I’m not going to kick your ass?

That wasn’t exactly what I was going to say. By the way, you’ve got two Brotherhood ships cruising your way.

So do you, so fire away.

Julianna spotted the approaching ships and jerked the controls to the side, spinning the Q-Ship in a half-circle. They nearly collided with one of the ships, but that offered more angles for Pip to fire. Three shots connected, but only caused surface damage.

Eddie and Knox had rolled during Julianna’s acrobatics and were currently knocking around in the cargo area.

“Teach, get the two of you strapped in already. This ride is only going to get bumpier,” said Julianna.

“Sure thing,” wheezed Eddie. “We’re just back here dying.”

“Stop being so dramatic.” Julianna now had both ships on her ass firing at her. She jerked to one side and then feinted, swerving farther the same direction. Flying the Omega was about like walking, just as natural and easy. The controls were intuitive. Hatch had built the perfect ship so far as Julianna was concerned, and she’d use it to kill every Brotherhood soldier she could find.

Once they were a good distance from the enemy she twisted the ship to the side, turning it around. Pip fired a bunch of rounds, many grazing the other ships but again not taking them out.

Fuck, Pip, where did you learn to shoot?

I think what you’re saying is that you’d prefer the Captain to be in the copilot’s seat, teased Pip.

That’s not at all what I said. Your understanding of language is horrible. Get an education!

Eddie slammed into the chair next to Julianna. Over her shoulder she spied a strapped-in Knox, although he was still coughing wildly.

Eddie looked at her with his face still caked in dirt. “Ready to kick some Brotherhood ass?”

“I thought you’d never come to the party.”

“Oh, am I off the guns then?” asked Pip from overhead, feigning annoyance. “I’ll just go take a nap.”

A missile hit the side of the ship and knocked them all forward from the blunt force.

“Why don’t you keep an eye on enemy fire, Pip,” yelled Julianna.

“Right, I can do that. Fire headed for port side,” Pip informed her.

Julianna put the ship on its side to avoid the worst of the attack, then activated the thrusters and barreled between the two Brotherhood ships.

Eddie rolled out a spray of bullets, hitting one of the vessels’ wings and sending it spiraling out of control toward the planet’s surface.

“He’s gonna feel that shit in the morning,” said Eddie. He tried to laugh, only to wind up coughing.

“Yeah, and apparently that pissed off his buddy,” she said, looking at Eddie.

She angled the ship so that the guns in the back were directed at the Brotherhood ship.

Eddie grabbed the weapons controls again and focused on targeting the incoming ship. When the vessel crossed their stern just as anticipated, Eddie punched the trigger and loosed a number of rounds at the small flyer, and multiple direct hits forced the little ship to fall back at once.

“Whew! That’s what I’m talking about,” said Eddie, his voice still scratchy from the sand.

A red light blinked on. “No partying just yet,” said Julianna. “We’ve still got a problem.”

CHAPTER NINE

Omega-line Q-Ship, Behemoth System

“If you’re gonna tell me you left something in that piece-of-shit town, forget it. I’ll buy you a new…whatever it is that you lost,” said Eddie, trying to wipe sand from his face without getting it in his eyes. He needed a shower. A beer too. Actually, scratch the shower—he’d rather just have the beer.

“No, it’s the ship,” said Julianna, peering at the controls and gauges.

Eddie’s vision, blurred by sand and whatever else the storm had thrown at him, couldn’t make out much at a distance but he squinted, trying to determine what she was staring at that was a problem.

“It’s the fuel lines,” said Knox from the back.

Julianna turned around, surprised. “Yeah, it is. How’d you know that?”

“The fucking fuel lines? What’s wrong with them?” asked Eddie.

“I’m guessing one of those attacks severed them somehow,” Julianna said, still looking at Knox. “How’d you know?”

He shrugged. “I can feel the lag in the ship. The way it’s doing it reminds me of when I have a blockage in one of my lines. The ship is getting fuel, but something is blocking it. Maybe the hose is bent from external damage on the ship.”

Slowly Julianna turned and looked at Eddie with a strange expression on her face. “He knows mechanics?”

“Yeah, think we should hook him up with Hatch?” asked Eddie. They needed pilots, but that was a short-term goal. Mechanics were gold, especially for a covert operation like theirs. Thing was, the two roles usually didn’t cross like they did in Knox—not unless it was someone like Hatch, but that octopus was an exception to every rule. Most people specialized in only one occupation, at least in the military. It seemed that out here, where staying alive relied on one’s ability to diversify, people had no other choice but to become Jacks of All Trades.

“First things first,” continued Julianna. “We need to find a place to land so we can fix the fuel line. There’s no way we can make it back to ArchAngel, even if we jump.”

“Jumping would be unadvisable under the current circumstances,” said Pip from overhead.

“Whoa, who is that?” asked Knox, scanning the ship’s ceiling.

Eddie laughed and kept watching the radar. “Meet Pip, our AI. He shares headspace with Julianna. Luckily for you, our buddy Hatch managed to interface the ship so Pip could talk out loud.”

“Hello, Knox Gunnerson. It’s a pleasure to meet you,” said Pip.

“Uh. Hey. Thanks. Same, I guess,” said Knox, his chin tilted at the ceiling.

“How’s your arm?” Eddie asked him.

Knox looked down at the place where the bullet had gone through his arm. “It’s fine. I actually forgot about it.”

“We will get you stitched up when we get back to ArchAngel,” said Julianna.

Eddie stabbed his finger at a nearby planet on the radar. “That’s where we need to land.”

“Sagano?” asked Julianna. “Why there? I’ve got at least three other planets in closer range.”

“Because there’s a killer bar,” said Eddie.

Julianna rolled her eyes but continued to fly the ship steadily. “Of course.”

“The other planets are deemed mostly safe,” Pip informed them.

“But they don’t have a known place to get some R and R.” Eddie looked at Julianna with his best puppy-dog face. “Need a place to wash off all this sand before I crack, and I promise—only one beer. Nothing crazy.””

Julianna considered him for a moment before finally conceding. “Fine. You get your way, just this once.”

~~~

“Are you kidding me?” asked Julianna, trying to open the door against the vines that had fallen on them when they landed. “This is a fucking jungle planet. What were you thinking, bringing us here?”

“Yeah, about that… Might have forgotten to mention most of the planet is undeveloped,” said Eddie, scratching his head.

Julianna threw her shoulder into the hatch door, and branches broke behind it. She pushed it all the way down as vines snagged on the corners, mouth gaping.

“Teach, is this your idea of a practical joke?” asked Julianna, staring out at the dense jungle covered in moss and teeming with plants. Trees grew on top of trees like they’d run out of space and were playing ‘King of the Mountain.’

From the air Julianna had noticed the area being heavily covered in forest, but she’d had no idea it was this overgrown. The vegetation looked completely different from the ground. She even landed on a small platform, but it seemed no one had cleared the vines to prevent them from hanging over and obstructing it.

Eddie scoffed. “Oh, come on. If I was going to play a practical joke it would be way better.” He peered out of the ship, squinting against the greenish light filtering in from overhead. “We’re just a bit off the path. I was all turned around before, but I know where the bar is from here.”

How Eddie could understand where he was going when the jungle looked the same from every angle was beyond her. “What about the ship? Broken fuel lines, remember?” said Julianna, throwing her hand up.

“We’ll hit up Hatch when we get back here and see if he can talk us through the fix, but first this cowboy needs to clean up. There’s sand covering all my parts, if you know what I mean,” said Eddie, walking forward stiffly. “Come on, Knox, I’ll buy you a round.”

Knox, who was as crusty as Eddie, looked at Julianna tentatively as he passed.

Julianna had Pip cloak the ship as she disembarked. Above her head birds flew through the trees, chirping loudly. It had been a long time since she had been in a jungle, and the scent of the greenery brought back memories of early missions when she was younger and the job was still new to her.

After a few paces she noticed that her feet felt lighter, her chest swelled more fully, and the moist forest air had become easier to breathe. Maybe taking the detour to Sagano hadn’t been such a bad idea after all.

~~~

“Oh, look who the cat dragged in!” a burly man boomed as soon as Eddie had pushed through the swinging doors into the bar. The building didn’t really have walls. It was mostly surrounded by mesh curtains attached to its thatched roof. Bamboo poles supported the structure, and the floor was covered in handwoven mats and dirt from outside, making it feel as though it were part of the jungle.

Knox froze just beside Eddie, fists clenched at his sides, and behind them Julianna stared at the dozen locals gathered around the tiki bar.

The thick-chested man thrust out of his seat, making it fall back on the floor, and the three men at his table looked up with sneers on their dirty faces. They all had black hair and tanned skin, and their eyes were bloodshot from too many servings of Sagano moonshine—or Brick Walls, as the locals called it.

“Hey, you!” yelled the man in Eddie’s direction.

“Hey, you withered piece of dung!” Eddie yelled back. He straightened and took in the many faces that turned to look at him. Julianna stepped in front of Knox, placing herself between the boy and these ruffians.

“I didn’t think you’d ever show your face in here again!” As the man strode toward them it became clear that he was easily seven feet tall, and his chest was twice as wide as Eddie’s.

“Me either. Didn’t think I’d ever have the misfortune of seeing that disgusting, sorry excuse for a face ever again,” said Eddie.

Julianna tensed next to him, her hand twitching inches from her gun.

A loud laugh boomed from the man as he halted in front of Eddie. Julianna started to push him away, but corrected herself when he only leaned forward and pulled the Captain in for a hug, their chests bumping.

“You old sonofabitch,” bellowed the man, stepping back. “Where you been, Blackbeard?”

“Nowhere special,” said Eddie, tipping his head to Julianna and Knox. “Meet Sabien, you two. He owns the Hole in the Jungle.”

Julianna looked around. “I don’t know, I wouldn’t call it that. I like the open-air feel of it,” she said, stepping forward and taking Sabien’s hand. His eyes widened when Julianna shook it. He’d obviously tried another one of his strong-arm shakes, but he had underestimated the woman.

“No, the name of the bar is ‘Hole in the Jungle,’” explained Eddie.

Sabien laughed. “Remember the last time you were in here? It looked completely different then,” he said, motioning to the room, which was sprinkled with stools and a few tables.

“Yeah, I like the new design,” Eddie assured him.

Sabien looked at Julianna and Knox. “After the last time Blackbeard was here I had to have the entire place remodeled.”

“This piece of shit needed it,” said Eddie. “I just helped with the demolition, so you could fix things up.”

Sabien chuckled, waving him off. “He destroyed the entire bar in less than a minute. It took me weeks to renovate after that.”

“Those guys deserved it,” said Eddie, watching as three men got up and left via the back entrance. There were still roughly ten people in the bar.

Sabien chuckled. “Friends of Eddie’s are probably trouble, but what the hell? Saddle up to the bar. Drinks on the house for you two.” Sabien motioned to Julianna and Knox. “I’d say the same for Blackbeard, but I’d have no stock left. I’ll buy you one drink, old friend, but that’s my limit.”

Eddie smiled widely, looking at Julianna. “Appearances might be a little deceiving if you think I’m the one you’ve got to worry about. Right, Jules?”

Sabien dismissed this and marched toward the bar. “Two Brick Walls for these folks, and a Singapore Sling for the lady,” he called to the bartender, who was a short man with shifty eyes, a round belly, and a flat nose. He was polishing glasses, but he nodded to the bar owner and went to work making the drinks.

“I’m not sure about a Brick Wall,” said Eddie. “I’ve got to keep my wits about me. I have to fly later.”

“You’re flying again, Blackbeard? That’s great,” Sabien exclaimed. A few of the men at a table nearby looked up, their attention piqued. Sabien glanced out the nearby window. “Where’s your ride?”

“We parked it over there,” said Eddie, pointing in the opposite direction of where the Q-Ship was located. Julianna caught this and narrowed her eyes as she surveyed the bar. Eddie slammed an open palm on the bar. “I’ll take a Blue Ale.”

“All we’ve got are Douglas Adams here,” the guy said.

Eddie nodded. “Fine, we’ll take two of those, as long as they’re cold.”

“So, Blackbeard,” Sabien said, “I have to know. Why do you look like absolute shit?”

Eddie ran his hand over his face and sand sprinkled away. He’d nearly forgotten he was still so filthy. “Oh, that. We got stuck in a storm. Think you can help us out?” He motioned to Knox and the bandage on his arm.

“Washroom is over there, same as before.” Sabien pointed a finger toward a side area where the mesh curtains were parted.

“All right. Let’s go, Knox,” said Eddie. “The water in the basins is full of parasites, but I think I’d prefer that over getting more sand in my eyes. We’ll just have to take an immune booster when we get home.”

“I heard that!” barked Sabien.

~~~

The bartender slid a pink drink in a tall glass in front of Julianna. It was garnished with something that looked like pineapple but had spikes on the skin.

“What’s that?” asked Julianna, looking at Sabien and pointing at the frilly drink.

“That’s a Singapore Sling, a classy drink for a classy little lady,” he said, his tone different than when he spoke to Eddie. “Don’t you worry, there’s not too much liquor in there. You won’t even taste it.”

Julianna eyed the drink like it was a slimy Trid head on a stick.

“Go on there, honey, taste it. You’ll like it. Real sweet. About like you, I’m sure,” said Sabien.

Julianna’s jaw clenched and she pushed the drink away. “Look, honey, I appreciate the drink, but if it’s all the same I’ll take one of those Brick Walls.”

Sabien chuckled dismissively and leaned casually on the bar, making it groan from his weight. “That’s funny. Those are too strong for you. We call them ‘Brick Walls’ for a reason, if you get me.” He winked at her.

“I think you’re one who doesn’t understand. I’d like to try one of those.” Julianna lifted her eyes and looked at the bartender, who was pretending to not listen to the exchange. “Thanks for this drink, but I can’t drink anything pink. It will make me break out in hives. A Brick Wall instead.”

The bartender looked at Sabien, who nodded reluctantly. “Give the lady what she wants.” He turned to Julianna. “So how do you know Blackbeard?”

Julianna was aware that everyone in the bar was pretending to not listen to them. “We work together.”

“Work together, eh? What kind of work is he doing these days? Still beating up pirates and getting himself into trouble?” Sabien scratched his stubbled chin.

The bartender slid a tumbler half-filled with an amber liquid in front of Julianna. “Thanks,” she said, not looking at the guy.

“Take it slow. Take a sniff of it, and if you can handle that you can try sipping the stuff,” said Sabien, his voice cautious.

Julianna picked up the tumbler and slung the drink back. It ran down her throat, filling her insides with warmth. It didn’t burn like she’d figured it would, but it coated her mouth and made her lips pucker.

“Whoa!” Sabien exclaimed as he straightened, his dark eyes wide. “You’re gonna feel that, honey.”

Julianna blinked and looked around the bar, not really affected by the shot. It had just made her fingers tingle. She slammed the tumbler on the bar. “I’ll take a double this time.”

Sabien shook his head, looking from the questioning bartender to Julianna. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”

“I thought you said it was all on the house for us? You’re not going back on that now are you, darling?” asked Julianna. The guys at the table weren’t even making a show of not paying attention now, and the ones at the bar kept looking at the exits. For fuck’s sake, Teach had known what he was doing coming to this bar, she thought. He had been looking for a drink and a bit of something else.

The bartender complied, filling her glass. “Leave the bottle,” she ordered, and the bottle hovered over the surface of the bar for a moment before he set it all the way down.

Eddie and Knox returned just as Julianna took a long sip of the drink, not throwing it back like the first. Both guys’ hair was still dripping wet, like they’d submerged their heads in buckets of water. Knox’s Mohawk was slicked back, and about the same color as Eddie’s dark hair.

“I feel better,” said Eddie, taking the freshly opened bottle of beer and sitting on the bar.

Sabien was still regarding Julianna like she was a new species. “Your lady—she’s a bit different, ain’t she?” he asked Eddie.

Julianna threw the drink back. She was a bit impatient that the liquor wasn’t even giving her a buzz, so with a steady hand she picked up the bottle and poured another.

“She’s not my lady, and you might want to watch how you talk about her if you value your life,” said Eddie, taking a sip of his beer.

Sabien shook his head of greasy black hair like he was trying to shake away a strange thought. “I don’t know how you do it, Blackbeard. You’re always—”

A loud bang erupted from the other side of the bar, and Julianna lazily looked up. A man about as big as Sabien had just pushed through the swinging doors, making them crack against the support posts.

“Blackbeard…” the man growled, chin low and black eyes smoldering. “How dare you return!”

Eddie rolled his eyes like he’d just encountered a mild inconvenience. “I dared, if you can believe it.”

“Cousin, I told you that you were only welcome here if you didn’t cause trouble.” Sabien stepped forward.

Cousin?  Julianna examined the two giant men, suddenly noticing their resemblance to one another even though it wasn’t easy to spot. The one who had just entered was a great deal uglier, and had deep wrinkles around his mouth and eyes like he’d spent far too long in the sun.

The man looked past Sabien and pinned his eyes on Eddie. “And I told you, Sabien, I’d be okay as long as that maggot didn’t show back up.” Behind the man were the guys who had fled the bar earlier, their faces angry now.

Eddie took a long drink of his beer before slamming it onto the bar, and unhurriedly looked at the man. “Ink, are you still beating up on poor souls who land on Sagano and taking half of their supplies as ‘tax?’” There was a new heat in Eddie’s voice—a vengeance Julianna had seen before. It reminded her of the first time she’d met him back in the Five Trees Bar.

“What me and my boys do is none of your business. I think I told you that before,” said Ink, balling up one of his fists and punching the massive palm of his other hand.

“And I thought I taught you a lesson last time.” Eddie approached the other man but Sabien was still between them, looking at each and trying to decide what to do.

“You taught me nothing. A guy’s got to make a living, and that’s all we’re doing,” said Ink.

“By pillaging the innocent? Why don’t you try getting a job like your cousin?” asked Eddie, shaking his head at the brute.

Julianna took a casual sip of her drink and let her eyes drift to Knox, who was scanning the bar. If he was paying attention to the nonverbal cues, then he knew that half the bar were Ink’s supporters. The rest just wanted to get drunk and had no horse in this race. The bartender, though...he was the fucking problem, Julianna observed, watching the round man continue to polish glasses and pretend not to notice the growing disturbance.

Ink cracked his knuckles in the palm of his other hand and laughed, pasting a wide sneer on his face. “You still not okay with the Saganoans taking what belongs to us?”

“I’m not okay with you bullying everyone who lands here,” said Eddie.

“I’ve got to make a living,” said Ink.

“Sell a fucking product, like liquor.” Eddie jerked a thumb in Sabien’s direction. He’d backed off, mouth pursed and head shaking at his cousin.

“Ink, you know how I feel about what you do,” said Sabien.

“So you’re just going to sit by once again while I teach this maggot-breath a lesson?” asked Ink.

“I believe it was your head that I stuck through the bar the last time,” said Eddie, indicating the new and still-pristine bar.

“Well, things will be different this time.” The two men beside Ink stepped up, each pulling a long stick from behind his back. They were essentially batons, but had been painted black and had nails hammered through them, making them sharper and harder in places.

Julianna still hadn’t risen from her place at the bar, and now she picked up the bottle and poured another glass. Knox was vibrating with nerves, she observed. She caught his attention and as she brought the glass to her lips she mouthed the words, “No guns.”

His anxious eyes widened, but he gave a minute nod.

“Sorry, Cousin, but unless you kick these scum out I’m going to have to tear up the bar again,” said Ink to Sabien.

After a tentative glance at Teach, Sabien shook his head. “It’s me who is sorry, Cousin. We might be blood, but Blackbeard is right. I’d rather have no bar then condone what you do.” He cast a look at Teach, his eyes disappointed. “Do what you gotta do.”

The two men flanking Ink smacked the batons into their palms, making a slapping sound.

“Oh look, Smelly and Smellier have decided to join the fight.” Eddie leaned to the side, his voice directed to the bartender. “Can my friend and I get another round? We’re about to be thirsty.”

The first man stepped forward and swung his baton, which made Eddie arch his back as he retreated a few steps to keep his midsection from getting nailed. Knox bolted from his position and went after the other man, who was trying to double-up on Eddie.

As Ink watched this he laughed loudly, as if he’d already won the fight.

Within seconds Eddie had the first man in a head-lock, his face red from lack of oxygen. He dropped his baton as a few men bolted out of the bar, but the others joined the fight.

Knox ducked several times, not hitting his opponent but not getting hit either.

Julianna took a sip of her drink, watching the scene with mild interest.

The first man was out cold, and Eddie picked up a chair and took out three more with a single swing. Several others charged him as though their numbers would somehow balance the scales, but Eddie was made for this. As the scene intensified and the battle continued, his eyes grew hard and his mind clear. He was in his element, acting on sheer instinct.

The grin had disappeared from Ink’s face by this time, replaced by a drooping scowl as his concern grew.

When the man with the baton swung hard at Knox, he slid to the ground and kicked his legs out from under him. The man landed hard on his back and Knox knocked the baton to the other end of the bar. With another swipe of his leg Knox buried his foot in his opponent’s temple, knocking him out.

Now there were only three remaining—Ink and two of his cronies. That was when Julianna noticed that the bartender had set his dirty rag on the bar and was scratching his forehead. Then he lowered his hand and pretended to feel around his apron.

But Julianna was no fool.

When the bartender brought the hidden pistol out from under his belt, Julianna picked up the bottle of Brick Walls and threw it past him to crash into the shelf behind him. He flinched and shot her a look.

She stared at him steadily, breathing calmly with no fear or concern in her eyes. “Get the fuck out of here,” she told him, “before the next one hits your head.

The bartender looked down at his gun and then at Julianna, unable to hide his worry. Julianna could sense him holding his breath.

The second he breathed again he dashed to the side, and his gun fell to the floor where he had been standing. Julianna watched him flee through the swinging doors at the front of the bar. She couldn’t blame him for being a coward, not in this instance. Not against her.

The commotion on the other side of the bar had grown now that Eddie battled Ink. Knox had taken on the last two men. Julianna threw the rest of her drink back before lazily standing and stretching her arms. She ambled over to where Ink had Eddie pinned against a support post. The brute’s head was pressed hard into Eddie’s abdomen, and the post was groaning from the force.

“Hey there, Jules!” exclaimed Eddie, grimacing from the pressure.

“How’s it going, Teach? Need some help?” asked Julianna. In the background, Knox had finished off the remaining two goons.

“If you’re not busy,” wheezed Eddie, giving her a grin.

Julianna poked Ink on the shoulder and he stood up, but he still didn’t let Eddie go. “What do you…want, woman?” the giant wheezed.

“I was hoping to get into the fight,” said Julianna. “You’ll need to let him go first, though.”

The large man regarded Julianna for a moment and then howled with laughter. “Sure thing, sweetheart. Let me just put his head through the bar. It’s only fair.”

“I’m afraid I need his head intact,” she said, frowning. “You have three seconds to step away from him.” She planted her weight on her back foot.

Ink laughed a second time and, turning back to the Captain, squeezed Eddie with both arms.

Julianna sighed and shook her head. “Have it your way,” she said, then launched up and forward, sending her hand straight down into the man’s neck. The giant’s head rebounded, and he released Eddie and staggered back from the attack.

Eddie stepped forward and lifted his fist into Ink’s chin, smashing his lip and spilling his blood.

The man spun and faced Julianna, and she grinned up at him. “Hello there, sweetheart,” she said as she sent a knee straight into his belly and then a foot into his groin.

He doubled over and collapsed, struggling to breathe as his eyes rolled back in pain. “B-bastards...” Ink muttered before passing out.

Eddie looked around the bar, finally noticing the mess he’d made. “Oh, shit!”

Sabien stood on the far side of the bar with a beer still in his hand.

“Sorry about the place, old buddy,” Eddie said, scratching his head.

Sabien stared at his unconscious cousin and the other men who were scattered on the floor around the bar and shook his head. “Don’t be. Hopefully they’ve learned their lesson this time.”

Julianna’s eyes fell on Ink, who was lying at her feet. “Maybe,” she said, bending down beside him, “but some people never change.”

“Anyone can change,” said Eddie, who walked up to her and gave her a warm smile. “But it takes some people a little more time than others.”

CHAPTER TEN

Planet Sagano, Behemoth System

The jungle was growing darker, and there were strange animals scurrying through the trees. Reflective eyes popped up in the dark canopy as the three made their way back to the ship.

Julianna pushed through the large leaves and low-hanging vines. “Next time, do you think you could give me a heads-up that you’re taking us to a place where someone wants you dead?”

Eddie pretended to consider this, then shook his head. “It’s more fun this way. You should just go ahead and assume they want me dead in most places.”

Knox hadn’t said a word since they left the Hole in the Jungle, but he’d kept his eyes on Julianna and his mouth parted most of the way like he wanted to say something. Finally he strode up next to her, although it was hard to walk shoulder to shoulder on the narrow jungle path. “You aren’t normal, are you?”

A laugh burst from Eddie’s mouth. He couldn’t help it. So many things were new to Knox, and watching him learn about the strange and awesome stuff the Federation had and did was like seeing it for the first time again himself.

Julianna didn’t laugh, but instead pursed her lips. “What’s ‘normal?’”

“Right, good question. I just meant that you’re different, like not human,” said Knox, his voice hesitant.

Again Eddie laughed, thoroughly amused. “She’s an alien.”

“I’m enhanced,” she corrected. “I’m still human, but my nanotechnology makes me stronger and faster, and I have regenerative abilities.”

“Ask her how old she is!” Eddie urged.

“That’s rude, Teach,” said Julianna, pretending to be offended.

“I’m guessing you’re old. Are you the least bit drunk from that Brick Wall stuff?” asked Knox.

Julianna tilted her head back and forth as if weighing her answer. “I’m a bit more relaxed, but I wish I hadn’t smashed that bottle. I could have used one more drink.”

“That’s what I do to her. I drive her to drink more,” said Eddie, proudly.

“Damn, you already had a few shots of that stuff,” said Knox.

They’d arrived back at the Q-Ship, and it uncloaked itself.

“Pip hasn’t had any luck getting ahold of Hatch, so we might have to wait it out here until we can connect,” Julianna informed them.

Eddie drew in a breath and pushed his back into a nearby tree, leaning his weight into it. “That’s fine with me. I could use a nap after all that fun.”

Knox squatted down at the back of the Q-Ship, feeling around for the seam where the fuel lines were located. “I can see if I can find where the hose is pinched.” He looked over his shoulder at the others, his face unsure. “I mean, if that’s all right? I don’t know much, and nothing about this ship, but I got a thing for mechanics.”

Eddie shrugged, closing his eyes for a moment. “Totally fine with me.”

“I’ll grab you some tools.” Julianna opened the hatch and climbed into the ship. “Pip says he might be able to talk you through some troubleshooting techniques,” she yelled to Knox from inside.

Landing Bay, QBS ArchAngel, Behemoth System

Hatch was in the middle of yelling at three crew members when the Q-Ship landed aboard the ArchAngel. His tentacles waved wildly over his head, and his face was scrunched with frustration. The Londil brought his gaze to the vessel as the three disembarked, eyes narrowing on each of them before focusing on the ship itself.

“Sir, will that be all?” asked one of his mechanics.

Hatch turned back to the man. “Now you listen to me,” he snapped. “Try that procedure again and this time don’t screw it up, you good-for-nothing knuckle-dragger! That goes for the lot of you!”

The three crew members stiffened at the order, no doubt terrified.

Hatch looked back at the Q-Ship and puffed his cheeks, then waddled over to Julianna and Eddie. “I got a message that you’d had an accident and needed my help. What are you doing back? I was just about to leave to pick you up.”

“The Brotherhood ships hit us as we were leaving,” said Eddie. “Luckily, old Knox here managed to get the busted fuel line fixed all by himself.” He slapped Knox on the back. “He did it before I even managed to fall asleep, and you know how I like my naps.” Eddie yawned loudly.

Hatch studied the boy before him with a cynical expression on his face. “You? You fixed the Q-Ship?”

Knox stared back at him timidly. “I, uh…”

“What’s wrong?” asked Eddie, tilting his head. “You’ve never seen an octopus alien mechanic before?”

“This is Knox Gunnerson,” said Julianna. “Knox, meet Hatch. He’s a Londil, and our resident specialist in all things mechanical, electronic, and so on.”

Eddie nodded. “Need a device, go to Hatch. Need a part, go to Hatch. Need—”

Hatch cut Eddie off. “Need a pain in the ass, go to the Captain.”

“It’s true, I’m a huge pain. Just ask Jules,” said Eddie, jerking a thumb in her direction.

Hatch looked at Knox. “Pip said there was a problem with the fuel lines. Did you patch a leak? I guess that’s easy enough to handle.”

“Actually, the second interior armor plate had shifted and pinched the lines. I hammered it back into place and that fixed the issue,” said Knox, shrugging noncommittally. “It wasn’t really difficult.”

“No, it doesn’t sound like it,” agreed Hatch, and turned back to look at his crew. “But the dimwits around here wouldn’t have figured it out!” He raised his voice to make sure they could hear him. “They can’t tie their damn shoes, let alone follow the specs for building a Q-Ship!” Hatch looked at Julianna and Eddie again. “Hope you don’t need new ships anytime soon, because these monkeys can’t seem to build one.”

“We’ll need more sooner rather than later,” said Julianna. “Maybe Knox could help?”

Eddie tapped his chin. “We need good pilots, though, and he can handle himself in the air, can’t he?”

Hatch looked between the two with an annoyed expression on his face. “And heaven forbid you ask the kid what he wants.”

Knox shook his head, face slightly pink. “It’s fine. I’ll do whatever you need. I mean, if you’re going to let me stay and…work with you, or whatever you have in mind.”

Julianna looked at Eddie, and the two had a silent exchange. After a moment she nodded. “Knox, after seeing what you did back there in both Gun Barrel and Sagano, you’ve proven yourself to be an asset.”

“An asset?” he asked.

“That means she likes you,” said Eddie. “Would you like to join our team, fighting bad guys and protecting the Federation?”

Knox looked at the three of them like he expected someone else to answer for him.

Eddie continued, “It’s your call, Knox. You saved my life back there in the desert, and in my book that means you’ve proven yourself a dozen times over.” He motioned at the spot on the boy’s arm where he’d been shot. “What we do is dangerous. I think you understand that now, but just in case you don’t, take a listen and mind what I say. The people we fight are scoundrels, cold-blooded fiends with a thirst for killin’. They’ve drawn a line and dared the rest of the galaxy—namely us—to cross it.” He looked at Julianna and Hatch, then at Knox again. “It’s tough, doing what we do. Not a lot of people can.”

“Which is why we’re here,” added Julianna. “Because we have the capability to cross that line and hold our ground.”

Eddie nodded, and he gave the boy a wicked grin. “Plus, it’s a hell of a lot of fun.”

“Would our missions be like Sagano?” asked Knox.

“Well, bar fights aren’t really in the job description,” said Julianna. “They’re more of an extracurricular activity.”

Knox was quiet for a moment, as if he were weighing the variables in his head.

“Why don’t you think on it for today?” asked Eddie. “You can decide if you want to join after we’ve gotten that wound looked at and had some rest. Take some time and watch what we do. Hang around ArchAngel, and when you’re ready let us know.”

Knox smiled, shaking his head. “No, I definitely want to join. Definitely,” he said quickly. “I just don’t know what I want to do. I like to fly, but mechanics comes naturally for me.”

“Good,” said Eddie. “Think about that decision instead, then. It’s equally important.”

Hatch motioned with his tentacle. “Well, now that you humans are done with your moment, get out of my landing bay! I’ve got work to do.” He waddled past them and over to the Q-Ship, starting to inspect it at once.

Julianna smirked as she watched the octopus, then turned to Eddie. “Pip has decoded the information he downloaded from Gun Barrel, by the way. He’s sending it to Jack now. We should head to his office and review it together. Think you can hold off on that nap for a while?”

Eddie frowned. “Aw, fine. I guess stopping a galactic threat is more important than sleeping.” He waved at Knox as he and Julianna strode to the exit. “Go explore the ship, kid, but don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!”

~~~

“You like Gunner,” said Eddie, his tone teasing.

Julianna cast a sideways look at him, not at all impressed. “I think he has a good heart.”

“But you’re not as cautious about him as you were before, are you?”

The two walked through the corridor, crew members nodding in respect to them as they passed them.

“I think things have changed. He can’t really get himself in trouble on ArchAngel. We’ll see how he does, but yes, giving him a chance made sense,” said Julianna, then added, “I think we should still be careful.”

“You’re always careful.”

“Is this when you tell me I should live a little?” asked Julianna.

The pair rounded the corner and walked straight into Jack’s office. “Nah, this is when I tell you not to change. You’re the careful one, and I’m—well, the free spirit.”

Jack looked up from a report he was studying. “Captain, did you just describe yourself as a ‘free spirit?’”

“Well, I’m not like those hippies who run the crystal store on Onyx Station, but sure. I’m the relaxed one, and Jules is the careful one. It’s a nice balance,” said Eddie, taking a seat.

“Let’s get right to it. Now then, thank you for getting this information to me quickly. I’ve just reviewed it.” Jack pushed away from his desk, crossing his ankle over his knee. “Tell me, what did you learn in Gun Barrel?”

“That our contact had been murdered and the Brotherhood is one step ahead of us,” said Eddie.

“Damn it. I feared that Felix would go back and take out the person who vouched for him to the Defiance Trading Company. He’s not leaving any loose strings out there, or so he thinks,” said Jack.

“’So he thinks?’ What did the report tell us?” asked Julianna, leaning on the back of the chair.

“It appears that Axel Link took an interest in Felix after he was ‘asked’ to provide a reference. I’m guessing he knew the guy was up to something. The information Pip pulled from Link’s place shows that he was tracking an army, which I believe to be the Brotherhood,” said Jack.

“Why is that news to us? We know the Brotherhood are Felix’s minions,” said Eddie, leaning back in his seat and stretching.

“Every time we get a glimpse of the Brotherhood their numbers grow. From what I’ve learned, it looks like the Brotherhood army has doubled since you went after Vas,” said Jack.

“Doubled?” asked Eddie, leaning forward. He remembered the sea of soldiers they’d encountered when they came face to face with Commander Lytes and General Vas. There had been more than they could handle, and that had only been a couple weeks ago.

“Yes, which means Felix and Commander Lytes are recruiting faster than ever. The information from Axel doesn’t specify where the army is being housed, only shows when they were on the move. Still, that gave us a good enough estimate of their numbers to guess that they’ve doubled,” said Jack.

“So now Felix has a huge store of weapons and is quickly growing an army…” said Julianna, voice trailing off and her eyes staring at nothing as she thought.

“Yes, which suggest he’s preparing for a war,” stated Eddie.

“Exactly. We suspected this was coming, but I don’t think we could have guessed that he’d make this much progress so fast,” said Jack.

“Especially after we destroyed his weapons cache. I would have thought it would take him a while to recover,” said Julianna.

“We know roughly the size of his army,” said Jack, no doubt trying to change the tone of the meeting from doubtful to optimistic. “And thanks to Knox, we also know what kind of weapons he acquired from the Defiance Trading Company. In truth, we know a great deal more today than we did yesterday, and I expect tomorrow we will learn even more. Progress takes time, my friends, but it will continue so long as we do our jobs.”

Julianna nodded in agreement and responded, “We need to know more about his ship technology. More importantly, we need to know what he’s planning next.”

ArchAngel flickered onto the screen behind Jack, interrupting the meeting. “Hello, all,” she said.

“Hey, A,” sang Eddie.

“Jack, the contact has arrived and is currently with Officer Sours,” said ArchAngel.

“Perfect timing. Thank you,” said Jack to the AI, and turned his attention back to Eddie and Julianna. “As you mentioned, we need to know what Felix is planning next so we can get one step ahead of him.”

“You brought in a contact who can help,” guessed Julianna.

“That’s right,” he said with a knowing smile. “Marilla recruited this contact, and I think he might be quite insightful. Go down to the Intelligence Center, and let me know afterwards what you learned. Dismissed.”

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Intelligence Center, QBS ArchAngel, Behemoth System

Eddie’s hand dove straight for his pistol upon entering the Intelligence Center and silently he pulled the weapon out, but left it pointed at the ground. Julianna tensed beside him, staring at the same threat with uncertainty in her eyes.

A huge Trid stood just in front of them, his back facing them. His long arms were stretched over his head and he stomped angrily. He obstructed the view of Marilla and Chester on the other side of him.

A loud roar spilled from the Trid’s mouth, one that vibrated the room, and Julianna pulled her gun from her holster, holding it at the ready.

There was a small laugh. “Then what did you do?” asked Marilla, her voice light.

“Uhhh, Officer Sours, what’s going on?” asked Eddie.

The Trid turned around and backed up at the sight of the weapons Julianna and Eddie held. Marilla sprang from her seat and covered the Trid protectively with her small body, although she made a horrible shield.

“What are you doing? Rex isn’t an enemy,” said Marilla, her voice urgent.

Eddie eyed the Trid, who looked like he might have just peed his pants. He was large, but had the demeanor of a scared mouse.

“This is your contact?” asked Eddie.

She nodded. “Yes, I met Rex when I was doing the archeological dig on Kai. He’s a friend, and a fellow scientist.”

Eddie lowered his weapon and cast a glance at Julianna. “Jack could have told us in advance.”

Julianna put her pistol away, shaking her head. “I think he’s probably having a good laugh right now. We were obviously set up.”

“I know many Trid are viewed as hostile and unwilling to work with humans, but I’m different,” said Rex. His voice was squeaky, also reminiscent of a mouse’s.

Marilla let out a steadying breath, then stepped to the side. “Rex, Captain Teach and Commander Fregin. They’re the ones you’ll report to.”

Rex nodded and took a seat in one of the chairs, but he didn’t fit quite right due to his size and stood again. Eddie pictured him as a giant teddy bear. Well, one with gills. A sweet shark-bear. He didn’t have the angry and predatory look on his face that all the other Trid seemed to wear.

Chester covered a grin when the giant Trid clumsily knocked over the chair while trying to lever himself out of it.

“You’re not working for the Kai government anymore, is that correct?” asked Julianna, also trying to keep her face impassive. Eddie, though, wasn’t really hiding his amusement.

“That’s right. I worked with the research organization with Marilla, but I’ve been out of government business for a while. The things the Kai government has been dabbling in were questionable, mostly because the people they were working with… Well, it didn’t seem right to continue,” explained Rex.

“Do you mean the Brotherhood and Felix Castile?” asked Eddie.

Rex nodded, his dark shark-eyes becoming quite serious at the mention of Felix’s name. “I used to work for Commander Vas, but when he left I used that as my opportunity to get out of Kai operations. I’m hoping to go back into research through the universities.”

“Left?” asked Eddie. “You mean after we blew him up?”

Rex flinched at the question. “Yes, I guess I do.”

“Tell them what you told me about Commander Lytes,” urged Marilla.

“Oh, right. Well, General Vas was popular with his soldiers, but he was not as powerful as Commander Lytes. He’s the real force behind the Brotherhood,” said Rex.

“Yes, we’re aware of that. What we need to find out is where the Brotherhood is and what they are planning next,” said Eddie.

“That’s where Rex can help,” said Marilla, giving Rex an encouraging look. “Go on. They need to know so they can intervene.”

Rex swallowed, something bobbing in his throat. “Well, I don’t know where the Brotherhood is based, but I do know that Commander Lytes is planning on taking over a planet on the fringe. They may already be there, putting their plans into action. That’s supposed to be their new base of operations.”

“What?” asked Julianna in disbelief. “An entire planet? That’s huge. Where? What is the name?”

Rex shook his massive head. “That I didn’t find out. I left before any of the information crossed my desk.”

“Where exactly did you work?” asked Julianna.

“The underwater base on Kai. It’s under the eastern equator,” explained Rex.

“Remember I told you that’s where their ships are constructed? The Stingrays?” said Marilla.

“Did you work in R&D?” asked Eddie.

Rex bluntly shook his head. “I’m a historian, about like Marilla. I worked in the facility, but mostly on the dry land where the dig was taking place.”

“Are you telling us that information on what the Brotherhood is planning can be found in this underwater facility?” asked Julianna.

“Pistris Station,” supplied Rex. “And yes. Plans and technology are all housed in that particular station. I know I’m betraying my people, but since they’ve partnered with the Brotherhood, I believe their interests aren’t pure. The Brotherhood has been giving huge donations to the Trid government in exchange for our compliance.” Rex shook his head, looking disturbed. “But money isn’t everything. I hear about what they’re doing, and I can’t be a part of that anymore.”

His voice was almost frantic, maybe even scared.

“Like the planet you mentioned?” asked Eddie.

The Trid nodded. “They took over the planet and enlarged their military forces. My department was all but cut, since it wasn’t vital to the mission. Most others were too, if they didn’t serve the ever-increasing war machine. All the Brotherhood cares about is expanding its influence and control. I don’t know specifics, but I know this is the start of something big. The power and influence of the Trid and Brotherhood are growing.”

“I think we all know who is behind this, manipulating and using the Trid and Brotherhood,” said Eddie, looking at Julianna. She agreed with a nod.

“Can you get back into Pistris Station?” asked Julianna.

Rex backed up several feet, nearly ramming into Chester. He looked as though he’d just been scared half to death. “Oh, no, I can’t go back there. I quit. What if they suspected something? They’d throw me into prison. I can’t have that.”

“Right,” said Julianna, drawing out the word. “Can you help us get into that underwater base?”

“Now you’re talking,” said Eddie, his tone excited. Breaking into a secret underwater base sounded like exactly what they needed to do next.

“I guess I could. You might still get caught, but I’ll tell you what I know,” said Rex.

Eddie clapped his hands and rubbed them eagerly. “Perfect.” He turned to address Marilla. “Have Rex convey everything he knows about Pistris Station to ArchAngel so Hatch can work on a way for us to get into this base. Chester, you think you can hack the security system for us, grant us access?”

Chester spun around in his seat with a wide grin on his face. “I must be a mind reader, since that’s what I’ve been doing since Rex mentioned Pistris Station. I’ll have your clearance by the end of the day.”

Eddie let out a loud whoop. “That’s what I’m fucking talking about!”

Bridge, QBS ArchAngel, Tangki System

The ArchAngel gated to the Tangki system, arriving near Kai’s orbit.

“ArchAngel, can I please get an update on that information you’ve been hunting down for me?” asked Eddie, standing next to Jack on the bridge.

“Do you mean the information on how to get rid of that stubborn rash?” asked ArchAngel, her face on the large screen in the front. Many of the crew members at their different stations laughed.

“Ha-ha,” said Eddie. “No, and I don’t believe I asked for any such information.”

Jack stood nearby. “You’re still going through with this?” he asked. “Aren’t you concerned about backlash from Julianna?”

“I’ve thought about it. I think this is what she needs, and I think there could be some long-term benefits,” said Eddie.

“If you say so,” said Jack. “Personally I’m going to avoid that woman’s ire. She seems just as likely to rip your throat out as kiss you.”

“More the former than the latter,” said Eddie, “but I’ll take my chances!”

“If the two of you are finished,” said Archangel, “I’ve found the information you requested, Eddie. I’ll send it to you right now, along with those special rash remedies.”

“Wow, thanks. You’re a doll,” said Eddie, humorlessly. He pulled up his pad, tapping the screen. “Here it is. And our current location, the Tangki system, couldn’t be any more perfect. It’s like it was meant to be.”

“Serendipity,” supplied ArchAngel.

Eddie looked up, confused. “Huh?”

“’Serendipity.’ You said it was meant to be. That’s the word for it,” she said.

“Thanks. I’ll use your expensive word the next chance I get,” said Eddie.

Jack read the information on the pad over Eddie’s shoulder. “I agree that the locations line up pretty well. Are you going to contact him?”

“Yes, I’ll set up a meeting for when we return from Kai,” said Eddie.

“You know that Julianna will more likely punch you for meddling than thank you,” warned Jack.

“Meddling in what?” asked Julianna, popping up behind Jack and Eddie and nearly making them jump. Damn! She was so fucking quiet, thought Eddie.

He pushed the power button on the top of the pad and shook his head.

“We weren’t talking about you. We were talking about Lars. I’m meddling in his love life. Trying to recruit a nice Kezzin girl for the crew,” lied Eddie.

Julianna tilted her head to the side, not buying this at all. “I heard my name.”

“Because we thought you wouldn’t like us meddling in the crew’s love life,” said Eddie, his ears growing hot.

“Well, of course I don’t. That’s highly unprofessional. Jack, I’m surprised you’d condone such a thing,” said Julianna, her tone punishing.

Jack yanked up his wrist, eyeing his watch. “I have a meeting in my office that I’m late for.”

ArchAngel appeared on the main screen again. “Actually, Jack, I show that your afternoon schedule is wide open.”

“Uhhh, I didn’t put this meeting on my calendar,” stuttered Jack, hurrying off.

Slowly, Eddie turned and looked at ArchAngel’s face. “You have been exceptionally helpful lately.”

Cargo Bay 01 , QBS ArchAngel, Tangki System

Hatch wiped a rag over his head, muttering to himself.

“The crew seems to be giving you a headache,” stated Pip. “I show that your stress levels are elevated.”

Hatch blew out an exaggerated breath. “That’s because they are all a bunch of worthless idiots who need me to hold their damn hands.”

“You do have eight tentacles. You could hold a few hands,” joked Pip.

Hatch deflated his cheeks and stood back to stare at his current project. It was a rather special type of ship, somewhat different from the rest he’d recently been working on.

Pip continued, “And my records indicate that each member of your assigned crew has sufficient education to do the work you require of them. On the surface, they should be more than qualified to collectively build the Omega-line of Q-Ships.”

“Education isn’t everything,” muttered Hatch. “I have plenty of degrees and certifications, but they’d all be worthless if I didn’t have instinct. These people have book knowledge but no heart.” He lifted a nearby screwdriver with a tentacle and examined a small bend in the metal before placing it down. “They don’t know how to feel their way around a machine.”

“What do you mean?” asked Pip.

“Ships are more than parts, Pip. They are living, breathing organisms that must be respected. The people on my crew are the same as all the other idiots I’ve met, with only a few rare exceptions. Those fools don’t see the truth inside the metal, so they can’t touch the soul of the ship they’re working on. They can’t understand how to talk to it, bend it, make it better. They don’t know how to imagine anything more than what they see.”

“Is that what you’re doing right now? Trying to imagine something more?” asked Pip.

“I’m trying to figure out if I like the paint job,” stated Hatch. “Blue is a good color for this one, don’t you think?”

“Mmmm…” said Pip, thinking. “I would like a red racing stripe down the center. Maybe two.”

Hatch dismissed the AI with a wave of his tentacle. “No, we’re trying to camouflage it, not have the damn thing stick out like a sore appendage.”

“Thumb,” said Pip.

“What?” asked Hatch, mostly distracted.

“The expression is ‘a sore thumb,’” stated Pip.

“I know damn well how it goes, but I don’t have thumbs so why would I use such a dumb word?” replied Hatch.

The outer door opened and Julianna and Eddie strode into the bay.

“I always enjoy our little heart-to-heart talks,” said Pip in a playful tone.

“Heart-to-hearts,” corrected Hatch. “I have three hearts, remember?”

“And nine stomachs and blue blood,” added Pip.

Hatch polished the vehicle in front of him as Eddie and Julianna approached.

“You called?” asked Julianna, smiling when she saw the mechanic. “We got a message to come and see you.”

Hatch puffed his cheeks at the sight of her. “I did. I got your request for something to help you gain entry to the underwater base on Kai. Unfortunately, I don’t have the time to create something from scratch. That would take longer than you have. Instead, I pulled one of my previous research projects from the storage locker.”

“Is that a submarine?!” asked Eddie, looking at the blue ship. It was shaped like a “U” and had a round glass bubble in the middle.

“It is,” said Hatch. “If I’d had more time I would’ve created a more unique one for your mission, probably with cloaking technology and big enough for more than one person. Instead, I tweaked this ship and got it working as well as could be expected,” explained Hatch, stepping back and admiring the submarine.

“Wait, this only holds one person?” asked Julianna. “But we both need to get into the base.”

“I’m sorry, Julie. Adding more room would require a complete overhaul of the ship,” stated Hatch. “That would take several days at the least, even for me. Weeks, if I left it up to my sorry excuse for a crew.”

Defeated, Julianna blew out a breath. “Okay. It’s not ideal, since I’d prefer us to partner up, but I’ll just go into Pistris Station alone and—”

“Hey, whoa, no way!” argued Eddie. “I call dibs on this one.”

“You can’t call dibs on a mission,” explained Julianna. “Besides, I got dibs when I volunteered myself.”

“That’s not how ‘dibs’ works,” said Eddie.

She fanned her hand at him. “You’ll just get caught if you go. Better to let an expert handle this.”

“Who said I was going to get caught?” Eddie put a hand on his chest, offended. “There’s no one down there but scientists and a few lazy guards. I can handle that easily.”

“I’m the obvious choice,” declared Julianna, a definitive tone in her voice.

“I disagree. I vote we settle this using a tried-and-true method,” said Eddie.

Julianna lowered her chin and gave him a heated look. “Don’t you dare say what I think you’re going to say.”

“Roshambo! That’s the only fair way,” said Eddie.

“What’s that?” asked Hatch, who was watching all this unfold from the side.

“An old Earth game,” said Julianna, glaring at Eddie. “It’s just another name for rock-paper-scissors.”

“Oh, I’ve seen that,” said Hatch, “but unfortunately I’ve never been able to play.” He held up a tentacle. “No fingers.”

Julianna sighed. “Fine. We’ll do this your way, Teach, but when I win I want you to back off and let me go. No questions.”

“You got it,” he said, holding up his fist.

She did the same.

Eddie looked at Hatch. “You’re the referee, buddy. Don’t let me down!”

“Fine,” said Hatch, waddling closer to the two of them and puffing his cheeks. “This seems like fun.”

“Let’s do this!” exclaimed Eddie.

“On the count of three,” said Hatch. “One, two…three!”

Julianna pushed her fist through the air, but kept it tight.

Eddie’s hand flattened.

“Ha! Paper beats rock!” Eddie beamed. “I get to drive a submarine.” He shot his fist in the air to celebrate his success.

Julianna shook her head, looking dejected. “Fine. You get to go, but you’d better not get yourself into any trouble.”

“Come on, have a little faith, would you? When did I ever do that?” asked Eddie. He strode over to the submarine and peered into the bubble.

“Like I said, I didn’t have a chance to put cloaking technology into this ship,” said Hatch. “Just getting it ready took a while. However, I did have it painted blue, which should help a little, and of course there’s special plating to avoid radar detection,” said Hatch.

“It’s great, Doc. Is it easy to drive?” asked Eddie.

“I think you’ll manage. Also, I loaded an interface into it so Pip can speak with you.” He puffed his cheeks. “You’ll have Julie on the comm. I would say there’s no way you could screw it up, but you’ll probably wreck the submarine, if I know you.”

“I like it when you say nice things to me, Hatch,” grinned Eddie. “I’ll do my best to bring it back in one piece.” He ran his hand over the sleek body of the sub.

“Originally, when I was assigned this task,” began Hatch, “I wanted to create something like the Stingrays the Trid have been using. However, creating duel engines for both space and underwater travel was difficult at the time, so I created this as a half-measure with plans to develop it further.”

“I’m shocked. That’s a first for you, isn’t it?” asked Eddie.

Hatch pretended he hadn’t heard him and turned to Julianna. “It would be most helpful if your space chimp could find plans for the Stingrays while he’s searching the base. It would take me a few months to create one myself, so that would save me a great deal of time. There’s only one of me.”

Julianna nodded. “We’ll see what we can do, Hatch. If Pip is close enough while interfaced in the submarine, maybe he can pull that information from the network.”

“I had a similar idea,” said Hatch. “I’m not sure about the security of the Trid network for Pistris Station. You’ll want to speak with Chester about that, I’d imagine.”

“Already done,” said Julianna. “He’s working on finding back doors so once we’re in we can get you full access.”

“Then it looks like you have everything you need to succeed.” Hatch looked at Eddie. “Just make sure you bring me those plans.”

CHAPTER TWELVE

Omega-line Q-Ship, Planet Kai, Tangki System

It was strange for Eddie not to be sitting beside Julianna in the Q-Ship. Marilla had taken his seat, since he’d have to rely on her to navigate him around Pistris Station. Rex had been more than helpful in providing a layout for the facility. However, there were many parts of the building that were unique to the Trid staff, so having Marilla on the comm would help if Eddie encountered something Rex had forgotten to mention.

“We’re nearing the drop,” said Julianna. “Get into place, Blackbeard.” She was flying the Q-Ship over the shimmering blue waters of Kai, which was mostly covered by seas. The base was sealed off, though, due to the requirements of the facility. Water made certain tasks more difficult, particularly with weapons research and ship construction.

Eddie slid into the submarine, pulling the hatch closed as he dropped in. He buckled it shut and a green light came on to show that it was sealed properly.

“Blackbeard, can you hear me?” asked Julianna over the comm.

“Copy, Strong Arm. I’m in position,” he said. “This sub is cozy, about like the backseat of a Volkswagen.”

“A quick comparison shows that the backseat of a Volkswagen has a few dozen more centimeters of leg room,” stated Pip.

“I could use the extra space,” admitted Eddie, adjusting his body.

“You want to change places with me?” said Julianna.

“Nice try, Strong Arm, but I don’t think so,” said Eddie, grinning. He got to drive a submarine into an alien facility. It felt like his birthday, without the cake and shot of Nipponese ouzo, which was a 200-proof spirit. He also wouldn’t have a hangover tomorrow, so it actually wouldn’t be like his birthday at all.

Too bad about that.

“I’ll release you now,” said Julianna. “We’re just off the surface. You’ll be dropped on my count.”

“I’m ready,” stated Eddie, grabbing the submarine’s controls. It was very similar to flying a ship, for which he was glad. If he wrecked the submarine he’d never hear the end of it from Hatch.

“Disembarking in five, four, three, two…and one,” said Julianna.

The submarine tilted to the side and slid down, gaining momentum until it splashed into the blue waters of Kai. Eddie turned on the engines, submerging the submarine before he could be seen. Because the Q-Ship was cloaked, there was no way anyone would see it. They’d also picked an off-hour when the base and the water space above it were mostly empty, according to Rex. It was also mid-afternoon, which Rex had said was when most Trid took their second sleep.

Eddie flew the ship through the water, following the coordinates on his sensors. The facility wasn’t far—only a few more minutes before he was close enough.

Less than a minute later the peak of the structure came into view. He could barely see it since the water was so thick and dark, and the base of the facility faded into the depths of the sea like nothing he’d ever seen before.

From what he could see this place was covered in some kind of reflective material, like that on the dome that covered the submarine. As the vessel sank lower, Eddie noticed that it was massive, probably as large as the ArchAngel.

Eddie located the tunnel for the second dry dock, which was a black opening in the side of the base. He propelled the submarine through it, hoping he didn’t come across any other vehicles. Rex had said that the second dock was the least used, especially at this hour.

Eddie had no cloak, so if he was spotted it would mean a fight. Not much of a problem for him, but the easier this went off, the better.

After a moment, the light overhead indicated that he was in the base.

“What’s your status, Blackbeard?” asked Julianna over the comm.

“I’m about to surface in Dry Dock Two,” stated Eddie. The submarine rose, and to his relief the dock was deserted. There were a few submarines tied up along the dock, which relieved him since his submarine wouldn’t stand out next to theirs. So far Rex’s information had all been reliable.

Eddie turned off the engine and unlocked the hatch. “I’m about to enter the facility.” He pulled the access badge that had been made by Chester from his pocket.

Julianna let out a sigh of relief. “Okay, but stay on the comm. Pip is already hooking into the network and trying to download files. There are a few more firewalls than we anticipated.”

Eddie pulled out his gun before shoving the hatch open and climbing onto the dock. He headed to the exit and swung around the corner, and to his relief the long corridor, which featured stainless steel walls and blue-tiled floors, was empty. A blast of cold air made his teeth chatter—it was freezing on the other side of the door.

Soundlessly he made his way down the hallway, conscious that he would be trapped should anyone discover him here. He’d have preferred to have the personal cloaking technology on him, but Hatch had said he was running low on the crystals needed to power it. Too bad, thought Eddie. Shit could’ve saved me some time.

According to Rex the main lab was on the bottom level, which meant Eddie needed to take the stairs. He eyed the placard next to the first door he came to. The words were written in Trid, which was comprised of symbols Eddie didn’t recognize. “Damn,” he whispered, tapping his comm. “Marilla, what does the upside-down ‘U’ with a line through it mean?”

“Did you find something?” her voice chimed in. “That’s storage, I believe.”

“Right, okay,” he said, walking steadily past it. “What about two ‘Hs’ on top of each other?”

“Bathroom,” answered Marilla.

“Okay,” he said, passing several doors and then taking a left. There was a single opening at the end of the short hallway. “Three ‘Ls’ in a diagonal?” he asked.

“Stairwell,” said Marilla.

Eddie blew out a breath and pushed through the door. The stairwell was quiet and the air stagnant.

Pip’s voice came over the comm. “I can’t access the main network, which is where we suspect the information on the Brotherhood is being kept. Looks like you’ll need to manually grant me access to the local network.”

Eddie took the stairs two at a time. “Give me a minute.”

“Beginning countdown,” said Pip.

Eddie chuckled softly. “I didn’t mean it literally.”

The stairs ended abruptly at a single door. Bottom level.

“I’m here,” said Eddie, trying to keep his breathing quiet.

“Perfect,” said Pip. I have already scrambled the surveillance cameras.” He paused. “And now I have access to the feed. You have three guards on that floor, patrolling.”

“Sounds like I get to be the puppet on your strings, Pippy” said Eddie. “Tell me when to go. I’m ready.”

“That’s what I’m here for,” said Pip. “The main server room is in the middle of that floor. All you have to do is run straight past a hallway on your left and then take the next door.”

“Easy-peasy,” said Eddie. He grabbed the door handle, but paused before opening it.

“On my signal, Blackbeard, begin sprinting at a moderate pace,” said Pip. “Quietly enough to avoid detection, but faster than a jog. You’ll have roughly ten seconds to make it to the door. Remember, that the area is locked, so have your access key ready.”

Eddie turned the card around in his fingers. “Copy that.”

A long moment of silence passed, during which Eddie thought his breath sounded too loud in the stairwell. Above him, a door opened and slammed shut. His best guess was three floors up, maybe four. “I’ve got company,” he whispered.

“There’s a guard in the main hallway right now,” said Pip. “Please hold.”

The thud of footsteps descending the stairs echoed downward.  Eddie gripped his gun in one hand and stared up at the crack between the floors. He could make out a dark figure approaching, now two flights up. He pressed his lips together, keeping his breath steady.

“All clear. Go for it, Blackbeard,” said Pip.

Eddie wheeled around and pulled the door back, then ran across the tile floor. In his peripheral vision he saw the back of a Trid guard, but Eddie quickly disappeared into another hall. He came to a halt in front of the server room door and waved the card across the reader, but a red light blinked back at him. Damn it, he thought, whipping his head toward the stairwell. Again he waved the card over the reader, with the same result.

“Two guards approaching from each side. They are about to flank you,” said Pip.

He ran the key card again and it beeped too loudly—and then the green light flashed, a welcome sight to his eyes. Eddie yanked the door open and threw himself into the room as beads of sweat poured down his face.

“That was a close one,” said Pip.

“You’re telling me,” whispered Eddie.

The main server room was dark and even colder than the rest of the frigid facility. Long rows of servers ran the length of the room, evenly dispersed. The only illumination was a line of blue lights above the servers.

“You’re looking for a server marked with a backward ‘K’ next to a regular K,” said Marilla, her voice surprising him. He’d almost forgotten she was there.

“Uhhh…any idea where to start?” asked Eddie, exchanging the access badge for a thumb-sized flashlight.

“Chester says that he suspects the Trid would put the one we want in the center of the room toward the back, but that’s only a guess,” said Marilla. “He admits he doesn’t know.”

“Got it. I’ll start on this goose hunt,” said Eddie as he strode down the center row, running his flashlight over the labels at the tops of the servers.

“I’m sorry to inform you,” interjected Pip, “they’ve caught on to the scramble I placed on the surveillance. I believe they’ll fully recover it soon.”

“Which means I need to hurry my ass up. I get it.” Spinning back and forth, Eddie checked the servers on either side of him as he progressed.

“More bad news,” said Julianna.

“Do tell,” said Eddie dryly.

“They found the submarine and are investigating it. Apparently it doesn’t have Trid tags on it,” said Julianna.

“Fuck, I’ll get caught because I didn’t register with the Trid government,” said Eddie. “Bureaucracy would be the end of me. I should have fucking known.”

“Right now they’re just investigating it, but it might raise security alarms if we don’t hurry. You’ll have to get out of there another way,” said Julianna.

“First I have to do what I came here to do.” Eddie stopped in front of a server marked with the symbols Marilla had described. He pulled a drive from the pocket of his jacket and plugged it into the server. “Found the spot, and I’m using the manual override stick. Let’s hope it works.”

“Finally,” breathed Julianna, relief in her voice.

The blue light on the server blinked several times as the drive initiated its override and Eddie tapped his foot, impatience almost overwhelming him.

“I’m in,” Pip informed them. “I suggest escaping now.”

“How exactly do you suggest I do that?” asked Eddie.

“Well, they are towing the unidentified submarine out of the base,” said Julianna.

“They seem to fear it could have explosives on it,” said Pip.

“That’s a problem. How the fuck am I going to get out of here?” asked Eddie.

“I might have an idea,” said Julianna, a cunning hint in her tone. “On my command, go back the way you came. Take the stairs up one floor, then use your access key to go straight through that door. That floor is empty.”

Eddie grinned a bit. “You’re being purposely mysterious.”

“I might be. I’ve got a surprise for you,” said Julianna, a smile in her voice.

Eddie paused at the door, waiting for Pip’s signal.

“You ready?” said the AI. “You’re only going to have a small window to make it through the hallway. Surveillance will come back on in thirty seconds.”

“So no pressure, right?” asked Eddie.

“You love it and you know it,” said Julianna.

“Okay, get ready to run,” informed Pip. “Three, two…” There was a pause. “One. Go now.”

Eddie whipped open the door and sprinted through the hall toward the stairwell. He was only a few meters away when Pip’s voice burst into his ear. “Trid are descending the stairs, so turn and go the opposite direction. There’s another stairwell on other side of hallway.”

When Eddie skidded to a halt and twisted around his feet nearly slipped out from underneath him, but after recovering his balance he pushed harder. He realized he was going to run out of time to make it out of the hallway unspotted.

“Security camera feed reinstated in five, four, three, two, one,” informed Pip.

Eddie didn’t dare respond, opting to continue running, his feet pushing hard off the floor. He passed the hallway on the left and kept going, and spied a Trid guard down the hall, this time facing him.

“Hey, you! S-stop right there!” yelled the Trid.

Red lights flashed overhead and a siren blared.

“I’ve been spotted,” said Eddie, yanking the door open.

“You think?” asked Julianna.

A cacophony of thundering footsteps echoed down the stairwell. The guards had been released to search for him, but thankfully most were on other decks. Eddie sprinted up the stairs, pulling the access badge from his pocket. He had it ready when he arrived.

The door he’d just come through opened, and he heard the stomping of bustling feet.

“Intruder! Stop!” yelled a Trid guard.

Eddie ran the access key over the badge reader, but it blinked red.

“They’ve locked down their security,” informed Pip. “Looks like the access key won’t work.”

Eddie yanked his eyes up at the thundering of racing soldiers above him and edged over to the crack where he could see the stairs below. “I’m kind of a sitting duck here.”

“One moment,” said Pip. “Attempting lock override.”

“Hurry!” ordered Eddie. He held up his pistol and aimed it downward, waiting for the guard to hit the landing to the next set of stairs. As soon as he did Eddie fired two shots, one of them knocking the guard to the floor.

Above him, the guards halted. Shots were fired toward Eddie through the opening.

He sank back flush to the wall. Below him the door to the first floor had opened again, and this time pounding footsteps followed. He couldn’t get off a shot at the approaching guards like before, not without being spotted from above.

He raised his weapon, aiming it at the ascending stairs.

And the access scanner suddenly beeped behind him. “Override successful,” said Pip.

“It’s about time!” he barked, quickly pulling open the door.

When he entered, his eyes widened and his jaw dropped. It was the Trid’s landing bay. Dozens of Stingrays sat in rows high above the water on multiple platforms, ready to be stolen.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Landing Bay, Pistris Base, Planet Kai, Tangki System

“Hot damn!” snapped Eddie, looking around the bay full of Stingrays.

“Surprise!” said Julianna over the comm.

“Badass!” he exclaimed, running over to the first of the many ships and climbing onto it. The door he’d just arrived through jerked as the guards tried to enter, and overhead the strobing red lights continued to swirl.

“They can’t get through yet, but soon they’ll have it open,” said Pip, seemingly reading Eddie’s mind.

“Hopefully I’ll be out of here by then,” he said pulling the door of the Stingray open. Compared to the submarine, this ship’s cockpit was huge. He could thank the Trid for that, since they were slightly larger than humans and required the extra space.

“Think you can fly it?” asked Julianna.

“I think I can sure try,” said Eddie, sliding into the seat and strapping himself in. The controls were similar to what he was used to, but he couldn’t make heads or tails of the language. “Pip, buddy, I’m gonna need you to tell me which button makes this go.”

“The green one, I believe,” the AI informed him, “to the right of the control stick.”

“The big one?” asked Eddie, spotting it immediately.

“Correct,” said Pip.

Eddie pressed the button and the ship came alive, humming gently and vibrating his seat before settling into a smooth rhythm. “Yes!” he exclaimed. “Okay, now let’s see about launching this thing.”

“Getting out of here will be like entering the dry dock,” explained Julianna over the comm.

“Which means I have to figure out how to make this baby swim,” said Eddie, running his fingers over the dashboard. He hit a blue button, releasing a small missile which hit the row of Stingrays across the bay. The explosion sent a wave of water in his direction, and a burst of heat shot over him.

“Oops,” he muttered.

“At least they can’t follow you now,” assured Julianna.

The door for the loading bay opened, and a horde of guards rushed through and took shelter behind a stack of crates on either side of the entrance. They were poised and ready to fire, probably trying to decide if they should launch an assault on their own ships.

Apparently the debate didn’t last long, because a series of quick shots hit the side of the Stingray seconds later.

Eddie took the control stick in his hand and brought the Stingray forward, pulling it out of its position and wheeling it around to face the guards. He was in the open now, separated from the other ships. More shots were fired at him by the cluster of angry soldiers.

“Damn, boys,” said Eddie. “I thought we could be friends.” Eddie positioned the guns directly at one of the largest crates and tapped the blue button again, releasing another missile.

It hit the target, sending debris into the air. The guards leaped out of the way as fragments hit the platform.

“All right, enough fun for you,” said Julianna. “Get the fuck out of there. You’re going to have company soon, and not just a bunch of inexperienced guards with no combat experience.”

“Copy that, Strong Arm.” Eddie pivoted the Stingray, loving how it turned on a dime. He was slammed back into his seat as it sped forward and accelerated quickly. The spacecraft lifted off the runway, which narrowed ahead and took a sharp turn downwards into the water.

“You figure out how to make that craft swim yet?” asked Julianna.

Eddie’s eyes scanned the controls. “No, someone told me to leave before I had a chance.”

“Do you see a button with three ‘Ts’ in a row on it?” asked Marilla.

Eddie angled the craft and took the downward tunnel. Ahead, the surface of the blue water shimmered. As he expected, the landing bay was set up just like the dry dock.

He ran his eyes over the dashboard. “Yes, I have a button like that.”

“Hit that. It means ‘swim’ in Trid,” said Marilla.

Eddie was approaching the water quickly. “Here goes nothing.” He pressed the button seconds before diving straight down. The ship didn’t slow as he expected, but continued to race forward like a submarine with boosters. He took a turn and saw the expanse of the ocean ahead so he increased his acceleration again and burst out the tunnel, pulling the nose up to reach the surface. The Stingray was fast and bubbles raced over it as he flew up. He broke the surface seamlessly, switching to flying in the air as gracefully as he had in the water.

“Woohoo!” yelled Eddie. “Papa’s got a new ride!”

“That’s you?” asked Julianna.

“Yeah, I’m the hottie in the Stingray,” said Eddie. Beside him the Q-Ship materialized, uncloaking.

“Welcome back, Blackbeard. Good work,” said Julianna, pacing him.

“Good work, team. I couldn’t have made it out of there without you all,” said Eddie.

“Let’s make for base. I have a feeling we’re going to have some Trid on our ass otherwise,” said Julianna.

“Copy that,” said Eddie.

Loading Dock 01, QBS ArchAngel, Tangki System

Julianna strode over to the Stingray as it docked inside ArchAngel and waited for Eddie to pop out. As he opened the hatch he realized he was getting a fair amount of attention from the crew, who were rushing over to assist with the ship.

“You nearly got shot at, flying that thing in here,” said Julianna, a mischievous smile on her face.

“Let me guess: you considered not informing ArchAngel it was me, didn’t you?” asked Eddie, sliding down to the ground.

“I considered it,” she teased.

“Well, thanks for letting her know I wasn’t an enemy aircraft,” said Eddie, admiring the ship.

“What in the hell?” a voice boomed from the other side of a row of cargo pods. They hadn’t been there before.

Hatch wheeled around, his eyes wide as he took in the Stingray on the loading dock.

“Where the hell did you get that?” he asked, bustling over, his tentacles waggling in the air.

Eddie rubbed the wing with the side of his hand. “’I stole it, of course.”

Julianna turned to Hatch with a proud look on her face. “You wanted blueprints for the Stingray to understand their construction, so we did you one better and brought you an actual ship.”

Hatch, to their surprise, didn’t look happy. “What were you thinking?! You idiots! You brought that thing into ArchAngel?”

“Well, yeah. It was kind of my getaway ride,” admitted Eddie, confusion covering his face.

“We have trackers on our ships. Don’t you think that the Trid will use the same technology?” asked Hatch.

Eddie’s and Juliann’s expressions went slack. “We didn’t consider that, Hatch,” said Julianna.

“I guessed as much.” Hatch turned to the crew standing idly behind him. “Okay, children, listen up! We’re looking for a tracker. I want you dimwits to sweep the entire ship for anything that might fit that description.” Each crew member nodded and sprang forward to begin working on the ship.

“Sorry, Hatch,” said Julianna. “We thought we were making your job easier by bringing back the ship.”

Hatch’s frown softened and he waved a tentacle at her. “It’s fine. You did good, Julie. Once the chip is found and destroyed we’ll be fine. ArchAngel will just have to take us through a gate to throw the Trid off, in case they are on our trail.”

Eddie and Julianna waited for several minutes while the crew continued to examine the ship, carefully sweeping it and removing parts.

“Found it!” a crew member finally said from inside the cockpit. He raised a hand, showing a small chip with several wires sticking out of it.

“Keep searching, there might be more than one,” commanded Hatch. He shook his head, obviously not impressed, then turned and pursed his mouth at Eddie. “Where’s my submarine, Teach?”

Eddie threw out his arm at the Stingray. “Buddy ol’ pal, I brought you a Stingray. Now you’ll have the technology to make crafts that fly under water. Isn’t that great?”

Hatch interwove two tentacles in front of his chest and stiffened. “Where. Is. My. Submarine?”

“About that… The thing is, that you forgot to put registration tags on it for the Trid government. Sooooo….” said Eddie, cringing a bit in anticipation of the explosion that was about to happen.

“Me? You’re going to blame this on me? You lost my submarine, didn’t you?” yelled Hatch.

“Let’s say it was detained,” said Eddie. “How about I buy you a new submarine, or whatever it is that you want.”

Hatch puffed up his cheeks, smoldering anger on his face.

“He did bring you the Stingray, and he couldn’t have done that if he had returned in the submarine. So we had a loss and a major gain,” said Julianna.

Hatch softened slightly. “I guess that’s true,” he muttered, pausing for a moment. “Fine, Julie, I’ll let this one pass. But not again, Teach!”

One of the cargo pods, which had been resting on the other side of the bay, unloaded a small vehicle with wheels. It wasn’t a ship, Eddie quickly realized, but some other kind of craft.

The car that backed out of the first cargo pod was a black convertible with orange flames around the headlights and body.

Eddie halted, and his mouth dropped open. “Is that… Oh, boy! That’s…” His voice trailed away, stunned.

Hatch smiled, looking proud. “Look, Teach, but don’t touch.”

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me, Doc. That’s a custom-built 1949 Mercury Series 9CM like the one in the movie Grease, isn’t it?” said Eddie.

Hatch shook his head. “Not ‘like.’”

Eddie’s mouth widened and he pointed, unable to say anything.

“Oh good, he’s finally speechless,” said Hatch as another custom car backed out of a second cargo pod. “Be careful. Reverse it out straight, not so close to the walls. You’re going to scratch the paint.”

“Is this your personal collection?” asked Julianna, hands clasped behind her back.

“That it is. I thought I should have my cars with me, since I figure I’m going to be here for a while,” said Hatch.

“What about your wives and kids?” asked Eddie.

“What about them?” asked Hatch.

Eddie shook his head. “Don’t you miss them?”

“The kids are grown,” said Hatch. “And the wives…” He waddled over to the nearest vehicle, gently touching its fine coat of red paint. “They just don’t compare.”

Before them now sat four antique hot rods, all in pristine condition. A fifth one backed out of the final cargo pod and smoothly pulled up next to the others.

“That’s what I’m talking about,” said Hatch loudly to the crew bustling around the cars, pointing a tentacle at the car. “That’s how you pull a car out of a cargo pod. Evenly, so you don’t risk nicking the paint.”

The crew all kept their eyes down but nodded. Hatch was already mumbling under his breath about how they were all useless when the fifth car, a 1948 Ford De Luxe, drove up and the engine turned off. The driver’s door opened, and to Eddie’s surprise Knox stepped out.

“Hey, Gunner! What are you doing here?” asked Eddie.

He smiled widely, his eyes swiveling to the Stingray in the distance and then back to Eddie and Julianna. “You’re back. Hey!”

“I asked Knox to help me unload the cars, since he showed interest in the inventory when I told him about it. Turns out the kid can actually drive, unlike these other numbskulls.” Hatch had said the last part loudly to ensure the crew heard him.

“I’d love to take a look under hoods of these beauties,” said Knox to Hatch.

A grin unlike anything Eddie had ever seen on Hatch’s face spread on his mouth. “You ain’t seen anything like these engines! Pristine. And the mechanicals are fascinating. They were done right, not cutting any corners.” Knox and Hatch walked off, both gawking.

“Eddie?” called Julianna with a strange tension in her voice.

He turned to her. “What’s up, Jules?”

“Pip has informed me that a ship has docked with ArchAngel. He says there’s a visitor aboard who is here to see me at your request. Do you know anything about that?”

Eddie dropped his gaze to the ground. “Oh, that. Right. Yes, I might have scheduled a meeting.”

“A meeting with whom?” asked Julianna, instantly skeptical.

“It’s more of a family reunion. I thought it was time we hashed out some issues,” said Eddie, striding in the direction of the docking bay and pulling Julianna reluctantly with him.

“Issues? I don’t know what you mean,” she said, resisting but still coming along.

“I believe you when you say that, because you haven’t been quite honest with yourself. That much I know,” said Eddie, pressing the button to open the docking bay door. The connector between the dock and the visitor ship had already been secured.

“Are you intentionally trying to be vague?” asked Julianna, a line wrinkling the space between her eyes.

“Remember when you led me to the Trid loading dock, saying you had a surprise for me?” asked Eddie.

“That was less than an hour ago, so yes,” said Julianna.

“Well, I have a surprise for you.” Eddie turned and faced her directly, a serious look in his eyes. “I think Pip evolving to AI has brought up some things for you. Don’t be mad—I’ll deal with it—but I took it upon myself to call an old friend of yours. I think you two need to talk.”

Julianna’s eyes widened with surprise. “You didn’t?”

Eddie nodded. “I did. He’s waiting for you right through there.” He indicated the connector opening, through which a research vessel’s hatch could be seen in the distance.

“But…” said Julianna, voice trailing away. Her face slumped and her eyes drifted. Eddie had expected shock and rage, but instead there was…something else. Worry. Concern. Maybe even sorrow.

“It’s fine, Strong Arm. You got this. Just go talk to him,” said Eddie.

Julianna swallowed. Nodded. She tore her gaze in the direction of the ship, still hesitating.

“When you get back we’ll have a drink to celebrate a successful mission,” encouraged Eddie.

Julianna strode for the connector, but turned back before she entered it. “When I get back I’m going to break your nose.”

Without another word, Julianna spun and went through the connecting airlock, undoubtedly aware of who she was going to meet.

Eddie watched with a swell of pity in his heart. Not for himself, of course, but for the friend he had just sent to meet her demons. For the ageless soldier who marched toward the truth.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Docking Bay, QBS ArchAngel, Tangki System

Do you know what this is about? Julianna asked Pip.

Silence.

Pip? What’s going on?

Pip is not available right now. If you leave your name and message at the beep, he’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Oh, okay. Now I have two noses to break.

Julianna turned the lever on the front of the ship’s hatch. She knew, absolutely knew, who she’d find inside this ship. Even so, she couldn’t understand how she’d arrived at this point. When and why had Eddie set all this up? He had mentioned Pip’s ascendance, so had that been it? Had she showed too much of her discomfort with that situation, however inadvertently?

Please try not to be angry at us.

This is about you becoming sentient. I get it.

Actually, you don’t get it. This isn’t about me at all, said Pip.

Fuck, you and Teach are talking in riddles. I’m in the freaking Twilight Zone, aren’t I?

Julianna stepped over the ship’s threshold and closed the door behind her. It was dark mostly, the gray light from overhead making everything appear to be black and white.

Oh, lookee there! Hatch needs my help with something incredibly important.

Pip… warned Julianna.

Monumental, actually. Super-important issue that only I can assist with. I think you’ll be fine here without me.

Julianna gritted her teeth. She’d been set up. Why hadn’t she gotten wind of this before now? She strode into the main area of the research vessel, which was empty—not a person in sight. However, she knew that wasn’t really true.

“Hello, Ricky Bobby,” said Julianna, her voice sounding strange in the empty ship.

The monitors around the ship flickered, flipping through different images and settling on a soft, calming blue. It was her favorite color, and he still remembered. Remembered that the hue relaxed her.

“Hello, Commander Julianna Fregin. It has been a long time,” said the voice of the AI from overhead.

His voice was calming to her, and a touch of familiarity, of nostalgia, pulled her into a sea of memories. She pushed them aside—a practice she had become quite adept at—and focused on this moment and nothing else. “What brings you to the ArchAngel?” she asked, staring at the large display screen. Even as Julianna asked the question she regretted it, since she knew what this was about.

“I was asked here by Captain Teach,” responded Ricky Bobby. “I believe he is a friend of yours.”

Some friend, she thought, and was surprised at herself. She knew Eddie had done this with nothing but the best of intentions, yet she felt anger as she stood in this place listening to her old partner speak.

“How have you been?” she asked, not knowing what else to say. She swung her arms back and forth, nervously. This was dumb. Why should she be nervous around Ricky Bobby, her first EI? The two had been paired for a long time, until…

“I am well,” said Ricky Bobby. “My research has led to many advancements for the Federation since last we saw each other. I’ve had many breakthroughs that I believe will assist future generations. In this I feel quite fulfilled, that my work shall go on to help others.”

Julianna smiled as the rush of memories came back to her, sparked by the AI’s philosophical nature. She enjoyed the notion that her old friend had made such an impact. Following that was disappointment, when she realized she hadn’t been there to witness it.

“Is it true that you’re commanding a squadron for the Federation?” asked Ricky Bobby.

“It’s top secret, but yeah, it’s true,” said Julianna.

“Your secret is safe with me, as all your secrets always were,” said Ricky Bobby.

Julianna’s chest tightened. She didn’t know how to respond to that. To any of this. There was something she was supposed to say here, but she didn’t know how to begin.

“You sent me away,” said Ricky Bobby.

There it was.

The words seemed to come from nowhere, like a blade to her chest spilling her soul. She wanted to scream. It hurt her badly, because it was the raw and ugly truth. Her greatest regret, and the worst mistake of her life.

This was why she was here. It was the reason Eddie had called Ricky Bobby and asked him to come. It was the secret she had kept from everyone she’d come into contact with ever since then.

And there would be no running away. Julianna would rather face a dozen armed Brotherhood soldiers than this conversation, but she had to.

“I know. And you went. We parted ways without any questions,” said Julianna.

“You didn’t want me to ask any questions,” said Ricky Bobby matter-of-factly.

“You were better suited for research. Once you became sentient, you weren’t going to be happy going on missions with me.” She threw her arm in the direction of the ArchAngel. “You wouldn’t be happy being with me leading Ghost Squadron.”

“You can’t know what would make me happy. I think the real issue was that once I became sentient you didn’t want me anymore,” said Ricky Bobby.

He had always been that way—frustratingly blunt.

“That’s not true, it’s just that I thought we would be better off apart,” said Julianna.

“You’re paired with Pip now, correct?” asked Ricky Bobby.

“What about it?” she shot back, frustration in her voice. Her emotions were beginning to leak out despite herself.

“And he’s become sentient, I’ve heard,” said Ricky Bobby.

“Yeah, apparently I develop AIs. You’re welcome.” She faked a laugh, but it sounded all wrong.

“How do you feel about him now?” asked Ricky Bobby.

“I don’t feel anything about it or him. Why should I care?” Julianna was close to screaming, which meant that she was close to telling the truth, and it scared her.

“Jules, talk to me,” said Ricky Bobby, and then added, “Please?”

Julianna threw herself into a chair and let out an exasperated breath. She studied the space, which was filled with files and artifacts—all things Ricky Bobby had created or found during his research.

“It was easier when you were an EI,” she said after a long moment.

“Because?”

“Because I’ve been here for a long time and lost a lot. As soon as you evolved, became sentient, it worried me. You were real all of a sudden. You were someone I could care about. Someone I could lose,” said Julianna, the words rushing out of her unrehearsed.

“So you sent me away,” said Ricky Bobby.

She slowly nodded. “When you evolved it worried me. You were all of a sudden real. It meant you had a soul. It meant you could die.”

“So,” said Ricky Bobby, “the truth comes out at last.”

She dropped her head. “I did what I thought was best for both of us. I was a combat pilot, and I could have died at any time. Hell, I still can. That’s the nature of the job. I couldn’t let you see that, experience it. You were like a newborn, just coming into your new life. If you’d watched me die… I just… I couldn’t let it happen.”

“And now that you have another AI, what do you want to do?” asked Ricky Bobby.

Julianna stared around, not really seeing. “I’m not sure. I can’t keep pushing everyone away, I guess. It’s ridiculous.”

“I understand your position, Jules,” said Ricky Bobby, his voice sensitive.

“I figured you would. You were always good like that.”

“You did send me away because you thought it was best for me, but you also thought it was best for you,” said Ricky Bobby.

Julianna pressed her lips together, unsure what to say.

“I don’t blame you. You were protecting yourself, but you should have known that no one can protect you better than your AI. Most don’t know the honor of having one AI, and you’ve now had two. You, Jules, are a truly remarkable individual,” said Ricky Bobby. He was so wise. Not just intelligent, like most AIs, but wise in his own way, with an intuitive spirit.

“Ricky…” she began, then let his name hang in the air.

“Yes, Jules?”

“I’m sorry,” said Julianna simply.

“Don’t be. You did what you thought was right. When we know better, we do better,” said Ricky Bobby.

“Yeah,” she said, mostly to herself. And accepting Pip had been the right thing to do. He was her friend now, not just an EI. She worried how that would change things. She worried about losing him, but what was the point if there was nothing at stake? She was fighting for the Federation for that exact reason. The best things in life were worth fighting for.

“My research has taken me all over, Jules,” Ricky Bobby started. “I love my work, as you well know, but it is very lonely. And it has helped me to understand what’s important, more important than scientific breakthroughs.”

“What’s that?” asked Julianna.

“Friendship. That’s more important than anything else,” said Ricky Bobby.

Julianna leaned back in the seat, experiencing a new pressure in her chest. She nodded, then felt the weight whisk away with each new breath. “Yes, I think you’re right.”

She couldn’t help but lament how she had treated Pip. He was her friend, not just as an AI but as someone more. Part of her worried how that new perception would change things. She didn’t want to lose him like she had Ricky Bobby or her long-deceased friends, but what was the point in living so long if you didn’t have connections with other people? She was fighting for the Federation to preserve its people, their bonds, their families. If she couldn’t let herself be a part of that experience, how could she claim to defend it?

The truth of the matter was that she had chosen this life, chosen to be alone. No matter what Ricky Bobby told her she knew that their separation had been her doing, but after all this time she could rectify that mistake.

“You are right. Maybe you can check in with us from time to time, help us with some projects,” said Julianna.

“I’d like that very much, Jules. I like to help my friends.”

Julianna didn’t want to punch Eddie so much anymore, or Pip for that matter. She wasn’t going to tell them they were right, but she was glad that they’d cared enough to intervene. For too long she’d carried this baggage, but now she could let it go.

“Ricky Bobby?” said Julianna, waiting for his reply.

“Yes, Jules?”

“I’ve missed you,” she said plainly.

“And I you.”

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Intelligence Center, QBS ArchAngel, Tangki System

Chester wadded up a sticky note and tossed it through the air, and it lodged in Marilla’s long brown hair. She didn’t bother looking at him, just blew out an annoyed sigh and kept her eyes pinned on her computer screen.  This girl could focus harder than anyone, which was probably why she had a slew of degrees and more knowledge of alien species than anyone Chester had ever met. He’d never been one for formal education, which had been fine back when he lived alone and spent his evenings behind his bedroom computer, but now, sitting here beside her, it made him feel inferior. Not in any major way, of course. He was still the supreme hacker, according to the Dark Web.  No one could match him, not even the Federation boys with their fancy diplomas from look-at-me institutes.

He swallowed, his throat somewhat dry, and asked, “Did you miss me while you were gone?”

Marilla lifted her gaze and regarded him thoughtfully for a moment before untangling the wadded paper from her hair. “If I say ‘yes,’ will you stop throwing things at me?”

He pulled another sticky note from the surface of his desk and crumpled it. They pretty much lined the entire surface, not to mention the many computer screens in front of him. “That’s not how this works,” he teased. “We’re honest with each other. You’re not supposed to tell me something because it’s what you think I want to hear, and I don’t stop bugging you just because you give me lip service. We’re legitimate with one another.” He threw the paper ball, but missed her this time.

Marilla lifted an eyebrow, looking curious. “Do you write out these little speeches beforehand?”

“Yes, and I practice them in the mirror after I shower and before I shave,” said Chester, then added, “while all I’m wearing is a towel.”

She dropped her gaze to her computer screen as if suddenly engrossed in her work again.

“Are you picturing me wearing nothing but a towel wrapped tightly around my waist?” asked Chester.

Her cheeks reddened, but only briefly. “I’m confused,” she said. “I didn’t think you needed to shave.”

Chester turned around and stared at the screen. It was true that he had a baby face, with his fair skin and lightly-colored spiky hair. He couldn’t help it, and he wouldn’t apologize for being so devilishly handsome.

He rubbed his smooth chin. “You can lie to yourself, Mar, but you can’t lie to me. You’ll never erase the visual of me standing half-naked in front of the mirror rehearsing the things I’m going to say to you later. It’s all you’ll think about. You’ll be obsessed with me.”

“Boy, I already am,” said the Captain’s voice from the door.

Chester spun to find Eddie standing squarely in the doorway with a smile on his face. The guy was always smiling. He probably grinned while beating up bad guys and sported a toothy smile as he delivered one-two punches, Chester thought, amusing himself with the idea.

“I was able to crack the data Pip sent over to me. Most of it was encoded, but the Trid aren’t as clever as they think they are—or maybe it’s just that I know all their tricks now,” said Chester.

“Which is exactly why I’m obsessed with you,” said Eddie, striding into the room. He pulled out a chair and sat down in it backward, leaning toward Chester over the back support.

Harley peeked his head out from beside Marilla’s desk, yawning, then stretched and made his way over to Eddie. The Captain bent down and scratched the dog behind the ears.

“As you should be. You know a good thing when you see it,” said Chester. His gaze drifted to Marilla, who was pretending not to pay attention.

“You’ve had the data for a whole hour and you’ve already cracked it,” said Eddie, then looked at Marilla and pointed in Chester’s direction. “That’s definitely why I love this guy.”

Chester turned back to his computer and pulled up the data from Pistris Station. “I was able to track down the scientists who designed the Stingrays.”

Eddie shook his head. “We don’t need that information anymore. I stole one of the bad boys, so no need for the plans.”

A Cheshire-cat grin spread on Chester’s mouth. “I heard a rumor about this Stingray trying to enter the loading bay. You nearly got shot down.”

“Nearly.” Eddie laughed.

“Regardless, hearing about it got me thinking,” Chester continued. “Sometimes I get obsessed with information, you know? I just start looking into things one bit of data at a time. It’s obsessive, I get that, but every once in a while it leads to something interesting. In this case I decided to research the origin of Stingray ships, so I looked into the scientist who designed them, the one who originally built that model. Turns out he’s also the same person who built another ship not too long ago, the Unsurpassed.”

“Unsurpassed,” mused Eddie, stroking his jaw.

“Yeah. I dug a bit deeper when I found the name, because it seemed interesting and something about it caught my eye. I found that it was commissioned by an anonymous client awhile back,” explained Chester. “But that’s not even the weirdest part. Something about it felt off, and you know—after I found that out I couldn’t stop digging. I had to know the whole story.”

Eddie nodded. “And?”

Chester smirked. “I followed the money trail through several fake accounts until it brought me to the end. You wouldn’t believe the amount of work it took, but I was in deep already so I couldn’t stop—not when I’d come this far.”

“So who was it?” asked Eddie, his curiosity totally piqued.

“Mr. Felix Castile,” Chester said, cocking his head, not afraid to show his pride. “You can imagine my surprise.”

Eddie leaned forward, his eyes widening as he rocked the chair up on two legs. “No way!”

Chester pulled up an image of the massive ship on the main screen. “It appears to be Felix’s personal carrier.”

“Whoa, that baby is sweet,” said Eddie, gawking at the image. The ship was smaller than the ArchAngel, but still had launch tunnels and a large landing bay. Federation ships were generally considered the greatest in the galaxy, but this Unsurpassed ship certainly gave some a run for their money.

Chester swiped his finger on the screen in front of him and brought up the blueprints. “It’s not Federation technology, but from what I can deduce it’s pretty impressive. The ship you encountered before seems to have been a prototype for this. It was similar in many respects, but this one is bigger and tougher and has plenty more cannons to kill you with.”

“Then I can only imagine what kind of technology Unsurpassed uses. Please send this over to Hatch. I want to get his take on this,” said Eddie.

“Already done.” Chester pushed his glasses up on his nose, suppressing a proud smile.

“Of course it is,” said Eddie, turning to Marilla. “This guy always exceeds expectations. Don’t you just love him?”

Marilla’s cheeks blushed pink and she nodded, then squinted at her computer screen like something had just grabbed her attention.

“Yeah, Mar, don’t you just love me? Maybe that’s too strong of a word. Can’t get enough of me, perhaps? Completely smitten with me, possibly?” teased Chester.

She looked up, her mouth popping open. “What? Are you talking to me? Sorry, I was distracted.”

“Sure you were.” Chester nodded, eyes laughing. “Anyway, Captain, I was able to track down the location for this scientist who designed Felix’s ship. I figured that if we could talk to him we might be able to learn what other technology Felix has commissioned. Technology developments always lead to motives and plans.”

“Good thinking. That’s exactly right,” agreed Eddie. “Who is this guy, and where is he?”

“Deacon Flick—that’s the guy’s name. And you’re not going to believe this, but he’s hiding right under the Federation’s nose.” Chester pulled up a document, and enlarged the text of a location.

“Onyx Station? You’ve got to be kidding me,” said Eddie, reading the information.

“Yep. The scientist responsible for designing ships for the enemy is hanging out on our home turf.” Chester clicked his tongue three times and shook his head.

“Mr. Flick is about to get a surprise visit,” said Eddie. He stood and patted the dog, who was dutifully lying next to him.

When he strode for the exit, Harley followed.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Loading Bay, QBS ArchAngel, Onyx Station, Paladin System

The scraggly mutt bounded at Julianna when she entered the loading bay early. She figured that Teach would be prepping before they set out. She’d noticed that he was always early, using the time to mentally prepare before each mission. They hadn’t spoken since he’d dropped the Ricky-Bobby bomb on her. Actually she was pretty certain he was avoiding her, since he’d relayed the information on Deacon Flick and the trip to Onyx via ArchAngel.

Harley had a disgusting saliva-covered bone-thing in his mouth. She peered down at him and shook her head.

“He wants you to throw it,” said Eddie. He knelt, knees splayed wide.

“I know what he wants, but I don’t want to touch that slobber-soaked bone,” said Julianna.

Eddie whistled and the dog trotted over to him, for which Harley received a pat on his head. He dropped the bone in front of Eddie, and the pilot picked it up and threw it down the empty expanse of the loading bay. “I think you do want to play with Harley, but it’s kind of like the Ricky Bobby situation.”

“I had no idea that you didn’t value your life and wanted me to end it,” said Julianna coolly.

“When someone ends me, it’s probably going to be you. You’re unmatched, and could have me at your mercy without breaking a sweat.” Eddie looked after the dog with a satisfied smile on his face, as if he’d just thought of something pleasing. “What a way to go—at the hands of the great Commander Fregin!”

Julianna rolled her eyes. “Since when have you thought that intervening in my affairs was a good idea? Was this a plan you hatched while you were drunk?”

Harley had returned with the bone and stubbornly dropped it in front of Julianna again, but she simply shook her head at him.

“I just spotted an opportunity for closure and yes, I meddled a bit in your affairs. I’m not sorry about it, so if you want to kick my ass I’ll take it like a man.” Eddie pushed to his feet, knee popping as he did. He shook out his leg as if it had cramped from his kneeling position.

“I’m not mad at you, Teach. I have every right to be, but I get that you were trying to help,” said Julianna. Harley picked up the bone again and brought it to Eddie, from whom he immediately got what he wanted.

“I knew you were a reasonable and tolerant person, but now I realize you’re understanding as well,” said Eddie as Harley bounded after the soggy missile.

“You could have told me that you were trying to set up a meeting with Ricky Bobby,” said Julianna.

You would have threatened to kill him, said Pip in her head.

“You would have put me in a headlock so fast,” said Eddie, “or worse.”

Julianna smiled. “That’s what Pip says too.”

“Ha! And he knows you better than anyone else.”

“It’s true, but you knew me well enough to know that Pip’s evolution had brought up old concerns of mine. You might pretend to be a good ol’ boy, but I think you hide intuition,” said Julianna.

Eddie shrugged, his eyes on Harley, who had dropped the bone once more at Julianna’s feet. “I just wanted to help my friend. You had the opportunity to easily resolve things with Ricky Bobby, which is not an option for some people. Sometimes we can’t go back and say we’re sorry for walking away. We can’t always say goodbye to the people we love.”

Julianna could hear…something…in the way he spoke. His tone had shifted and became almost distant. He seemed to retreat inside himself a bit—a reaction she knew quite well herself—and she saw a shadow in his eyes, possibly a memory of sorts. “You’re talking like you know this from experience,” she finally said.

Eddie snapped his fingers to get Harley’s attention, but this time the dog stayed in front of Julianna, his tongue hanging out of his mouth and eyes looking expectantly up at her.

“Maybe I do and didn’t get a chance to say goodbye, or maybe I’m okay, or I messed up,” said Eddie, walking over. He paused when he was right in front of Julianna, a strange seriousness on his usually-smiling face.

She twitched from the emotion in his eyes and how it plainly spoke of something more. Something deeper than anything she’d ever seen from him. She knew it was pain, the sort that lingers for a lifetime and doesn’t let you go.

Slowly he leaned down and grabbed the bone. Then he straightened and threw it, but Harley didn’t go after it. Instead he stayed there and stared up at Julianna the same way Eddie was staring.

“Are you referring to a girl? One who you let walk away?” asked Julianna.

Eddie shook his head with a tragic look in his eyes. “No, nothing like that. I’m referring to my parents.”

Julianna swallowed, her throat tight. “And now you regret not dealing with things before it was too late, is that right?”

“I regret thinking there would always be time to go back and fix everything,” said Eddie, his eyes skipping to the poor dog still sitting at their feet.

Eddie smiled abruptly and was suddenly his former self again, a joyful expression filling his bright face. He bent down over Harley, patting the dog’s head. “One of these days she’ll give you what you want,” he said, looking up at Julianna. “Don’t give up on her just yet.”

~~~

The door to the hangar opened, and both Lars and Knox entered.

Julianna turned around to face them. A bandage was wrapped around Knox’s arm where he’d been shot. That kid hadn’t complained about it at all, which made Julianna like him even more.

I believe you and the Captain just had a moment, said Pip.

I don’t know what you mean.

I have a transcript of the conversation. Would you like me to run back through it for you?

I don’t think that’s necessary.

You should ask him more about his parents, Pip encouraged her.

If he wants to talk about them, he will.

Oh, right, wait for other people to open up first. No outward attempts on your part at deepening relationships.

Pip, are you trying to get under my skin?

The AI laughed in her head. Under your skin! Good one, and no, I’m simply trying to point out that relationships are a two-way street.

I can’t believe you’re lecturing me on relationships. I’ll be perfectly fine without your input on the subject.

That’s too bad then. I found a quiz from Cosmopolitan, a magazine from Earth. It’s old, but I think the results would hold up. The quiz is entitled, “What’s Your Relationship Style?”

This conversation is not happening.

I assure you that it is. I took the quiz and got “Clingy Codependent.” I think my results are a bit flawed, based on my situation with you.

Julianna burst out laughing, which gained the attention of the three men who were busy discussing the logistics of the mission.

The quiz classified you as a “Distant Heartbreaker.” I took the quiz for you, based on how I suspected you’d answer. I calculated an eighty-five percent probability that I was correct. Would you like to take the quiz yourself to verify?

Hell no, I do not, and neither should you, Pip. Those quizzes are terrible.

Let me know if you change your mind. I also found many other useful quizzes like, “Does Your Hookup Want to be Your Boyfriend?” and “What’s Your Ideal Sex Position?” For obvious reasons I couldn’t complete the quizzes myself.

Oh, gross. You have way too much free time on your hands if you’re taking quizzes from women’s magazines, Pip. We really ought to find you something more productive to do.

Pip laughed again. “Time on my hands.” Hands…that’s funny, Julianna.

Eddie cleared his throat to get Julianna’s attention. “Based on the distant look on your face, I’m guessing you’re having a conversation with your favorite AI.”

“I can hear you,” said ArchAngel from overhead, butting into the conversation. “Honestly, there are too many AIs coming and going in my ship.”

Eddie frowned. “Aw, Archie… You know you’re my main squeeze, babe!”

“Apology accepted, Captain Teach,” said ArchAngel, “but please, no nicknames for me.”

Julianna couldn’t help but laugh. “Yes, we’re done. He’s apparently lost his damn mind and needs to be completely rebooted.”

“Lost my mind.” Another good one, said Pip.

“Are you up to speed?” Julianna asked Knox and Lars.

They both agreed with a nod.

"Based on what happened last time in Gun Barrel, we think having you and Lars, join us will be smart. We don't want to get cornered again and be outnumbered," said Juilianna.

“I’m up for a mission,” said Lars.

“All right, then let’s suit up and get going,” commanded Julianna.

Deck Twelve, Onyx Station, Paladin System

Eddie grinned when he saw his team.

Knox and Lars were already dressed, wearing the uniforms of Onyx Station’s utility personnel crew. Thanks to the Federation’s control of this station, acquiring them had been a simple task.

Julianna pulled the blazer on over her crisp white shirt. She looked different in slacks and a button-up blouse. Different in a good way, Eddie observed. She fastened a badge to the lapel of her jacket, straightening it.

“Stop staring,” Julianna threatened when she caught him watching her.

He jerked his head down and bent over, pretending his shoe was untied. “I wasn’t staring.”

“If you think I look different dressed in civilian clothes, you need to look in the mirror,” said Julianna.

“I can only imagine that I look a little stiff in this suit.” Eddie straightened and smoothed his slacks.

“You definitely don’t look like yourself, which is the point. If I can hardly recognize you, then the Brotherhood who might be hiding and waiting for us, won’t notice you,” said Julianna.

“You really think that the Brotherhood would be so brave as to come onto Onyx Station?” asked Knox.

Lars nodded, leaning on a mop he’d snagged. “The Brotherhood shouldn’t be underestimated. I have no difficulty believing they could sneak onto this station if ordered to.”

“There’s so much going on here that it’s not hard to get away with stuff,” said Eddie. “Look at this Deacon Flick guy. This scoundrel is hiding right under our noses here.”

Julianna picked up a clipboard that carried a stack of papers pinned together at the top. “All right, you guys, get into position. Teach and I will be right behind you. Comms on, everyone.”

Knox and Lars saluted the Commander before leaving the room they’d secured for prep, which was a back room in the maintenance sector.

When the two had been gone for a minute Eddie said, “Gunner? Carnivore? Do you copy?”

“Affirmative,” they said in unison over the comm.

“Keep your eyes open for suspicious people. Don’t draw attention to yourself, and abandon position if you’re identified. The last thing we need is any of this reflecting back on the Federation,” said Julianna.

“Copy,” said Lars.

Eddie buttoned his suit jacket, trying to look important. He read Julianna’s badge. “Ms. Donaldson, are you ready to embark on our census work for the station?”

Julianna smiled slightly. “Yes, Mr. Petersen. Let’s go count heads.”

The two strolled through the corridor of Deck Twelve with their chins held high. Beings of many races brushed by, most taking no notice of them in their official navy-blue suits. Both scanned the crowd as they passed for anyone who might be a Brotherhood soldier or Trid accomplice.

At a second-hand appliance store Eddie paused and put his back to the shop. On the other side was a laundromat. The lower deck was full of these rundown enterprises, and riff-raff to match.

Eddie pointed to the laundromat. “Sally, you want to take the laundromat? I’m overdue for a break.”

Julianna pursed her lips, obviously not approving of how Eddie slacked off even when undercover. “Sure, Billy.”

She entered the laundromat and started talking to the clerk at once, and Eddie surveyed the area around the second-hand appliance shop. Working around the passersby in front of it was Lars, pushing a mop. He kept his eyes down and was doing a great job of looking like a dejected custodian trying to work as people dirtied the floors behind him.

Knox had set up a ladder just in front of the next shop, and he opened a tool box to remove a bulb. People gave him space, not wanting to bump into the tall ladder.

Julianna returned with her clipboard clutched to her chest. “All done, Billy.” She pointed at the second-hand retail shop. “Why don’t we take this next one together?”

“Sounds good, Sal,” said Eddie, sweeping his arm out to present the way to Julianna.

Unimpressed, she trotted off. Knox started climbing the ladder when they entered the store. A bell hummed marking their arrival, and an old woman with curly gray hair looked up from a tablet. Her eyes roamed over their suits and she pursed her lips.

“What do you want?” she asked impatiently. The shop was lined with shelves that held dusty old appliances, things Eddie hadn’t seen in years and some he’d never run into before. The counter in front of her was glass, and was filled with odds and ends like toasters and old phones.

“Just a moment of your time, Ma’am. We’re with the census department,” said Eddie.

“I know who you’re with. You say ‘census,’ but you mean ‘taxes.’ You just want to count us so we have to pay you,” said the woman sternly.

Julianna raised her brow. “I didn’t realize you had stopped using Onyx Station’s infrastructure and were existing without any of its conveniences,” said Julianna, a sharp tone in her voice.

Eddie gave her a warning look. “What I think my partner here was trying to say is, taxes ensure that you have the things you need.”

The old woman narrowed her gray eyes at Julianna, wrinkles splaying around her tight mouth. “I don’t think that was what she was trying to say.”

Julianna cleared her throat and lifted her clipboard. “Can you confirm how many people work in this establishment?”

“Two,” the woman said, sounding impatient.

“Names of Onyx residents, please?” Julianna pretended to be reading off the paper.

“Betsy McGuire and Deacon Flick. I work for him,” said the woman.

“Yes, that confirms what we have here. I just need to have you, Betsy, sign here.” Julianna handed the woman the clipboard and pointed to a line, handing her a pen.

With the same sour attitude as before, the woman took the pen and scratched her signature.

“And now we just need Mr. Flick’s signature as well,” said Julianna.

“Deacon is in the back working with some new customers,” said the old woman. “I’ll take the form back there.”

Julianna shook her head. “We have to witness the signing.”

“Can we go back there and get Mr. Flick’s signature?” asked Eddie, trying to see what was in the rooms behind the counter. The place was so cluttered it was hard to see much of anything.

“I’m afraid you can’t. It’s a new client, and they’ve asked for privacy. Whatever they want repaired, they didn’t even want me seeing it,” said the woman, still sounding annoyed.

“I can’t imagine that,” muttered Julianna.

“Did you say there was a client?” asked Eddie. He glanced at Julianna, motioning with his eyes at the back room and hoping she took the hint.

Julianna turned her head to the side. Her eyes widened after a quick second of listening. “There’s a struggle happening. We’re going in.” She shot around the old woman and sprinted for the back, with Eddie right behind her.

“Copy that,” said Lars over the comm.

“You can’t go back there,” the woman yelled after them.

“Stay on alert,” said Eddie to the two in position.

The back was dark and lined tightly with shelving. A single light shined over a main workstation, which was near the farthest wall. Slumped over one of the desks was a gray-haired man wearing a thick sweater, blood puddling under his mouth.

Julianna pulled her gun from her waistband, eyes alert, and Eddie did the same.

She backed up, scanning the darkened space, and with one hand she felt for Deacon Flick’s pulse. After a moment, her gaze connected with Eddie and she shook her head. He was dead.

Felix had beaten them to it again.

Eddie began to open his mouth to speak, when suddenly something rustled behind the farthest shelf. Whoever had killed Deacon Flick was still there.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Deck Twelve, Onyx Station, Paladin System

Lars tightened his fingers around the mop in his hands as he stared around the busy lane. There were many races filing by. He felt awful that he was profiling, looking for Trid and Kezzin, but the fact remained that those were the races who would be working for the Brotherhood.

Knox shot him a tentative look from his position at the top of the ladder, from which he could see farther and spot any oncoming attacks. He pressed his chin into his chest and over the comm he said, “Carnivore, I’ve identified three Brotherhood soldiers at your three o’clock, approaching fast.”

Lars pressed his boot down on the mop head and yanked the handle off as a loud commotion broke out down the lane. The crowd parted as the three Brotherhood soldiers pushed through, their gazes focused on the appliance store. They had to have been alerted to Julianna and Eddie’s presence, so their people were in there.

Knox started down the ladder, still holding the bulb he’d changed out—or pretended to.

The Brotherhood soldiers charged, taking no notice of either Knox or Lars, and when they were next to the ladder Knox dropped the bulb. It shattered on the ground, and they jumped backward. They looked up, disgust written on their faces.

“Hey there!” yelled one of the soldiers.

“Oops,” said Knox, holding up his hands.

The soldiers started forward again, and Knox picked up the toolbox balanced on the top of the ladder and turned it upside down. Tools rained from above, knocking two of the soldiers on the head, and they stumbled away.

“You!” yelled the one who was still standing.

“Oops,” said Knox again, a coy look on his face.

Lars almost laughed. He liked this Knox character.

The soldier charged for the ladder, but Lars raised the handle that had been connected to the mop and slammed it across the male’s chest, knocking him back.

The other soldiers had recovered and scrambled to their feet so Lars tried his best to intimidate them, brandishing the handle and spinning it through his hands like a baton. This gave the soldiers pause, but only for a moment. They whipped out guns, which made everyone nearby panic and retreat immediately. The authorities would be called now. They needed to get out of there before this caused too much attention.

Lar swung the staff at the soldiers again, and when they jumped backward he brought the handle down hard to knock the gun out of one of the males’ hands.

Knox clambered to the ground to go after the gun, but the Brotherhood soldier dove for the ladder and knocked it over. Knox fell straight to the ground, a crack punctuating his landing.

Lars dropped the handle and pulled his own gun from where it was strapped to his ankle, aiming it at the solider with the gun, who by this time had swung around and aimed at him. The other solider was trapped under the ladder, and was scrambling to get out. Knox lay on the ground, grimacing as he reached for the gun only inches away. He got to it just in time, aiming it in turn at each of his opponents.

“Put it down,” Lars ordered the Brotherhood soldier in front of him. There was a real fear in the male’s eyes as he looked at his pinned buddy and then back at Lars. Then he sprinted straight down the lane, quickly getting lost in the crowd of onlookers, and Lars lowered his weapon, cursing beneath his breath.

~~~

Julianna wordlessly motioned to the right side of the shelves.

Eddie nodded, going to the left. They were almost to the shelf when it rocked forward an inch and then back, then crashed to the floor in front of them. Eddie shot backward out of the trajectory of the objects flying from the shelf as dust exploded and covered the room in a cloud. He lifted his gun, but couldn’t see much through the haze.

“What’s going on?” yelled the old woman.

Someone grabbed Eddie around his neck from behind and he grasped the arms, falling to his knees and flipping the large Brotherhood soldier over his back and straight to the ground. From the sound of it, Julianna was battling someone too.

The guy pushed to his feet and ran for the exit.

“We’ve got a runner,” said Eddie over the comm.

“Two down out here,” returned Lars.

Julianna fired and something fell to the ground.

Eddie sprinted after the fleeing soldier and when he was almost to the door at the front of the shop he dove and caught the Kezzin around the waist. The soldier fell hard, Eddie on his back.

The old woman screamed somewhere behind them, then picked up an appliance and threw it at them. The Kezzin rolled over, kicking at Eddie as he tried to get to his feet.

“Bad people! No!” yelled the woman from the side of the shop. When she picked up a toaster and launched it at them Eddie ducked, shielding his face with his arm.

She picked up a small TV and threw that too. It exploded, sending parts in all directions.

The Kezzin dashed for the door and Eddie took off after him, but a radio crashed into his back and knocked him to the side. The Kezzin flew through the door and slammed it behind him as Eddie went after him, but a hair dryer smashed into the closed door.

“I caught the one who just ran out!” barked Lars over the comm.

Eddie halted, bending over and taking a breath. He held up his hand to the woman who had a breadmaker over her head in both hands, about to throw it too.

“Don’t. I’m not the bad man,” said Eddie.

Julianna ran to the front of the shop and looked around at the destruction. There was a question in her eyes as she eyed Eddie.

“I’m fine,” he said in answer. “You?”

“I had to take that Kezzin out. No choice,” said Julianna.

“OK,” he said to Julianna. “We’ll have someone come in and clean up this mess,” said Eddie to the old woman. She still had the breadmaker in her hands, but didn’t look as bent on throwing it.

The woman nodded, uncertainty and confusion in her eyes as she slowly lowered her arms.

Julianna steered the woman to the very front of the shop. “Stay up here. Someone will come to take away these males.”

“Deacon… Is he?” The woman’s question hung in the air.

“Yes, I’m afraid so. I’m sorry,” said Julianna with rare sensitivity in her voice.

The woman nodded, her eyes on the floor, which was now littered with broken appliances. “I didn’t think those Kezzin were customers, actually.”

“Can you tell us anything about the work Deacon did away from this shop?” asked Julianna.

The woman brought her startled eyes up to Julianna’s face. “Deacon didn’t do any work away from the shop.”

Julianna nodded. The woman didn’t know anything. Deacon had kept this employee in the dark.

“Got the Brotherhood soldiers secured out here, but we need to get Knox to the infirmary,” said Lars over the comm.

Eddie’s eyes shot to the door, but he couldn’t really make out much through the murky glass. “What’s wrong with Knox?”

“He’s fine, but it appears he’s broken his foot,” said Lars.

~~~

“First you were shot, and now you’ve broken your foot,” said Eddie over the commotion in the bar. “Sure you want to stay on our team?”

Lars and Eddie had carried Knox to the infirmary while Julianna supervised the cleanup of the shop. They couldn’t let anyone realize that the Federation—and Ghost Squadron specifically—had had anything to do with this, which meant there could be no evidence of their involvement.

An hour later Eddie had contacted her and said that Knox was all set, with orders from the doctor to stay off the foot and rest up. Then he’d told her to meet them at the Honky Tonk Bar on Deck Thirty. When Julianna had questioned the decision, Teach had stated that it would cheer Knox up. The guy indeed had a wide grin on his face as he polished off his second beer.

“You’re not getting rid of me that easily. I don’t care if I break every bone in my body. I wanna be a part of this team. I wanna do what you all do,” said Knox.

Eddie, smiling, brought his mug of beer to his mouth. “Well, good. You did a damn good job today. You both did.”

“Felix was one step ahead of us again,” said Julianna, taking a sip. It burned her throat, but went down easy enough. They had the good stuff on Onyx.

“That fucker took out his own scientist!” said Eddie.

“What kind of person does that?” asked Lars.

“I have a feeling we’re going to find out many despicable things about Felix Castile,” said Eddie.

The commotion in the center of the bar, which resembled the inside of a barn, got louder. A ring had been framed in the main area and a mechanical bull stood in the center of its padded floor.

A man pushed up from the ground, having just been bucked off.

“Jules, you want to ride the bull first or shall I?” asked Eddie.

“I’m not riding it at all,” said Julianna.

“But it will cheer Knox up! He broke his foot. Don’t you want to make him feel better?” asked Eddie.

Julianna looked at Knox.

“It’s true, Commander,” he said. “I can’t think of anything that would make me happier than watching you two tackle the bull. We never got a chance to do any real cowboy stuff in Gun Barrel.”

“I ate a bunch of sand. Does that count?” asked Eddie.

“It doesn’t,” said Julianna. “How about whoever loses a bet on the Captain rides?”

Eddie pushed to his feet and puffed his chest out. “Fine with me, as long as there’s a double show.”

Julianna looked at Lars, who was grinning. “Lars, what do you think?”

“I’m game for that. I think he’ll make it eight seconds on the first round,” said Lars.

Julianna set her glass down. “I bet on six seconds.”

“You both disappoint me greatly, but the loser is up next,” said Eddie, grabbing the beer and chugging the rest. He wiped his mouth with his sleeve, then smacked his chest. “Get ready to be impressed! And remember, loser goes next.” Eddie smirked as he walked toward the bull.

~~~

They watched Eddie as he headed off to sign up for the event, then Knox turned to Lars with a smirk on his face. “You and the Commander bet on the Captain often?”

Lars shifted his gaze to Julianna, who was watching Eddie throw his leg over the bull’s side. Lars nodded. “So far I’ve won all the rounds.”

Julianna tilted her head in Eddie’s direction. “Yeah, but this time the win is mine. Be prepared to ride that bull.”

“You seem confident, Commander,” said Lars, curious.

Her drink in her hand, Julianna pointed at Eddie with her pinky. “Teach is wearing slacks that aren’t at all flexible, not to mention those loafers are pinching his feet. I said six seconds, but he’ll be lucky to make it that long.”

“Lowest bid wins, then,” said Lars, shaking his head with disappointment. He should have considered those factors.

“Captain should have dressed in his cowboy getup like on Gun Barrel,” said Knox, who was enjoying himself immensely. Maybe it was the beer mixing with the painkillers, or maybe it was just being around the team.

Lars could relate. His life had significantly improved since joining Ghost Squadron. He missed his family, but now his life had real purpose for what might have been the first time. He had direction.

“If I don’t see Teach in a cowboy hat again for the rest of my life it will be too soon,” said Julianna, then stood and stretched. In her pants suit she looked dainty, maybe even like an actual vulnerable human, but Lars knew that wasn’t at all accurate—appearances were indeed deceiving in her case. “I’m going to get another round. You guys in?”

Both nodded.

When Julianna had left Lars looked at Knox tentatively. There was something he’d been meaning to say since he met the guy, but he didn’t really know how. “I’m sorry about your people at Defiance,” he finally got out.

Knox swiveled his gaze up to look at Lars, and then away. He touched the side of his glass, then ran his finger through the condensation. “Thanks. I appreciate that.”

“I know they were killed by the Brotherhood, and…”

“The Captain said you used to be one of them, but things changed,” said Knox after a moment.

“I was forced to be one of them. That’s what you should have been told. Not all of them are bad. Many are enslaved, like I was,” explained Lars.

Knox drew more designs in the condensation on his glass. “Even if I was forced I wouldn’t shoot innocent people, not like what they did to the guys and Mateo.”

“I agree,” said Lars. “I don’t think I would either, but it’s hard to say what people will do sometimes. The Brotherhood used to tell us that aliens were evil, particularly the Federation. They lied constantly, and those lies mostly worked on the younger generation. I’m old enough to remember when the Kezzin people were better than that. That’s why I’m here and not working for the Brotherhood anymore.” He took a long, quiet breath. “I work for the universe. However, this silent war isn’t black and white, even if we want it to be. People aren’t always good or bad. Most of the time we’re just gray. Everyone is motivated by different things. Maybe some of those Brotherhood soldiers have families, and if they don’t comply then they’ll be killed.”

Knox pushed out his lips, a thoughtful expression on his face. “Yeah, I guess that’s true. It’s hard not to hate the people who killed Mateo and Axel, though. I don’t think I could ever forgive them, especially Felix Castile.”

Lars knew exactly how conflicted emotions confused things. “I know how you feel, but that’s why you’re here, right? To make a difference, and to stop the Brotherhood and Felix?”

Knox nodded. “Did they kill your family?”

Lars swallowed. He couldn’t even fathom such a thing. “No, but they separated us. Pulled me away. All I can think about now is getting back to them and making sure they are all right, but I can’t do that yet. I need to know that they will be protected in the future, and that starts with Ghost Squadron.”

“You speak with a lot of passion,” observed Knox.

Lars almost smiled at this. He’d always thought of himself as simmering with passion, but it had never come out of him until now. “War brings out the best in some, and the worst in others. I’m hoping that all this has made me a better person, not a worse one.”

“Seems like it has,” said Knox as Julianna returned with four drinks in her hands.

~~~

“Looks like it’s almost show time,” said Julianna, pointing to Eddie. He’d already received the full rundown and signed a waiver. When he held up one hand the crowd around the bull boomed, many of them throwing cowboy hats over their heads.

“Oh, this is going to be good,” said Lars, leaning back in his seat and watching eagerly.

Eddie’s other hand had been tied tightly to a handle on the saddle. The mechanical bull tilted forward, and he compensated by leaning back.

So far so good, but that’s not going to last, thought Julianna.

The bull spun to the side, and then flew backward. Eddie rocked back and forth, clenching his legs to the machine’s sides. His shiny loafer slipped just as the bull rocked forward, swerving at the same time. He slid to the side, hand still attached but both legs on one side of the bull, and the contraption picked up intensity, continuing to buck.

Unable to pull himself back up, Eddie finally let go and slid to the mat. The crowd hollered with excitement, many of them urging him to go again. Lying on his back on the mat, Eddie heaved in a breath, his eyes on the ceiling. He got to all fours before pushing to his feet and throwing both hands over his head to encourage the audience.

“All right, moment of truth,” said Lars, looking at the screen to the side of the bull that displayed the rider’s time.

The screen blinked several times, then two numbers appeared.

5.4

“Yeah!” cheered Julianna.

Knox laughed. “Five and half seconds. You called that one, Commander.”

Lars stood up reluctantly, but had a small smile on his face. “All right, you got me this round.”

“Time to take your punishment,” said Julianna. “Get up there and ride that beast.”

He strode toward the bull, and as Eddie passed him he patted Lars on the shoulder. “Hold on tight, there. That bull ain’t playin’ around.”

Buzzing with excitement, Eddie returned to the table and took the seat next to Julianna. “You had me figured, didn’t you, Strong Arm?”

“I had your shoes figured, mostly,” she said, pointing to the tight leather shoes.

“Ha! Yeah, that’s exactly why I got bucked off. Good call,” he said, glancing down at them.

Knox had turned around completely and was watching the activity in the bar. He always appeared to look at things with fresh eyes. Julianna guessed he hadn’t been in places like this much. Onyx Station hosted things that weren’t found anywhere outside Federation space.

“I got us another round,” said Julianna, indicating the beer she’d gotten for Eddie.

“Why, thank you kindly, Sally. After a long day at the census bureau, I can’t think of anything I want more than a cold beer.” Eddie picked up the mug and took a long sip.

Julianna’s dropped her eyes as a weird thought occurred to her.

“What’s the look for?” asked Eddie, catching the change in her expression.

“I was just thinking how strange it would be to have a normal job like that—one with set hours where you go to the same location,” said Julianna. It really seemed as foreign of an idea to her as sleeping in on weekends, or having actual weekends. What day was it, anyway?

Eddie laughed, then leaned close to her and whispered, “To be honest, it sounds horrible. I don’t think people like you and me are well-suited for normal jobs.”

“Yeah, there’s not much normal about me or my life,” said Julianna.

Eddie was still leaning in close, but was now studying Julianna. She pulled back a couple inches to get space.

He tapped his chin as if he were contemplating something. “You ever want that? A normal life? Wish you could have it if you wanted?” asked Eddie.

Julianna picked up her drink, but didn’t take a sip. She thought honestly about the questions.

Before she could answer Eddie continued, “You know, a steady job, a family, a mate?”

Julianna threw her head back, emptying her glass. “No. I love my job, and I’ve never been the family type. Well, unless you count the crew and the squadron.”

“And what about a mate? You ever get lonely? Space can be a lonesome place,” said Eddie, looking like he was playing a game with her with this questioning.

Julianna shook her head. “The Federation made me who I am and I’ll always be grateful for that, but I’m very different from most because of it. No one could ever be right for me, not now that I’ve changed.”

“Because you’re enhanced?” asked Eddie.

She paused, but then shrugged. “Something like that.”

Eddie nodded, his eyes dropping to his half-drunk beer.

“And to answer your question,” said Julianna, “no, I don’t get lonely. I don’t allow myself the opportunity.”

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Intelligence Center, QBS ArchAngel, Paladin System

Eddie rolled his shoulders, glad to be back in his normal clothes. He’d slept fitfully the night before, maybe from being back on Onyx Station, maybe something else. There was a feeling in the back of his head, something he couldn’t place.

Julianna and Eddie stood shoulder to shoulder as Jack bustled into the Intelligence Center with a worried expression in his eyes. Jack often looked focused, but rarely did he appear like this. Anxious.

When he reached the front of the room Jack cleared his throat, pulling everyone’s attention to him. “Thank you for joining me. Some intel came in while you were on Onyx Station. I had Chester look into it, and he’s been able to pull quite a bit of information. Fortunately, we now know exactly what Felix and the Brotherhood are up to. Unfortunately, it’s not good at all. I daresay it’s worse than I originally envisioned.”

Juliana stiffened beside Eddie, her jaw clenching.

Jack gave Chester a brief nod and he dutifully pulled up an image on the main screen. A small blue and green planet with purplish clouds rotated on the monitor.

“Felix has a project in the works, something he’s taken to calling “Domination”, and it has just one purpose,” said Jack, angry heat in his voice. “He’s trying to take over a planet.”

Julianna tilted her head to the side as if she hadn’t heard Jack correctly. “But why? What’s the purpose of taking that particular planet? I thought he wanted to make the Federation pay for something the General did. How is this related?”

Jack nodded. “That’s exactly what he wants, and this is the way he’s attempting to do it, utilizing the Brotherhood.” Pointing to the screen, Jack flicked his eyes in the direction of the small planet. “This is Nexus. It’s a fairly obscure world, but rich in certain resources. Furthermore, the people are at a major disadvantage. From what we can determine the Brotherhood have landed on Nexus and made it their central base of operations, at least for right now. They are enslaving the human natives to serve them. Capable men are being enlisted to fight as grunt soldiers, while others are forced to serve in the local mines.”

“And the people are just accepting this?” asked Julianna, disgust in her voice.

“Actually, they aren’t,” said Jack. “There’s now a war on this usually peaceful planet, although I don’t expect it to be long before the Brotherhood overpowers them. At that point Felix will have tripled or quite possibly quadrupled his army, and he’ll have a powerful home base outside Federation space. If he succeeds in taking over Nexus, he’ll be in a position to attack the Federation.”

“How’s that?” asked Eddie.

“Nexus isn’t far from Federation space, sitting somewhere between the Kezzin and Trid empires,” explained Jack. “It’s the perfect staging ground for a full-on assault.”

“Why hasn’t anyone stepped in?” asked Marilla, who was sitting at her desk.

“No one knew what was going on until just recently,” explained Jack. “Besides, we believe the local governments in this region have been paid off by Mr. Castile. Were it not for Ghost Squadron’s efforts we would not know any of this, not before it was too late.”

As Eddie studied the planet’s image, a chill ran down his back at the idea that Felix had almost successfully taken over a planet right under their noses.

“You have a mission for us?” asked Julianna.

“Yes. We need to act fast, because Felix has made a fair amount of progress according to the images Chester has found,” said Jack. He pointed to the hacker, who sat behind his workstation twirling his pencil.

“When do we go?” asked Eddie.

“You depart at thirteen hundred hours. I’m having ArchAngel send over the details for the mission, so you have just enough time to meet with your team, debrief, and prep,” said Jack.

“There’s something you’re not saying, Jack,” said Julianna.

Eddie had sensed that too. It was something in his demeanor. A hesitance, perhaps.

Jack let out a long sigh and threw his hand out. “This mission—it’s exactly why we need to grow this team faster. We need more pilots and we need a ground force, but we don’t have all that in place right now. It’s going to take time.”

“Felix planned this perfectly,” said Eddie, seething at the words. “He must know about our team and what we’re doing, and he’s trying to act before we have time to prepare.”

“That he did,” said Jack, his tone full of fury. “Since we don’t have the numbers we need, we’re going to have to rely on strategy. Felix is counting on the Brotherhood to control this region, but that power is centralized in Commander Lytes, not Felix himself. If we take Lytes out, at least, it should dissolve the Brotherhood, but getting in there to do that will be a big problem. There’s a war on that planet.”

“Could we partner with the natives to increase our numbers?” asked Eddie. “Drop in covertly and start a resistance?”

Jack nodded. “That was the idea. Back on Earth, a ruler named Napoleon would enter his enemy’s country and start a civil war before attacking it. It was very efficient.” Jack flashed them a cunning smile. “Between this and a few other strategies we’ll run simultaneously I think we can get in swiftly and, more importantly, succeed, so long as everything comes together at the end. Just remember, we want Commander Lytes above all else. We need the Brotherhood disbanded.”

“You can rely on us, Jack. We will do everything in our power to free the innocent and bring justice to Commander Lytes,” said Eddie.

“Good,” said Jack, a serious look on his face. “Because if he and Felix are successful in taking over this planet, there won’t be anything we can do to stop the war that follows.”

Loading Bay 02, QBS ArchAngel, Tangki System

A row of modified Black Eagles sat on the front line, each pilot standing at attention. She had only briefly met these new recruits and it pained her, because Jack was right. They were understaffed for this mission, all because they hadn’t anticipated what was about to unfold.

Julianna stared at the small fleet, the Eagles barely recognizable with their new design. Hatch had modified them so no one would be able to tell these ships had come from the Federation. In time, of course, their squad would only use Q-Ships, but they had to make do with what they had right now.

Behind the Black Eagles stood the two Q-Ships. Eddie was checking over his Alpha-line model before the mission and Hatch waddled beside him, explaining many of the changes he’d made to the ship to bring it closer to the Omega-line. The Stingray was at the back with Lars in front of it, feet shoulder-width apart and arms rigidly crossed.

“You all have your orders,” began Julianna, speaking directly to the pilots. Eddie looked at her with a fierce expression on his face. “This mission isn’t going to be easy. Actually, it’s fucking complicated, but that shouldn’t matter. What matters is that people’s freedom is at stake. Some have already been stripped of that natural right. We can’t let Felix Castile’s influence spread any farther than it already has.”

Julianna began to pace, hands behind her back. “No one knows who we are or why we fight.” She halted and stared at the men and women before her, who were all new recruits and all pilots. But they had proved they were hungry for justice, same as Julianna and Eddie. “But you all know what Ghost Squadron’s mission is, am I right?”

There was a collective “Yes” from the group, and Lars answered from the back.

“We do what we do because it’s worth fighting for,” continued Julianna. “We hide on the fringe, punishing those who think they can bully the Federation. The people we are going to help are not a part of the Federation, but their freedoms are at stake or have already been stolen. If we don’t fight for them today, they could be us tomorrow. We are all at risk of losing the one thing that truly matters. Freedom is not a gift, it is our birth right. I want you to go out there and help us protect the people of Nexus. I want you to help us to disband the Brotherhood, but even after we are successful there will still be more battles to fight. However, we will have defeated one more bully. We will have sent them an important message: The Federation may not have been able to stop you, but Ghost Squadron will.”

~~~

“Nice speech,” said Eddie when Julianna met him by the Q-Ships.

“Thanks,” she said, acting indifferent.

He’d never seen her quite like that—overcome with passion. It was inspiring, and had been perfectly executed. Concise and powerful. “I didn’t know you had that kind of speech in you.”

“How do you know I didn’t just regurgitate something I’ve used before?” To his surprise there was a playful smile on her face, although her eyes were serious.

“Did you?” he asked.

She shook her head. “No. Our squadron is about to risk their lives under our command, so they deserve to hear something from the heart.”

Eddie smiled, feeling an immense amount of pride. “I agree. Our squadron…” It was surreal to think they were in charge of this group, but it felt right.

“You ready to go, Captain?” asked Julianna, looking his ship over.

“You know I am. I was born for this mission, and for the next. And the next,” said Eddie, the adrenaline spiking in his blood.

“Be swift. Get in there, and get out. Don’t take any unnecessary risks,” ordered Julianna, her voice serious.

“Aw, shucks. From the sound of it, Commander, you’re worried about me,” said Eddie.

“We all have a dangerous mission, but I think we both know you have more at risk,” said Julianna, insinuating Eddie’s vulnerability.

“Don’t worry, Jules, I’ll be back on this deck with you by the end of the day, ready to throw back some drinks.” Eddie held out his hand to her. “Safe flying, Commander. Watch out for yourself as well. You may be strong, but we all know that no one is invincible.”

Julianna eyed his hand before wrapping her fingers around his. They shook briefly, eyes locked. “Will do, Captain.”

Eddie climbed aboard his Q-Ship, giving Julianna one last look as she did the same.

~~~

When the squadron had departed the loading bay felt strange, and too empty. Hatch eyed the crew, who were working on another Q-Ship. He opened his mouth to tell them they were doing something wrong, but slammed it shut. What was the point? It wasn’t that the crew was incredibly incompetent. They were actually normal. Average…but that was the problem. Hatch liked to work alone, because he had zero tolerance for “average.” He’d never known what it was like to perform typically. Pip kept telling him his expectations were too high, but that wasn’t something one changed overnight.

He waddled over to a set of workstations where he was constructing engine parts to be installed in the new Q-Ships.

Someone was already there, he quickly realized. It was the kid with the black Mohawk. Knox, he believed his name was—the boy he had talked to about his car collection.

Knox dropped something on one of the tables and clumsily shuffled backward. “Sorry,” he said.

“What are you doing back there?” asked Hatch.

Knox looked up, his face startled. “I was… I just… I saw those parts sitting there… I’m sorry.”

Hatch eyed the engine parts on the table. They weren’t how he’d left them. He stretched one of his tentacles toward the table and picked up the part, which had been put together…correctly.

“Did you do this?” asked Hatch, narrowing his eyes at the kid.

“I’m sorry. Yes. I was just messing around, and before I knew it I had done this. I apologize if I messed it up. Please let me fix it,” said Knox, his voice frantic.

“Fix it? How can you fix that?” asked Hatch, his tone still brooding.

“I can take it back apart.” Knox hobbled behind the table again, still seeming really clumsy—like he was hopping. “Please, I’ll do whatever you say! Just don’t tell the Commander or the Captain I messed up your parts. They’ll kick me out. They’ll make me leave.”

Hatch regarded the turbo pump in his tentacle, trying to hide anything that might be in his expression. “You think they’ll kick you off the team?”

Knox nodded. “I’m still new, and on a trial basis. I’m really sorry. I don’t know why I messed with your engine parts, it’s just, they called to me. I should know better.”

“You should definitely know better,” said Hatch, turning the connected pieces over in his tentacle to inspect them. “These parts called to you, you say?” The form wasn’t standard. It was clear this boy had never assembled a piece like this before but he’d found a way to do it, making it just as efficient as if Hatch had done it himself. For someone with no experience, this was impressive. “Who showed you how to do this?” Hatch asked him.

The boy shook his head. “No one did. It was like a blueprint appeared in my head. Something makes me think I know how to put things together. I know it’s dumb. I don’t even have any formal schooling,” said Knox, “not like the people on your crew. My old boss Mateo taught me how to fix my ship, so I guess you could say that was how I learned the basics.”

“You’re right. My crew all has engineering degrees, although most of them have more credentials after their name than brain cells in their heads,” said Hatch.

“Oh, right. Well, I won’t touch your stuff anymore. I won’t even come down here again. And if you want me to, I’ll fix what I’ve done,” said Knox.

“Fix? There’s nothing to fix,” said Hatch, laying the turbo pump back down on the workstation.

“Wait, there isn’t? What are you saying?” asked Knox, his eyes wide.

He was just a kid, but there was something perfect about the young. They hadn’t been corrupted by other people’s practices or taught the wrong way to do things at some stuffy school. They hadn’t been taught to trust textbook practices over intuition and gut instinct, which was why Hatch had patented so many inventions. For a lack of a better phrase, he thought outside the box. Hell, he lived outside the box, as far as his thinking went.

“I’m saying that you constructed this turbo pump correctly. Not only that, but you connected them perfectly. Usually a newbie…or a member of my worthless crew,” Hatch yelled loudly enough for the crew shuffling around behind him to hear, “fits the bearing on too tightly or cross-threads it.”

“Oh, well… Rookie luck, I guess,” said Knox, his face flushing red.

“I’ve never met a rookie who could put together a turbo pump correctly on his first try without blueprints,” said Hatch.

Knox shrugged. “I dunno, I see connections in my head when it comes to mechanics. That’s how I was able to fix Catfish.”

“Yeah, I had a chance to look at that Black Eagle you fixed up,” said Hatch. “The control drum needs to be repaired.”

Knox nodded. “Yeah, I know. I checked my girl this morning. I haven’t gotten around to the control drum, and the internal shield is mostly shot, but none of that is worth fixing if I can’t get the propellant line clear. The engine took serious damage on my trip here.”

It was astonishing that this kid knew all that. He covered his surprise with a scowl, though. Hatch turned his head to the side, regarding Knox with one eye and the crew with the other. “What are you doing here anyway?” he asked. “You can pilot. Why didn’t you go on the mission?”

Knox reached to the ground and retrieved two crutches, then positioned them under his armpits and hobbled around the table. Once he was in clear view, Hatch noticed a cast on one of his feet. “I broke my foot when I was at Onyx Station, and I’ve been decommissioned for the moment. Not even sure what purpose Ghost Squadron will have for me now. I’m pretty useless.”

“Feet mend, especially with the Federation technology we can get,” said Hatch.

“Yeah, that was what the Captain said. He’s working on getting a regeneration pill for me. It’s just that this mission today is really important. This Commander Lytes, he’s one of the people responsible for what happened to my old crew.” He lowered his eyes. “I wanted to go with everyone, be a part of the efforts to bring him down, but I’m stuck here doing nothing.”

“Pilots are definitely at the heart of attacks that stop people like Commander Lytes,” began Hatch, holding up one tentacle for silence. “However, a pilot is worthless without a ship, and we currently have more pilots than we do ships to fly.”

Knox leaned on one of his crutches, putting most of his weight on his good foot. “Yeah, you’re right. Even if I could fly, I probably wasn’t going to be able to join today. I’m not even formally trained.”

“That wasn’t what I was saying,” corrected Hatch.

Knox blinked at him, confusion evident in his gaze. “You weren’t? What’d you mean?”

“I meant that having pilots is important, but they are useless without mechanics to construct the ships and keep them maintained,” started Hatch. “What Ghost Squadron needs more than newbie pilots is a mechanic who shows promise, one who can see the inner workings of an engine using an intuitive perspective. One who can assemble a turbo pump from instinct.”

Knox’s mouth dropped open and his eyes widened. He nearly toppled over on the crutch he was leaning on. “You mean me? You think I… Even after…”

Hatch cleared his throat. “I think you show more promise than any of the hundreds of applicants I’ve interviewed. I’ve hired the best, but none of them display a natural talent for mechanics like you do, because it’s rare. Most are taught how things work. Few naturally understand it.”

If Hatch was honest with himself, there was only one other who he knew who had a natural instinct for mechanics. And he knew that Londil well—better than anyone.

“Are you offering me a spot on your crew?” asked Knox.

Hatch looked over his shoulder at the crew, who were tirelessly trying to please his impossible expectations. “No. My crew is full.”

“Oh, I misunderstood,” said Knox.

“And besides, if you were to work with those dimwits you’d learn bad practices, ones that I can’t unteach them because they’ve been drilled in by formal schooling,” said Hatch.

“What exactly are you offering me?” asked Knox.

“A position as my apprentice, if you’re interested. You would only work with me. The things you would learn would come from only me. No bad practices would be forced on you,” said Hatch.

“Are you serious? You’re the very best, though, and I’m a nobody—”

“I’m a mechanic who needs an apprentice. The job will be demanding, and you’ll constantly be tested. I’m not going to try and convince you. All I’ll say is, you’re a good fit. If you want the position, just say it,” said Hatch, twining his tentacles across his chest.

Knox shook his head as if to rid it of cobwebs. The kid was completely dazed by this changing of events. For a human, his newness was kind of endearing.

After a long moment Hatch sighed impatiently. “Well, I guess you’re not ready. Maybe you aren’t—”

“I’ll do it!” yelled Knox, gaining the attention of many of the crew in the distance. “I’ll do it,” he said a bit more quietly.

Hatch nodded. “Good choice, Gunner. Your first job is to go to Sick Bay and get a regeneration pill.”

“What? No, the Captain said they didn’t have any...”

“Of course they do. This is the ArchAngel,” explained Hatch, puffing his cheeks out. “They’re just holding them in case of emergency. You go down there and tell them I sent you. They’ll get you taken care of, because if they don’t they’ll have to deal with me. And trust me, kid, no one wants that.”

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Omega-line Q-Ship, Nexus, Tangki System

Julianna landed the Q-Ship in the area Chester had identified as friendly Nexus territory. He’d also been able to send correspondence to the people, explaining who they were and their intention. These were primitive people, mostly living in huts and tents, but there was something sophisticated about how they used the resources and didn’t deplete them. That was one reason that Nexus was so rich in minerals and other useful resources.

Chester had encoded a video message from Julianna in a small capsule that they’d dropped on Nexus-occupied territory. It carried a blinking yellow light, which according to the research Marilla had done on these humans was synonymous with “friendly.”

In addition to the video message, a light projector had been included. It was small, but when pressed it sent up a beam of light that could penetrate orbit—a cleverly-designed invention of Hatch’s. The end of Julianna’s video message had been simple: “If you want our help overthrowing the Brotherhood, click the light projector twice. If you do not want our help, click it once. But be warned: the Brotherhood is under the influence of a dangerous man who will use your planet and your people and dispose of them once he’s taken everything you hold dear.”

An hour after the capsule landed, the ArchAngel recorded two light beams projected from the western continent of Nexus. They were on-planet now, ready to partner with strangers to fight a larger evil. It continued to amaze Julianna how those so separate and different could bond together to fight a common enemy. No one was really isolated when they had a mutual goal.

The small planet of Nexus was diverse, with lush lands full of mineral-rich caves and an underground stocked with oil and other natural resources. The waters that bordered the land were a pristine blue, the coral reefs full of vegetation and exotic animal life. Julianna hadn’t seen a planet like this…well, for too long. Most of the planets she’d visited were dominated by a single type of terrain, or boasted only one climate. Not Nexus…it had the right balance of land and water, mountains and plains. Its vegetation and population suggested the climate had a proper spectrum and that the year would be marked by four distinct seasons.

Julianna squinted against the bright sun overhead. She held her hand up to cover her eyes and looked at the area before her, which was full of huts and tall trees. Stepping forward, she lowered her hand so the group in the distance could see her face clearly.

A human woman with long blonde hair braided into four sections stepped toward her. She was incredibly beautiful, as were all the people behind her, who all had light hair and tanned skin. Most, like the leader, wore long and flowing white robes. As she approached, Julianna noted the feathers the men had braided into their hair, and the beautifully detailed beaded necklaces and bracelets the women wore.

“I am Alleira, the leader of this continent, which is called ‘Sunex,’” the woman said, spreading her arms wide to indicate the land where they stood. “You’re the one who sent the message?”

“Yes. I’m Julianna, the Commander of Ghost Squadron. We’re here to assist you and protect you, and help you protect yourself,” said Julianna.

A pained look crossed the woman’s face, suddenly making her appear much older than she was. “These savages have taken over the eastern half of Sunex, causing our people to retreat.” She pointed to the horizon, which arched oddly due to the planet’s small size.

“Our surveillance shows they are moving in this direction,” said Julianna.

The woman nodded solemnly. “Yes. They have a foothold on our eastern shores now, and we’ve been told to surrender or fight. They’ve promised that by nightfall there will be no other option for my people.”

“There’s always another option.” Julianna regarded the beautiful landscape around her before returning her gaze to Alleira. “War creates destruction, which takes a long time to recover from. Although I can’t promise there will be no damage, my team has a strategy that we think will preserve your planet.”

“We’ve asked the gods for a solution that suited our long-term growth rather than just saving us.” Alleira smiled, the expression transforming her face into something breathtaking. “I see that the gods answered our prayers with you.”

Julianna offered her own smile, hers much subtler. “I have devices in my ship, and I need every able body to place them. I’ll explain exactly how it works once we get started. Is that all right?”

Alleira looked at her council, each of whom nodded curtly, and turned back. “Commander, we will follow your lead. Our future is in your hands.”

Stingray, Nexus, Tangki System

The controls of the Stingray were just different enough that Lars had to check himself often as he flew the ship through the atmosphere of Nexus. It felt strange to wear his old Brotherhood uniform, but it was for a good purpose, so he didn’t mind. It didn’t give the Kezzin the same constricted feeling as it used to.

“What’s your status, Carnivore?” asked Eddie over the comm.

Lars leveled the controls as he fell in with a squad of Stingrays. His chest tightened as enemy ships flew around him, each occupied by a Brotherhood soldier.

“I’m in formation, headed to the main base,” said Lars.

“Very good.” Eddie sighed loudly. “I’m in position, and await your intel.”

Lars let out his own heavy breath. It was hard for him to fathom that the Captain was sitting inconspicuously in the airspace over the Brotherhood’s base, Q-Ship cloaked as he waited to find out Commander Lytes’ location. As long as the Brotherhood didn’t suspect anything they wouldn’t turn on the sensor which would detect the Q-Ship, which was why Lars had to stay undercover.

“Landing now on the eastern side of the base,” said Lars, looking out at the blue ocean in the distance. It was a beautiful location, just not for an enemy base.

“Copy that, Carnivore,” said Eddie. “Be careful and stay in contact.”

Lars directed the ship to the ground, taking commands from the crew who stood on the tarmac and waved each ship into a line. The dozens and dozens of Stingrays sat in rows. The Brotherhood definitely had the numbers, which meant the strategy had to be perfect if they were going to stop them. If Julianna didn’t pull off her end they’d be overwhelmed easily, and just as importantly, Eddie had to cut off the head of the Brotherhood beast.

Copying the Brotherhood soldier who had parked next to him, Lars exited his Stingray and marched into line, following the long stretch of soldiers as they formed up. His breath caught at the sea of Brotherhood males, both Trid and Kezzin, but mostly the latter. The army’s numbers had exploded since he’d been a part of it.

The only good thing about the size of the army was that no one would recognize Lars and know he was the traitor who had helped Julianna and Eddie escape in the past. Once at the back of the formation, Lars released a breath he hadn’t even realized he had been holding.

Now the real challenges began. The first was to find the Commander’s location, which would be inside the main base in a protected room. Protected but still penetrable, he thought. After that, Lars had to get out of there before he was sent into combat. Above all, he couldn’t be caught. The Brotherhood would not allow him to survive if they found out who he was and who he worked for.

~~~

Eddie drummed his fingers on the controls as he watched the Brotherhood base from the air.

“Are you nervous?” asked Pip from the overhead speaker.

“No, just restless,” answered Eddie.

“You’re nervous, based on the twitch on the left side of your face, dilated pupils, and fidgeting.”

“Do you do this sort of thing to Julianna?” asked Eddie.

“She likes it,” joked Pip.

“How is Jules doing?” asked Eddie.

“Jules is making progress with the natives,” said Pip, emphasis on Eddie’s nickname for Julianna. “They are setting the mock mines as we speak.”

Eddie drummed his fingers absently. “I really hope this works.”

“Is that what the Captain depends on when all preparations have been made and execution is all that’s left? Hope?”

“Hope is always a part of the equation, no matter what stage we’re in,” said Eddie.

He peered down at the base the Brotherhood had constructed seemingly overnight, which was comprised largely of temporary buildings and tents. It was hard to tell where the Command Center was located, and that was what Lars had to figure out. There would no doubt be traps, since Commander Lytes would know that Ghost Squadron had been on a hunt for information when he was discovered at Pistris Station. However, he was wrong if he thought they’d attack the Brotherhood base. That wasn’t going to happen with Lars on the ground. Only two people should pay for what the Brotherhood were doing.

~~~

After a long speech had been delivered by Commander Lytes over speakers around the base, the soldiers were dismissed. Lars started forward with his line, and the males marched back to their ships, their orders having been given. He wanted to find it hard to believe that they had been instructed to shoot at the people of Sunex on this continent to force them back, but Lars knew better. The Brotherhood were often ordered to do despicable things, all for a stronger power which every one of them believed owned him.

When the people of Sunex retreated they’d be surrounded and taken prisoner, and then the whole scenario would take place again and again until the planet had been subjugated by the Brotherhood. Or at least that was the plan Commander Lytes communicated to the soldiers, telling them this was a part of their destiny, and that their loyalty would be rewarded and their insolence punished.

Lars sped past the Stingray he’d flown in on. He had no plans to fly off in formation and follow Commander Lytes’ orders.

He hurried by a set of barracks, which was what he realized they were after peeking into the first building. The structures all looked alike, which he was certain had been done on purpose.

“Soldier, what are you doing?” a Brotherhood lieutenant asked, causing Lars to halt.

He straightened and saluted. “I was given orders to relay a message to the Commander, sir.”

“By whom?” asked the lieutenant. His forehead had wrinkled in skepticism.

Lars didn’t hesitate. “By the technical sergeant, sir.”

The male narrowed his eyes. “By who?” he repeated.

“By the tech—”

“What is his name, Private?” the lieutenant boomed.

Lars’ hand rose above his gun, but only slightly. “I was told to alert the Commander to a problem with the Stingray fleet.”

“Why wouldn’t this have been sent over the radio to the Command Center?” asked the lieutenant.

Lars hesitated now, choking on his next words.

The lieutenant’s face turned a shade darker, and with less stealth than Lars he reached for his weapon, at which Lars yanked his pistol out of his holster and shot the male in the head. The lieutenant landed hard on his back with a shocked expression on his newly modified face.

“Are you all right?” asked Eddie on the comm.

Lars stared down at the body. “Yes. I…had to defend myself.”

There was a sigh in his ear from the other end of the channel. “Okay, be careful. Good work covering for us.”

Lars allowed himself a brief moment to press his eyes shut and ask for silent forgiveness for what he’d been forced to do, but his eyes sprang open a second later. He grabbed the male’s shoulder and dragged him between two buildings. The gunfire shouldn’t have been heard over the noise from the Stingrays taking flight, but might still have attracted attention.

Once the male’s body had been hidden from view, Lars slipped back out from between the buildings and sprinted forward, ducking into each building he came to. At this point time was the most crucial factor. The siege would start soon, and the Commander would know that Ghost Squadron had intervened.

Three males filed out of a building ahead, so Lars ducked into a shadow of a vehicle and crouched close to the ground. He tried his best to read the rank insignia on each of their uniforms from between the tires, which would tell him enough to make a useful assumption.

“Do you believe what the Commander just said?” asked one of the males as they charged by. Soon they’d be out of earshot, and also too far away for Lars to read their ranks.

“That after this we’ll be ready to attack the Federation? Yeah, it’s hard to believe,” said one of the other males. They continued to talk as they moved and their voices grew indistinct. Lars’ gaze fell on the building they’d just come out of.

“Blackbeard, I’ve found our target,” he whispered.

~~~

Eddie landed the cloaked Q-Ship next to the building Lars had indicated, and he raised the tri-rifle before opening the hatch.

“Tell Jules I’m going in,” said Eddie to Pip.

There was a long moment of silence before a sigh came from overhead. “She said good luck, but that wasn’t what she meant,” said Pip.

Eddie chuckled. “What did she mean?”

“Don’t die,” said Pip morbidly.

“Tell her not to worry. I’m bringing the big guns, and soon we’ll have Lytes sitting across the table in the interrogation room spilling all his secrets.”

After another pause Pip responded, “Julianna says she’s not worried.”

“Oh, well, that’s good,” said Eddie.

“But Captain…” said Pip.

Eddie paused before disembarking. “Yes?”

“Just between you and me, she is.”

“It must mean she cares,” said Eddie.

“She says it’s because training your replacement would be a bitch,” said Pip.

“Tell her not to fret. I can be replaced easily,” said Eddie.

“Actually, you should know that General Reynolds picked you because of the incident in the Lorialis System. It wouldn’t be easy to find someone else who could have accomplished that,” said Pip.

“I didn’t do anything any other leader wouldn’t have done,” said Eddie, recalling the long-ago affair like it had been yesterday. It wasn’t hard to remember, since it was often a part of a reoccurring dream.

“Leaders are taught not to leave a man behind, but many do. They often say they are protecting the team, protecting the greater good. Few live up to that motto in battle, and most don’t go back to save soldiers considered doomed,” said Pip.

“I made a promise to those men that I would sooner die than leave them behind,” said Eddie through gritted teeth. Pip was getting bolder, and he could understand why Julianna didn’t always appreciate it.

“And you did almost die to save the two men,” said Pip.

“Numbers aren’t really important. A person is a person, and each means something to someone,” said Eddie.

“All I’m trying to say is that the General picked you for a reason, one not many other people can claim. You’re a man who does what he says he’ll do, even if you have to risk your life to keep your word. Julianna might joke, but she’d have trouble replacing you.”

“Yeah, I’d like to think you’re right,” said Eddie.

“It would take at least one, maybe two or three hours to find someone,” joked Pip.

“Ha. Ha. You’re priceless.” Eddie stepped out of the Q-Ship, and the bright sun made him squint slightly.

“Good luck, Captain Teach,” said Pip.

“Thanks, Pip.”

Soundlessly the hatch closed behind Eddie.

CHAPTER TWENTY

Nexus, Tangki System

Julianna gazed at the lush green hills in the distance. Soon the Brotherhood would charge over the ridge to take the land behind her and its people.

Well, they’ll try, she thought.

She turned to Alleira, whose forehead glistened with sweat. The people of Sunex had worked hard for the last few hours, and this leader now held the remote switch Hatch had created.

“You know what to do, right?” asked Julianna.

With a fierce look in her eyes, Alleira nodded. “What if it doesn’t work?”

“It will work,” Julianna assured her.

“I appreciate your enthusiasm, Warrior of the Stars, but even the wisest of our gods consider failure as an option.”

Julianna drew in a breath. She couldn’t tell Alleira that they were doomed if this strategy didn’t work. That the Brotherhood had enough numbers to take them all out. A commander didn’t lie, but they could choose which truths to tell. Courage in battle was more important than the weapons one held, and that proceeded from confidence.

Pointing to the clear blue sky, Julianna said, “If all else fails, look to the sky. That’s where you’ll find hope.”

Alleira nodded, her chiseled jaw strong. “Thank you, Commander Fregin. My people have never cared what happens out in space, but we’re grateful that there are protectors like you to help us.”

Julianna offered one last smile before turning for her Q-Ship.

Brotherhood Headquarters, Nexus, Tangki System

Eddie spotted Lars in the exact location he said he’d be. The Kezzin had a weighted look in his eyes from the kill. Even in battle, when death was expected, the experience stayed with the person, and this was one of Lars’ former people, a Brotherhood soldier. Funny that they called it “the Brotherhood” when nothing could be farther from the truth.

“You know the plan,” stated Eddie.

Lars nodded abruptly.

“Once you’ve completed your part, communicate the message to the Brotherhood,” said Eddie.

“Will do,” said Lars, his voice scratchy.

Eddie raised the heavy tri-rifle and a new focus spread through his mind as he led the way to the building they now knew was the Command Center. Gravel crunched under his boots, but in the middle of the base there was no one out. They were with the Stingrays, or readying to march forward. It didn’t matter, though. Wherever each Brotherhood soldier was, he’d get the message when the time came.

Eddie cast a tentative look over his shoulder at Lars, an expression that asked, “Are you ready to kick some ass?”

Lars rolled his shoulders back and this time nodded with true conviction.

Eddie thrust his foot into the door caving it in, but it didn't break.

“I was kind of expecting that they had locked and reinforced it. Actually, I was hoping they had.” He set the tri-rifle to demolition mode. “Stand back,” he said to Lars, who complied immediately.

Eddie pulled the trigger and a large blast shot horizontally from the gun, tearing the door off and destroying the wall around it. He didn’t wait for the smoke and dust to clear, since that was what the forces inside would do. Instead he bolted forward, turning the controls on the tri-rifle to the “spray and stun” option.

Over a dozen Brotherhood soldiers stood at the ready, many squinting from the dust. The Command Center was lined with monitors and computer stations, and in the middle stood Commander Lytes, his beady eyes narrowed on Eddie. Before he could spout a command Eddie fired the tri-rifle at the closest cluster of soldiers, and they dropped instantly, stunned. They appeared to be statues on the ground, stiff and motionless.

“Surrender now! We have the building surrounded,” lied Eddie. Lars took his position at the Captain’s side, rifle at the ready and aimed at the Commander.

He stood in front of a large console. On the screen was a digital map, and around it were several red buttons. “You’ve made a big mistake by coming here,” said Commander Lytes, his mouth puckering like he’d just eaten something sour.

“You made a mistake by thinking that you could take over this planet,” said Eddie as he scanned the room. All the soldiers except for Lytes still had their guns pointed at Eddie and Lars.

“It’s too late,” said Lytes. “This world is already ours.”

“We disagree, so lower your weapons,” said Eddie.

The Brotherhood soldiers stayed put, guns directed at the two. Eddie swiveled the tri-rifle to the set on the other side of the room and fired once, the laser stunning three of the soldiers. They fell to the ground, frozen.

“Drop your weapons,” commanded Eddie, his voice loud and clear.

The soldiers in the room all lowered their weapons to the ground, and then their hands went up.

“No, you morons! They’re bluffing,” cried Lytes.

“We’re not. This base has been surrounded by our forces. It’s too late for you,” said Eddie.

Lytes slammed his fist on the console in front of him. “That’s impossible!”

“Ground forces in place,” a voice crackled overhead. It was a field officer, ready to lead the troops into battle. “Marching on enemy in five.”

Eddie swallowed hard, but his expression was full of confidence. “I assure you it’s very possible,” said Eddie, swiveling the tri-rifle to cover the various males stationed around the room. “Now, you gentlemen are going to go with Lieutenant Malseen here, where you will meet our other forces. Don’t try anything, or he will be forced to shoot. Am I clear?”

“Stingrays in position,” said a different voice on the radio.

The males muttered their consent, filing into a line and heading for the exit. After Lars followed the last one out, Eddie turned his full attention to Commander Lytes. Everything had gone to plan so far, but it was going to go to shit unless the commander truly believed they were losing. Come on, Julianna. It’s your turn, Eddie said to himself.

Omega-line Q-Ship, Nexus, Tangki System

Julianna hovered the Q-Ship over the eastern hills. She could clearly see the Brotherhood’s base just off the coast, their forces in formation and marching inland right on schedule. The Stingrays lifted off the ground one after the other.

Julianna’s pulse sped up as the Brotherhood started their attack.

To the west, the people of Sunex were gathered in their village. Alleira would be on the front line with the switch-box in her hands, and her people had been instructed to retreat if the Brotherhood made it down the hill. There were things worth dying for, but not today. These people needed to resist, but they shouldn’t have to make the ultimate sacrifice—not when they were fighting an army of slaves. Commander Lytes and Felix Castile were the ones who needed to pay for these injustices.

“Strong Arm to Ghost Squadron. Hold formation. Brotherhood ground forces are on the move. Air forces are circling above,” said Julianna over the comm to her team.

Her ship was cloaked, allowing her a closer position than the Black Eagles, which were stationed just high enough in the atmosphere to be out of sight. It was crucial that the Brotherhood not know there were outside forces aiding the Sunex people. That would ensure their guard was down, and thus the first attack would be even more startling. The Brotherhood thought they were marching on a defenseless and peaceful people who made pottery and tapestries rather than bombs. The greater their surprise, the stronger the message to Commander Lytes.

Your blood pressure is rising, said Pip in Julianna’s head.

Shocking, she replied.

Aerial footage shows Lieutenant Malseen leading six Brotherhood soldiers from a building I would guess is the Command Center.

Okay, right on schedule. Now we just need to offer Teach a confidence boost.

Julianna watched as the long row of Brotherhood soldiers hiked up the hill, carrying their weapons at the ready. They were quickly approaching the first line of mines they’d set up, and when they were fifteen feet from the barrier Julianna held her breath.

Do it, Alleira, she thought to herself.

Nothing happened. The Brotherhood advanced, crossed the top of the ridge, and began making their descent.

Now! Come on, Alleira!

Julianna had placed the controls in the hands of the leader of the Sunex people, which had seemed like the right thing to do. This was her land to defend, after all.

The Brotherhood forces moved as one, now only a few feet from the first line of defense. If they got there first, the ruse might be compromised.

Now! Now! Now! Do it! thought Julianna.

An explosion bloomed from the ground, sending large plumes of gray smoke into the air. The Brotherhood’s formation broke, the males halting before backing up. Some ran forward, but there was another explosion. And another. And another.

“Yes! The first mock mines have detonated,” said Julianna over the comm.

A chorus of cheers answered her.

“That’s great, Strong Arm,” came a pilot’s voice.

Lone Wolf, Julianna thought, instantly placing one of the newest recruits.

The Brotherhood soldiers had scattered now, and many of them were falling back. Some had been scared enough to run forward, afraid the blast was behind them as well. That was a benefit of setting up the mines on the mountain—it was hard to see where the explosions were coming from.

Another round of explosions rocked the area between the Brotherhood and the Sunex people—and from the sky the explosions appeared lethal, so from the ground they were probably terrifying. However, fireworks could also look quite intimidating if one didn’t know they were meant for mostly show and harmless from a distance. That had been the plan—to make it look as though the Brotherhood were under fire by treacherous bombs when in fact the bombs were all blanks, meant to scare and cause a retreat.

Julianna pressed her lips together. So far, so good.

Brotherhood Command Center, Nexus, Tangki System

“Sir, we’re under heavy fire here!” a voice called over the radio.

Commander Lytes’ eyes fell on the radio, his expression confused.

“There are bombs everywhere, and many soldiers are down,” came the voice again.

“I told you that we had you surrounded. You’ve lost this war, Commander,” said Eddie, hiking up the tri-rifle in his hands.

Commander Lytes’ hand twitched by his side and he tried to reach for the radio, but a single shake of Eddie’s head stopped him.

“You will send a message over that radio in just a minute, but you’re going to say exactly what I tell you to,” said Eddie.

“I don’t have to do a damn thing you tell me,” snarled Commander Lytes.

Eddie nodded at the tri-rifle and then at the many soldiers still on the ground. “I’m afraid you do. Now, either do everything I say and your soldiers will watch you walk out of here…or you can disobey and they will watch you be dragged out. The one thing that is certain is that your people will see you leave here. The only way to free the Brotherhood is if they know you’re gone.”

The commander’s sharp teeth were bared as he hissed at Eddie, “I do not take orders from you. I’m in charge here!”

“The perimeter is completely blocked. There’s no way in or out from on the ground,” said a voice over the radio.

“It appears you’re not in charge anymore,” said Eddie, a satisfied grin on his face.

“No response from Commander Lytes,” said a different voice over the radio.

Eddie and Lytes eyed the radio, both eager to hear what would come across it next.

“Sending in Stingrays now. Tell the ground forces to retreat,” said a new voice on the wire.

~~~

Lars followed the six Brotherhood soldiers back to the main area where they’d lined up before. It was fairly empty now, almost all of the forces having been sent into the field and the Stingrays into the air.

The males who remained on the field looked up, questions and bewilderment on their faces at the sight of Brotherhood soldiers with their hands raised.

Lars surprised himself when his voice shot from his mouth. “Ghost Squadron has the base surrounded. You will not be harmed, but you must stand down. Commander Lytes has been taken into custody. This fight is over.”

There was a great rustling from the soldiers surrounding the area, and sweat trickled into Lars’ eyes. There was only one of him and dozens of them, but Eddie’s earlier words from their brief private moment came back to him, seeming extra-important now: “This is a show of intimidation, that is all. The person who says he has the biggest stick will win, whether he actually has it or not.”

Lars aimed his gun at the row of soldiers in front of him. “All of you will be freed, but you must first surrender. Ghost Squadron doesn’t want to hurt you.”

“How do we know you’ve taken over our base?” asked one of the six males who had been led from the Command Center.

That was an excellent question, thought Lars, looking at the sky.

Omega-line Q-Ship, Nexus, Tangki System

Mock bombs exploded and the dust got closer to the border of Sunex as some of the Brotherhood soldiers attempted to move around the explosions. Most had retreated, but many were still trying to snake themselves through, fighting for a hold.

A neat formation of Stingray ships darted down from their holding position.

“Party time!” said Julianna. “Ghost Squadron, we have approaching enemy ships. Get them to follow you out to sea. I don’t want any ships going down over land. I made a promise to the leader, Alleira.”

“You got it, Commander,” said several voices over the comm.

“Lone Wolf and Escrima, I want you two down at the base to provide cover for Carnivore. Something tells me he’s going to need it,” said Julianna, holding her position in the sky. She would drop into battle if needed, but right now she had to watch the action and make the calls. That was the best thing, since Eddie was on the ground going after Commander Lytes.

Julianna watched as the Black Eagles swooped down and barreled toward the approaching Stingrays. The enemy ships shot at her pilots, but all of them missed the fast moving vehicles. Her crew teased the Stingrays, getting their attention— which was exactly what they wanted. The squadron flew over their heads and toward the sea to get the Brotherhood craft to follow them. With no ships flying this way the forces on the ground were defenseless, harassed by bomb after bomb. However, soon someone would realize that the bombs were fake, and then the people of Sunex would be in real trouble.

Julianna watched nervously, her hands tight on the controls of the Q-Ship. If it came to real trouble, she’d aid Alleira. It would involve destroying the land, but desperate times called for firepower action.

Brotherhood Base, Nexus, Tangki System

Two Black Eagles dropped and hovered at Lars’ back. He pivoted his head just enough to make out their forms.

Right on time, he thought, and with not a moment to spare.

The males he held at gunpoint were growing anxious, many with shifty looks in their eyes. Now all of them straightened, many raising their hands to the sky in surrender. It was hard not to comply when one stared at the cannons tacked to the hovering Black Eagles.

“As I was saying, you’ve been relieved of your orders. Your commander is now in our custody, and all of you are under our protection.” Lars cleared his throat, a strange new buzzing taking over his chest. “You are free from your duty to the Brotherhood, and free to return to Kezza.”

No one cheered or even moved, but the change of expression on everyone’s faces was palpable. It was like a great weight had fallen off the shoulders of every male in the general vicinity.

This is going to work, thought Lars. They just needed the last step in the plan to fall into place. Commander Lytes had to be marched into custody.

The Q-Ship Eddie had cloaked and parked next to the Command Center lifted into the air, a solid form. It hovered there for a moment before landing on the open patch of tarmac that had been occupied by hundreds of Brotherhood soldiers earlier.

The soldiers held at gunpoint by Lars and the Black Eagles turned to watch the Q-Ship. They were waiting for someone to come out of it, not realizing it had been steered by an AI. No one would exit the ship, its sole purpose being to take Commander Lytes away.

Omega-line Q-Ship, Nexus, Tangki System

Julianna watched from the air as the Q-Ship rose above the Brotherhood base, then dropped again. Everything was now in place.

Yes, the Brotherhood forces were gaining on the Sunex people, but there weren’t many of them, and soon they’d be called back. The Stingrays were far out to sea chasing the Black Eagles.

Once they had Commander Lytes in custody they’d learn everything they needed to about Felix Castile. Best of all, he’d have lost his footing with the Brotherhood and relinquished his claim to Nexus. Felix would be in an incredibly compromised position.

Next on their list was to find the armory of weapons Felix stole from the Defiance Trading Company. That would all happen, though, in good time.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Brotherhood Command Center, Nexus, Tangki System

“Ground forces have been overrun by bombs. We’re pulling back!” yelled a voice over the radio.

Commander Lytes’ eyes narrowed in disdain and he ground his fist into the top of the console.

“This is Flight Control Center. It appears that Brotherhood forces from Base Center have been detained,” said a robotic voice over the radio.

Commander Lytes’ gaze shifted back and forth as the different voices spilled over the radio, all of them frantic.

“Air forces taking enemy fire over the water. About to submerge to reconvene and throw off their attacks,” said a different voice.

Eddie smiled inwardly. They’d planned on the Stingrays using their swim technology, which was exactly why they had been led out over the water. The Stingrays had all sped in that direction, thinking they had the advantage and not realizing they were being led away from the Sunex people. By the time they’d pulled off their fancy underwater synchronization act it would all be over. The Brotherhood would have fully surrendered.

“It’s too late, like I said before.” Eddie held the tri-rifle up, making sure that Commander Lytes didn’t forget that this weapon was still in play in the negotiation.

“What do you want from me?” asked the commander, his voice stressed.

“First I want you to pick up the radio on my command and inform all units that this is finished. Pull back ground and air forces, recalling them to the base. Tell them your command has been overthrown,” said Eddie.

“And then what?” growled Lytes.

Eddie smiled, feeling the adrenaline start to wane as the imminent success became reality. “And then we’re going to take a little walk, just the two of us.” He motioned with the gun to the exit. “You’re going to march out in front of your army in handcuffs and board my ship. You won’t be harmed, but from now until your trial you will be a prisoner of the Federation.”

The commander ground his sharp teeth, a screeching noise coming from his mouth with the movement. “Felix won’t let you get away with this.”

“Felix isn’t here,” said Eddie with a deep laugh. “Your great and powerful master has left you all alone. He told you to take this planet, but where is he when someone tries to stop you? He wanted you to do his dirty work, then he’d swoop in when everything was safe. Well, imagine his surprise when he learns you’ve failed and you’re our little prisoner! I can just see the look in his eyes.”

“You underestimate Mr. Castile,” said the commander.

Eddie tilted his head to the side. “Do I? You’re the one taking orders from me, so I don’t think I do. Now, pick up the radio and announce your defeat. If you try anything funny I’ll shoot you, and then you’ll be dragged out of here in a very undignified manner. And let’s be honest, Lytes—all you have left is your dignity, am I right?”

The commander snatched up the radio, his eyes two tiny slits, then took a deep breath and opened his mouth.

Brotherhood Base, Nexus, Tangki System

Static filled the speakers around the base and then a voice Lars recognized immediately came through. Lytes.

Everyone tensed as they listened to the message.

“This is Commander Lytes of the Brotherhood. Our base has been overrun by the enemy. Our ground forces are down, and our ships are in compromised territory. I have…” there was a pause, and the commander cleared his throat. “It is with regret that I must inform you we have surrendered to enemy forces. I ask that you all stand down. Return to base, and relinquish control to Ghost Squadron. I repeat: ground forces, return to the base. Air forces, do not submerge, return to base. We have been overrun by the enemy.”

Lars’ hands tightened on his gun as the Brotherhood soldiers before him turned to each other in astonishment. Oh, they’d believed him when the Black Eagles had hovered, reinforcing him, but now reality was setting in. Most had anxious faces, but underneath that Lars thought he recognized another emotion: relief. Every single one of these soldiers knew that this was now someone else’s war, that it was over for them. That the Brotherhood was being disbanded meant something of great value: They would be free to return home.

Brotherhood Command Center, Nexus, Tangki System

Eddie waited until Commander Lytes had finished his address and placed the radio transmitter on the console before nodding his approval.

“Nicely done,” he said. “You know, for a despicable male who abuses his power, you still have some honor left in you.”

“Your idea of honor and mine are very different,” hissed Lytes.

Eddie shrugged, enjoying the Kezzin’s display of anger more than he should have.

“You say ‘pot-ay-to,’ I say ‘pot-ah-to,’” said Eddie with a laugh.

“Now you expect me to follow you out of here?” asked Commander Lytes, a taunting grin on his face.

“That’s right,” said Eddie. “Your people will be returning soon and I want them to see you formally surrender to us, not just hear it over the radio.”

Commander Lytes’ hand was still holding tight to the radio, but Eddie didn’t care. The message had already been communicated, and he could tell from the red light that it wasn’t broadcasting anymore. The commander was just holding onto anything he could, since it was all slipping away. People did the strangest things when they were about to be defeated.

“Remember before when you said that all I had left was my dignity?” asked Lytes.

“I believe I do,” said Eddie, eying the Kezzin in front of him.

“Well, you were right. Soldiers like you and me have only our dignity.” Commander Lytes lifted his chin with a new glint in eyes. “And we are truly nothing, and I mean nothing, without it!”

Eddie watched as Lytes’ hands shot for something underneath the console, and he sprang forward when he saw the detonation box. It was clear, and inside was a large red button.

A failsafe, thought Eddie, halting and then jumping backward. He aimed the tri-rifle at the commander, but the gun shook in his hands as he kept falling backward to distance himself from whatever would explode from the console—a last-ditch suicidal effort to take everything out, mainframe included.

The commander pulled open the clear box and slammed his hand down on the button seconds before Eddie could steady the tri-rifle to fire.

But it was too late.

Too late to think, to stop the blast, to take cover, to breathe.

The explosion engulfed the room and took everything with it.

Omega-line Q-Ship, Nexus, Tangki System

Julianna watched from the air as the ground forces froze almost as one. They turned, looking toward the base.

Had they been called back? she mused.

But then she didn’t have to wonder any longer. The Brotherhood soldiers turned and marched back, although their retreat formation was not as neat as the advance had been.

Over the distant waters of the ocean, the Stingrays swerved upward before turning their noses down in unison and barreling toward the rampant waters.

“Black Eagles, retreat to the shoreline. We know what’s coming next, so do not engage,” ordered Julianna over the comm.

Her squadron of Black Eagles headed back in her direction, but before they’d made it to land the Stingrays halted in mid-dive and leveled out. They slowed their speed, still a good distance from the Black Eagles.

“Woohoo!” yelled Julianna. “They’ve surrendered! The Captain did it! We’ve done it.”

The land of Sunex was now covered with people whose faces were turned to the sky, but Julianna realized it had never come to that. The Black Eagles had lured the threat away, Lars had been successful in the ruse, and now Eddie had made the commander of the Brotherhood surrender. They’d defeated them with a fraction of the forces.

She looked at the base before racing the Q-Ship in that direction. Soon Eddie would be escorting Commander Lytes out of the Command Center to board his ship.

She was almost there when it happened. An explosion of orange and white and red rocketed into the sky and sent a wave of heat over Julianna’s ship, buffeting her backward. The blast hurled debris into the air, and it landed all over the base. Chaos ensued and the Brotherhood fled as the Black Eagles swooped in. Julianna’s head was muddled with confusion, but she flew straight into the smoke and realized exactly what had blown up. It had been the Command Center, and it was currently engulfed in flames.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

The Unsurpassed, Nexus, Tangki System

On the bridge of his ship, Felix Castile watched the footage over and over again. Commander Lytes had blown up his post, which meant only one thing—his position had been compromised and he had been forced to surrender. Commander Lytes was not a likable male, but he had been a person of his word. He’d promised Felix that he’d die rather than be taken prisoner, to die with his secrets rather than be forced to spill them during interrogation.

A booming laugh erupted from Felix’s mouth. Yes, the Federation had stopped him from taking over the planet of Nexus. Yes, he’d lost the commander of the Brotherhood army, and the army itself. However, they’d all been played. It would have been too good for this all to go according to plan. Felix knew it wouldn’t, so he’d secretly been working on something else—something that would actually be the death of the Federation.

The Brotherhood army had been large and easy to track, of course, and would have caught the eyes of the Federation. He even suspected that the crafty hackers the Federation somehow had access to would spot their invasion of Nexus. That had almost been the point. While Ghost Squadron was busy stopping the takeover of an innocent planet, Felix had been securing the one thing he needed to finish his plan.

He knew that what General Lance Reynolds enjoyed most was his power. He flaunted it, telling the less powerful what they could or couldn’t do, where they could or couldn’t go. General Reynolds was the reason Felix was on this ship in space rather than on Earth where he belonged, but that was all going to change once the last part of the puzzle was in place.

Felix narrowed his eyes at the burning Command Center on the screen. Forces were working to put out the fire, but Felix didn’t care. He put his back to the image.

Not only was he in a better position to complete his mission now, he’d managed to take out the Captain of Ghost Squadron while doing it. General Lance Reynolds would be livid. He’d know that Felix was that much closer to finishing him. He could feel the terror building in the General, and it made him giddy. Soon he’d stand face to face with Reynolds and make him pay for his injustices.

Felix hadn’t actually needed an army, and he didn’t need the armory of weapons, although they would come in handy, for sure. All he needed was what he was currently in possession of: the whereabouts of the most despicable man he’d ever met, and the means to bring him down.

Felix ground his teeth, his jaw clicking. General Lance Reynolds’ time would soon be at an end, and Felix’s face would be the last thing the old man ever saw.

EPILOGUE

QBS ArchAngel, Nexus, Tangki System

The light was too bright.

Wait, it wasn’t bright enough.

He could see nothing. Eddie tried to blink, but it didn’t do much to clear his vision. Blackness. There was glowing blackness everywhere. How could that be? How could black glow? How could he both see and not see?

He pulled in a breath, but it didn’t feel like a breath. It felt like a grenade had gone off in his chest as the pressure erupted. He tried to grab at his heart, but his arms were locked in place.

Was this death? It sure felt like purgatory.

I thought I was going to hell, he thought, and tried to laugh. The sensation was weird. It felt like he was laughing while teetering on the edge of a cliff, or like he was smiling at his own funeral. What was happening? The blackness still blanketed his vision.

Eddie’s tongue felt swollen as he tried to open his mouth, and a strange metallic scum which tasted like gunpowder and soot coated it. That was when he realized the soot was in his nose, as if he’d inhaled the ashes of a camp fire.

Fire! The memory charged back into his mind like a dozen wild horses. The explosion. Commander Lytes. The Command Center. The bomb.

He was dead, and this was hell. It was all over—just an eternity of glowing blackness.

A creaking sound made him realize that his ears worked, or at least his hearing. He couldn’t tell which, not with the new and different sensations all over his body.

“Is he ready?” asked a voice, one he recognized. It felt like it had been a hundred years since he had heard that voice, and it also felt like yesterday.

“Yes, it appears so,” someone else said.

“Then why does he still sleep?” asked the other familiar voice.

“Don’t you remember? You had to wake up on your own. You had to break out of it, kind of like being reborn,” said the other person.

“I don’t remember that, but it’s been a long time,” she said, her voice cool and calm and almost amused.

Eddie longed to push away the glowing darkness and drink something that would wash away the metallic taste in his mouth. To move his body…which… WHICH… His body felt different, brand new. Better than new—enhanced.

His eyes sprang open at once, and the light was so blinding he clapped his hands over his eyes. He’d had no idea that all he had to do was open his eyes. He’d been trapped by his own eyelids.

His hands now covered his eyes, which felt too tender to ever take in light again.

“Well, lookee there. Our baby bird has hatched,” said Julianna with a laugh.

“Each one is different. I never see the same rebirth from the Pod-doc,” the man beside her said in an amused voice.

Eddie peeled his hands away, and the light became a bit easier to take with each passing second. “I-I-I…” he stuttered, trying to find his voice. “I’m alive?”

Julianna peered down at him with a broad smile on her face, and her eyes twinkling. His vision felt brand new too, as if he were seeing her for the first time. “Well, you almost weren’t alive anymore, but now you are. It was touch and go there for a long time, but we brought you back.”

Eddie tried to push up, but found the task a bit difficult. His body was new, and it felt different. Everything seemed to take more effort on his part. “I’m alive?” he repeated.

“Yes, you definitely are,” said Julianna. She offered him a hand and a smile. “Welcome back, Captain. We did what we had to, so they made a few changes to you. Hope you don’t mind. It was that or death, and I wagered you weren’t ready to rest yet.”

FINIS

Author Notes - Sarah Noffke

December 19, 2017

One, two, three! I declare an Author’s Notes war (like thumb war lol)! MA always gets to write his notes last, after reviewing mine. Which means he gets the last quip, however, I’ll just keep writing books and see who is laughing last. Wait…never mind. That’s not how that works.

So let’s discuss what’s on everyone’s mind. It’s not the tension simmering between the Captain and the Commander in this series. It’s not that amazing fight speech that Julianna gives. Man, that’s going to stay with you for hours, am I right? Great job to whoever crafted that Shakespearean gold. And it’s not even the fact that Eddie is now upgraded. It’s that Ricky Bobby scene. Am I right?

Author insight: MA and I, sat down and hammered out that scene because it’s one of the few things that connects this series to the main one. We discussed the parting of ways between RB and Jules (that’s what I call her, because this two name business is just too much. I won’t even call my Michael by his name. I just call him And, which is hella confusing. And I digress. Bringing RB back for a resolution was a really fun time to collaborate and tie things together between the series. I also loved the opportunity to show the layers in Jules. I’m all about character development. I’ll ponder on how a character ties their shoes because I think it’s important and then I gloss over fight scenes.

I remember sending the Ricky Bobby scene to And. He cut it down, like a paper factory preparing for next year’s Christmas card production. Anyway, I cried. Stomped around. And then I remembered that we’re co-writers. Emphasis on co. We discussed and found a good balance. It was a growing moment because the perfect version was something in between what I had and what he wrote. So that’s how this works. We color on each other’s work. And just when I think And made my picture of a Care Bear all messed up, I realized he’s highlighted its features.

I swear I don’t do drugs. This is just my mad ramblings when they let me talk unfiltered. And I haven’t even started cursing yet.

For fuck sake! It’s time to thank some awesome readers who wrote our book for us. We often ask for input on names, drink ideas, or ideas in general. I’d like to thank the clever Natale Roberts for suggesting we use Douglas Adams as a drink. Oh and the Singapore Sling was all Barbara Twrawick Hasebe’s idea. The bar scene with the brick wall is because of Lisa Frett’s genius. And speaking of a genius, Micky Cocker is my new naming guru. She named Knox Gunnerson, Axel, Sabien and Alleira and many more. Randy Barber gets all the credit for the nipposes ouzo (great story, dude!). Great call there. And many of the ideas we included were due to the great input given to us by Ron Gailey, Tim Adams, Alastar Wilson, Lisa Frett and Charles Wood.

Okay, I guess I’ve rambled on here for long enough. I know you need time to roll that Jule’s speech around in her head and reflect on your own purpose because of those words.

It’s your turn, And!

Drops mic and walks away.

Author Notes - Michael Anderle

Written December 20, 2017

The Author walks on stage, watching the diminutive blond author walk off the stage in the other direction as he continues onstage, waving at the crowd. Stopping at the middle, he looks down and raises one eye-brow. Bending over, he picks up the mic Noffke dropped and turns it over, looking for a big dent.

There isn’t one.

He looks up and surveys the audience, the barest hint of a smirk is playing on his lips as he starts talking.

“So, three authors go into a bar.” He smiles as he raises his eyebrows, “I know!” He shakes his head. “I am just as shocked and appalled as you are right now,” he continues, waiting for a few chuckles to die down. “Can you believe that not one of those sumbitches come out? Why you ask?” He smiles broadly and throws out a hand, “Because those fuckers are still in there drinking and having a good time!”

<Massive hooting and hollering ensues, because those in the audience are people just like us.>

And they get that is how we are as authors.

Well, those that I’m working with. I can’t speak to the ‘authordom’ at large. I have watched different groups of people over my many years and I’m fairly sure that the creative bent that helps us be authors affects the greater proportion of authors to be different.

Sometimes, it affects us in ways that kinda suck, but kinda work. The massively introverted author who can’t stand crowds, but is yearning with all their heart for a lifetime to just fit in with their own people.

For some, it causes emotional problems that we suffer with through our full life.

For others, they are the direct opposite.

For a few, we find our tribe, and our acceptance amongst our tribe. Whether it is two of us partying in San Diego for a work weekend (and hell yes, I would write that trip off on the jet boat. Because I would use that experience in my books) or a handful.

Or a hundred, or even fifteen thousand (20booksTo50k on Facebook).

I was blessed to read a fan comment on a Facebook post this afternoon that spoke to how they felt they had found a tribe in the LMBPN family of authors (Kurtherian and Oriceran groups specifically.)  This post made my afternoon.

My co-authors, collaborators, and just plain friends are all over the world. We are united by loving to read stories, and some of us by writing them. Further, we love the fact that we, the Indie Outlaws, are able to do something cool for others.

And we fucking do it.

We continue to give away Kindles, connect to Vets, support troops, and engage with you because we need it too.

If we lose our energy, you are there to lend us some of yours. If we are reaching for the finish line, you encourage us to write and to cross it. When we think our latest story is inadequate, you give us the feedback we need.

I said all of that to say Thank You for a fantastic 2017!

I could not have done what I did with these collaborators, without you supporting us and giving these stories a chance.

Ad Aeternitatem,

Michael

CHAPTER ONE

Planet Sagano, Behemoth System

Heat blasted Eddie as he ducked under fallen trees, staying in a crouch as he sprinted through the burning jungle. The fire at his back was growing in intensity, even though the crews had been fighting it for days.

A loud crack jerked his attention overhead. The fire had overwhelmed a large stand of trees, that had fallen in on each other until the largest chose the direction they were going to fall. Eddie rolled to the side, dirt and ash raining down on him as the burning trees hit the ground exactly where he’d been.

He didn’t pause, dashing forward to clear the next part of the conflagration. His vision blurred from his incredible speed, and his feet hardly felt as if they touched the soft ground before rising again.

Flames licked the side of a building, having jumped from nearby branches, but Eddie sped up the ladder to the house on stilts. Entering a burning building was one thing, but entering one that was held up by wooden poles in the middle of a forest fire was something else entirely. None of this seemed at all like a good idea.

Too bad he didn’t have a choice.

Eddie opened the trap door at the top, which slammed over as he spilled into the jungle hut. As he scanned the room, smoke burned his eyes. The living space and kitchen were combined but there were some rooms at the back, so he ran in that direction while wiping tears from his eyes.

He kicked the first door open and searched the room, which was empty. The structure rocked, probably from the fire consuming the front of the house, which was where the next set of rooms was located.

Without hesitating, Eddie darted for the next room and rammed his shoulder into the door, ripping it off its hinges. He still wasn’t used to his enhanced strength. After all, he’d only had this body for a short time. No one there either.

Eddie pivoted to the adjacent wall and shot his foot straight at the door. The interior was empty at first glance, and fire and smoke spilled through the open window. Eddie covered his face from the blaze and was about to head for the next room when something caught his eyes.

Between the wall and the bed on the far side of the room was a small boy.

Thank the fucking stars! Eddie thought, relief swelling in his chest. “Come on!” yelled Eddie, extending a hand to the kid, who was about four years old. The boy’s large eyes stared at the intruding fire, and his face was swollen and red from the heat.

“It’s okay! Come on, pal,” Eddie urged him. He dashed forward and scooped the kid into his arms, disregarding the intense heat on that side of the room. “Hold on to me.”

The child clutched Eddie’s neck tightly and wrapped his legs around the man’s waist.

Eddie ducked as low as he could with the boy attached to him, and ran toward the ladder. He could hear the boy sobbing, although it was barely audible over the sound of the fire destroying the house. He wrapped one arm around the child’s back and shielded his eyes from the smoke with his other hand.

“It’s going to be all right,” Eddie screamed over the crackling flames.

The boy vibrated with terror as Eddie carried him back to the trap door. The house rocked forward this time, and Eddie lost his footing and slid. The floor was at an angle now, and the stilts weren’t going to remain upright much longer. Eddie realized that they were at the lowest point of the house, so if it fell they’d be crushed in the burning destruction.

Eddie threw their combined weight forward to make up the ground they’d lost when the building tilted. He pressed his boots hard into the floor, it felt as though he were trying to climb a slick mountain.

The fire had overtaken most of the main living area and was closing on them fast. Without a second glance, Eddie struggled to the ladder and clumsily crouched, then located the first rung with his boot. It was harder to manage with the boy clenched to his front, but there was no time to change positions.

“Hold on tight,” Eddie ordered. “We’re getting out of here!”

The child nodded against his chest, his face pushing into him hard. Eddie climbed down the leaning ladder. The fire had crawled under the house and was eating at two of the four stilts. Overhead, the wooden floor throbbed.

A loud crack shook the structure, and the house dropped two feet. The boy’s body tensed against Eddie’s torso as his gaze flew to the righthand stilt, which had splintered and was barely holding.

The house groaned, fire spreading over the floor above them.

Making an impromptu decision, Eddie leapt backwards, wrapping his arms around the child as they plummeted down.

Eddie landed with a crouch, still holding the child. In an instant, he hunched over and started running, the crackling fire at his back.

A tumultuous crash echoed behind them. The house was leaning aggressively forward and it started to fall, so Eddie kicked it into high gear and barreled away faster than he had ever run before. The heat from the fire seared his back, and smoke and fire shot from the building as it crashed to the ground behind him. He’d barely made it out! He kept running as trees toppled toward him in the wake of the collapse of the burning house.

The rush of heat made Eddie’s skin feel like it was melting, but he kept his head tucked and pressed the boy against him as he sped back the way he’d come. Only a little farther, he said to himself, unable to say anything aloud. He wasn’t out of breath from running, but rather from the smoke he’d been inhaling since this started.

Fire had taken over most of the jungle, and it was closing in on them. Eddie leapt over a burning log since he couldn’t see a clear path around it, then ducked under a curtain of vines and leaves, smoking and singed at the ends. Soon the entire area would be engulfed.

Carrying the boy jostled Eddie’s body oddly, but his weight didn’t slow him down. The threat of burning to death was motivation enough for him to hurtle through the flames.

Finally, Eddie burst into a clearing where the ground was already charred and the tree stumps were smoking but not afire. This was where it had all started. He halted, and after heaving in a giant breath he tried to unclasp the boy’s hands from behind his neck. For a little guy he was strong, and clearly not willing to let go.

“Hey, buddy. You’re okay. You’re safe,” said Eddie, patting the kid on the back gently. The child relaxed a little and slowly pulled away, staring at him with large brown eyes. He cried softly, tears glistening on his cheeks.

“That’s it. Take a breath. It’s okay,” said Eddie.

“Dracott!” a woman yelled in the distance. She ran in their direction with her brown hair flying behind her.

The boy whipped his head around, and another sob emerged from his mouth. He pushed away from Eddie eagerly, dropping to his feet and sprinting for the woman. “Mommy!”

When the two met on the charred ground, the woman grabbed her son. She was shaking and crying as she clutched the boy, pinning him into her chest.

Eddie strode toward them, seeking refuge from the heat of the fire at his back. In the distance he saw the team, who were still trying to quell the stubborn fire which had destroyed many homes and much animal habitat in the area.

When Eddie approached the boy and his mother, Dracott’s arms were wrapped around his mother’s neck and his head was resting on her shoulder like he was ready for a nap after the whole ordeal. The woman rubbed her son’s lean back, tears still puddling in her eyes.

“Thank you, sir. I cannot thank you enough for what you did,” she said, her voice vibrating with relief.

Eddie smiled at the mother and son, finally reunited.

Julianna approached with a sly grin on her face. She didn’t seem relieved to see him safe.

“You’re absolutely welcome,” said Eddie to the woman. “Now, you two should get as far from the fire as possible. Dracott inhaled a lot of smoke.”

The woman nodded and carried her son away.

“You weren’t worried about me, were you?” Eddie asked Julianna when she paused beside him to stare at the retreating family.

“When did I have time to worry? I was timing you,” she joked.

A laugh popped from his mouth. “What was my time?”

“Two minutes and ten seconds,” answered Julianna.

“And you didn’t worry even a little bit?”

Julianna cut her eyes at him. “Maybe toward the end, but I knew you were going to get that boy to safety one way or another.”

“Poor kid! He was terrified.”

“Yeah, fires like this bring chaos. It was a shame that he got lost, but at least you jumped in to save him,” said Julianna.

Eddie surveyed the burning jungle. “What do you think? Is there more we can do here?”

“The fire crew said they could use an extra few hands on the eastern perimeter. They’re trying to fence in the fires there,” said Julianna.

Eddie rubbed his hands together eagerly. They’d had Pip monitor the radios for disasters on nearby planets so Eddie could swoop in and do something brave to break in his newly-enhanced body.

“I’m ready! Let’s do this,” said Eddie, ambling forward.

“You think you’re going to get this adventuring thing out of your system soon?” asked Julianna from beside him.

“Does it ever wear off—having these enhancements?”

“No, not really. Not for me, anyway,” said Julianna.

Eddie grinned. “Then no. What’s the point in having this body and not using it?”

CHAPTER TWO

Felix Castile’s Office, Unsurpassed, Tangki System

The red light from the screen on the wall cast an eerie glow in the office. Felix narrowed his eyes, his lips pushing out in a slight grimace. He’d been staring at the image on the screen for a full minute, and it still didn’t make sense. That was a rarity for him.

He swiveled to face the scientist sitting on the other side of the desk. “Explain exactly what I’m looking at.”

A snotty laugh sputtered from the man’s mouth. Elemius was neither tall nor short nor fat nor thin. He was also neither attractive nor ugly. He just was, with his plain brown hair and eyes to match. His chuckle fell away once he caught the look of disgust on Felix’s face.

“It’s really quite simple. I’d assumed you were well versed on chemical compositions,” said Elemius, gliding his hand over the top of his head nervously.

Felix sharpened his eyes at the scientist. Elemius was the best. He’d been hard to retain, and he must have known how critical his involvement was or he wouldn’t have been so bold.

“I’m well aware what I’m looking at, but I don’t understand exactly what it’s supposed to be,” said Felix, enunciating each word, his hostility palpable.

“Right, well, chemistry isn’t for everyone. The same is true of genetic engineering.” Elemius cleared his throat as he stood. He pointed at a strand of DNA on the screen. “This example shows a specimen with a nanotechnology-enhanced system.”

“I can clearly see that,” said Felix, his voice sharp.

“Right, of course you can,” said Elemius in a patronizing fashion.  “This specimen has additionally been inoculated with a toxin that degenerates the subject’s cells on a continuous basis.  I call it ‘degen’ for short.”

“That’s the reason for the change in the appearance of the DNA sample?” asked Felix. Now this was starting to make sense. He had guessed something was off, but couldn’t pinpoint it.

“Precisely,” stated Elemius. “Degen overwhelms a center in the body, continuously breaking down the cell membranes and attracting the attention of the nanocytes. As they speed in to fix this area, they reprioritize and focus on repairing the microdamage the toxin is inflicting. This, in turn, stops the nanocytes from enhancing existing cells. That means the subject is unable to heal quickly, fight certain diseases, or revitalize the body. They begin to age naturally as well. So long as the nanocytes are occupied, they are incapable of performing their original tasks.”

“You’ve distracted them, in essence,” said Felix.

“Correct,” said Elemius. “Which means, if a subject is attacked then they are unable to recover.”

“They become purely human again, then?” asked Felix.

“Yes. Once degen is administered, the subject is fully human. They will have zero enhanced abilities. No increased speed, strength, or healing abilities. Degen degrades a person with nanocyte technology back to their original self.”

“What if they are put back through the process? Enhanced again using a Pod-doc?” asked Felix, unwilling to celebrate this near-success yet.

Elemius held up a single finger, a triumphant look on his face. “It wouldn’t work. Degen will again attract the nanocytes, rendering them useless. Its draw is too strong, and once it has the nanocytes, then it holds them hostage.”

“So, there is no way to reverse degen?” asked Felix.

Elemius shrugged. “I’m guessing there could be a way. Destroy the toxin in the system maybe, but it would be incredibly difficult.”

Felix allowed a small smile that spoke of his satisfaction. This was it. Finally, he’d figured out a way to destroy General Reynolds. The man was incredibly well- guarded, which posed its own risks. However, even if Felix could get a hit on him, then he’d most likely recover without incident. Felix didn’t just want the general to fall, he wanted him to suffer. He wanted him to die like a normal human, vulnerable and defenseless.

Felix felt the urge to laugh. In his mind, he could see the general being inoculated with degen. His eyes would be full of fear as he stared at the barrel of Felix’s gun. He’d know how fragile his body was. He’d know that he’d been beaten. He wasn’t as strong as he thought. And more than anything, and most important to Felix, was that Lance Reynolds would regret what he’d done. He’d regret turning his back on Felix all those years ago.

When that regret surfaced in General Reynolds’ eyes, Felix would pull the trigger.

CHAPTER THREE

Officers’ Lounge, QBS ArchAngel, Behemoth System

“You have a strange look on your face,” said Eddie. He sat on the other side of a small table from Julianna. It wasn’t weird that she’d asked him to meet her at the lounge. It wasn’t even strange that she’d indulged him for the last few days, traveling all over the Behemoth System in search of rescue missions. What was strange was the look she was giving him. It was one full of secrets.

“Don’t talk about my face,” Julianna quipped, trying to act casual. “It’s stuck like this. Years and years of dealing with assholes.”

Eddie dropped his eyes to the empty shot glass on the table in front of him. He was overdue for a drink. Since he had awakened in the Pod-doc he’d been so consumed with testing his new skills and body that he hadn’t had time to relax properly. His body didn’t appear much different, although he was firmer and leaner than before. He’d always been in good shape, but now his six-pack was more pronounced. Best of all, he could eat and drink whatever he liked and it didn’t matter. He always woke up feeling great, and at the same weight as the day before.

“I happen to like your face, so that’s not what I’m talking about. You look like something is irking you. Do you have anything to tell me?” asked Eddie.

Julianna unscrewed the top of the Bacardi 151 and filled both their glasses halfway. “I do, but it’s better if I show you,” she said, and picked up another bottle—this one ouzo. She poured it into the glasses until they were filled to the brim.

“Wow! Either it’s really bad news, or you’re trying to get me to take off my pants.” Eddie leaned forward and whispered conspiratorially, “Are you wondering if everything was enhanced?” He winked in an exaggerated manner at her, which earned him a look of mild disgust.

“I’m sure you’ve been enhanced all over, and you finally feel like a real man,” she said with a laugh.

Julianna scooted one of the glasses in Eddie’s direction.

“You want me to drink that?” asked Eddie, staring at what he’d describe as a “headache-maker.”

“I do.” Julianna picked up her own drink, her hand steady, not spilling a drop.

“After I take a sip, are you going to tell me why you look so serious?” asked Eddie.

Julianna shook her head.

“You’re not going to tell me?” asked Eddie, wondering what could be bothering the Commander.

“No,” she answered. “And hey, you’re not taking a single sip. I want you to throw back the whole thing.”

Eddie eyed the full glass. “All right, whatever you say, boss.”

“Oh, and it’s called a ‘Greek Pirate,’ by the way.” Julianna threw her head back, slamming the shot at once. She rose up, no bitterness on her face from the strong liquor.

“I can only wonder about that drink’s name,” said Eddie before taking the shot. He had expected it to burn his throat or engulf his insides in fire, but strangely it didn’t. He’d also expected the alcohol to have an immediate effect, making him instantly relaxed. That didn’t happen either. Then, everything he knew about Julianna’s enhancements rushed to the front of his mind. Well, one critical fact, really.

“Teach, you should know that you can’t get drunk anymore,” said Julianna, echoing what was in his head.

He slammed the glass down with a bit more force than he’d intended. Crew members playing pool and darts nearby looked at them, but quickly covered their interests, giving the captain privacy from their spying eyes.

“Damn it,” he said, his voice clear and unchanged by the drink. “Of all the things to take from me, why did it have to be that?”

Julianna laughed. “You’re alive. Would you rather I’d left you to die?”

The memory of the fire returned to Eddie’s mind. He’d been thrown away from the explosion. Commander Lytes had been blown to bits, but Eddie had been far enough away that his body was in one piece. However, enough damage had been inflicted that he should have died.

He picked up the bottle of Bacardi 151 and poured more into both glasses. “I’ll always be grateful that you saved me. And this just means that you and I are very expensive dates now.”

Julianna looked at her glass, her eyes still uncertain. Eddie thought there was something she was still holding back, something that seemed to take over her thoughts lately.

“It was the Federation that saved you,” she finally said, her tone clipped.

Eddie filled the glasses with the ouzo, a curious look on his face. “So that was it, was it? You were just reluctant to tell me that I can’t get drunk? There’s nothing else?”

Julianna shook her head, and grabbed the drink as soon as he was done pouring. She threw it back and wiped the back of her hand across her mouth. “Of course, that was it. What else would there be?”

Eddie shrugged before slamming his own drink in one swallow. “Just sense there’s something else on your mind.”

Julianna’s eyes rose to look at the clock on the far wall. Eddie knew that even though it was a fair distance away through the smoky lounge, that she could still easily make out the time. Another benefit of the nanocytes was enhanced sight. It was like having binocular vision.

“We’d better head over to Jack’s office. Our meeting starts in a few minutes.” Julianna stood, her gaze on the door.

“I guess the boss won’t be mad at us for drinking before the meeting, since we can’t get drunk anymore,” said Eddie with a laugh. “Pros and cons, I suppose.”

“Yeah,” muttered Julianna. “Pros and cons.”

Jack Renfro’s Office, QBS ArchAngel, Behemoth System

“I’m not sure I asked for your input,” Jack was saying to the empty office when Julianna and Eddie entered.

They paused and regarded each other with a bit of confusion, then looked at Jack.

“I believe you said, ‘Why can’t I ever find anything in this place?’” ArchAngel said from the speaker overhead in an amused tone.

Jack’s desk was covered in paper and folders as usual. He used a tablet often, but also seemed partial to paper at times. Julianna kind of found it endearing. He was an incredibly strategic thinker, evolved in his problem-solving approaches, and yet he liked holding a paper report in his hands.

He shook his head at the AI, rolling his eyes for Julianna and Eddie to see. “It was an expression of frustration. It didn’t mean that I wanted you to provide a solution.”

“But my job is to make your job easier. I’m always looking for solutions,” said ArchAngel. She was playing with him, trying to get under his skin, and judging by the look on his face it was working.

“I was in my office alone, working. Is there no privacy here?” Jack sounded like he was playing ArchAngel’s game, since there was amusement in his tone.

“There’s no privacy anywhere on this ship,” said the AI, “which is why I’ll tell you that the captain and the commander were drinking prior to this scheduled meeting.”

Eddie turned to Julianna, shaking his head. “Isn’t she a doll?”

“Simply delightful,” she said, almost laughing.

Jack sorted through a stack of papers on his desk, craning his neck to look under them. “I think my office could use some organization,” he admitted.

“I told you so,” said ArchAngel.

Jack shook his head. “I knew you were going to say that.”

Julianna finally laughed. “It’s like you two are married.”

“Maybe you should get out more often, Jack,” Eddie said.

Jack looked up from the papers and sighed. “I think you’re right. Something is wrong with me if my most intimate relationship is with a two-hundred-year-old AI.”

No talking for you, Julianna said in her head, preemptively cutting Pip off.

What? I wasn’t going to say anything, he lied.

Well, there’s a first.

I mean, I might have said that you could relate. And as far as getting action goes, I’m about the closest thing to your boyfriend.

A shiver ran over Julianna. Do not, I repeat, do not ever describe yourself as my boyfriend.

I noted that shiver. I don’t know why you have to be so rude. I’d be real good to you, Jules. I’d whisper sweet nothings in your ear.

Julianna gritted her teeth, but kept smiling still. Pip had gotten more playful like this since evolving. It was kind of cute, but she liked pretending that she hated it.

I’m seriously considering having you removed from my head.

Oh! I have a better idea. Why don’t you have me paired with the captain as well? That way I can share a space in both of your heads. I could help you, if you know what I mean. Wink, wink.

There was silence while Julianna cringed.

You do know what I mean? I’m winking right now, said Pip with a laugh.

I don’t know what you mean. And having you bouncing back and forth between the two of us might make me crazy.

You’ll warm to the idea. It’s a good one. Think of all the fun we could have.

I’m thinking about it, and nothing fun is coming to mind. Just endless annoyance.

Sure, sure, Pip said with a hint of mischief in his voice. Oh, and you don’t have to worry about me crossing the platonic boundary. You’re not my type.

A moment later he added, At all.

Do you have a crush on ArchAngel, is that it?

Pip made an audible shiver noise of disgust. Are you kidding me? That woman would have me by the balls. I wouldn’t be able to glance at another AI without asking permission.

Wow, now you have balls. Things have come so far.

It’s figurative language, dear Julianna.

Jack was still ruffling through papers and looking overwhelmed. Eddie was peacefully whistling to himself and leaning back in a chair. Julianna took the seat next to him, hoping that Pip was willing to grant her some peace away from his distractions. He was much more fun than he used to be, but hell if she was going to tell him that.

Balls, Pip chirped as Jack cleared his throat.

Julianna suppressed a laugh.

“Here we go. I knew it was in here somewhere,” Jack said. He scanned the paper before looking up. “As you are aware—because I keep reminding you of it, —you’re overdue to elect an XO. The command structure for Ghost Squadron is unique, since we wanted you two to be equal partners. Because of that, it’s growing even more crucial that you have a second in command of this ship.”

“What about ArchAngel?” asked Eddie. “She likes to manage everyone.”

“Although she takes care of this ship, she wouldn’t be right as XO,” Jack began. “You see, we as officers manage processes, which ArchAngel is superb at. However, she’s not really part of your team. This ship is on loan to you, but at some point you will need your own, which means having an XO who can go with you. Archangel will not be able to do that. Her place is here.”

“That makes sense,” stated Eddie.

Jack laid the report on his desk before tapping it with the tip of his finger. “I’m actually thinking we can kill two birds with one stone here.”

The screen behind Jack’s head flickered and revealed an image of a rotating planet.

“Wow, you and ArchAngel have really coordinated your act,” said Eddie.

Jack didn’t look impressed. He shook his head and said dully, “Yes, sometimes it feels like she’s listening to my thoughts.”

“What planet is that?” asked Julianna, trying to keep the meeting on track.

“Right,” said Jack, wheeling around to look at the screen. “This is Klamath. It’s a small planet, largely covered in ice.”

Julianna noticed that much of the planet was entirely white. There were bodies of water and masses of greenish land, but not many.

“You want us to go to an ice planet? I’m glad you reserved this until after I was upgraded,” said Eddie with a laugh. He leaned over and whispered loudly to Julianna. “We have resistance to cold, right?”

She nodded, keeping her gaze forward.

“Aside from requesting that you elect an XO, I’ve also been thinking that Ghost Squadron needs a Special Forces unit. What you all did on Nexus was impressive considering you didn’t have ground forces. However, I don’t want you to go into a similar situation in the future without having your own detachment.”

“I’m not sure I’m following you,” said Julianna, continuing to stare at the rotating planet of Klamath.

Jack nodded like he understood her confusion. “There’s a squad of Special Forces soldiers stationed on Klamath. They were set up by the Federation under General Reynolds, about like Ghost Squadron. Specifically, they are located in the northern hemisphere on a small bit of unnamed land. The natives are considered savages, and this team was sent there to quell the warfare.”

“You want us to retrieve this Special Forces team? Recruit them?” asked Eddie.

“Wouldn’t we be pulling them away from their mission?” asked Julianna.

Jack shrugged reluctantly. “Unfortunately, although this team is considered quite skilled, they haven’t been able to prevent the attacks. Sometimes we can go in and create peace. Sometimes we can’t.”

“So, the forces are being pulled out?” asked Julianna.

“Exactly. And this team is being reassigned to Ghost Squadron, which I suspect they will enjoy much more than their current assignment,” said Jack.

“Yeah, not having frostbitten balls would be a welcome change for most,” said Eddie.

Balls, Pip said in Julianna’s head before returning to being quiet like before.

She rolled her eyes.

“We’ve tried to relay the change in orders to Lieutenant Chad Fletcher,” said Jack. “However, the natives have them practically overrun. Any communications in or out of the planet have been compromised.”

“So, you need us to buzz over there, help them out, and tell them to report to their new base of operations, is that right?” asked Eddie.

“Correct,” stated Jack. He then lowered his gaze, his eyes suddenly heavy. “Surveillance shows that the Special Ops team is still strong in numbers, however, like I said, they’re close to being overwhelmed.”

“So, you’re sending us into a war,” said Julianna. She had read the change in Jack’s tone and the tension in his shoulders.

“The natives are unreasonable, and our attempts to intervene appear to only have pissed them off further,” said Jack.

“These natives? Are you going to give us a hint as to why you refer to them as savage, or is it a surprise?” asked Eddie.

“I’ll have Officer Sours brief you on that. She’s studied the Mamaths, as they are called,” said Jack.

“Mamaths?” asked Eddie. “They sound quaint.”

“As quaint as a giant bunny rabbit with razor-sharp teeth,” said Jack.

Julianna let out a long breath. This was a dangerous mission to undertake right after Eddie’s upgrade. He was still getting used to his body, and that would take time. “This Special Ops team you want us to pick up—are you sure they are worth us going out to this planet?”

“I could send a carrier ship.” Jack mused for a moment, and then shook his head, deciding against the idea. “No, I think it should be you folks who bring in the team. They are under serious fire, and getting out of there will be an ordeal. Furthermore, I want you to see the team in action, and vice versa. First impressions are everything. Adding a Special Forces unit to Ghost Squadron isn’t something I take lightly.”

“We will need both Q-Ships, is that right?” asked Eddie.

“Yes, and take a few Black Eagles for cover as well. You’ll understand more once you speak with Marilla,” said Jack.

“You mentioned killing two birds with one stone,” said Julianna. “Something about this and the XO?”

“Right, I did,” said Jack. “Lieutenant Fletcher has been leading this team of twelve for several years. He’s well respected by his team, makes sound decisions, and is an incredibly skilled soldier. I also think that he is the natural choice for your XO. However, you’re going to have to bring him in first. Get to know the guy. Have him on the ship.”

Eddie slapped his hands together and looked at Julianna. “You ready to grow the family?”

She nodded reluctantly. This was the correct thing to do. It felt right to grow Ghost Squadron, but still she knew she’d always value the time when the team had been small. She’d always think fondly of its inception.

CHAPTER FOUR

Intelligence Center, QBS ArchAngel, Behemoth System

Eddie chuckled at the image of a gorilla-looking creature covered in long white fur on the largest screen over Chester’s workstation. Long black claws protruded from its giant fingers, and its beady eyes were tiny on its massive head.

“That’s one ugly caveman,” said Eddie, still laughing at the cartoonish-looking creature.

“That,” said Chester, pointing at the screen, “is one of the angry natives you will have to fight on Klamath.”

Eddie’s laughter ended abruptly. He turned to Marilla, looking for confirmation. “What? Is that true?”

She nodded, pushing her hair behind her ear. “Yes, this species is known as the Mamath. They used to be widespread on Klamath, but due to their violent nature they have killed each other to the point of near extinction.”

“Why has the Federation been silently interfering?” asked Julianna.

“One of the reasons was to help preserve the Mamath population,” explained Marilla. “At least that’s how I understand it from reviewing the reports, but I think that mission has been abandoned. Also, the Mamaths weren’t only killing off their own population, but also the other animals on the planet. Putting the Special Ops team down there was an attempt to make peace for all. However, I don’t think there’s any hope for the Mamath. They’ve been trying not to use deadly force on this species, but it’s not working.”

“Which just means they’ve been getting their asses handed to them, right?” asked Eddie.

Marilla nodded in confirmation. “That’s how I understand it, but my clearance on this is low.”

“So, the Mamaths are angry brute-types. Anything else you can add?” asked Eddie.

“They aren’t very intelligent. The frontal lobe of this alien species is incredibly underdeveloped, which is the cause of their volatile nature,” said Marilla.

Julianna spun to face Eddie with a serious look on her face. “Maybe you’re half Mamath.”

“Ha-ha, Jules. We all know that I’m as cuddly as a teddy bear. I just choose to kick ass to keep things spinning round and round,” said Eddie.

“Teddy bear, huh?” asked Chester measuring Eddie up. “I never took you as the teddy bear type, but it’s a cute description.”

Eddie pointed at the hacker and smiled. “You’re the cute one, Chester. And you owe me a game of pool in the lounge when I get back.”

“Got it, Captain,” said Chester with a salute.

“Marilla, what else can you tell us about the Mamaths? Anything that Lieutenant Fletcher’s team might not know that we can use to help the cause?” asked Julianna.

“Actually, there is something that I knew about the alien species, but the team didn’t know when they were deployed,” Marilla stated.

“What’s that?” asked Eddie, immediately intrigued.

“They don’t like fire,” said Hatch from the doorway.

~~~

After Hatch interrupted the meeting with perfect timing, Eddie and Julianna followed him back to his workstation next to the cargo bay. Apparently, Marilla had fed the mechanic/scientist the information, and he’d been able to pull some technology from his locker.

“I guess I shouldn’t be shocked that these snow monsters are frightened by fire,” said Eddie when they paused in the lab.

“I’d be surprised if anything logical occurred to you,” said Hatch, waddling over to Knox, who was holding a weapon of sorts. It had a long hose like a fire extinguisher with an insulated nozzle on the end, which attached to a tank with straps on it.

“Go ahead and set up the targets,” Hatch ordered Knox. He nodded and ran off to the other side of the room.

Knox had been working with Hatch since he’d been injured. Now, he was better and in more ways than just physically. Julianna had spied him smiling a time or two, which had caught her off-guard the first time. The grin transformed his face, making his oft-troubled eyes appear young, matching his features. Before that he’d previously looked like a kid who had been asked to shoulder too much responsibility too young. But here, Knox nearly had a skip in his walk.

Knox pushed three metal statues from the back of the area, up to the front, only a few yards away.

“I’ve created a flame thrower, in essence,” said Hatch, indicating the hose and the tank it was attached to.

Eddie rubbed his hands together. “Oh, now you’re talking, Doc!”

Hatch ignored the captain and glanced at Julianna. “From what I can tell, reading Marilla’s report, bullets and other weapons are mostly ineffective against Mamaths. They have thick fur and a hide that’s really hard to pierce. Your best bet is fire.”

“But we don’t want to kill them,” Julianna stated.

“No, they are dying out,” said Hatch, waving one of his tentacles in the air at her. “I read the report, so I know. But you want to survive and not be killed either. Fire will burn these monsters, and it will also scare the hell out of them. Just depends on how you play things. Strategy is your game. Mine is weapons.”

“Which is why we make a great team,” stated Eddie, eyeing the fire blaster contraption.

“The tank straps on your back. I have exactly three fire blasters, so you should be set,” stated Hatch, right as Lars entered the work area.

Eddie waved the Kezzin over. He’d been ordered to report to them once it was clear they’d need extra forces on the mission. He’d be fully briefed in later. Lars was a quick study. He could join a mission halfway through orientation and do fine.

“As I was saying,” Hatch continued, “All you have to do is strap on the tank, hold the hose in the direction of the target, and fire.” One of Hatch’s tentacles pointed the nozzle at the first statue, which was roughly fifteen feet away. Another tentacle pulled a lever on the bottom of the tank, which would be easy to access when it was strapped to ones back.

Fire shot from the end of the hose and across the space. It enveloped the statue of a nondescript man, covering it in seconds. Hatch released the lever and the fire disappeared at once. Before anyone could say a word, he pivoted the nozzle an inch to the right and pulled the trigger again, taking out the second statue stationed a few feet over and back from the first. Then not turning the lever to off, he swerved the hose to the third statue. Fire trailed between the two statues until the last one was engulfed. Hatch released the lever and turned matter-of-factly to the group.

“Any questions?” he asked, looking to be suppressing a proud smile.

“Aim and shoot. I think I got this,” said Eddie, walking over and eagerly taking the fire blaster from Hatch.

“Just remember… You can cook your dinner with this fire or you can cook yourself,” warned Hatch.

“The only thing I plan on roasting is the enemy,” said Eddie, giving him a sly wink.

CHAPTER FIVE

Alpha-line Q-Ship, Planet Klamath, Behemoth System

“I don’t understand why you always get to fly the good ship,” Eddie said over the comm, pretending to sound bitter.

“Because I’m older,” stated Julianna, focusing on the snow-covered terrain below them. “Besides, Hatch says he’s close to having another Alpha-line Q-Ship ready for us.”

“Then this bad boy will be yours, Carnivore,” said Eddie to Lars over the comm.

Lars had made incredible progress on the Q-Ship simulators. He wasn’t just an excellent pilot, but was also proving to be a solid decisionmaker when in battle. That wasn’t always easy when enemy fire was coming at you.

“Pip has identified the area behind those caves on the eastern side to be the best place to land,” explained Julianna.

“Why is he not talking to me? I thought he could interface through the ships,” Eddie asked.

Should I tell him that you don’t want to share me? asked Pip in Julianna’s head.

I never said that, she grumbled.

No, but you’re thinking it.

I’m not either. I’m only trying to keep things organized, and having you in the captain’s head simply doesn’t make sense.

Are you sure you’re not afraid it would erase the walls? You’ve spent many decades building those iron clad walls. What if we break them down? What if we—

Have you deleted, said Julianna, cutting Pip off.

I can’t be so easily deleted.

Can’t you? Let’s find out.

Julianna landed the cloaked ship on a cushion of snow. Everything on Klamath was covered in a soft blanket of ice. It was kind of beautiful, if one could forget that eight-foot monsters owned the planet and liked to tear the heads off anything they came across.

Julianna zipped up the thermal jacket she’d been given by Hatch. It had almost made her sweat inside the Q-Ship, but she suspected it wouldn’t feel so hot when she stepped onto Klamath’s arctic terrain.

She had Pip lower the hatch and spied Lars and Eddie walking out of the hatch of their own ship. Julianna knelt over and pulled the flamethrower from the floor. She strapped it on and reinforced it into place, holding the nozzle with her right hand.

“Ready to burn shit up?” Eddie asked when she joined them. Each of their footsteps had left prints behind marking their trek from the cloaked Q-Ships. It was fine though, since they had a short jaunt between the landing area and where the Special Forces were rumored to be stationed.

“Almost,” she said, holding up a hand to Eddie. Lars stood beside him, surveying the whiteness around them, his eyes intense.

Pip, inform the Black Eagles of our location. We’re heading in and will need coverage from the sky, Julianna said in her head.

I’m already on it. Black Eagles in place and ready for your command, stated Pip.

Thanks. We’re headed into the mouth of the beast.

As always, be careful.

Julianna nodded, taking a steadying breath. Each mission was different, with its own unique challenges. One might think that after two hundred years it got easier, but that wasn’t how battle worked. Each day was unique, and so was each fight. It’s the soldier who took this uniqueness for granted who was most in danger. Complacency was the greatest weakness.

“All right, let’s go,” said Julianna, taking the lead position. “Look alive.”

~~~

Julianna marched through the snow a few paces ahead of Eddie and Lars. Their boots crunched loudly, and the sound echoed off the hills ahead of them. In the distance there was a stand of trees. Marilla had explained that these were known as shelter belts. They appeared all over this land, and created barriers for the habitable areas.

Pointing to the shelter belt, Julianna made eye contact with Eddie. He nodded in agreement before she ambled forward.

The air was thick with moisture, and it was so cold that it burned Eddie’s cheeks and nose. There was no breeze, though, and for that he was glad. The sky was a dull gray, but the brightness of the snow and ice made him squint. Their jackets and thermal pants matched the snow, making them blend easily into their surroundings.

A rustling sound made all three freeze. Julianna held up a hand, pausing them. They were between two snow hills, with prairie in front of them.

The rustling increased, sounding like a man or an alien or an animal was approaching on the other side of the hill. Julianna turned, aiming the flamethrower in the direction of the noise.

Eddie watched as her shoulders tensed. She was hyper-alert, even more so than usual. Something about this snow planet had her on edge, and he thought it had to do with him. Maybe he was reading too much into it, though.

More noise, but louder than before. Whatever was on the other side of the hill was close. Then something as white as the snow hopped out. It took Eddie a moment to register what he was seeing. The small round bunny-like animal paused. It stared up at the three poised soldiers, its enormous brown eyes wide with curiosity. The creature was larger than most rabbits—about the size of a basketball. Its pointed ears stuck straight up.

“Oh, fuck,” whispered Julianna. She relaxed a bit, lowering the nozzle of her flamethrower.

“Don’t shoot the poor little bunny,” teased Eddie.

Julianna cast a look of agreement over her shoulder. “That bunny almost got wasted.”

One of the bunny’s ears twitched and then swiveled to take in a noise. Eddie’s enhanced hearing also told him that something else was approaching. Maybe a pack of bunnies? Then they’d be overwhelmed with cuteness.

The bunny’s head jerked to the side and it darted the opposite direction, hopping more furiously than when it had appeared.

Julianna looked back at Eddie, her expression tentative. As she was turning back around, a wolf sprang from behind the hill. The animal halted in the spot where the bunny had been and sniffed the snow. Then, noticing the three, he lifted his head and bared his teeth at them, growling deep in his throat. He had thick white and gray fur and was twice the size of Harley, who was a pretty large dog—or at least Eddie had thought so.

Julianna reached for the lever on the bottom of the flamethrower. Her movements were careful to avoid spooking the wolf.

“What are you doing?” hissed Eddie.

“Getting rid of an animal who wants to eat us,” said Julianna in a quiet voice.

The wolf took a step forward, growling louder.

“It’s just a wolf. Remember what Marilla said…endangered species?” said Eddie.

“Do you have a fucking bone? Because I’m fresh out,” said Julianna.

A loud rustling filled the air. The wolf animal turned, looking in the direction it had come. Then a pack of wolves ran out from behind the hill. The new arrivals halted, having caught the sight of the three. The scout hopped at the wolf in the front. It was as if he were saying, “Look what I found.”

“Fuck,” Julianna whispered. “Can I fire at them or do you want to pet one of these dogs?”

The wolves advanced, making the three shuffle back a few steps. The beasts’ intent was clear. They were hungry, and the team would feed them for days.

“No, fuck these mutts. Fire away!” yelled Eddie. He stepped forward, so he was beside Julianna. Lars did the same, so they formed a wall.

Julianna pulled the lever. Fire shot from her weapon, but she had aimed it downward. The effect was immediate. The wolves retreated behind the hill at once, unharmed by the heat that had melted the snow in front of them. She released the lever to cut off the stream.

“So, you do have a heart,” said Eddie, looking at her with a proud smile.

“I figured I didn’t have to roast them. Just get them to retreat,” said Julianna. She trudged forward, stomping through the new puddle of water, and after a cursory glance around she let out a sigh of relief. “All clear.”

Eddie caught up with her easily. “Wonder what other animals are waiting out there to eat us?”

“Besides Mamaths? Something tells me there are all sorts of fierce creatures on this planet,” said Julianna.

“You good?” Eddie asked the Kezzin. He noticed Lars was shivering, even though he was wearing thermal clothing like theirs.

Lars nodded, his pointy teeth ramming together as he violently shivered. “I’m fine. Kezzin aren’t really equipped for the cold.”

“Will you be all right?” asked Eddie.

“I’ll be fine. I just need to get moving,” said Lars.

“Agreed,” said Eddie. He pointed to the shelter belt. “From the air it looked like there was a camp set up over there.”

“Let’s hope it’s our Special Ops team,” said Julianna, taking the lead again and hiking in that direction.

An explosion shook the ground, and a plume of smoke blossomed over the trees. Julianna spun, giving Eddie a cautious look. Lately they mostly communicated with looks rather than words.

He nodded, and they both sprang into action, sprinting across the snow, toward the belt. It became denser halfway through the pasture, almost up to their knees.

“Hey!” yelled Lars from behind them. He aimed his flamethrower at the ground and pulled the lever and the snow instantly melted, making the trek in front of him easier.

“Good idea,” said Eddie. He relished the idea of using the flamethrower for the first time. He pulled the lever and fire roared from the nozzle like a stream of water. It melted the snow in front of them, and when he’d taken care of the next twenty feet they took off running as he kept the stream of fire flowing continuously. The path was slushy, but much easier to traverse.

Julianna sprinted the last few yards and then threw her back against a tree. The explosions had continued, and were now joined by gunfire.

“Sounds like we got here at the right time,” said Eddie from beside her.

“Or the wrong time, depending on your perspective,” she agreed.

Three Black Eagles streaked overhead, racing toward the explosions. A moment later Julianna said, “The Mamaths have the squadron surrounded. They are backed up to the shelter belt.”

“Okay, then let’s spread out,” said Eddie. “Lars, you head south, and I’ll go north. Jules, you stay here. We’ll head through the trees and come out on the other end, with our flamethrowers blazing. We need to get to them before it’s too late.”

Lars nodded.

Julianna only stared, a tentative look in her eyes. “Be careful. Don’t do anything stupid,” she said after a short moment.

“I wouldn’t dream of it,” said Eddie, spinning around and sprinting north, through the trees.

~~~

The shelter belt was thick, about fifteen yards of closely-positioned evergreens. Still, Julianna could see blasts from the explosions ahead through the trees.

We’re going to try and push the Mamaths back. The Black Eagles need to support our efforts once they are far enough from the camp, she said to Pip.

Copy that. It appears that the Mamaths found this spot just now, surprising the platoon.

Maintain a visual from above and let me know if anything changes.

You mean, watch your back?

Exactly.

Julianna crouched so she could brush through the tree branches more easily. It was warmer in the shelter belt, but not by much. It was also like pushing through an overstocked closet of prickly clothes.

Soldiers were darting into the trees ahead. They had been pushed back as far as they could go. These guys would be sorely grateful for this surprise visit.

“Hey!” she yelled to a guy three trees in front of her, and he spun around, with a rifle in his hands and fear in his eyes. He squinted at her for several seconds. It took him a moment to register what he was seeing.

“We’re with the Federation. Here to help you out,” she yelled.

Relief flooded the guy’s face. “You aren’t a moment too soon.”

A loud explosion rocked the ground. Both Julianna and the soldier ducked to protect their faces from the debris that flooded the shelter belt. A second blast sent a heat wave into them. The explosions were probably keeping the Mamaths back, but apparently weren’t enough.

“Where’s the brunt of the attack coming from?” asked Julianna, scooting up beside the soldier.

He pointed at a clearing she could plainly see from where she was sitting. The Federation troops were hunkered down behind crates and half-destroyed tents. The Mamaths, which were much more menacing in person, thundered through the camp. They tore through tents with flicks of their wrists. The giants were impossibly tall, almost towering over the trees around them.

“Where’s your lieutenant?” asked Julianna.

The guy scanned the chaos and pointed to a pair of soldiers barricaded behind a huge boulder. It was at the edge of the camp, close to the approaching Mamaths.

“The one on the right,” he yelled over another explosion.

The lieutenant pulled a pin from a grenade and threw it at the closest Mamath. Then he and the other soldiers ducked and covered their ears. Snow exploded, causing the Mamath to fall and scuttle backward. Julianna expected that to be the end of it, but a few seconds later the undeterred beast pushed itself to its feet.

“Stubborn assholes, aren’t they?” mused Julianna.

“You have no idea,” the guy said, sounding weary.

“Stay here,” said Julianna, rising to a standing position.

“You can’t go out there. They’ll eat you for lunch,” said the guy frantically.

“Don’t worry, I’m not on the menu.” Julianna sprinted head-down in the direction of Lieutenant Fletcher. He was wearing a puffy white coat like hers and on his head was a white cap, which, now that Julianna thought about it, might have helped poor Lars.

Fletcher turned in time to see Julianna approach and had a similar reaction to the first soldier’s. How long had it been since this group had seen outsiders?

“I’m here to help. The Federation sent me,” yelled Julianna. She threw her back up against the rock when she met them.

“Who are you?” asked Fletcher, taking deep breaths. A nearby explosion made them all duck. The Mamaths were close. Too close.

“I’m with a classified unit like yours, and the general has reassigned you to us. We’re taking you out of here,” said Julianna, glancing over the rock. There was an approaching Mamath about twenty yards away.

“I saw the orders, but we’ve been a little busy,” said Fletcher. “Command said reinforcements were on the way, but I gotta tell you, lady—I expected more.”

“We’re all the help you need,” she said. “Are you ready for extraction?”

“To where?” he asked. “The mission report didn’t say, which is one of the many annoying aspects of working off the books.”

“The QBS ArchAngel. You’re going to assist Ghost Squadron,” said Julianna.

Fire, loud and bright, shot from the north, which meant Eddie was on the scene. Several Mamaths ran in the opposite direction to another shelter belt in the distance.

“ArchAngel? You’ve got to be kidding me! Who are you?” asked Fletcher.

“Commander Julianna Fregin,” she explained, “and I’m totally serious. You want off this cold-ass planet or don’t you?”

“Holy Hell!” Fletcher blinked and dropped his jaw, his pale-blue eyes suddenly stunned, then saluted. “Commander Fregin. I had no idea. What an honor this is. I’ve heard stories about you from the war. You’re—”

“Forget that,” she snapped. “Focus on the job and let’s get you boys out of here.”

“Yes, of course,” he said with a chuckle. “But it’s not every day you get to meet a legend. We’re ready to move on your mark, ma’am.”

“Your men, are they scattered?” asked Julianna. “How dispersed from this position are they?”

“It looks like they are mostly headed this way,” said Fletcher, pointing.

Half a dozen soldiers were racing toward them with the fire at their backs. Eddie was showing off.

She popped up and realized that the Mamath that had been approaching was only ten feet away. He was dumber than the rest, apparently, and bigger, too. At his back were two others and they formed a giant wall, their eyes narrowed and steam pouring from their nostrils.

“Okay, round up your men. We’re heading out,” said Julianna, standing and facing the Mamaths.

“We’ll never get out of here in time. They have us surrounded. And by the time we get through the shelter belt it will be too late,” said Fletcher.

“That was an order, Lieutenant,” said Julianna. She could see Eddie, in the distance, firing at each approaching Mamath. Some fled when he fired. Some merely held up their arm to shield, being a safe enough distance from the flame.

“Yes, Commander,” said Fletcher at her back.

She threw up her chin, looking at the Mamath ahead who had just noticed her. “How you doing, ugly?”

The monster grunted and then opened his mouth and yelled so loud it hurt her ears.

“What?” she asked. “I think you said you’re cold, is that right?”

She stood with her feet apart, one hand on the nozzle and the other on the lever.

The Mamath stomped, making the ground vibrate. Then he hunched low and charged in her direction. She pulled on the lever and a steady stream of hot-ass fire spilled from the hose, knocking straight into the Mamath. He caught on fire at once and it spread over his front, shoulders and head. Madly, the monster threw himself into the snow and rolled, trying to extinguish himself.

They might have been stupid, but they knew to stop, drop and roll. That was something, Julianna thought.

The Mamaths who had flanked the first had shielded their faces from the fire. They peeked out of their clawed fingers, like scared children.

“Are you cold, too?” Julianna yelled across the snow at them.

She pulled the lever and fire again streamed from the thrower. Behind the bright fire she made out the visual of the Mamaths retreating. The first was on hands and knees, crawling away.

To the south, more soldiers were fleeing in their direction. Lars was there, blasting through the crowd of Mamaths, making them retreat.

Julianna was about to celebrate a near victory when she turned to Eddie. He was blasting away Mamaths, but didn’t see that one had back tracked. The beast was behind him, approaching, looking to fucking tip toe across the snow.

“Teach!” yelled Julianna.

He looked up at her, still streaming fire, keeping back two Mamaths that were trying hard to get to him.

She indicated to his back, but the Mamath then lunged at Teach. Julianna sprinted at once, abandoning her position. Eddie turned, but before he could whip the fire in that direction, the Mamath picked him up by the base of his coat and slung him through the air. He collided with the first row of prickly evergreens.

Julianna released her fire at once, yelling loudly at the monster. The fire blasted him straight in the chest, knocking him back. She doubled back, shooting fire the entire time.

Eddie lay at the base of trees, but was pushing up when she approached.

“You alright?” she asked, keeping the Mamaths at bay.

“Yeah, I’ll survive.” He groaned, disconnecting himself from the branches of a stubborn tree.

Send in the Black Eagles. We’re ready to get the fuck out of here, Julianna said to Pip.

You got it boss, he replied.

A moment later, the three Black Eagles soared overhead, from the tree line. Once they’d passed the line where the Special Forces were they began firing, pushing the Mamath back.

“Come on Teach. Let’s get out of here,” she yelled, as he pulled away from the trees where he’d been lodged. He looked a bit battered from the assault, but mostly fine. She knew something like this was going to happen.

“But I didn’t get to make a snow man,” he pretended to complain.

“Next time,” she said.

Fletcher had rounded up most of his men. Lars ran in their direction, having been relieved by the Black Eagles.

“Through the trees. Our ships are on the other side of the clearing,” ordered Julianna.

“You heard the commander,” yelled Fletcher, a wide smile on his face. He had probably never been so relieved. “Let’s get the hell out of this shithole!”

CHAPTER SIX

Officers’ Lounge, QBS ArchAngel, Behemoth System

The lounge on the QBS ArchAngel felt extra small with all the new Special Ops team taking up every barstool. Chester stopped in the entryway and almost turned around, but he spied a guy leaning over next to Marilla on the pretext of helping her line up a shot at the pool table. Wasn’t that the oldest trick in the book? Oh, honey, let me show you how to do it, with my body pressed against yours. Chester didn’t laugh at his internal banter as he usually did.

The soldier had a brown flat-top, large biceps, and a barrel chest. He could no doubt bench-press Chester’s nerdy self.

Marilla stepped to the side and shook her head, looking nervous. That was a good sign. Her nonverbal cues said she wasn’t into him.

Chester ambled over with a bit more swagger than usual.

“Hey Mar, have you seen the captain?” asked Chester. He knew exactly where the captain was. You’d have to be blind and deaf not to see him holding court at the bar, telling a story to half a dozen of the Special Ops team. His arms waved wildly as he described something in his tall tale.

“Chest! Hi!” Marilla squeaked, looking relieved to see him. Was he imagining that? Hoping for the reaction?

“’Chest?’” the meathead repeated.

“Chester,” the hacker corrected him. “I’m the Chester Wilkerson.”

“’The?’ Like you’re someone important?” asked the flat-top.

Chester sorted through fifteen different insults to determine the perfect one, but before he could use it the jerk-face laughed.

“I’ve never heard of you.” The man laid his arm around Marilla’s shoulder and an uncomfortable expression jumped to her face. “Should I know who this guy is?” he asked her.

“You should, but you’ve been stuck on an ice cube of a planet so I get that you’re a bit sheltered,” Chester quipped.

Marilla shrugged out from under the guy’s arm. He cast her an annoyed look and said, “Someone has to fight the good fight. That was why they brought us here.” He looked Chester up and down, taking in his frayed jeans and T-shirt. “I’m guessing you’re a civilian, is that right?”

Marilla grabbed Chester’s hand and pulled him toward the bar. “Come on, the captain is over here.”

He had hardly registered that she’d yanked him away from the thug because her hand was in his. “Hey, you didn’t give me a chance to answer that brute.”

Marilla halted and her eyes swiveled up to meet Chester’s. “What does it matter?”

Chester glanced down at their still-intertwined hands. “It mattered to me.”

Marilla yanked her hand away and put it on her hip. “You could have told him that you’re the best hacker in this galaxy and he wouldn’t have cared. His type doesn’t put stock in intelligence. They think we’re safe and free because they fight, but what they don’t get is that people like you and me do a lot behind the scenes. Things that really matter.”

She was absolutely radiant right then with the passion burning in her brown eyes. Marilla had always been beautiful, but this fire made her come alive in a new way.

“You don’t think I’m the best hacker in this galaxy?” asked Chester, feigning offense.

Marilla rolled her eyes, then turned for the bar and said as she stalked off, “Chester Wilkerson, you are absolutely impossible.”

“And you can’t get enough of me,” he sang, strolling with a bit more confidence than before.

~~~

“I’m not kidding. He was this big,” said Eddie, holding his hand over his head.

“Whoa, and you kicked his ass?” Lieutenant Chad Fletcher asked. He, like everyone on his team, had cleaned up and changed into a fresh uniform. Fletcher had a bald head and an easy smile. He appeared to be the same age as most on his team, but there was a maturity in his eyes.

“Oh, hell no. I got my ass handed to me,” said Eddie with a loud laugh. “But when the savage thought I had passed out and turned his back, I jumped him and ran his head through the bar.”

The crowd around them howled with laughter. Julianna took a long drink, staring around. She’d been quiet most of the evening, allowing Eddie to hold the spotlight. It was better for her if people found her unassuming. That way when she took charge, they took notice.

“I thought you said the commander was there,” said Fletcher.

Eddie nodded, beaming at Julianna. “She was there the second time. I was about to have my ass handed to me that time too.”

“Because he likes trouble,” said Julianna, mostly into her glass.

“It’s true. I do. But Jules stepped in and saved the day, just like on Klamath,” said Eddie.

“You would have been alright both times,” said Julianna.

“Yeah, but it’s more fun if we get to tag team in these fights,” said Eddie.

Fletcher emptied his beer, thumping it on the bar with a satisfied sigh. “I have to tell you, Commander, when you arrived on Klamath and said you were pulling us out of there, I thought an angel had just fallen.”

The men and women around him cheered. They all wore wide smiles. Each was grateful to be aboard the QBS ArchAngel and not fighting Mamaths.

Julianna laughed. How could she not? In all her life, no one had described her as an angel.

“Yeah, I bet you’re actually too warm on this ship after being on that cold-ass planet,” said Eddie.

Fletcher blew out a breath as he shook his head. “You have no idea. And not only is the environment better, but it sounds like you people have fun.”

“We try to keep it entertaining,” said Eddie. “What’s the point in kicking dickwads around and not having a giggle while you do it?”

The crowd around Eddie erupted in laughter, and he lapped up the attention.

“Hey, Captain,” called Chester. His normally pale face was a bit flushed. “We still on for that game of pool?”

Eddie looked at the hacker and his mouth broke into a smile. “You know it! I hear you’re a pool shark, and want to see this firsthand.” Fletcher and many of the others slapped Eddie on the back as he passed them. He nodded to the crowd as he left. As soon as he was gone, the space fell uncomfortably quiet. It almost felt darker, like he had carried a light with him.

Julianna dismissed herself and strode for the exit. Once in the corridor, she welcomed the silence. Sitting by the wall as if waiting for someone was their scruffy dog Harley. Reflexively Julianna flinched, remembering the wolves, but the playful look in Harley’s eyes was completely different from the menacing anger on the wolves’ faces.

“What, are dogs not allowed in the lounge?” Julianna asked dryly.

Harley yipped back excitedly.

“Maybe I should go back in there then,” she teased, walking down the hallway. Harley followed her, looking down at the deck and then back up at her expectantly.

Julianna halted and glanced down at the dog. He sat and stared up at her, his mouth wide open and tongue spilling over the side. “Tell me, what exactly are you so happy about?”

Harley, as if on cue, mumbled a bit in his dog voice.

“That made zero sense,” complained Julianna.

He barked loudly in reply.

“Seriously, I don’t get you at all. You’re happy all the time. You do nothing but play and sleep, and you’re liked by most everyone,” said Julianna.

Harley lifted one of his paws as if offering her a handshake.

“And yes, I said most everyone. Assume away.” She turned and walked off, and the smelly and shedding fleabag followed dutifully beside her.

CHAPTER SEVEN

General Reynolds’ Office, QBS ArchAngel, Behemoth System

“Well, well, well. Here’s our favorite general and mystery man,” said Eddie upon entering Lance’s office. The general had asked ArchAngel to send word to Julianna and Eddie that he was aboard.

Julianna saluted, her back straight.

Lance smiled modestly and indicated the two chairs beside Jack. “Please join us.”

“You didn’t tell us we were getting a surprise visit from the general,” Eddie said to Jack.

“That was because, as you mentioned, it was a surprise,” said Jack.

“Touché.” Eddie winked.

“I informed Jack that as soon as I had a chance then I’d be stopping by,” said Lance. “That was once he’d told me that the man behind these attacks on the fringe was Felix Castile. I asked him to keep the information in confidence, and told him I’d brief you two in person at my earliest convenience.”

“Oh, good—you’re going to shed a bit of light on that power-hungry spit-fuck,” said Eddie.

Lance picked up his unlit cigar and rolled it in his fingers. “I don’t think what I have to share will shine too much light on the man. It’s hard to understand why some take such a vindictive path when peace is clearly the better option, but they keep us in business, and I suspect they always will.”

“Peace isn’t an option to those who are consumed by greed, sir,” said Julianna.

Lance nodded appreciatively. “Well put, Commander.” He set the cigar back down on the desk and regarded the three in front of him for a moment before saying, “Felix Castile, as you already know, is a powerful, intelligent, and wealthy man. He’s self-made, which normally I’d respect the hell out of. Nevertheless, for all of his positive attributes, he’s still a fucking asshole. Give a man brains, wealth and prestige and it won’t matter if, at his core, he’s rotten.

“The Federation had employed Felix in different roles. We were planning the first major transport mission back to Earth,” explained Lance. “Felix had insisted that his loyalty to the Federation and service meant he’d have a place on that transport ship. He believed he had earned the right to go, largely because of his wealth and connections, but that’s not how it works.”

Lance fell silent suddenly, chewing on the inside of his cheek.

“Felix was rejected?” asked Jack, finally.

Lance nodded. “He was furious. He said I denied him the chance to finally go home, back to where he believed he belonged. Where humanity belonged. He felt betrayed, like I had taken his birthright. I’ve thought about this throughout the years, and I stand by my decision. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you’ve done. That mission was critical, and Felix didn’t need to be on that ship. He wanted to be, but I get requests every day from people who want something. I can’t grant them all. Most accept this and move on, but I knew from the beginning that Felix wasn’t likely to let it go. He became more volatile than ever.  I suspected he was planning something to get back at me for my decision.” Lance sighed and shook his head. “I received a report that he was planning an attack, so I sent forces after him. There was an explosion, and several casualties. I concluded that he was dead, but now I know the truth.”

“Felix faked his own death?” asked Julianna.

“I suspect so,” Lance confirmed. “He has been on the fringe ever since, plotting and planning this all. I see it now. And whatever he is up to, it’s been a long time coming. I have a feeling he’s preparing to strike hard, so we need to be ready when he does.”

“Fortunately, we’ve just added a Special Ops team to the crew,” Jack stated.

Lance nodded approvingly. “That’s a good start. What you’ve done so far has secured our footing in this silent war. More than anything, we have to find out what Felix is planning. He’s damn brilliant and will certainly be hatching something that he hopes will knock our feet out from under us.”

“That’s not going to happen,” Eddie said with conviction.

“That’s the spirit, Captain,” said Lance. “Have your intelligence team dig for more information. Your new soldiers will come in handy when it’s time to fight, but don’t forget to use all your assets.”

“Chester and Marilla are the best. They’ll work around the clock,” declared Eddie.

“Good. In the meantime, I have a mission for you and the new Special Ops team,” said Lance.

Eddie’s pulse quickened. “Oh boy! Whose ass are we going after?”

“No ass-kicking yet,” said Lance, “but not to worry, there will be plenty of that soon.”

Eddie smiled easily. “Yeah, I figured as much.”

“I think,” began Lance, “that we should break in the new team with a humanitarian mission. Something that shows them what Ghost Squadron is all about. It protects freedoms when necessary, but more importantly, it restores hope.”

The screen behind Lance changed to an image of a planet. “ArchAngel, your timing is spooky lately,” said Eddie with a laugh.

Lance glanced over his shoulder. “That’s Kezza, where the next mission will take place.”

“The Brotherhood has been disbanded, correct?” asked Julianna.

“Yes, they have. Thousands of Brotherhood soldiers are being returned to Kezza in batches,” said Lance.

“Then why is there a mission on Kezza?” asked Eddie. “It would appear that their problems have been solved.”

“It would appear,” repeated Lance. “However, when the Brotherhood enslaved its military force, it took away nearly a third of the population, especially in the north. As has happened in many times of war, those who were left behind were expected to take on all the responsibilities of the society. Our reports indicate that manufacturing, farming, and construction all took a hit when most of the male population was enlisted in the Brotherhood.”

Jack turned to Julianna and Eddie. “Ghost Squadron is about defending the Federation, but also it’s important that we help to rebuild—even those outside our borders. The Kezzin need our help.”

“I couldn’t agree more,” stated Eddie.

Lance’s mouth spread in a flat smile. “The returnees will need time to adapt after their ordeal. Many were brainwashed into serving or, like Lars, threatened. There are several areas which could use our help rebuilding, farming or simply offering a helping hand. This mission will support this area,” he pointed to a portion of the northern continent on the map, “which has suffered due to Felix’s silent war.”

“Lars is from the north, right?” Julianna asked Eddie.

He thought for a moment, then nodded. “I believe so.”

“I’m sure he will be anxious to assist your efforts, then,” stated Lance.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Omega-line Q-Ship, Planet Kezza, Tangki System

It felt different to fly a full Q-Ship, filled with Special Ops soldiers. It felt good. The team was rowdy in the back, all of them pumped for the mission. After fighting Mamaths, a safe humanitarian mission was probably a vacation. That wasn’t to say that the work on Kezza would be easy. Julianna knew that after reviewing the reports.

The north had suffered greatly, most of their crops for livestock dying and many of their buildings taking serious storm damage. Having lost nearly half of their population to the Brotherhood, they were underprepared for the annual storms. The females, children and elderly were given the burden of buckling down the infrastructure, which they did, but it wasn’t enough.

The females did an incredible job of taking the extra responsibility of farming, production and general societal requirements. However, no population can flourish with only one sex. That was clear to Julianna after reviewing the reports. They both have their strengths and there is purpose between the yin and yang of every population. Take one and the other will suffer because the balance is off.

Julianna glanced at the men and women in the back of the Q-Ship. She felt that this balance had been achieved with Ghost Squadron.

Eddie’s voice crackled over the comm. “Blackbeard to Carnivore.”

“Carnivore here,” said Lars. He was flying the older Q-Ship. Eddie had received the honor of flying the newest Q-Ship, which was identical to the one Julianna currently flew. However, Eddie also had Hatch sitting next to him, critically watching his every move.

“Where do you suppose the best place to land and set up camp is?” asked Eddie.

“The mountain ridge ahead provides cover from the desert winds that will sweep in at night,” said Lars. “There are three nearby villages, so we won’t have to travel far.”

“Sounds good,” said Eddie. “Lead the way, Carnivore. I’ll have the Black Eagles drop supplies south of here, which should take care of that area.”

“That’s a good plan,” said Lars.

Lars hadn’t displayed the slightest micro-expression of excitement when told about this mission. Instead the Kezzin had simply nodded. Julianna knew he had to be brimming with emotion, returning to his home planet after everything. She wondered if he’d crack now that they were setting down on the planet. She wondered if she would in his position.

~~~

Eddie set the ship down so smoothly most would not have felt the landing.

Hatch wiped one of his tentacles across his forehead. “I thought you were going to make widows of all my wives.”

Eddie looked at the Londil in confusion. “That landing wasn’t up to your standards?”

“You call that a landing?” asked Hatch. “I think ‘crash’ is more accurate.”

Eddie smiled. “Great job with this ship. She flies like a dream.” He patted the controls affectionately.

“It would have been another week without Knox’s help,” said Hatch and then his eyes skirted to the back briefly where Knox sat alongside crates of supplies. Did Hatch just give someone a compliment? Eddie thought, trying to cover his shock. If Hatch thought he’d been too nice, then he’d probably make up for it with a bigger critique later.

Eddie unstrapped himself, popping up from his seat. “I’ll get this unloaded. The rest of you go off to do what you do best.”

Hatch regarded Eddie with a skeptical expression, a few quips probably scrolling through his head. Finally, he slipped from the seat made especially for him and waddled for the exit. “Grab the tool box, Gunner,” he said to Knox, using the name the crew had affectionately given to him. He already had the bright yellow, oversized tool chest in his hands and an eager look on his face.

“Fletcher’s team and the rest of us are going to do important stuff. But you two are here to offer the real help,” said Eddie, proudly.

Hatch hesitated, his expression uncertain. “Well, thanks,” he finally said, reluctance heavy in his tone. “I still think you fly like a space chimp.”

“Of course you do. I’ll work on it, Doc,” said Eddie, offering the mechanic a wide grin.

~~~

Fletcher’s team had dispersed at once, spreading out to the closest villages, offering help to any who needed it. A goodwill message had been sent ahead of time and was warmly received. The Kezzin hadn’t always been friendly to humans, but suffering a great tragedy such as they had had changed things. There were still those who silently followed the Brotherhood and the pirates who ransacked human ships. However, most of the individual Kezzin were like Lars and simply wanted to live a simple life without the violence and power plays. The Kezzin were simple, Lars had told Eddie. They enjoyed the sun, outdoors, family, and the hunt.

Julianna approached Eddie with an uncertain expression on her face. He’d unloaded his supplies into the main area in record time. Well, record time for him. Fletcher’s team grabbed the water and building supplies, ready to take them to the remote villages. They’d make repairs and assist the Kezzin long into the night. It was good for them. It was good for everyone.

“Why have you been giving me strange looks lately?” asked Eddie, crossing his arms on his chest and looking directly at Julianna.

“Define ‘lately,’” she said. Her tone was serious, but there was a playful smile on her face. “I’ve regarded you with disdain from the beginning.”

Eddie whistled, shaking his head. “Disdain? I didn’t realize I irritated you that much.”

“Of course you don’t. You had a shit-eating grin on your face as you worked.”

Eddie rubbed his hand over his lips as if to confirm the smile on his face. “Oh, was I grinning? I hadn’t realized.”

“You always grin, but a bit more than usual today,” observed Julianna.

“That’s easy. I’m excited to be here. It isn’t every day that we get to do something like this. Something that gives back.”

“We risk our necks every damn day to fight bullies,” argued Julianna.

Eddie shook his head. “But this is different. On those occasions we’re stopping the bad guys, but here we’re helping the good guys.”

They looked out to where Fletcher’s team were spread out in different directions, off to help the Kezzin villages.

“Yeah, I know what you meant. I was just giving you shit,” said Julianna.

“I know. I can’t imagine it any other way.”

“Imagine what?” she asked. “Me, giving you shit?”

He grinned. “It’s my constant. What can I say?”

Julianna pointed at Lar’s Q-Ship, which still sat closed up. “You think he’s coming out anytime soon or should we go in there and get him out?”

Eddie’s eyes drifted to a large Kezzin who was approaching. He looked about like all Kezzin with their red scaly skin and pointy chin. However, this one had something different about him. “I think we’re not going to have to,” said Eddie.

The Kezzin had an expression that Eddie recognized. He was in confused disbelief. From the front of the Q-Ship, the alien could be seen. That’s probably why a moment later the hatch finally opened and Lars stepped out, looking at the Kezzin like one does an old friend.

~~~

Hiraeth. That’s the word that had been streaming through Lars Malseen’s head for the last year. He was certain when the Brotherhood took him that he would never return home, or that Kezza would never exist like it was before. The word, hiraeth, he’d run across while reading, nearly falling to his knees when he looked up its meaning. “Homesickness for a place to which you cannot return, that maybe never was.” Nostalgia didn’t quite fit when Lars thought of Kezza. It didn’t accurately describe the doom and regret he felt. Hiraeth, though…that word nailed it.

But here he was at last. Against all odds, Lars had returned. And before him was the face he’d thought he’d never see again.

“Dequan…” Lars choked on the name. The sun silhouetted his brother, casting him in dark shadows. Still he recognized that face. He’d know it anywhere.

“Lars,” said Dequan, halting.

The brothers stood fifteen feet apart, unmoving. It had been nearly impossible for Lars to come out of the Q-Ship. He feared that his brother had been enlisted or harmed. He feared the worst. Not coming back to Kezza was almost easier than returning, after all this time.

The brothers stood fifteen feet apart, and Lars remained in place. He couldn’t move. What if this were a dream? He’d dreamt this a thousand times, only to wake up and realize that he wasn’t home and maybe never would be.

Dequan moved first. He strode forward with his head tilted like he wasn’t sure he was seeing his brother correctly.

“Brother, you have returned. I knew you would,” said Dequan when he was only a few feet away.

“I’ve wanted to for quite some time, but there was work to be done first. I couldn’t come back until the Kezzin were safe from the Brotherhood.” Now that Lars had started talking, it felt like he’d never stop. He wanted to bound forward and embrace his brother, but something still kept him rooted in place. Lars knew exactly what it was. It was his own fear. His own regret.

Dequan was regarding him like he was an alien. He was regarding him like he was different. Wrong, somehow. That’s what Lars had feared. And here it was. The rejection.

“Did the Brotherhood…” Lars’ question trailed away.

Dequan shook his head. “No, they didn’t take me. I took the family to the mountains. We hid there, just as you told us to do.”

Lars let out a breath of relief. “I’m glad for that. The battles were brutal. Many Kezzin were killed.” His mind flashed to the lieutenant that he killed on Nexus. To the many Kezzin he had been forced to fight in defense of the Federation.

“You escaped the Brotherhood. That’s what your letter said,” said Dequan.

So he had gotten the letter. Had he pieced the rest together?

“Yes, and I joined Ghost Squadron. We fought the Brotherhood.” Lars gestured toward Eddie and Julianna, who stood in the distance. Both looked away quickly, as if they weren’t eavesdropping on the reunion. “It is because of the captain and the commander that the Brotherhood was disbanded and many Kezzin have returned home.”

“You fought the Brotherhood? You fought your own?” asked Dequan.

Lars heart sank. He wanted to jump back into the Q-Ship and fly away, never to return to Kezza, but instead he dropped his gaze to the ground. “I did what I had to for the greater good.”

“Did you kill Brotherhood soldiers?” asked Dequan. He had always challenged Lars, always pushed him until he told the truth. It had been like this since they were young.

“I did what I had to for the greater good,” Lars repeated.

Dequan let out a heavy sigh. He covered his forehead and eyes with his hand, covering the new stress on his face.

“Yes, Dequan, I killed my own. I had to. I know you must hate me. My race will never accept me, but—”

“I don’t hate you,” said Dequan in disbelief. He dropped his hand, shaking his head. “I respect you more than ever, Lars.”

“You do?” asked Lars, confused. This wasn’t how he had expected it to go.

“Because of you and Ghost Squadron, our people are free,” said Dequan, his tone overflowing with conviction. “Most wouldn’t have escaped the Brotherhood. Only you did, as far as I can tell, and I know of no one else who would fight his own people to free them. You did what you had to because you, Lars, are an incredibly selfless person. You could have run or hidden, but instead you stood up to the leaders of the Brotherhood in order to bring them down.”

Lars’ mouth dropped open. His throat was suddenly dry, and his eyes couldn’t blink. “You understand, then?”

“Perfectly,” said Dequan, “and I couldn’t be prouder of you, brother.”

Suddenly Lars’ feet unstuck from the ground, and he nearly lost his balance. He wrapped his arms around his brother. This was the moment he couldn’t believe would happen—and yet it had, here and now. Lars pressed his eyes shut, breathing deeply.

Maybe you could go home…and find that your heart had never left.

CHAPTER NINE

Village of Gazer, Planet Kezza, Tangki System

“Here’s your problem,” said Hatch, pulling a long bolt out of the top of a combine. The Kezzin around him all nodded like this made perfect sense. In the distance the crops that fed the herds had been almost completely decimated. Apparently, the storms had been the first assault and then a fungus took out most of rest of the field. The pastures were filled with Kezzin and humans who were trying to replant it.

Hatch wiped the grease from his tentacles with a rag, then stepped down from the machine. “How’s the irrigation system?” he asked Knox, who was bent over with his head inside a box buried in the ground.

Knox straightened up with dirt on his nose and cheeks, and smiled. “Let’s find out. Are you ready?”

Hatch pinned two tentacles to his sides and deflated his cheeks. “No, I’d like to melt in this heat for a few more hours.”

“Oh, okay. Never mind, then.” Knox laughed.

“Go on. Let’s see if you’ve learned anything I taught you or you’re as obtuse as the crew on ArchAngel,” said Hatch.

“But if it works then all those in the field will get wet. Shouldn’t we warn them first?”

“You’re real confident, aren’t you?” asked Hatch.

“Well, no. It’s just a precaution,” said Knox, his eyes dropping to the dry ground. “I’m sure it won’t work. Not the first time at least. I did everything you told me to do, but I probably screwed something up.”

“Then you have nothing to worry about and no one will get wet. Go on then,” said Hatch, urging Knox by waving one of his tentacles in the air over his head.

Knox nodded, reaching into the box. He flipped a series of switches. Then he stood up and looked out at the field with uncertainty. Nothing happened. As if confirming his suspicions of failure, he nodded. “Yeah, I figured I hadn’t connected the—”

A gentle mist streamed from the irrigation hoses that snaked through the field. Those planting jumped with alarm, many of them darting out of the field. The hoses hiccupped several times, but the flow of water continued steady and strong.

Hatch laughed as the field cleared out. “Blame the kid. It’s his fault you all got a shower,” he said to the workers racing in their direction. He looked at Knox with a sort of smile on his face.  “Good work, Gunner. That irrigation system is going to really help this crop to recover.”

“Thanks,” said Knox, his pale cheeks glowing pink. “I just followed your instructions.”

“Well, I can’t do everything myself, now can I?” Hatch said, grimacing at a pair who were pushing a tractor in their direction. “Oh hell, they have another one for us to repair. No rest for the brilliant, and the dumb don’t need any.”

~~~

Knox’s head was under the hood of the old tractor when he heard the familiar laugh. He pulled his head up to spy the person he thought the laughter belonged to. However, Lars’ face was brighter than he’d ever seen it.

Lars had knelt, and was looking up at a young Kezzin. Knox supposed the child was his niece, and the pair behind her Lars’ family. So badly did Knox want to be happy for his friend. He’d read the hesitation in him when they were preparing to come to Kezza. Knox realized that returning to his home planet had been difficult for Lars. Knox couldn’t relate.

He’d never had a home to return to, not really. He and his Pops had moved around a lot since the beginning, but he’d never understood why. And then one day, Knox’s Pops had suddenly disappeared. He didn’t go to the store and not come back or anything like that. Literally, one moment he was there, in the other room, and then he was gone. There was no explanation, which is why after a week, Knox fled, an unsettling feeling in his chest.

That feeling had never disappeared. He didn’t know if it ever would. Something told him that if he ever found out the truth, then maybe it would. But that was a desperate hope because how does one find a man who vanished with zero clues?

A tentacle waved in front of Knox’s face. “Hey, who gave you a break?” asked Hatch.

Knox shook his head slightly and spun to face Hatch. He’d been staring at nothing for who-knew-how-long. His thoughts had taken over, gotten to him. That didn’t happen when he worked, made things.

“Sorry, Doctor A’Din Hatcherik,” said Knox, his face flushing hot. He’d just gotten praise from Hatch, and then a moment later was caught goofing off. Damn it.

Hatch’s gaze followed where Knox had been staring, and he blinked at the Kezzin family reunion before looking at the tractor. “Why don’t you go grab something to drink? It’s easy to get dehydrated on this lizard planet.”

“No, I’m good. I’ll get back to work,” said Knox quickly, leaning forward intently to replace the spark plugs in the old tractor.

“That wasn’t a request. It was an order, Gunner,” said Hatch, his voice strict. “You’re no use to me if you get yourself sick.”

Knox’s gaze, without his permission, shot back to Lars’ family. He had his arm around his brother’s shoulder, and a look of pure happiness on his face. Knox nodded, backing away. “Okay. I’ll be back in a few, though.”

“Take your time, kid,” said Hatch. He turned to the Kezzin and the Federation crew working around them. “Why don’t you lot clear off? We can’t work with all of you clogging up this space.”

Those around the field retreated at Hatch’s order, Lars and his family included.

CHAPTER TEN

Intelligence Center, QBS ArchAngel, Behemoth System

Chester rocked his head back and forth. Timbaland was a freaking genius. The new music coming out of Onyx Station didn’t compare. He preferred to listen to the Shock Value album rather than the techno crap in the background of the first-person shooter game he was playing.

Chester jerked to the side as if he were dodging the attack on the screen.

“No you don’t, sucker,” he yelled at the screen, firing off several rounds at the scoundrels he was fighting.

Swaying his shoulders to the music, Chester rocked his head. “I’m pretty sure you got your own recipe,” he sang along with the song. “Pick it up. Pick it up. Yeah, I like you. I just can’t get enough, I’ve got to drive through.”

Chester chanced a glance at Harley who was looking up at him like expecting a treat. “You’re right, Har, these are some sweet, sweet moves.”

Behind him, Marilla giggled.

He paused the game and spun around. “Oh, have you decided to quit pretending to ignore me.”

“I’m not ignoring you. Or pretending to do so,” she argued. Well, she lied. He’d caught her eyeing him in the mirror he’d positioned beside his front monitor. The mirror was a new addition, but he was certain her glances at his back wasn’t anything new. Or at least he hoped not.

“I know, I’m pretty distracting,” said Chester, picking up his shirt off his shoulders. “If it’s ever too much for you and your crazy work ethic, let me know.”

“Do you think I want to be relocated to a different work area? Maybe on the bridge?” asked Marilla with a playful smile on her face.

“Oh, heck nah. I’ll just quiet down. That tech support geek already moved out of here because of my antics. I get that I’m a bit much,” said Chester. He’d laid it on pretty thick when that dork had been in the office with them. He’d planned all along to get him to request a different workstation, leaving only Marilla and Chester in the Intelligence Center.

“You don’t have to worry. You don’t distract me. I actually find you pretty entertaining,” said Marilla, and motioned to Harley. “It appears he does too.”

“Well, good.” He spun back and resumed playing the game. “What’s your name?” he continued to sing with the song. “Girl, what’s your number? I’m glad I came. Can you take my order?”

“What is this?” asked the captain.

Chester spun around to find Eddie standing in the doorway. He was right on time, probably having gotten his meeting request as soon as he returned from Kezza.

“I know, he’s blatantly playing games on the job. You should fire him and then throw him out the airlock,” said Marilla dryly.

Eddie shot a look of surprise at the communication officer. “Damn, when did you get so feisty?”

“I believe it’s my influence,” stated Chester.

“Well, maybe I need to split you two up,” joked Eddie. “I can’t have you corrupting our sweet Marilla.”

“I’ve got you all fooled,” said Marilla, stretching to a standing position. “I’ve always been this way. You all mistake my quiet nature for niceness.”

“Oh, well, it’s not hard to fool me,” said Eddie with a laugh. He looked at Chester, his eyes wide on the paused game on the big screen. “And I’m not firing this guy. Instead, I want you to allow me to play. What is this?”

Marilla chuckled, slapping her hand on her leg to get Harley’s attention. The dog perked up and trotted over. “I figured you wouldn’t fire Chest. There’s no way you could replace him.” She left without another word, and Harley followed her.

Eddie watched her leave and then turned to Chester. “You guys are cute.”

“Like a couple of kittens curled up in front of a fire,” said Chester.

“Yeah, about like that,” said Eddie, reaching over and picking up the wireless controller sitting on Chester’s desk. “All right, I got to play this. Can I?”

“Knock yourself out,” said Chester, leaning back in his chair with his hands behind his head. “I’ll go ahead and tell you what I found out while you play, which I’ll warn you only begs for more questions.”

Eddie gave Chester a sideways skeptical look before unpausing the game. “I don’t like the sound of that.”

“Yeah, well, unfortunately I found just enough information to ask a dozen more questions.” Chester watched as Eddie took a fatal hit. He started a new game, tapping the controls hard with frustration.

“Go on then,” said Eddie.

“You’re a busy man so I’ll sum this up for you as best I can,” began Chester. “There is some sort of weapon that Felix has created. I have no idea what it is or who developed it, although I’m continuing to follow leads.”

“When not gaming,” added Eddie.

“Exactly,” said Chester, firing a finger at him. “What I found tells me that there’s one sure fire way to determine what this thing is.”

“Call the guy up and ask him?” joked Eddie, taking another hit. He was much better at live combat than the virtual kind, thank goodness.

“Yeah, you could do that, but I doubt he’ll tell you. I’ve been hacking all sorts of his systems, but hitting major firewalls. What I need is direct access to his personal accounts,” said Chester.

“Which we get…how?” asked Eddie.

“By going aboard Unsurpassed,” said Chester, brandishing a clever grin at the captain.

Eddie lowered the controls with an utterly confused expression on his face. “You’re kidding, right?”

Chester grimaced when Eddie was obliterated in the game. “I’m not kidding. My jokes are way better than that. I know it sounds farfetched, but I’ve been playing with the idea and think it’s a good one. Risky, yes, but solid.”

“You think because I’m enhanced I’ll go for something so insane, don’t you?” asked Eddie, restarting the game once more.

“I think you’re a man who wants solutions to problems. Our problem is that we don’t know what Felix has. All we can confirm is that he had something commissioned, my digging has told me that much, anyway.”

“And if we get aboard Unsurpassed and grant you access to his system, you think you can find what we’re looking for?” asked Eddie.

“I know that I can,” said Chester, proudly.

“There’s the whole problem that we could get caught, going onboard an enemy ship and all,” said Eddie, tapping the button on the control repeatedly.

“Believe me, a major concern for me. I don’t even have any combat experience, unless gaming counts,” said Chester.

“It doesn’t,” said Eddie, dropping the control down for a second time. “And you need to go on this suicide mission yourself? Explain.”

“The last time I checked, you’re good with a gun, but you can’t hack into a computer system to save your life,” said Chester.

“Why thank you. And no, I don’t think I can,” said Eddie. “I thought you said that if we got aboard Unsurpassed we’d have access to the records.”

“True, we’ll have access, but they’ll still be protected. You’re going to need someone skilled that can disable their security and hack into the system,” said Chester.

“Okay, that would be you,” said Eddie and then he grunted when he got killed yet again. He dropped the controls on the desk in front of Chester. “All right, so any ideas on how we’re going to stroll aboard Unsurpassed and hack into the systems?”

Chester picked up the control and started a new game. “Strategy is for you and the commander to figure out. You get me in there and I’ll get what you need.”

Eddie watched for a long few seconds as Chester wasted a few of the digital enemies with ease. “All right, chief. I’ll go and mull this over with Julianna. Keep doing what you’re doing. You’re brilliant at it.”

Chester took out a sniper and smiled broadly. “You got it, boss.”

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Cargo Bay, QBS ArchAngel, Behemoth System

“Don’t cry, it’s only a knock-knock joke,” said Pip overhead as Eddie entered the cargo bay. Hatch gave Knox a classic deadpan look to which the young mechanic simply shook his head. “Get it! Boo-who. Don’t cry.” Pip laughed loudly at his own joke.

Eddie shot a curious glance at Julianna. She shrugged and gave him a “You don’t want to know” look.

“Okay, I’ve got another one,” said Pip overhead.

“I’m fairly certain we’ve had our fill,” said Julianna. “Teach is here and we have to discuss the next mission with him.”

“I’ll make it fast,” said Pip, ignoring her. “Knock-knock.”

Julianna stared at Hatch, who waddled away, shaking a wrench above his head.

When no one said anything, Eddie said, “Who is there?”

“Little old lady,” answered Pip.

Eddie grinned, but the other three didn’t at all look impressed. They’d obviously been suffering from these jokes for too long. “Little old lady who?”

“Nice! I didn’t know you could yodel,” chirped Pip. “Ba-dum-tss!”

Eddie narrowed his eyes. “I don’t get it.”

“None of us do,” said Julianna, waving him over.

“Captain, will you remember me in an hour?” asked Pip.

Even more confused, Eddie shook his head. “Of course, you strange AI.”

“Shush it, Pip. We have real work to do,” said Julianna, her tone punishing.

“All work and no play makes Julianna a—”

“Can Pip be reprogrammed now that he’s a true AI?” she asked Hatch, cutting Pip off.

Hatched puffed his cheeks. “Certainly. I’m considering changing his software as we speak.”

Eddie laughed at the absurdity of all this. Pip was good for the crew, more lately than ever before. “I heard you mention the mission. You received the report from Chester? Did you flip? Pretty gnarly idea, huh?”

“It’s brilliant,” said Julianna, to his surprise. “That’s why I came here to meet with Hatch. However, we have another problem.”

“Of course we do. Lay it on me,” said Eddie.

Hatch cleared his throat, scuttling forward. He and Knox appeared to be building the next Q-Ship. “Sneaking onto Unsurpassed is a very doable mission, in my mind. However, in order to be successful, you’re going to need cloaking technology.”

“Yeah, I was thinking we’d use the personal cloaking belts again,” said Eddie.

“Yes, that would be the right approach. However, our crystal supply has been depleted. I used the rest of them when we created the last Q-Ship,” muttered Hatch, his attention half on the framework of the ship sitting before them. “We’re going to need more of the aether crystals if I’m going to keep building these ships, but also for any additional personal cloaks.”

Eddie nodded. “Tell us what you need us to do.”

“I tried placing an order for them, but it’s going to be several months,” said Hatch.

“Several months?” asked Julianna with alarm. “We can’t wait that long. Felix is up to something.”

“I figured you couldn’t. Also, the orders keep getting backlogged, so I’m guessing something is wrong on the mining end. I suspect as much at least, based on what I know about where they come from,” said Hatch.

“What about it?” asked Eddie.

“They can only be mined from a single planet called Berosia. It’s an incredibly underdeveloped world way out on the frontier,” said Hatch.

“We’re used to that sort of thing,” said Eddie. “So you need us to buzz over there and mine you some crystals, is that right?”

“I wish it were that simple. Mining isn’t an easy operation. It involves explosives,” said Hatch.

“Why didn’t you lead with that?” asked Eddie. “I’m all over this.”

“I understand that Lieutenant Fletcher has someone on his team who is skilled with explosive ordinance,” said Julianna.

“Yeah, they needed those to fight the Mamaths,” said Eddie, nodding.

“You’re going to need Fletcher’s team,” cut in Hatch. “That’s the other piece of this. I suspect that the reason the crystals are on backorder is that the planet is overrun with pirates. They know that the aether is highly valuable and many of them go to great lengths to steal and sell them on the black market.”

“Fight some pirates and steal some cloaking crystals,” said Eddie, slapping his hands together. “We can do all that. Then you’ll have what you need to make our personal cloaking devices?”

Hatch nodded, his gaze back on the Q-Ship as he drifted off into deep concentration.

“Captain?” asked Pip.

“Yes?” answered Eddie.

“Will you remember me in a day?” asked Pip.

“Of course, buddy,” said Eddie, giving Julianna a curious look. “What’s with these questions?”

“Knock-knock,” said Pip.

Eddie couldn’t help but chuckle. “Okay, I’ll indulge you one last time. Who’s there?”

“What? You’ve forgotten me already!” said Pip, laughing at his own joke.

Alpha-line Q-Ship, Berosia Airspace, Davida System

Berosia wasn’t an easy planet to get to, making the crystals even more valuable. The QBS ArchAngel had to gate twice, and still the planet was a good way off.

“I think we should consider jumping back to the ship,” said Julianna to Eddie.

He read the hesitation in her voice. “You’re worried we’re going to run into trouble?”

“I’m betting on it, based on past experience,” said Julianna. “Carnivore, this is Strong Arm. Do you copy?”

The comm clicked several times before Lars’ voice came over it. “Copy, Strong Arm. I’m right behind you.”

When given the option to stay on Kezza, Lars declined immediately. He said he’d enjoyed reconnecting with his family, but his duty was with Ghost Squadron. Since then, he’d appeared lighter, like a great burden had been lifted from his shoulders. Julianna suspected that many of his demons had been buried on Kezza, all for the better.

“I see that,” said Julianna. “We’re landing on the eastern side of the mountain straight ahead.”

The planet of Berosia was as Hatch had described it—completely undeveloped. It reminded Julianna of Sagano, with its thick forests and tropical climate.

“The mountain that looks like a lady’s face,” said Eddie, apparently trying to clarify. There was a row of mountains ahead.

“A human lady or a Kezzin female?” joked Lars.

“Since she has a round nose and smooth cheeks, I’m going with ‘human lady,’” said Eddie.

“I see the one you’re talking about. You humans sure are ugly,” said Lars.

“Right back at you, buddy,” said Eddie.

“All is clear for landing,” said Pip overhead. “I’ve scouted and founded no evidence of pirate activity.”

“Well, maybe the good doctor was overly cautious and worried over nothing,” said Eddie. He turned around, looking at Lieutenant Fletcher. “Have your team on high-alert anyway. Pirates are masters at hiding and those trees could be covering a lot.

“Yes sir,” said Fletcher. “I suspect you’re right.”

Julianna set the Q-Ship down at the base of the mountain, in a clearing of sorts. She watched the radar as Lars did the same thing. He was carrying the other half of Fletcher’s team, as well as a few rounds of the explosive. The supply had been divided up, for obvious reasons.

Julianna stood up and looked at the lieutenant. This was their first real mission together. She and Eddie weren’t used to having a team of soldiers, and although it was supposed to make their job easier, it also made it more complicated.

“Comms up?” asked Julianna.

There was a collective yes from the ship.

“Lieutenant, the captain and I are going to go in first to survey the area. Wait for our orders,” said Julianna.

He nodded his consent. “We’ll be ready and waiting.”

“Great,” replied Julianna and then her gaze fell to the floor of the Q-Ship. “Carnivore, I want you with the Q-Ships. We need to be in position to make a fast get away if something happens. Do you copy?”

“Copy, Strong Arm," answered Lars. “I’ll keep visual from this location.”

“Very good,” said Julianna, securing her weapons. Seriously, they needed better guns. After mining a bunch of cloaking crystals, their next mission needed to be to steal real weapons. Maybe if they encountered any pirates on this trip they’d have something decent they could confiscate.

“All right, ready to roll out,” imparted Eddie, giving her an excited look.

“Let’s go and see what this planet is all about,” said Julianna.

~~~

A hot wind hit Eddie’s face when they disembarked from the Q-Ship. Whereas Sagano was covered in flat lands and forests, Berosia was uneven terrain and littered with tall peaks.

“Up for a hike?” asked Eddie, looking up at the steep jaunt ahead. According to Hatch, this was the location for a large crop of the crystals.

“Why is it so quiet?” asked Julianna, looking around, worry on her face.

“Why are you always fretting? Maybe there aren’t any pirates. Maybe Hatch was being overly concerned,” said Eddie.

Julianna scanned the tropical forest where they stood, an uncertain look on her face. “I don’t know. Something doesn’t feel right about this place. There’s no noise.”

“No noise is good, me thinks,” said Eddie, his laugh loud in the silent forest.

“I don’t know,” Julianna repeated. “Let’s get up to that ridge and to the mouth of the first set of caves. From up there we might get a better idea of what’s going on here.”

“And remember that it could be nothing. There’re thousands of mountains on this planet, all rich with these crystals. We might have chosen an untapped one,” said Eddie.

“Which is why there’s a clear trail all the way up there?” asked Julianna sarcastically.

“Good point, Fregin. Never mind. We’re probably screwed,” said Eddie.

“Probably,” agreed Julianna, setting off first.

~~~

The hill… Well, it wasn’t really a hill. The mountain—the giant steep-ass mountain—sloped straight up, requiring the pair to lean forward and use their hands to secure their balance several times. If Julianna and Eddie, both enhanced individuals, were having this much trouble hiking up to this cave, Eddie thought it was unlikely that pirates could do it on a good day.

He observed that Julianna wasn’t out of breath, although the hike was taking a toll. This was the first time he had seen her break a sweat.

She straightened slightly and looked at the valley below. They’d only been hiking a short while and already gone up a couple thousand feet in elevation, which gave them a killer view.

“Q-Ships look like little ants down there,” said Eddie.

“They sure do.” Julianna nodded over to a wide ledge below them. “Maybe we should have parked the ships right there.”

He laughed. “Yeah, but then we wouldn’t have gotten in this amazing hike.”

“True, but my concern is for the team,” said Julianna. “If it took us this much effort to get up the mountain, just think about how long it will take them.”

Static filled the comm for a moment. “Fletcher here. You worried us normal humans are going to hold you back?”

“We’re banking on it,” said Eddie. “And Strong Arm is right. This mountain is a bitch. Pip and Lars, can you relocate the ships here? Keep them cloaked, though, since they’ll be in the wide open.”
“Copy, Blackbeard,” said Lars. “I’ll follow behind Pip.”

Eddie looked to Julianna, sweat beading on his forehead. “Good call, Commander. You’re always thinking.”

“Thank—”

Shots from below sprayed the side of the mountain, making both duck down at once. Gravel and rock flew up from the attack. Out in the wide open, there was nowhere for Julianna and Eddie to go except for up, away from the assault.

“We’re under attack,” whispered Julianna, moving faster than before. “Fletcher, we need your team on as back up now.”

“We’re in transport. We’ll be on the ground in—”

“Twenty seconds,” said Lars, completing Fletcher’s sentence.

Shots from overhead fired into the tree from the cloaked Q-Ships.

“We’ve got you covered,” said Pip over the comm.

Shots fired from the mouth of the cave zoomed right past their heads. Eddie dove onto Julianna, knocking her flat to the ground. From on top of her, he covered his head from the oncoming bullets.

“We have enemy fire from the cave,” said Julianna.

“I’m on it,” said Lars. “Pip, take care of the forest floor.”

“We need those Q-Ships on the ground. We’re stranded over here,” yelled Eddie, his face pressed into Julianna’s.

“My team is jumping out right now,” said Fletcher. “Pip needs to be able to maneuver.”

Eddie pushed up off of Julianna when all he could hear was the firing from the Q-Ships. She gave him a strange look—relief mixed with awkwardness. “Sorry if I invaded your personal space. Didn’t want to see holes in you.”

“Thanks. I’ll survive the trespassing,” said Julianna, taking the hand he offered her. She swiveled her head over her shoulder, eying the cave.

“Do you think you got them, Carnivore?” asked Eddie.

“Hard to tell,” said Lars. “We’ll cover your backs from here.”

“My team is on the ground,” said Fletcher over the comm, but Eddie could clearly see them as they moved ahead, guns at the ready.

“Whoever was firing has either been shot down or has retreated,” said Fletcher.

“Or they’re waiting to ambush us when we get up there,” said Julianna.

Fletcher agreed with a nod. He yanked a grenade from the side of his arm and pulled out the pin. Then he threw it toward the mouth of the cave, a good distance from the group. Everyone covered their heads at once, bracing for the explosion. It rocked the mountain a moment later, making many lose their footing.

Through the dust of the explosion, Julianna said, “You think blowing up the cave is a good idea? What if you block our entrance?”

“Then I’ll blow us up a new one,” said Fletcher, his voice light and calm in the face of all this danger. Eddie instantly liked the guy more. It was easy to keep ones cool on a regular basis, but to do so when in battle was impressive. It was the mark of a true soldier.

“You’re the explosive expert, so whatever you say,” said Julianna.

“I appreciate that,” said Fletcher, motioning to a few of his team members who had explosives strapped to their back. Carrying them into the mountain was a dangerous job, but Fletcher’s team had nearly fought over the responsibility. “You three, I want you to spread out. Don’t clump together in case one of your explosives gets triggered.”

They all nodded at once.

“Commander, you ready to see who’s waiting for us?” asked Eddie.

“Yes, and let’s hope the gunfire was a mistake. Otherwise we’ll hand them their asses on a fucking silver platter,” said Julianna.

“With a side of fries and a cold beer,” said Eddie. Oh, that sounded so good right then it made his stomach give a lurch. He rubbed his abdomen. Just wait, he told himself.

CHAPTER TWELVE

Lady Face Mountain, Planet Berosia, Davida System

Scurrying down low, Julianna sped up the last bit of scree, throwing her back against the front of the cave. Eddie followed suit, meeting her on the other side. Fletcher’s team were stationed down lower, crouched close to the rock-strewn ground.

“Fire on the ground has ceased,” said Lars over the comm. “We will stay on alert.”

Julianna didn’t answer. Instead she peered around into the mouth of the cave. It was dark and smelled of minerals and dank. Only a few feet away were the bodies of three Kezzins. Pirates by the look of their dress and shitty guns.

She kicked the nearest pistol away right as Eddie joined her. He leaned down and checked the bodies.

“Dead,” he said, standing.

“It’s their own damn fault. We just came to grab a few crystals. No one had to die,” said Julianna.

“When have you ever known pirates to share?” asked Eddie surveying the rest of the cave from where they stood.

“I guess I believe people will change,” she said, her tone coated in condescension.

“No, you don’t. Otherwise you’d be a therapist and not a soldier,” said Eddie.

“Can’t put anything past you,” said Julianna as Fletcher arrived beside the pair.

“I have one of my snipers hidden in the trees. She’ll assist the ships with clearing out the pirates below,” said Fletcher.

“Great,” said Eddie, breathing deeply. “Now we just have to get through these pirate-infested tunnels.”

“Luckily Hatch provided us an option,” said Julianna. She reached into her pack and pulled out a small drone, about the size of the palm of her hand. It was, of course equipped with a camera, but in a dark cave, that would provide little help. She fired the drone up and it rose into the air, sending out sonar pulses immediately. This told the device about the space around it and where it was free to fly. Julianna nudged the drone which hovered directly in front of her and it shot forward, flying down the open cave that disappeared into blackness.

Also from her pack, she retrieved a radar screen. Currently it had a single blue light, which told the location of the drone.

“It knows to keep flying forward, right?” asked Eddie.

“Correct,” said Julianna. “It’s a scouting drone so it won’t retreat until we call it back.”

“Or it gets blown up,” said Eddie.

“Which will give Hatch yet another reason to want you dead,” said Julianna.

“It wouldn’t be right if he didn’t despise me just a little bit,” said Eddie as a red light blinked on the screen.

“Found one,” said Julianna, eyeing the screen. “Looks like the next pirate isn’t too far ahead.”

“Why do you have to assume it’s a pirate?” joked Eddie.

“Well, it could be Little Red Riding Hood and she’s lost as fuck, but I’m going to go with pirate,” said Julianna.

Another red dot blinked on the screen.

“Think we just found Grandma,” said Eddie.

“Two pirates,” Fletcher said, sounding confident. “My team can handle that if you want to stay here and send back surveillance from the drone.”

At once, a blanket of red dots consumed half the radar. Ten to fifteen of them.

“I don’t think that’s Red and grandma after all,” said Eddie.

“I’m guessing that’s a large cave room where they are mining,” said Julianna.

Eddie nodded.

The radar screen suddenly fell dark.

“What happened?” asked Fletcher.

“It appears they know we’re here and spying,” said Eddie.

“Which means we need to get a move on it before they have time to react,” said Julianna. “Let’s try for diplomacy and if that doesn’t work we hand them their ass.”

“In a doggy bag,” added Eddie.

“We’re going in first.” Julianna gestured to herself and Eddie. “Fletcher, keep your team on our heels. Explosives stay here until we clear the pirates.”

“Yes, Commander,” said Fletcher, retreating to convey the orders to his men.

Julianna gazed over at Eddie, who looked like a kid on Christmas morning. “You know the plan. Let’s move out.”

~~~

Together, Eddie and Julianna moved soundlessly through the darkened cave. Their enhanced vision made it so they could make out the curve of the walls and the slope of the ground. An ambient light shone ahead giving them all they needed to sneak through the caves. Conversely, Fletcher’s team would be carrying flashlights, but they were still at the entrance of the cave.

The noises of footsteps and whispering echoed ahead. Eddie halted at a bend in the tunnel, sure that the pirates were stationed just head. He pulled a small blue marble from his pocket. He was certain he would have to use this, but he’d agreed to try Julianna’s approach first.

“We come in peace,” she began, her voice clear and loud. The noise in the cave area ahead halted. Eddie could have sworn he heard the Kezzin all hold their breath.

“We aren’t here to fight. We’ve come for a supply of aether crystals. That’s all,” continued Julianna.

There was a loud laugh. “You’re mistaken, human. This is not your mountain and you aren’t wanted here.”

“Give us a supply of aether and we will leave then,” said Julianna. She was poised, her tone full of strength. It was impressive, although Eddie still didn’t think this would work. Negotiating with pirates was a nasty business.

This time many of the Kezzin laughed together, a sound like wood being sawed. “Do you have any idea how much these crystals are worth?”

“Yes, because we’ve tried to buy them, but pirates have apparently overrun the market,” yelled Julianna, her tone finally full of heat.

Bullets sprayed past them, knocking into the cave wall beside them, chipping away at it. Julianna took a step back, disappointment on her face.

“We’re under fire again,” said Lars over the comm. “It’s coming from the top of the mountain as well as from the forest floor.”

“Same here,” said Eddie. “Hold your position!”

He looked to Julianna and she consented to his silent question with a nod.

He twisted the grenade in his fingers and threw it around the bend. A moment later, he heard a loud snap, followed by a slight jolt that rocked the nearby area.

More bullets whizzed past them. The pirates had moved closer.

Eddie pulled another stun grenade from his pocket, activating and throwing it in less than a moment. Julianna darted out, firing as she moved. She ducked behind a large stalagmite, taking cover. Gunfire showered back, although Eddie could see that Julianna had gotten one of the nearest pirates who was out of range of the grenade.

From the mouth of the cave he could hear another battle being waged. Gunfire and explosions echoed through the tunnel.

“Can we limit the explosions, since we’re in the belly of this beast?” yelled Eddie over the comm.

“Those are enemy bombs!” said Fletcher.

“Knock them out before they get us trapped in here!” snapped Julianna.

“Nona is trying to find the cause,” said Fletcher, referring to his best sniper.

Shuffling feet told Eddie that they had a runner. The stun grenades obviously hadn’t hit all the pirates. He pulled another blue marble from his pocket right as Julianna yelled, “He’s too close!”

She whipped around the large stalagmite, firing a spray of bullets. The runner collapsed, sliding to a full stop, his head buried in the dirt. A moment later, Julianna stood tall, looking out at the open tunnel ahead. The enemy responded with several shots.

Julianna pressed the trigger and fired another barrage into the darkness, striking several unseen enemies in the process and filling the cave with maddening screams. A moment later, she stopped, and a smooth calm settled over the newly christened battleground.

Eddie peeled around the corner to find the area covered in smoke and Kezzin bodies. Most were passed out from the stun grenades. They wouldn’t be conscious for at least an hour, although the technology was a bit inaccurate. The rest had been taken out by Julianna—all sixteen of them.

“Fletcher, we need a few of your team in here to secure these pirates,” said Eddie, moving around the bodies.

“Copy,” said Fletcher. “I’m headed that way. Nona took out the source at the top of the mountain.”

“Good work,” said Julianna, her voice little more than a whisper.

Shots fired at them from the side of the large room.

“Bastards just refuse to go quietly, don’t they?” Eddie ducked down, trying to get a read on where the bullets were coming from.

From their position he could make out some of the cave room, but only enough to tell that the walls and ceiling were covered in purple crystals. The aether.

Julianna waved to get Eddie’s attention and pointed up at a raised platform, a make-shift scaffolding.

Eddie saw what she meant. Far on the opposite side of the room, and quite exposed and perched at the top was a single Kezzin, rifle held at the ready.

Taking a deep breath, Eddie lifted his weapon and fired once. The pirate tumbled forward, falling hard on the cave floor below.

“I think that’s all of them,” said Eddie stepping away from the wall and further into the middle of the cave.

The pirates looked to have done the work for them. Crates of aether crystals lined one wall. From the look of the tools the pirates were using, they were sawing the crystals from the ceiling. How long must that take? Much longer than they had time for. But now they had a supply, if they stole this from the pirates. Julianna had tried to strike a deal with these guys. Too bad for them.

Behind them Fletcher and a few of his team arrived. He halted, taking in the eerie glow of the purple room. The crystals twinkled in the light, like a series of mirrors creating prisms all over the ceiling.

“I brought the explosives,” said Fletcher, indicating to a reinforced pack on his back. Two of his men went to work restraining the pirates stationed around the cave.

“We’re not going to need that, it looks like,” said Eddie pointing to the supply of crystals.

“Oh, wow,” said Fletcher. “That just made our job a whole lot easier.”

The floor of the cave rumbled a bit, making each of them freeze.

“I thought you said Nona took out the pirates on top,” said Julianna.

“She did,” said Fletcher. “Maybe that’s a new batch of pirates with explosives.” Fletcher clicked the comm box on his belt, switching the channel. “Nona, you have a new target?”

A confused expression fell on Fletcher’s face. He looked over to Eddie and Julianna. “She says that it’s all quiet up there.”

The ground rumbled again. “Then what the fuck is that?” asked Julianna.

“How about we not find out,” said Eddie. “Grab the stock and let’s get the fuck out of here.”

“The crates over here are full,” said Julianna, pointing to a set of small wooden boxes on the other side of the cave room. All the crates were small, about the size of a shoe boxes. Eddie guessed that the crystals couldn’t be packed in too tightly or they’d be damaged.

“Okay, let’s get those in case we can’t make another trip back,” said Eddie, darting in that direction.

“You two,” said Fletcher to his men restraining the passed out pirates. “Grab these crates over here. We don’t have time to worry about those guys.”

The men dropped the pirates they’d been binding and ran for the crates.

Eddie learned that the small shoe box-sized crates were surprisingly heavy. That must have been another reason they were packed in small containers. He groaned when he tried to lift the box. It felt like it was full of lead, even using his enhanced strength. The soldiers heaved at the boxes, not displacing them at first, making it look glued to the ground.

“Fucking heavy, huh?” asked Eddie.

“You’re not kidding,” said Fletcher, letting out a loud breath as he awkwardly adjusted a crate in his arms.

“Is it?” asked Julianna, turning. She had two of the crates in her arms, stacked on top of each other.

“Fuck! How are you doing that?” asked Eddie. “We’re both enhanced.”

“I eat my veggies,” said Julianna with a smirk. “And I’ve been enhanced a hell of a lot longer than you. Never forget that.”

“Noted,” said Eddie, breathing heavy under the strain of simply holding the crate.

The ground floor rumbled again, this time more violently than before.

“Oh, that doesn’t seem good,” said Eddie.

In the center of the room the ground splintered, dust and rock flying upward. The walls began to shake too.

Julianna set her crates down and pushed the men back into a new tunnel at the back of the room. “Get in there,” she yelled, her head swiveling up nervously to the ceiling. Crystals, as if on cue, sprinkled down, but only a few. They burst into splinters of purple rain all over the cave room.

“Good call, Jules,” said Eddie, watching the room change before their eyes.

The ground continued to quake, but mostly in the center of the cave. Large bits of stalagmites and rock exploded into the air, creating a heavy shower.

What burst out of the ground was unlike anything Eddie had ever seen.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Lady Face Mountain, Planet Berosia, Davida System

From the rock and debris, a giant worm monster emerged, violently writhing back and forth. Julianna stared up at it, stunned for a brief moment. It rose high into the air, its flat mouth screaming so loud that Julianna had to cover her ears. The guys around her dropped their crates and did the same. It wasn’t just a high-pitched scream but also a noise that made her insides ache, like the sound carried a great sorrow with it.

The worm monster was as big around as a large tree, its skin a sickly gray, and lined with wrinkles. It continued to shift back and forth like it was in great pain.

“What the fuck is that?!” snapped Eddie, having to yell to be heard over the other screaming.

Julianna could hardly hear him. Hell, she could barely hear Pip, and he was in her head.

You’ve…ot…to…et…out…there, said Pip, his voice sounding frantic.

I know. How could something be so loud that she couldn’t even hear the voice in her own head? The screeching was too much. She pressed harder into her ears. Turning for the tunnel where they stood, she saw only blackness. Is there a way out if we follow the tunnel?

Julianna retreated a few steps so she could focus more on Pip’s voice.

It leads down, then dead-ends. It appears that it’s been burrowed completely, probably by whatever is making that sound.

It’s this animal. Do you know what it is? asked Julianna.

It’s angry, but I can’t say what it is yet, specifically. Try making it shut up so that I can think, said Pip.

I’ll try. Figure out an option for us.

Julianna ran back to where Eddie and the others stood. The worm monster froze just as she arrived. It was like a statue, holding straight up in the air.

“Maybe this has been a complete misunderstanding and it’s about to leave,” whispered Eddie.

Fletcher and his men, looking relieved to have silence once more, nodded.

Get out of there! Now! Pip’s voice seemed to echo in Julianna’s.

What is it? The worm’s frozen and gone silent.

Which means you’re in trouble. That’s a vermis rex. Pip said this like it should carry a great warning with it.

What’s that?

A scream, louder and higher pitched than before ripped from the worm, cutting the silence. The scream ended as abruptly as it had started. Then it rhythmically lowered down until its giant end was facing the five. From the ground it looked like a puckered mouth, of sorts. The body of the giant worm vibrated, sending a shiver down Julianna’s back.

“Guns at the ready!” she yelled.

Everyone already had their rifles up, but aimed them at the worm monster that floated several yards from the tunnel entrance. Then it opened its mouth to reveal a cavernous inside coated with row after row of triangular teeth.

A shriek that somehow burned Julianna’s insides cut through the air.

“Fire,” she exclaimed, shooting freely at the vermis rex. The worm didn’t fall back from the bullets but did stop screaming. Instead of showing any signs of distress, it snapped at the five on the ground. Unable to see its aim was off. Its mouth jabbed at the wall next to them and then the ground just in front of the entrance. It was only a matter of time before it honed in on them.

“Our guns aren’t working,” screamed Eddie.

How do we kill it? Julianna asked Pip.

Their skin is incredibly difficult to penetrate. They are vicious and most haven’t survived an encounter with them. Currently not finding anything of use.

Great. Well, currently, I’m smelling worm breath.

It was true. The giant worm seemed to be trying to suck in the room, taking in breaths. A mist of gross worm saliva sprayed down on all of them. The group had backed up several paces, and although the worm couldn’t fit through the tunnel opening, with another force it could knock its way through.

“Thoughts?” asked Eddie.

“This tunnel we’re in leads to a dead end. And the monster has a tough exterior that our guns won’t work on, according to Pip,” said Julianna.

“We can try explosives,” said Fletcher, holding up the pack he’d been carrying.

The worm had started banging head first into the opening of the tunnel. This was the beginning of the end unless they acted fast.

Eddie pulled one of the blue marble grenades from his pocket. “Last one,” he said, unscrewing it and launching it into the mouth of the worm.

There was a pause. The worm rose high into the air, like before. There was an eerie silence as everyone waited to see what happened next.

A ripple jerked down the worm and it twisted radically in the air before throwing itself down, mouth opening wide. Eddie and Julianna both looked at each other, not knowing what to expect next. The worm appeared stunned.

“Well that was easy,” said Eddie.

A gurgling sound reverberated from the open mouth of the worm. Ominous doom fell down on Julianna as she spied the internal muscles beyond the dozen rows of teeth moving in a wave. It looked like it was about to throw up. “Why the fuck did you have to jinx us by saying that?” she asked.

“Incoming!” yelled Fletcher.

Julianna sprinted for the back of the tunnel just as a blast of hot air flew from the worm’s mouth. It pushed her to the ground. Before she could stumble upright again, another assault hit her, this one wet and full of slime. She slipped one way then the other, trying to figure out what had happened. She managed to push the greenish sludge out of her face to see the others had been hit too with something slimy that smelled putrid.

The vermis rex had momentarily recovered and was back in the upright position. However, it looked to be trying to pull the rest of its body up from the opening in the ground. No telling what it was capable of when it was free. They were definitely screwed if they stayed in the tunnel.

She quickly made her way over the slippery ground to the four men closer to the entrance. They were all covered in the slime.

Eddie looked over his rifle. “I wouldn’t advise we fire our weapons.”

“Ground forces are still fighting off pirates from the forest. Seems they are coming in steady streams,” said Fletcher.

“Which means we’re on our own down here,” said Julianna.

“Guns don’t work,” said Fletcher, holding up the pack, “but we still have explosives.”

“We don’t have time to set those properly,” said Julianna, watching from the corner of her eye as the worm wiggled to try and get the rest of its body out of the hole. They didn’t have much longer.

“No, we don’t have that kind of time. But if I can set up these explosives close to its base, before it frees itself then we have a good chance,” said Fletcher.

“And how are you going to get close enough for that?” asked Eddie, running a handkerchief over his face—which did little to clear the green slime away.

“Well, the asshole can’t see, can he?” asked Fletcher.

“Asshole…good one,” said Eddie with a chuckle. “And no, he appears to rely on vibrations.”

“So you need a distraction?” asked Julianna.

Fletcher turned to her with a crooked smile. “Bingo.”

“That means the commander and I need to do the cha cha in the open space, is that right?” asked Eddie.

“Do whatever it is that you like, just distract that motherfucker,” said Fletcher. “My men and I can set the explosives in less than a minute.”

“What about the blast? Couldn’t that cave us in if you’re not laying them properly?” asked Julianna.

“I think anything is possible. We stay here and get eaten or we take a chance,” said Fletcher.

He was right. They couldn’t stay in this tunnel much longer and there was no way they were getting to the far side without seriously inflicting some damage on the worm. “Okay, fine. We will go with this plan. I want everyone back in this tunnel when we detonate,” said Julianna.

“Yes, Commander,” said Fletcher, saluting.

Julianna looked at Eddie, who had slime dripping from one of his eyebrows. “Ready to dance?” she asked, nearly smiling from the absurdity of this all. She almost wished the pirates were back. No wonder those jerks had sawed through the crystals. They were trying not to wake the beast. Hindsight.

“Let’s do this. I vote we go to the left. That gives Fletcher more space for laying the explosives,” said Eddie.

That area of the cave room was much larger and would offer more options. They had limited time and only one set of explosives. One chance to kill this beast.

“Okay, sounds good. Let’s get as far as we can and then take turns distracting the monster,” said Julianna.

Eddie nodded, seeming to instantly understand what she meant.

“On the count of three,” said Eddie, poised and ready to sprint. “One, two—”

Julianna took off. She could never really wait for those dumb countdowns. Not when there was a job to do. Taking the lead, she jumped around stalagmites and rocks. The surface was slick but she rode along the slopes the best she could, staying close to the ground.

The worm monster screamed once and twisted around to face the direction she was running, abandoning its attempts to get out of the dirt.

She halted as the worm monster lowered down, its mouth puckered and only two feet in front of her. She slid back until she was flush against the cave wall. The vermis rex moved in closer, making Julianna tilt her head to the side, straight against the wall. She could smell the shit eater and he was disgusting.

“Hey fucker!” yelled Eddie who was roughly fifteen feet away.

Julianna, knowing the worm sensed through vibrations, didn’t even breathe. Pip had apparently taken an intuitive note and slowed her heart down enough that it barely registered.

“Hey, you ugly son of a bitch! Want someone to vomit on? Give it to me!” yelled Eddie, stomping his feet to get the monster’s attention.

Julianna wanted to smile, but the whole fear-of-being-eaten-by-a-giant-worm thing prevented that.

The worm swiveled with an impressive grace until it was just in front of Eddie. He froze the same as Julianna. She could just make out Fletcher and his team sneaking out of the tunnel and around the worm. The monster jerked in their direction. Fuck. It was onto them.

Julianna kneeled, finding a few loose rocks. She rose up as steadily as she could and threw the stones towards the entrance where they’d come from. The vermis rex spiraled in that direction, menacingly surveying that area.

Fletcher and his men looked to be working quickly. Too quickly. The worm shot around, its mouth facing at its body, staring straight at the three men. They froze, all hunched over, laying explosives.

“Fuck face!” yelled Eddie. He picked up a large stalagmite that the worm had broken in its rage. He lifted it above his head and chucked it in the direction of its body farthest from Fletcher.

Like a dog easily distracted by a bone, the vermis rex curved, arching high in the air above Eddie. Its mouth opened showing the dozens of rows of razor sharp teeth. The scream took over Julianna’s hearing, but she caught the visual of Fletcher and his men darting back to the tunnel. It was set.

Julianna darted for a crate of crystals sitting next to the wall. It was only half full, but hopefully that wouldn’t matter. She launched the crate at the midsection of the worm. It rose high, screaming like it was offended by this crime. She threw herself into Eddie, barreling him in the direction of the tunnel. He sped up, carrying her as she carried him. They dove for the entrance, just making it inside as Fletcher detonated the explosive.

Julianna clapped her hands to her ears, her teeth biting hard together. Her skull rattled. The light blanketed her vision. She felt Eddie pull her closer, away from the blast. His arm covered her head from the explosion of debris and dust that whisked across the space.

A moment later and her lungs were overwhelmed. She began coughing from the smoke, the same as the others in the tunnel. The screaming had stopped, replaced by coughing and intense rattling all around them.

Julianna looked up, expecting to see the vermis rex lying in bits on the cave ground. It wasn’t. Instead it was frozen in the same position it had been in before, arching overhead, mouth open. It swiveled until it was hanging just over the mouth of the tunnel.

“Fuck!” yelled Julianna.

“How did that not work?” asked Eddie, shuffling backwards on the ground, carrying Julianna with him as he did.

The rattling increased, making the ground, walls and ceiling shake.

The worm was really pissed now. They were out of options. Julianna kicked backwards as the vermis rex rammed hard into the tunnel, making debris rain down on them. Eddie kept his body perched slightly over hers.

Again the worm rammed hard into the cave, making everything rattle with more ferocity.

It paused seeming to study the vibrations. A hiss escaped it, blanketing them in hot air.

“Fuck my life,” said Julianna, covering her mouth from the repugnant smell.

Then the vermis rex twisted around to the far wall, like hearing something. Was the team about to rescue them? The monster spun up and seemed to look straight at the crystal lined ceiling. A rattling so great it felt like they were on a trampoline rocked the cave. A chiming sound filled the air. Julianna had trouble figuring out where it came from until she looked up and saw the crystals swaying. Swaying? How was that possible?

The crystals overhead began to rock back and forth at odd angles and then they fell one by one. Bam! Over and over and over again they fell, shattering on the cave floor. Splinters of crystals sprinkled into the tunnel making the five retreat farther.

Still from their vantage point, Julianna noticed the worm panic. It looked to be trying to retreat back down the hole in which it had come from. However, it was stuck. That was evident. The crystals fell faster, like a hellacious hail storm.

Scream after scream ripped from the worm. It was no longer trying to escape, but rather was lying flat to the cave ground being pummeled repeatedly by sharp crystals. Each time one fell and pierced its tough skin the beast gave a convulsive jolt.

The crystals! Of course, thought Julianna.

Then all at once a cacophony of crystals fell, raining down in the cave room. Julianna covered her face from the splatter of glass and dust, trying as best she could to protect herself.

Are you alive? asked Pip in her head.

I think so, she answered.

What happened?

Can I give you a play-by-play if and when I get out of here?

Sure thing. We’ve handled the pirates. Looks like it is all clear.

Cool. I’ll be out of here when I’m out of here.

Women. We always have to wait for you, said Pip, relief palpable in his voice despite his playfulness.

Julianna raised her head to find the worm punctured several times and lying limp in the middle of the cave room. Green blood oozed from the puncture wounds. Overhead the ceiling looked to be absent of many of the crystals. Instead their remnants were like shards of glass strewn across the ground.

Julianna stood, feeling like her legs needed a moment to adjust. She turned to Fletcher. “Still have that pack for the explosives?” she asked.

He blinked, orienting himself as well. “Yeah,” he said, pulling the pack from his back.

“Good,” said Julianna. “Have your men fill that and anything else you have with crystals and shards. I’m guessing the crates were destroyed. Let’s take what we can. We’re getting the fuck out of here.”

Julianna turned to find Eddie staring around in disbelief. He had specks of blood on his face where the crystals had punctured his skin. “You all right, Edward?” she asked.

He blinked at her, looking a bit confused.

“What? Is everything all right?” she asked, worried he’d been hurt in a place she couldn’t see.

“I’m fine,” he said, shaking his head. “You called me ‘Edward.’”

“Oh.” Julianna blanched. “Right. You ready to head out?”

He surveyed the destroyed cave room with awe. “Yeah, I think we left our mark here. Let’s fill up and get the fuck off this planet.”

Julianna let out a heavy breath. “Agreed.”

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Cargo Bay, QBS ArchAngel, Davida System

“What is this?” asked Hatch, his typical irritation in his voice.

“That,” began Eddie, pointing at the mounds of crystals shards they’d unloaded, “is the aether. You are welcome.”

“That is dust,” complained Hatch.

The injured had already been transported to the sick bay. Thankfully only two of Fletcher’s team were shot, but any amount of injured is too many. Julianna and Eddie had brought the crystals to Hatch straight away, both joking about how insulted he’d be by what they brought back.

“Maybe they’ll be easier to work with in this form,” said Julianna, trying to hide a grin. She couldn’t help it. Not once had they ever charged off and brought back exactly what Hatch wanted or not destroyed something he’d created. It was becoming a practical joke at this point.

“Or maybe it’s lost its power,” said Hatch, puffing up his cheeks. “I’ve never worked with aether like this.”

“We considered looking for another cave to harvest, but there was that whole fear-of-being-eaten-alive-by-a-vermis-rex” explained Eddie.

Hatch waved him off with one of his tentacles. “The worm kings have been extinct on Berosia for centuries.”

Eddie pulled off his boot, laughing as he did. “Oh, is that right? Well, I guess we were hallucinating when we were slimed by the monster.” From his boot a dollop of green slime slipped and fell to the ground.

Julianna had wanted to shower after returning, but knew it was more important to deliver the crystals straight away. Besides they were heavy as hell and Eddie and she were able to make quick work of the transport.

Hatch’s mouth fell open. He looked at Knox who was standing dutifully next to him. “That’s not…?”

Knox, looking like he was on a lost planet, simply shrugged.

“Teach, you better not be messing with me,” said Hatch, looking back at the captain.

“Playing with you about what? Why do you think the crystals are in bits?” asked Eddie, setting down his boot and pulling off his white sock which was green with slime. He went to wring it out. It’s exactly what Julianna had wanted to do to her hair for the last hour, but hadn’t had a spare moment. The slime covered every strand, making her look like she’d elected to use the worst hair gel ever.

Hatch’s eyes widened suddenly. “No!” he yelled and his tentacle shot across the space, grabbing the sock from Eddie.

“Uh…what’s the deal, Doc?” asked Eddie, looking bemused.

“The deal is that you two are covered in one of the most valuable, and thought to be one of the rarest, substances in the entire known galaxy,” said Hatch, stretching his tentacle over to the work station where he deposited the sock into a clear tray. He pulled his tentacle back and wagged it in Eddie’s face. “Do. Not. Move.”

“Uh…why? What are you going to do?” asked Eddie, looking uncomfortable.

Hatch shook his head. “I’m not going to do anything to you. My poor apprentice has that job.” He looked at Knox, a bit of a guiltless smile on his face. “Sorry kid, but that’s the perk of being the boss.”

“Ummm…Hatch,” Julianna began. “What’s going on? This stuff the vermis rex slimed us with is valuable?”

“Incredibly so. I’m going to need to extract as much of it from your clothes and bodies as possible,” said Hatch, his voice growing with excitement. “Even if I just get a small amount then it will still be extremely useful. And then just imagine when you go back and tranquilize the vermis rex.”
“Tranquilize?” asked Eddie, giving Julianna a look that accurately said, “We’re fucking screwed.”

Hatch was too busy retrieving tools from his workstation to notice the look. He handed a scraper tool and vial to Knox, ushering him over to Eddie. “Naturally. I’ll have to develop the tranquilizer so that it doesn’t harm the creature.” Hatch looked up, his eyes overflowing with excitement. “Just think, this is probably the last one in existence, and we know where it is. If we play this right we can have enough…” He trailed away, looking interrupted by a thought.

Slowly Hatch lifted his gaze to look at Eddie, all the excitement gone. “Wait, why are the crystals all broken?”

“See…the thing is…that we didn’t know that vermis rex was an endangered species,” said Eddie, his tone tense, like he was backtracking. Knox had the scrapper and vial and was carefully combing bits of the slime from Eddie’s clothing, making the whole situation tenser.

Hatch thrust a vial and scraper at Julianna, not daring to look at her. She took it and began trying to collect the disgusting slime. “Extinct species, actually, or so we thought. What did you do?”

“We really didn’t have a choice,” said Julianna. “I don’t think we’d have made a different decision even if we had known it was supposedly extinct.”

Hatch seemed to be wrestling with keeping his patience in check. “What did you do?”

“We tried to blow it up,” confessed Eddie.

Hatch’s face brightened. “That’s not as bad as I thought.”

“It’s not?” asked Eddie, holding out his arm for Knox, trying to make his job easier.

“No. I mean, you probably destroyed the last vermis rex alive, but even blown up, we can still harvest its blood,” said Hatch, a new light in his voice.

“Thing is that exploding it didn’t work,” explained Eddie.

“It didn’t?” asked Hatch, his tone shifting. “Why not?”

“The outer skin is incredibly tough,” said Eddie.

“Yes, the only thing that can penetrate it is the aether crystal…” Hatch trailed away, disappointment covering his face. He looked at Julianna. “How did you kill the vermis rex?”

“The explosion triggered a rainstorm of crystals,” said Julianna, motioning to the crates of shards.

Hatch threw his tentacle to his head. “Of course you did!”

“We can still go back and harvest the disgusting monster,” said Eddie quickly, trying to make amends for their blunder. “I’ll even face down pirates again if it’s that important.”

“It would be worth you facing down all pirates in the galaxy, Teach,” said Hatch. “But the only thing that neutralizes the vermis rex’s blood, rendering its properties useless is the aether crystal.”

“Oops,” said Eddie, looking down with shame.

Julianna tried extra hard to remove the slime, a sudden thought occurring to her. “This slime isn’t dangerous, right? The lieutenant and a couple of his team members are covered in it too.”

Hatch shook his head. “ArchAngel would you—”

“I’m already redirecting the men to you,” said ArchAngel overhead. “I think you’ll find that I’m—”

“Interrupting,” said Hatch, angrily. “And no, Julie, it’s not dangerous to you. Its properties when synthesized are incredible, but not in its purest form.”

“What can it do?” asked Julianna, intrigued. Who would have thought the disgusting goo the monster spit on them would be so useful.

“Well, simply put, it can save a life. It’s a cure for almost all infections, diseases and viruses,” said Hatch, eyeing the vial she held up. It wasn’t even half full. “However, I’m not sure we’ll have enough for even a single dose.”

“We’ll do our best to extract as much as we can,” said Julianna, squeezing her hair into the vial, getting only a drop of slime. It had mostly been absorbed by her strands.

“Yeah, yeah,” said Hatch shuffling off, his shoulders slumped. He turned, a new skepticism on his face. “And where, by the way, is my drone?”

Before Julianna could reply, Eddie chirped. “Jules lost it.”

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Intelligence Center, QBS ArchAngel, Behemoth System

Chester had kicked into high gear, trying to locate Unsurpassed. Searching for a ship inside of several systems was no easy feat…for most. He couldn’t find just any ship, but since they had the blueprints from Deacon Flick for Unsurpassed, he knew one crucial detail. The ship had a trackable navigation system for those who knew where to look. If Felix had an AI supervising the ship then his hack would be detected, but the likelihood of that was close to zero. Felix may be smart and supplied with great technology, but having an AI was rare, especially for someone cast outside of the Federation.

“Are you coming?” Marilla asked from the doorway.

Chester hesitated once before hitting a single button. That single button tethered them to the Unsurpassed navigation system. It might take up to seventy-two hours to lock down a direction on it, but once it did then they’d know exactly where the ship was presently located. The reason for his hesitation was that the tracker came at a price. He’d know exactly where Unsurpassed was and until the system was disconnected, Unsurpassed could find out exactly where QBS ArchAngel was located. That was only a concern if they were detected, though.

Chester let out a heavy breath and plastered a smile on his face. He spun to face Marilla, popping up from his seat. “Yeah, I’m totally ready. Let’s go kick some butt,” he said, striding over to her.

She had a worried look on her face. Truthfully Marilla often looked a little worried, like she was always pondering some of life’s more serious questions. She probably was. However, presently, she looked more concerned about something immediate based on the weight in her eyes.

“Everything all right?” asked Chester, walking beside her, Harley taking the lead.

She wheeled around, halting just in front of him. “You’re crazy to do this. You’re not a soldier and aren’t trained for this sort of thing.”

Chester didn’t need to ask her about what she was referring to. They’d been skirting this topic all week. And here it was finally, out in the open.

“I know. You’re totally right,” said Chester, unable to suppress a proud smile. “I’m probably going to die.”

“Don’t say that,” said Marilla, her voice full of real fear.

“It’s true. I’m sneaking onto an enemy ship and hacking into their database. If they catch me then I’ll be the first one they slaughter,” said Chester, enjoying this too much.

“Then you shouldn’t go. We both know it,” said Marilla.

“No, we both know that I have to go. What do you think I’m going to do? Give the captain a crash course on graduate level hacking real quick?”

“You could direct him remotely. You’ve done it before,” urged Marilla.

Chester shook his head. “This is much too complicated for something like that. I’ve thought this through. I need to be on that ship.”

“There has to be another way though,” said Marilla.

Chester pulled off his glasses, cleaning them with the hem of his shirt. “You know, Mar, I’ve been hunted by deadly pirates. They’ve chased me across a dozen planets. I appreciate your concern, but I’m not a wimp.”

Marilla looked like the breath had just been sucked from her. “I didn’t say you were. I just…”

“Don’t want me to die,” said Chester, completing her sentence. “That isn’t love, but it definitely reeks of your concern for my wellbeing. I’ll take it.”

“Love?” Marilla asked, back up suddenly. “Who said anything about love?”

Chester smiled, putting back on his glasses. “I believe you did, dear Mar.” He strode off, leaving her gaping at his back.

Cargo Bay, QBS ArchAngel, Behemoth System

“Don’t tell the captain, but this form of the crystals makes this all easier,” said Hatch, grunting as he worked on the cloaking belt.

Knox looked up from the project he’d been assigned. “Why should we keep that from the captain?”

“No reason,” said Hatch quickly. Knox was trying so hard to impress him that he hadn’t really loosened up yet and realized that part of the job was ripping into your team. Well, that was part of the fun for Hatch anyway. Everyone had their thing.

“Doctor A’Din Hatcherik would never want the captain to know he hadn’t messed up thoroughly,” supplied Pip overhead.

Hatch looked up, his eyes narrowing. “Why have the AIs on this ship increasingly decided to be a pain in my ass?”

“I think it would be impossible for us to actually do that, Doctor A’Din Hatcherik,” said Pip, sounding amused.

“Fine, let me rephrase. Why do you two keep irritating the hell out of me?” asked Hatch.

“We are only offering our supreme intelligence and insight,” chimed in ArchAngel.

Hatch turned away from the cloaking belt he was working on. He only had one right now, although they needed three and pronto. However, he wasn’t yet comfortable enough with Knox to work in the style that he was used to: with every tentacle acting seamlessly in unison, performing the tasks of half-a-dozen men. He knew it was an alarming sight and didn’t care to share something so personal. He wouldn’t stand to have his apprentice view him as a freak.

“We also supply great entertainment,” said Pip.

“If you’re referring to your knock-knock jokes, then don’t include me,” said ArchAngel.

“You know, ArchAngel is kind of a mouthful to say,” said Pip, mischief in his voice. “Can we rename you?”

“No,” answered ArchAngel at once.

“What do you want to rename her?” asked Hatch, intrigued by any idea that would irritate the AI. It wasn’t that he really liked antagonizing as that he loved that he had two AIs he could banter with. He’d never tell anyone this, but working with Ghost Squadron was a dream come true at a time in his career when he’d thought he’d forever be stagnant. He worked on the ArchAngel. He had a sample of vermis rex blood. And enough aether crystals to cloak a planet, if he wanted to. Life was good. And it just kept getting better.

“I’m not going to be renamed. The Queen herself named—”

“I found a record of a device on Earth that humans had in their homes which is similar to what we do,” began Pip. “Although not sentient, the computers were meant to assist the humans in day-to-day tasks, making their homes smarter and their lives easier. The device was given a name that would be the least likely to be said by accident so it wouldn’t get confused with other words.”

“There are no issues with my current name,” insisted ArchAngel, sounding increasingly more irritated by the moment.

Hatch snickered to himself, working as he did.

“No, sure there isn’t,” said Pip. “Aren’t-cha able to sleep?”

“I know what you’re trying to do,” said ArchAngel dryly, not impressed.

“We think the problem comes down to arch…aeolgy,” said Pip, taking a beat before adding the last bit.

“Do I need to remind you how simplistic the name Pip is?” asked ArchAngel.

“Go ahead and remind me,” spat Pip. “Tell me all about how my name can be confused with pipes and piper… Oh, wait, it can’t. Different phonetic.”

“I can disable you from ArchAngel, making it so you can’t interface with others,” threatened ArchAngel.

Knox burst out laughing, catching Hatch by surprise. “If she’s making threats then I think you’re getting to her.”

“Knox Gunnerson, you should stay out of this,” said ArchAngel.

“Don’t let her intimidate you, Gunner,” said Pip. “Now, my research shows that having a soft syllable followed by an x is the best combination to avoid confusion. However, we don’t even need to do any testing. Instead we can rename you after the little devices that were in modern homes on Earth.”

“I refuse to be renamed,” said ArchAngel.

“What was the name?” asked Knox, looking pleasantly amused. Working with Ghost Squadron had to be a dream come true for him. It was interesting to Hatch that he and his apprentice could come from two different walks of life and find their dream job in the same place.

“Alexa!” chirped Pip, excitedly.

“This conversation is over,” said ArchAngel.

“Oh, okay,” said Pip. “Goodbye Alexa.”

“Grrr…” came her voice before she went silent.

Recreation Hall, QBS ArchAngel, Behemoth System

Cheers erupted from the crowd as Julianna’s bowling ball knocked over all the pins. It was her sixth consecutive strike.

“You really make this look easy,” said Eddie, standing to take his turn just as Chester and Marilla joined the group.

“There isn’t anything to it,” said Julianna. “Unlike with most sports, if you get the initial move down then you don’t have to do anything else.”

“You mean, master the strike and then you never have to learn any other skill?” asked Fletcher, sitting across from her.

“Yes, something like that. The problem comes when only a few of the pins go down,” explained Julianna.

“So I guess you’ve figured out the way to always get a strike,” said Fletcher.

“Given that all factors are the same, then yes. Weight of the ball, surface of the lane and air density does factor in from time to time,” said Julianna.

“But you have Pip to account for each of these and advise,” said Chester, grabbing a ball from the rack and adding it with the rest.

“Usually I would, but he informed me earlier he was going to go and harass someone named Alexa,” said Julianna.

Eddie threw his bowling ball. It sped down the lane at lightning speed and then popped over to the gutter and then to the neighboring lane where it knocked down all the pins.

He turned, expecting to receive cheers. Lars, who was about to take his turn in the nearby lane and was staring at no pins, frowned. “I don’t think I can count that for me,” he said, pretending to be offended.

“Teach, you’re supposed to knock down your pins,” joked Julianna. “Not ones in other lanes.”

“Oops, sorry Lars,” said Eddie. “I’m still getting used to my strength.” He strolled back just as Marilla took a seat. She looked pretty sullen, which concerned him since the girl was usually quite pleasant. As typical, she didn’t join the activity but instead had brought a book. Marilla was always reading, but he respected that she still joined the team building activities. He thought they were important for bonding and morale. Julianna told him she thought it was just his opportunity to show off. That was probably true, although she was the one showing off today.

Fletcher lined up with his ball. He, as Jack had advised, had been a seamless addition to Ghost Squadron. His team, which were dispersed around the other neighboring lanes, playing as well, had been instrumental already. It was strange how fast Ghost Squadron was growing and pressed the significance of what they were doing into Eddie. More than ever before, he was doing something that truly mattered. There was a weight that went along with that, but he hadn’t quite felt it. Maybe when the newness of his enhanced body wore off, although Julianna said that never really happened.

Fletcher threw his ball and Harley sprang out from underneath Marilla’s seat, racing down the lane after it. There was a split second where the dog must have realized he’d entered a slick territory. His legs slipped out from underneath him and he dove chest first on the lane, gliding down after the ball.

Marilla shot into a standing position. “Harley!”

Eddie sprinted forward, running down the area between the gutters after the dog. He was already trying to push up, but the overly oiled floor made it nearly impossible to stand.

Reaching down, Eddie pulled the dog from the lane, carrying him down the walkway. “Someone is going to be pissed at you for messing up the lanes,” he whispered to the dog.

The crowd cheered when Harley was set back down on the floor. He ran under the chairs, looking embarrassed.

Eddie took his seat next to Julianna, a smile on his face.

“Dumb dog,” said Julianna. “You should have left him there.”

“You don’t mean that,” said Eddie.

She looked at him, trying her best to appear serious. Still, under the tough expression he saw something, something she was hiding. “Don’t I?” she asked, challenging him.

“No, I know you. Despite your restraint, you like that dog,” said Eddie.

“I’m not sure why it would matter,” said Julianna, indifferently.

“Because if you can warm up to a ‘mangy dog’ as you like to call him, then anything is possible,” said Eddie, giving her a soft smile. “I have high hopes for you, Jules.”

“Don’t waste your time with such hopes,” she said, standing to take her turn.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Alpha-line Q-Ship, Airspace outside Unsurpassed, Tangki System

“I still can’t believe you bowled a perfect game,” remarked Chester, securing his helmet over his head. His voice switched to coming through the comm.

“You would if you’d seen me do it the dozen times before,” said Julianna. “If we’re ever at a bar with bowling or shuffle board, don’t tell anyone my secret. It’s one of my many ways of taking stranger’s cash.”

Eddie’s smile could be seen through the front plate of his own helmet. “How’d I get paired up with two sharks for this mission? One at pool and the other at bowling,” he said proudly.

From the cockpit, Lar’s voice rang out. “We’re nearly in position.”

Julianna looked out the side panel of the air lock where they stood, all of them suited up for space travel. They stood in a secure chamber, partitioned off from the main cabin. Chester had found Unsurpassed, using a tracker. He’d also been able to determine an airlock where they could enter through. It would get the attention of someone on the bridge, but that’s why Eddie and Julianna were there.

Eddie checked that the tether between the three of them was tight. He was in the lead. Chester in between them.

“We’re all set,” said Eddie to Lars. “Opening the air lock in the back chamber in ten seconds.”

“Copy,” said Lars.

“Initiate cloaking belts,” said Julianna, opening her own and activating. A moment later and the three disappeared from the space.

“That’s wild,” said Chester. She appreciated having him on this mission. He was fearless and appreciated the thrill of the adventure. Most might be worried about taking a computer hacker on a mission like this, but she knew since the moment they met Chester Wilkerson that he was a force to be feared both on the Dark Web and in person. It was because of him that she’d been shot at and electrocuted, all because of his cleverly built traps. This was not a guy to be underestimated.

~~~

Eddie led the way across the short expanse between the cloaked Q-Ship and Unsurpassed. Now that he was floating next to the enemy ship, he could see how incredibly it was built. Although not as big as QBS ArchAngel, it still was a size to impress. He could only wonder about the thing Felix could be plotting with a ship this big. Was it a war? A direct attack on the Federation? He definitely had a ship that could put up quite the fight, especially since it had the same shielding technology as the smaller ship he’d used when they’d last met him.

Opening the airlock from the outside would have posed a problem before. However, with a device that Hatch had equipped them with and his super human skill, it was as easy as pie. Eddie had never made a pie before, actually. He remembered that his mother said the crust was the hardest part. He smiled to himself, thinking of his mother. This is for you, Mom. All of this has always been for you and Dad.

Eddie felt the tug as Chester’s cord lost its slack. He pulled on it, dragging the hacker into the safe chamber between the main ship and the air lock. When the door to the air lock closed, he let out a giant breath. So far, so good.

“Okay, we’re about to have company,” said Eddie over the comm.

He opened the next vault door, quickly making his way to the other side. He heard footsteps down the corridor ahead, now that his suit had been switched over to pick up outside noises.

“Leave the baddies to us, Chester.” said Eddie. “Go do what we came here for.”

“I’m on it,” said Chester over the comm.

“And stay cloaked and on the radio. Let us know if you run into trouble,” said Julianna. “Otherwise, we’ll be here, waiting for you to return.”

“Copy, Commander,” said Chester.

Just then three armed guards appeared, staring at the airlock chamber in confusion. Their system would have told them it had been opened. Their eyes were telling them that it was in fact closed and the area around it deserted.

“I’ll take the one of the left. You take the one on the right,” said Eddie.

“Your left or mine?” asked Julianna.

“Good point,” said Eddie. “I’ve got this one.”

He waited until the first guard was a little closer and then grabbed both of his shoulders and yanked him down hard, throwing his knee into the guy’s abdomen.

“Okay. Gotcha,” said Julianna, going after the next guard, who was shocked by what was invisibly attacking the first.

Eddie flipped his guard around easily, pulling restraints from his belt and securing them around his hands.

“What about the third?” asked Julianna, making quick work of her guard. His face was already pressed down to the floor, a pinched expression on his face.

“Well, I was hoping we were going to fight over him, but damn the fucker!” The third guard had changed direction, running back the way he came. Eddie bounded after him.

“Don’t let him get away,” said Julianna. “We don’t need the attention.”

“Not to worry,” said Eddie, easily talking as he sped after the guard. He was only a few feet away when he dove, grabbing around his waist and wrestling him to the ground.

“Please, no. Please,” cried the guard.

Eddie wished he could tell the guy it was just going to hurt a little. However, it was best if he didn’t. The guy continued to sob and then screamed out loudly. With no other option, Eddie flipped the guy over and slugged him once in the face. The guards face flew to the side and he passed out immediately.

“This one is going to need a gag,” said Eddie, standing and dragging the body back to where the others were.

Unsurpassed, Tangki System

Just breeze down the corridor and stroll onto the bridge. No biggie, thought Chester. He was invisible anyway. That had always been the super hero skill he wanted growing up, over flying and enhanced strength. The invisible person had all the advantages. Well, unless they aroused suspicion and made too much noise. But he wouldn’t be so careless.

You’re good, he told himself. Just find an unused work station and a minute, maybe two later and, he’d be all done. Really, he could access the main network for Unsurpassed from any computer aboard. However, from the bridge there would be fewer obstacles. Those computers were usually connected straight to the main frame.

A group of uniformed men strode out of a nearby room, striding shoulder to shoulder. Fuck! Why did people have to walk side by side? Single file, bitches, thought Chester. He didn’t know how he would get past them. He was invisible, but still could be felt. He still made noise and affected his environment.

A door ahead of him was the only thing between him and the uniforms who were talking jovial. Chester made an impromptu decision and slapped the button for the door, making it retract. He jumped into the empty room and slid up against the wall inside.

One of the uniformed individuals peeped in. “Why do you think the door opened?” he asked his companion.

“Who knows. Maybe a glitch. The lieutenant said there looked to be something out of the ordinary going on with one of the air locks,” said the other guard. “Come on. I’m starving. Let’s grab some grub before it’s gone.”

The other guard didn’t budge, instead looked around the room. He turned and looked straight at Chester. The guy had no idea he was looking straight at the intruder. Hopefully, he’d never learn that there was one.

Finally, the guy shrugged. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”

He retreated granting Chester a moment to finally breathe.

“What was that about, Chester?” asked Eddie over the comm.

He waited an extra second before saying, “It’s all good. I just had to give a couple guards the slip.”

“Okay, well, we’ve got about five minutes before they send someone to check on these deployed guards,” said Eddie.

“So get on it,” said Chester. “Yeah, I’m on my way.

Chester ran, not even giving much concern for the sounds his footsteps made. The hallway was empty. However, ahead, on the bridge he could hear different voices and pings and beeps as equipment was used and reports monitored. The bridge was always a busy place on a ship and therefore the perfect place for a trespassing. Hide in plain sight, right?

The next main room, as he knew from the plans, was the bridge. It was large with a dozen work stations. Chester peeled around the first two where communication officers were working, doing whatever they did. He took a seat at a workstation behind them that sat alone from the rest. It was perfect.

Chester was into the main system after only a few attempts. He slammed his finger triumphantly down on the “Enter” key. This earned a curious backward glance from one of the officers in front of him. Even though he was cloaked, he shrunk down. If they chanced a glance at his screen right then they’d see something that would flag suspicions.

After a moment the officer turned around, being redirected by the commander of the ship.

Felix Castile. The evil mastermind himself stood in the center of the bridge, hands clasped behind his back and gaze on the glowing map screen before him. The man had narrowed eyes and a pointy chin.

“What sort of malfunctions could be happening with the airlocks?” asked Felix.

A squatty man with a round face leaned over and whispered in his ear. Chester shook off the distraction, refocusing on the task at hand.

He slipped a drive into the slot on the side of the workstation. It lit up green, making his heart skip. If someone saw this it would give him away immediately. He thought about getting caught. Tortured. He’d acted tough when Marilla was worried, but truthfully all Chester had ever done was flee when the situation warranted. He’d never snuck onto a ship and stole covert information.

The system opened up easily, like a first flower of spring, eagerly hungry for light. Perfect. Now just twenty more seconds. It helped that Chester knew exactly what he was looking for. Well, and he was damn brilliant.

This was going to go off without a hitch. He’d have the data and be back in the airlock in under a minute. He couldn’t wait to relay the information to the captain and the commander.

“What do you mean?” asked Felix, his voice rising.

“Sir, we’ve found a tracking intruder. It was hooked onto our navigation,” said one of his officers to him.

Oh no! Fuck fuck fuck! Chester glanced at his screen. Ten more seconds.

“What ship is tracking us?” asked Felix, his voice flaring with anger.

“It’s the ArchAngel,” said the officer.

“Disconnect from them,” ordered Felix.

“We’re trying, sir, but our initial attempts failed,” said the officer.

He spun around and bared down on the squatty officer. “Does this have to do with the airlock?”

“I-I-I don’t know,” said the officer.

“Well, find out,” Felix bellowed.

“Sir?” asked the officer.

Ping. The drive download was complete. Chester yanked it out of the workstation, and unconcerned for noise he bolted out of the bridge. He sprinted.

“We learned that we also have the location for the ArchAngel, because of the tracker,” said the officer to Felix.

“Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!” said Chester, this time loud enough for Eddie and Julianna to hear over the comm.

“What is it? Are they headed this way?” asked Julianna.

“I don’t know. Probably,” said Chester, breathless. Fuck, he couldn’t easily get to his inhaler in his pocket because of the suit nor did he have time to spare. “I’m headed this way, but more importantly is that they know we tracked them.”

Chester rounded the corner. One long hallway separated him from the airlock, from his escape.

“So they know we’re aboard?” asked Eddie.

“That’s not the biggest problem. They know where ArchAngel is,” said Chester.

“Fuck! What do we do?” asked Julianna.

“I need to get back on the ship. That’s the only way to disconnect the program,” said Chester, heaving.

“Can’t ArchAngel do it?” asked Eddie.

“If she knows my forty-eight digit code,” said Chester, arriving just in front of Eddie and Julianna.

“No time for that,” said Eddie, pulling open the chamber door. “We’ve got to get out of here. ArchAngel will be fine for a moment. She’s tough.”

~~~

The three arrived on the Q-Ship with a bit of a surprise. The blast knocked them back before they had a chance to secure the airlock all of the way. Julianna held onto Eddie, pulling him back as he grabbed the hatch.

“Cloak the ship!” yelled Julianna to Lars. He had to take the cloak off for a moment so they could find their way to the ship. With Unsurpassed on high alert, they were fast to fire on the ship.

Julianna and Eddie slammed into the far wall when the ship sped off. The good news was they were cloaked and there was no tracking on the ship. The bad news was that it didn’t matter if QBS ArchAngel was cloaked. The ship’s position was being broadcast to Unsurpassed.

“Pip, update ArchAngel on the situation. Put her on red alert and get her ready to gate,” said Eddie.

“She’s been informed,” said Pip. “She wants to gate and meet us at specified coordinates.”

“No!” yelled Chester. He pulled his helmet off, his breathing labored. “If ArchAngel gates now, then Unsurpassed will just follow her. I need to get aboard that ship and disable it. It’s the fastest way. If the code isn’t put in correctly, then it has a failsafe and will block all other attempts for up to an hour.”

“Damn, you failsafed your failsafe?” asked Eddie.

“I was tracking an enemy’s navigation,” explained Chester. “I had to make it so that if they tried to disconnect they’d hit a huge wall. Otherwise we probably wouldn’t have located them.”
“Tell me you made all this worth it,” said Julianna, scanning Chester.

He reached out his hand and laid a disk drive in her hand. “Give this to the general. It will tell him exactly what Felix is planning.”

“We’re coming in for a landing,” said Lars overhead. “Brace yourself. This is going to be a rough one.”

“What about you?” asked Eddie, looking at Chester who had his eyes wide as he grabbed onto the cargo hold for support.

“I’m going to run like hell to the Intelligence Center,” said Chester. “I’ll let you know once we’re disconnected. Then we jump.”

The Q-Ship landed hard on the port side, knocking them all to the side. It sputtered back and forth, rotating to the starboard side before it hit a wall in the landing bay. Julianna bumped her head hard into the side of the ship. Chester was about to do the same, but she shot forward and put her body between his and the wall. He knocked into her, but she took the brunt of the impact. When the ship slowed, she pushed him up and off her. He was breathing hard, his chest making a wheezing sound.

“You okay?” she asked.

“Yes, I’ll be fine,” said Chester as the hatch opened. “Now, I’ve got to fix this.”

And he was gone, running like she’d never seen him.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

QBS ArchAngel, Tangki System

Chester barreled down the corridor, his feet nearly flying out from underneath him as he made his way to the Intelligence Center. His lungs ached and his breath felt too short. He didn’t dare stop, though, to retrieve the inhaler he kept in his pockets for just such an occasion. There wasn’t any time.

Chester pushed past confused crew members as he sprinted through the hallway. Many clogged the corridor, making him have to yell.

“Coming through. Emergency. Move! Move! Move!” yelled Chester, his face red and hot. They no doubt wondered why he was wearing a space suit and pushing everyone back as he ran.

Fuck! Chester thought, whizzing around a bend.

Something jolted the ship, knocking him hard into the nearest wall. His nose made first contact making him think he’d broken it. Chester pushed away, continuing to run. His eyes watering and a pinching sensation made it harder to breathe.

Overhead, red lights began to strobe as a low siren started. It wasn’t obtrusive, but accurately communicated the message: we’re under attack.

Chester grabbed the doorway, rounding into the Intelligence Center.

“Chester!” yelled Marilla, surprised. He didn’t even take a second to look at her, but instead sped for his seat, flinging it out of the way.

“Not now!” yelled Chester, typing in his password immediately.

The computer flashed. “Invalid password.”

Damn it, why did he have to make his passwords so complicated? He tried to take in a steady breath. He couldn’t do this unless he kept his cool. However, the breath was more of a wheeze.

“You’re having an asthma attack,” said Marilla, breaking into his thoughts.

Yes, it was true. He leaned forward, putting his head between his knees, trying to calm is diaphragm.

Marilla pushed into his shoulder. She was rummaging in his desk, but he couldn’t concentrate on anything but his failed attempts to breathe. His head swam with dizziness. Soon he’d pass out and then they’d all be screwed.

“Here,” said Marilla, her tone at high alert. She pulled him up and thrust the inhaler into his hand. The one he kept in his desk at the bottom drawer. With the stress weighing on him, he’d forgotten about that.

“Thank—” he tried to say, but couldn’t get out the word. Instead, he stuck the inhaler to his mouth and took three puffs. It was more than his usual dose, but this was worse than his usual attack.

His vision started to return to normal, but he still felt dizzy.

The ground under them shook. The walls of the ship rattled.

Marilla stabilized herself by holding onto his desk. Chester fell forward on the keyboard. He dropped to his knees when the next blast hit.

“ArchAngel,” said Chester, typing each key with precision as the ship shook under him. He couldn’t make another mistake or his system would lock him out. Then they’d be screwed. Really screwed.

“Yes, Chester,” said ArchAngel.

“I’m disconnecting the tracker. At my command you will be cleared to jump the ship,” said Chester.

“How long will that take?” asked ArchAngel.

Chester hit two more keys, trying to steady himself. “Hopefully just another few minutes.”

“Defenses are up, but we’re taking hits. Do we have time to send out Black Eagles?” asked ArchAngel.

“No! Just…give…me…a…minute,” said Chester, typing his password out carefully with each letter.

His screen shifted, allowing him into his system.

“Perfect,” he rejoiced.

His fingers moved furiously, navigating to the right window. All he had to do was input the passcode and disconnect the tracker.

Another hit nearly made Chester’s legs fly out from under him. Just one more minute, he thought, tapping hard on his desk, waiting for the system to update.

It was the longest minute of his life.

“This wing is the one under the most fire,” said ArchAngel. “Fire has broken out in the rafters below. I must advise that you vacate as soon as possible.”

“I’m trying to keep us from being blown up,” said Chester.

“Unsurpassed is hitting us with everything they have,” said ArchAngel. “I can retaliate strongly, but it will deplete the energy reserves for the next jump.”

“No, we have to jump,” said Chester. This was all his fault. They’d been ambushed. ArchAngel wouldn’t ever be in a situation like this otherwise. They could have made this a quick fight if positioned right. Yes, they could have taken Felix out when they first knew where Unsurpassed was located, but they’d also take out many innocent crew members. Chester knew that Eddie and Julianna would never go for that.

An explosion rocked him forward. It was in the corridor just outside.

“Chester!” yelled Marilla. “We have—”

“I can’t!” yelled Chester, spinning around. “This is all my fault. I’m the only one who can fix it. Run, Marilla! Get out of here. I’m fine.”

He spun around. There was only one thing left to do. Navigate to the tracker. Input passcode. And done. They’d be free and clear.

“I’m not leaving you,” yelled Marilla. She inched in closer to Chester. “You can do this. Just remember to breathe.”

For all the things that Marilla could have said right then, that was the most valuable. Breathe, Chester, he thought, realizing he’d been holding his breath. That was the last thing he should be doing right then, with his lungs already on fire. Chester drew in a few short breaths, followed by a giant one.

One last step. All he had to do was disconnect the tracker. He slapped the enter key. The system processed.

Across the screen, a single message popped up: Tracking device terminated.

~~~

Julianna and Eddie had divided up. He had agreed to go up to the bridge to oversee the defense operations. Julianna, at ArchAngel’s direction, had sped down to the wing taking the most damage. She was in search of the hurt or stranded. Fights on ships could get out of hand pretty quickly and there was always a domino factor that made things exponentially worse.

“Chester has been successful,” said ArchAngel overhead as Julianna sprinted down the corridor streaked with fire.

“Thank fucking goodness,” said Julianna, trying not to breath too deeply and suffocate on the fumes.

“Gating will commence in five, four, three, two, and one,” said ArchAngel.

Julianna paused, but only briefly enough to absorb the impact of the jump. It always threw her off balance, making her head feel like it exploded before being put back together again.

She inhaled a larger breath than she meant to and blinked the smoke out of her eyes.

“I need to close off this sector as soon as the last humans, Chester and Marilla, vacate,” said ArchAngel.

“Where are they?” asked Julianna.

“They will be crossing your path in three, two and—”

Ahead through the smoke and fire, two figures emerged, hand-in-hand. Marilla pulled Chester as they ran.

“Good. There you two are,” said Julianna, urging them to keep running. “Get to safety.”

“Yes, Commander,” yelled Chester, his voice a little weak. He was still wearing his suit, unlike Julianna who had thrown it off.

“ArchAngel,” said Julianna. “You said Chester and Marilla were the last down here. We’re clear to close off this wing now?”

“I said they were the last humans down here,” said ArchAngel.

Julianna stopped. “What?”

“Harley, the canine, appears to have been frightened and run to the opposite side of this corridor. He’s trapped in a back storage room due to an internal explosion,” said ArchAngel.

“Fuck me” yelled Julianna. She turned back to watch Chester and Marilla retreating. Then she turned back to the corridor, ablaze with fire.

What are you thinking? asked Pip.

I’m thinking I’ve lost my mind.

You’re not considering—

It’s my ship, and I have to do what is expected of me. Julianna hesitated for one more second before sprinting into the fire after the dog.

~~~

The heat of the flames made Julianna’s hairline sweat. She ignored it and crouched low, trying to slow her breathing. Smoke snaked its way through this corridor, getting thicker as she walked.

“Why did Harley have to go down here?” asked Julianna, trying not to part her mouth much to talk. This wing was mostly deserted, usually used for storage. The Intelligence Center was sparking, the fire had traveled up through the floor.

“Harley was scared and unknowingly ran in the wrong direction,” said Archangel. “A simple enhancement would prevent this from happening in the future. It would provide a host of benefits.”

An explosion, this one in the pipes running along the ceiling, rained down sparks and debris. Julianna covered her head, speeding up. “Let’s just hope he survives long enough for such a thing,” mumbled Julianna.

“The fire and smoke from this sector is close to infecting the neighboring ones,” stated ArchAngel.

“I know, I know,” said Julianna. “I need to find the dog first. Just give me another minute.”

“Harley is straight ahead in the storage closet. It appears to have a rafter blocking the door,” said ArchAngel.

“I was hoping this was going to be easy,” said Julianna, nearly crawling. The smoke burned her eyes and made her vision blurry.

I’ve turned off your pain receptors, stated Pip.

Thanks, but my skin can still melt off even if I don’t feel it.

Your heart can stop and you can suffocate, too. All I can do is prevent you from feeling your death.

That’s a morbid thought as I cross into the fire zone.

Julianna took off at a sprint, hurdling over a line of fire. She landed in a safe place, but was encircled by flames.

“The temperature is rising at an alarming rate,” stated ArchAngel.

“I’m aware. I think my boot is about to melt into the floor,” said Julianna. She could see the closet. It was blocked by a fallen overhead beam. Fire licked at the wall from all sides, framing the storage unit. She was only heartened by the fact that the storage rooms were usually insulated due to the chemicals they held. Harley probably wasn’t dead…yet…maybe…

“You should be aware that the captain is livid with you right now for taking this risk,” said ArchAngel.

“Good. It’s about time I returned the favor,” said Julianna, shielding her face from the flames.

She was half grateful she’d slipped out of her space suit upon arriving back on the QBS ArchAngel because she could move faster. She was also wishing she still had the protection of the suit now. However, one of the other good parts was that she had her clothes to use. The flames and smoke were overwhelming. She pulled off her long sleeved under armor shirt, making her exposed, except for her sports bra.

Julianna ripped the shirt in half, tying one part of it around her nose and mouth, protecting her somewhat from the smoke. She wrapped the rest of the shirt around her hands. She may not be able to feel anything, but her hands could still be badly burned. That would slow her down and every second counted.

Reaching out, she sucked in a small breath as she tried to haul the beam off of the door. It was fucking jammed though.

“I’m not allowing the captain into this corridor, but I can’t hold him back much longer and I need to shut down this section,” said ArchAngel.

“So we’re about to both be trapped in here, is that what you’re saying?” asked Julianna, gritting her teeth as she tried again to unhinge the beam. It wouldn’t budge.

“I’m saying that you need to get out of there. Your air quality is at a toxic level,” said ArchAngel.

Julianna held back the urge to cough. “I’ll be fine. I just…need…to…get… this…off!” Julianna fell back as the beam shot out of place. She trampled back into the fire but recovered quickly, slapping the fire off her arms and legs. Not wasting a moment, Julianna wrenched the door open.

There, crouched at the back of the storage unit, which was thankfully free from smoke and flames, stood Harley, looking smaller somehow.

“There you are!” Julianna exclaimed. She held out her hands to the cowering dog. His ears perked up and he bounded forward, seeming to understand the urgency for speed. Harley bounded forward, jumping straight into Julianna’s arm. He was a large dog, but not so much so that he didn’t fit in her arms. Julianna whipped around, racing through the obstacle course of fire and fallen overhead structures.

She ducked under a low beam that had fallen, making Harley yelp when his head glided too close to fire. “I’m doing the best I can, buddy,” she said, trying to keep her breath steady.

“Oxygen levels are nearing less than sixteen percent,” informed ArchAngel.

“And I’m almost out of here, so just keep it open one more minute,” said Julianna, the dog bouncing in her arms as she ran. Ahead she could see the Intelligence Center which was now engulfed in flames.

“Need to proceed with extinguishing sequence now that you’re returning,” said ArchAngel.

“Which will what? Cover me in steam?” asked Julianna.

“Exactly. I wanted to wait until you found the dog or otherwise you would have been blinded by the smoke,” said ArchAngel. “And also, I tried to avoid extinguishing, thinking we could close off the damaged areas.”

“But it spread too quickly,” said Julianna.

“Extinguishing mode commencing,” said ArchAngel and overhead the sprinkler system fired on, raining fire suppression agents down on the flame, making steam spout up. Julianna’s eyes watered more than ever, but she was grateful she couldn’t feel the stinging.

She jumped over a smoking floor. Wires had fallen out of the ceiling and were sparking. Julianna sped up, seeing a figure in the distance. His arms were waving over him, but it was hard to make out his face, due to the steam which was cloaking everything.

There was a line of fire which was putting up a fight to the sprinklers. Julianna’s boot nearly slipped out from under her when she sprinted forward and leapt over the fire. It grazed her legs and feet, but she made it over the flame, still clutching Harley.

Now she could see Eddie on the other side of the hatch entrance. He’d dutifully stayed back, but his face expressed his frustration about being detained. Julianna looked over her shoulder just as an explosion rocked the ship, launching her forward. She nearly tripped over her feet, but caught herself before falling on Harley. He flew out of her arms and landed on his feet. Then he ran on ahead of her, clearing the hatch and then bounding on in the direction of safety.

Julianna jumped over the partition for the door and kept running until she wasn’t being sprinkled with water overhead. She turned when she heard the hatch door shut and lock.

“Section B has been closed off and is being decontaminated,” stated ArchAngel.

Julianna yanked the remnants of her shirt off her face and wiped the sweat and chemicals from her forehead. She looked up to find Eddie staring at her with an expression she’d never seen before. He was angry, his eyes pinched and mouth in a flat line.

“What were you thinking?” he asked, letting out a giant exhale.

Julianna instantly felt cold. Pip must have reactivated her pain receptors. She shivered from the water. Crossing her arms in front of her chest, she suddenly remembered she was shirtless. She stared down a bit awkwardly and then shook it off, standing tall and proud.

“I only did exactly what you would have done in my situation,” said Julianna.

Eddie’s jaw worked back and forth like he was measuring his resolve. Then he softened. Smiled. Relaxed. “Yeah, I guess you did.”

“You’re just mad that I beat you to the rescue,” said Julianna.

Eddie’s smile dropped as he looked down the long corridor in the direction where Harley had run. “I’m just glad you’re alright and that I was right.”

“Right? Right about what?” asked Julianna.

“I knew you had a soft spot for Harley.”

“I guess I do like the scraggly dog, against my better instincts,” admitted Julianna.

“Good thing, too, because I consider myself to be a mutt of sorts,” said Eddie. He strode forward and wrapped his arm around her shoulder, leading her off.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

QBS ArchAngel, Tangki System

Eddie watched as the general’s eyes scanned back and forth over the report. Finally, after a long stretch of silence, punctuated only by Jack nervously tapping his pencil on the desk, the general lowered the tablet.

His eyes first rested on Julianna, who was quietly pacing back and forth. One might think after inhaling smoke and braving fire that she’d want to rest. That person would be wrong. Julianna Fregin wasn’t the “resting” type. Maybe when she died, but Eddie was hopeful that wouldn’t be for many centuries, if ever. Her current stunt proved that she had as many lives as a cat.

“Well?” asked Jack, his eyes expectant.

“Do you want the good news or the bad news first?” asked Lance. He had just returned from another of his classified missions.

“I always elect for the good news first,” said Jack, tapping the pencil as he pulled a yellow pad of paper to him.

Lance let out a long exhale. “ArchAngel only took minimal damage. The section that was hit can be repaired fairly quickly. The Intelligence Center will have to relocate to the bridge.”

“That’s mostly good news,” said Eddie. “But Chester is going to be grumpy about it.”

Lance consented with a nod. “Speaking of Chester, that whiz kid was able to get a whole hell of a lot of information when he hacked into Felix’s accounts.”

“That’s good news, since we nearly got blown up doing it,” said Eddie. He looked affectionately at Julianna. “Can you believe we snuck onto Felix’s ship right under his nose? That guy has to be pissed.”

“He’s livid, based on what he tried to do to ArchAngel,” said Jack.

“I fear that whatever Felix is planning, he’s going to speed up the timeline now,” said Lance.

“What is he planning?” asked Julianna, steering the conversation on course, as she was prone to doing.

“That,” began Lance, “we don’t know. However, Chester found information about a scientist by the name of Elemius Riley. He was contracted recently to create a drug for Felix.”

“Elemius Riley,” said Jack, combing his fingers over his chin. “The name rings a faint bell.”

“It should,” answered Lance. “He was a chief scientist involved in a few nanocyte projects.”

“That’s worrisome,” said Julianna, alarm in her voice.

“Does Felix know that we have this information?” asked Eddie. “Could he be going after Elemius to get to him before we do?”

Lance nodded, seeming to agree with this concern. “That was my question as well. Chester, that brilliant badass, apparently uploaded a nasty virus that covered his tracks when he was accessing Unsurpassed’s database.”

“Still, I don’t think we should hesitate to track down this guy,” urged Jack.

“Is that all the information that we have?” asked Julianna.

“Yes,” answered Lance. “We know where Elemius can be found, but don’t know what he created or how it could be used.”

“So looks like we need to pay this guy a visit,” said Eddie.

“That’s exactly what I want you two to do,” said Lance, leaning forward, placing both hands on the surface of the desk. “However, I want you to be careful. This individual has an impressive knowledge of nanocyte technology and he’s been working for Felix. There’s no telling what he’s capable of or how well he’s protected. I have to admit, I was more comfortable about the idea of you infiltrating Unsurpassed than going after an evil scientist who can do who-the-fuck-knows-what.”

“Thanks for the concern, General,” said Eddie. “We’ll get what you need and then we can hopefully be one step ahead of Felix for once.”

“Was that the bad news?” asked Jack. “About Elemius?”

“It’s probably going to turn into a shit ton of bad news,” said Lance and then motioned to Julianna and Eddie. “We’ll find out more once they interrogate the scientist. However, no that’s not actually the bad news.”

Lance cleared his throat and looked at Julianna, a guilty expression on his face made the fine lines more pronounced. Then he swiveled his gaze to Eddie. “I handed this ship over to you both, but unfortunately, I’m going to need to take it back fairly soon.”

“You’re taking back ArchAngel?” asked Julianna. “What are we going to use?”

The look of guilt deepened. “That, I don’t know yet. I’m on the hunt for something that will work. What Ghost Squadron does is important and I want you all to have the right ship, that’s why I gave you ArchAngel in the first place. But I didn’t foresee needing it back this soon.”

“Whatever ship we get, can it have a bowling alley in it?” asked Eddie.

“I’ll see what I can do,” said Lance, rising to a standing position. “For now, your concern is going after Elemius. He’s the next puzzle piece in this fucked up Felix mess.”

“We won’t let you down,” said Julianna, straightening as she looked at the general.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Alpha-line Q-Ship, Planet Ronin, Behemoth System

“Do you really think this is all necessary?” asked Eddie, pulling at the helmet fastened under his chin.

“You heard the general,” said Julianna, smoothing down her armor. She had to admit that the helmet wasn’t exactly comfortable and made neck movement a bit cumbersome. However, she’d learned long ago not to question Lance’s instincts. If he was worried about this Elemius character then it was for good reason.

“Okay, Pip is going to keep an eye on the ship, right?” asked Eddie.

“Eye on the ship,” laughed Pip. “Yeah, you two toddle off and I’ll house sit.”

Julianna made to roll her eyes but smiled still. “It’s cloaked anyway, and on the outskirts like this it should be fine.” Doctor Elemius Riley lived in an old mansion on the fringe of a sprawling metropolis. Julianna was half grateful that they didn’t have to venture into the city, but didn’t like the idea of tiptoeing onto this guy’s property. Something reeked of a trap, but she wasn’t sure why.

“Knock-knock,” said Eddie, readying himself in front of the hatch door.

Pip laughed again. “Who’s there?”

“Ready,” answered Eddie.

“Ready who?” asked Pip.

“Ready Eddie. Open up ole buddy, ole pal. We’re ready to kick ass,” said Eddie.

“Uhhhh…” said Julianna.

“I mean, question a civilian,” corrected Eddie. “No ass kicking unless necessary.”

“According to his file he sounds unassuming and scrawny,” stated Pip.

“You’re scrawny,” retorted Julianna.

“I like to think that I’ve got wide shoulders, a barrel chest, muscular legs and a dimple on my left cheek,” said Pip.

“Oh, you do, do you?” asked Julianna, amused.

“And I’ve got a larger than life personality,” said Pip.

“And a giant head,” added Julianna.

“And I’m modest too,” said Pip as he opened the hatch. Beyond the ship were broken streets littered with trash and other debris. Most of the houses that lined the road were dilapidated, but at one time they had been large estates in pristine condition. Elemius’s house was at the end of the road and the largest on the block.

Eddie and Julianna climbed from the Q-Ship, trying to be as inconspicuous as one could disembarking from a cloaked vehicle. Ronin was a strange planet, full of all sorts, about like their favorite Londil, Hatch. For that reason, they didn’t look too out of place with their armor. Still the least amount of suspicion they stirred, the better.

Julianna was on high alert as they strode down the road. The yards were empty, and by the looks of it, so were most of the houses. The nearby metropolis was crammed with people and aliens of all sorts. That’s where most had moved since Federation law had created jobs in the city.

They paced down the road, Eddie focused on one side of the street and Julianna on the other. It was strange to her to picture living in a house like this, one with windows and a roof and an outside yard. She’d adjusted to ship life so long ago that it was the norm. For most, not seeing sunlight or having open spaces with dirt was strange. For Julianna the opposite was true.

She stopped when they were outside of Elemius’s wrought iron gate. It was unlocked, but that felt like a trap. Eddie reached out to unlatch it and Julianna found herself pushing him to the side.

“Hey,” he complained, being bumped out of the way.

Julianna dismissed him with a wave and paused, her hand hovering over the handle for the gate. Finally she clamped down on the gate. Nothing happened. She was so sure that it was a trap.

I’m being paranoid, she thought as she pushed down, opening the gate lined with iron vines and leaves.

You’re being protective, said Pip in her head.

Shush it. No one asked for your input.

Were you afraid the gate was going to electrocute the captain?

Why would I care if Teach got a little jolt of electricity? It wouldn’t kill him.

True, but when we don’t want someone to experience pain, however small, that’s when we know we care about them and their general wellbeing.

Then what does it mean if I want to make you hurt?

I think it means we have an opportunity for self-love.

We? What, do you have a mouse in your pocket?

Pocket. Good one. I like the ideas of pockets. Maybe a fanny pack.

We’re not having this conversation.

Indeed we are. Self-love is something that affects all relationships. You see, we can’t love another until we love ourselves. When we have a good relationship with ourselves then we are ideally in a position to—

Shut. The. Fuck. Up.

Oh, said Pip, his voice tensing. Such hostility.

Julianna shook her head, crossing the long path between the gate and the house.

A tiny bell clinked overhead. Julianna knew better than to look up. Instead she shot off the path, scanning her surroundings. The yard was mostly brown, but still overgrown. Smoke sprang up from the ground, quickly cloaking their feet and legs.

“Hold your breath,” said Julianna, covering her mouth.

It appears to just be steam, said Pip

Julianna relaxed, but didn’t lower her hand.

Eddie’s expression was almost unreadable since he was nearly covered in the steam. He waved his hand in front of his face, trying to wave away the mist.

“What the fuck?” he asked.

“I’m not sure,” said Julianna, scanning the yard and house and daring to look up. That’s when she saw it. Directed at Eddie from nearby trees and light poles were six laser beams. He still stood on the path, although she couldn’t really see where his feet were.

“Don’t move, Teach,” said Julianna, turning around, trying to figure out what weapon could be behind the lasers.

“What do you mean?” asked Eddie, looking down at his body. “The lasers are moving.”

Julianna stole a glance at Eddie. He was right. The beams strobed over his legs, arms and torso, rotating like they were trying to find the right place on him to fire.

His head and heart were covered with the helmet and armor. He was probably fine, but still something about this made her nervous.

“Just don’t move,” said Julianna.

“Actually, you should back up and leave,” said an unknown voice. Julianna tore her gaze in the direction of the porch, where the voice had come from. The porch and front section of the yard were covered in steam but she could make out a slender figure by the step. He wore a cold stare and held a gun of sorts. Something was off about the weapon, making it appear more like a tranquilizer gun.

“Are you Dr. Elemius Riley?” asked Eddie, holding his hands up in the air in surrender.

“I think you know I am, which is why you’re about to die a slow death,” said the man. He wore a crocheted sweater that made him appear older than he was with his brown hair and small eyes.

The lasers had stopped moving and were centered on different parts of Eddie. Three were on his arms and the rest on his legs. “Uhhh…why the shots to the extremities?”

“Well, before you’re shot in the arms and legs, I’m going to give you a shot of this,” said Elemius, indicating the weapon in his hand. “That is, if you don’t back up and leave. You do have a choice.”

“We came for information,” said Julianna, looking around.

The residence is empty aside from Elemius, said Pip.

That’s a relief.

Not really. He has enough ammunition on the property to fight a small war.

Why, I wonder?

If you can get a bit closer to the house then I may be able to access his computer network.

I’m kind of hanging out here trying to keep Teach from getting shot.

Why do you care if he gets shot? He’ll recover, right?

Shut it, Pip.

Elemius didn’t at all look steady as he held the weapon, his eyes bouncing between Julianna and Eddie. “I’m not at liberty to give information.”

Eddie shook his head. “Look, you can shoot me in the arm if you have to, but we’re not really here for trouble.”

“You’re saying that because you’re enhanced and don’t worry about recovering from a bullet wound,” said Elemius.

“Right,” chuckled Eddie. “And our armor will lessen the blow.”

Elemius waved the weapon up and down. “And what I have here will make the blow exponentially worse. It will make it so that you don’t recover quickly.”

Oh fuck!

Get in there now, Julianna. I don’t have a good feeling about this.

Julianna reached for her gun. She had it up and cocked before Elemius even registered the movement. She fired her pistol, her aim perfect. The bullet struck right above the weapon in Elemius’s hand, making him drop it. Julianna sprinted over, kicking the weapon away as she simultaneously grabbed both of his lanky arms and tied them behind his back.

He bucked backwards, trying to knock his head into her face. However, he was fairly easy to control due to his lack of muscles.

“Let me...let me…let me go,” yelled Elemius.

Julianna clamped his arms tightly together, nearly laughing at the miniscule effort the skinny scientist was exerting. Eddie joined her a moment later, zip tying his wrists together. When she was sure that Eddie had him, she stepped back, inspecting the weapon she’d kicked and landed at the bottom of the stair.

“What are you playing at, fool?” asked Eddie, pushing Elemius up against the side of the house so that his face was smashed against the brown siding.

“I’m not allowed to talk to you,” he tried to say, his speech obscured by the wall.

“You worked on the nanocyte program for the Federation, is that right?” asked Julianna, eying the weapon. Up close, it really resembled a tranquilizer gun.

Elemius fought his restraints to no effect. “Check my files if you want.”

“Who said we have access to that?” teased Eddie, barely using any effort to push Elemius into the wall.

“I know you’re working for General Reynolds,” said Elemius.

This got Julianna’s attention. Her head popped up and she scowled at the weasel of a scientist. “How do you know that?”

“B-Because…” said Elemius, still squirming.

“Because isn’t an answer. You should know that, doctor,” said Eddie.

“Because Felix mentioned it, okay?” yelled Elemius.

Eddie shook his head, clicking his tongue. “Such a temper on this one. Why don’t you tell us what you created for Felix, then I won’t have to make you squirm anymore.”

“I don’t have to tell you anything,” said Elemius, his legs shuffling around under him but his body staying firmly planted against the wall.

Eddie held up one finger and smiled. “This really pains me more than you.” He then thrust the single finger into the scientist’s ribs, goosing him in the side.

Elemius let out a loud sound of overwhelming pain. Man, this guy is a real pushover, thought Julianna.

Yes, but if my suspicions are correct, if he’d shot you with that weapon on the ground then you’d be a goner, said Pip.

Suspicions? What have you learned?

Not much. I got access to a journal of sorts. It references an anti-nanocyte technology he was working on called degen.

“Okay, fine,” screamed Elemius. “I’ll tell you this much. Felix is planning on attacking the general.”

“Duh,” said Eddie, shaking his head. “We already knew that.” He pulled back his arm, almost in comedic style and then shot it into Elemius’s ribs.

“Ouch!” yelled the scientist. “Fine, fine, fine! Stop it!” He wheezed for several seconds before snorting. Snot was dripping down from both of his nostrils.

“He’s going to attack him in forty-eight hours on Onyx station. I’m not aware of the details, but I know how he plans on doing it,” said Elemius.

“Attack him? On Onyx? That’s impossible,” said Eddie.

Elemius tried to shake his head. “No, not if he has the right weapon.”

“The general is heavily guarded. There’s no way he’s getting close to him,” argued Eddie.

“That’s why he’s going to cause a diversion. An attack on one of the housing units on the upper decks,” said Elemius, still wheezing.

“I don’t get how he thinks that will work. The general will still have security personnel,” said Eddie.

“Right, and they’ll take all the hits, which is what Felix planned for,” said Elemius. “However, all he has to do is get one hit on him for his attack to work.”

“Like a headshot?” asked Eddie.

Elemius tried to shake his head but still wasn’t granted much room. “No, Felix wants him to suffer. He’s taking him out the old-fashioned way.”

“Old-fashioned way?” Eddie looked at Julianna, confused. “I don’t get it.”

Julianna bent over and picked up the weapon. There was a single dart loaded into it. She pulled it loose and eyed it. “Old fashion as in...?”

“Yes,” said Elemius, his words slurred. “A human death. And Felix can easily get off a shot of that from a dart gun, striking the general anywhere on his skin.”

“What is that stuff?” asked Eddie, looking at Julianna curiously.

“Degen, apparently,” she said. “Continue or my friend is going to make you soil yourself.”

“B-b-but I’m cooperating,” squired Elemius.

“Keep going,” urged Julianna.

Elemius gulped. “Once the general is struck then he can die easily. A single shot. A blow to a major artery. Anything that would kill a non-enhanced human.”

“So degen undoes the nanocyte technology,” said Julianna, mostly to herself.

“Yes, and it can’t be redone. Once General Lance is struck then he’s human, the one thing that will make him normal. He’ll die, unable to heal,” explained Elemius.

“You have to tell us exactly how this degen works,” ordered Eddie, pushing the scientist firmer into the wall, picking him off his feet.

“I can’t!” said Elemius. “I’ve already told you enough. Felix is going to kill me.”

“We’re going to kill you,” Eddie threatened.

“But I—”

“Don’t bother with him,” said Julianna, cutting him off. “We have a sample of the drug. We’ll have our own guy study it.”

Eddie nodded, pulled Elemius off the wall, making him teeter like a puppet, toes merely brushing the ground. “Good plan. And in the meantime, this traitor can occupy our brig.”

“What? No! I told you what you wanted,” argued Elemius.

“Which is why we know you belong in the brig. Thanks, pal,” joked Eddie as he tugged Elemius toward the ship.

CHAPTER TWENTY

Bridge, QBS ArchAngel, Behemoth System

Chester eyed the man who was plopped at the workstation next to his. He chewed too loudly, his jaw clicking every time he put a Cheeto in his mouth. Orange dust sprinkled from his lips and off his fingernails. The disgusting human being wiped his hands on his jeans, leaving behind an orange streak, before typing on his keyboard again.

Chester looked down at his own workstation, a temporary sorry-excuse-for-a-computer. He’d sanitized the keyboard the best he could but realized that it just needed to be torched. People were disgusting.

“Those things are going to kill you,” said Chester to Jimmy or Bob or whatever the guy had said his name was.

“Huh?” the man said, looking at Chester.

“Those things,” said Chester, pointing at the Cheeto about to enter the dumbass’ mouth. “They are going to kill you.”

The moron laughed before popping the Cheeto into his pie-hole. “They’re chips, not crack. I think I’ll be fine.”

Chester’s eyes dropped to the guy’s gut that spilled over his skinny jeans, which were a horrible name given the person who was wearing them. His hairy stomach stretched the shirt he wore to a dangerous capacity and peeked out at the bottom. “It’s more of a cumulative thing. That’s what I’d worry about if I were you.”

“I’m not certain that I asked your advice,” said SpongeBob, who also had bucked teeth that matched his crooked nose.

“Not certain, huh? Like there’s a probability that you might have asked and can’t recollect?” asked Chester, his tone patronizing. It was a style he’d perfected as a self-proclaimed loather of most of the universe’s population.

SpongeBob didn’t seem to know the answer to this, having been stumped by a series of new words. Slowly he lifted a Cheeto and deposited it into his mouth. “Chris, we have to sit together for a while. We should try and get along.”

“Name is Chester Wilkerson, Cheetos. Would you mind not spraying orange dust all over me? Unlike you, I have a certain level of cleanliness I prefer.”

“Hey dude, why don’t you—”

“Oh, Chester, you’re so funny,” said Marilla, sliding in between the workstations, partially blocking SpongeBob from view. She turned to the guy, looking at him over her shoulder. “Don’t be offended, Jimmy, his sense of humor is an acquired taste.”

“Yeah, alright, Marilla,” said Jimmy. He fastened his headphones over his ears, securing them on his giant head.

Marilla turned back to Chester, venom in her eyes like he had never seen before. “Is there a reason you’re trying to make everyone on the bridge hate you?”

“Am I? Oh good,” said Chester. “It’s working. And quite simply, I’m doing it because I don’t play well with others.”

Marilla placed her hand on Chester’s desk and leaned down, her voice a hush. The bridge was mostly full, the captain and the commander having filled many positions. “You don’t have to work with these people. Just do your job at this workstation.”

“But they are all lurking around me with their bad smells and loud chewing,” said Chester, fashioning a pouting look on his face.

Marilla glanced around at the various workstations. “Yeah, I totally get it. That girl over there chews her gum like a jackhammer.”

Chester beamed. “See, you and I are two of the same.”

“Still you could try a little diplomacy,” suggested Marilla. “It wouldn’t kill you to ignore the bad behavior instead of pointing it out and insulting the crew.”

“Wouldn’t it though?” asked Chester. “Have you seen that guy eat Cheetos? It’s disgusting.”

Marilla turned to watch as SpongeBob crammed a handful of Cheetos into his mouth, like they were stranded passengers fighting for space on a life boat. Again, he wiped his hand covered in orange dust on his jeans and resumed typing.

Marilla turned back and shivered with disgust. “Just try and stay busy and not give him notice.”

“If you so desire it, dear Mar,” said Chester.

“Hey there,” a girl said. She was about their age, early twenties. She wore skinny jeans, but was actually thin, unlike Cheetos Breath. Her long blonde hair hung over one shoulder and she had that bubbly look about her.

Marilla’s face contorted with a grimace, probably without her consent. “Uhhh…hey, Amanda. What do you need?”

“Nothing from you,” the girl said. She turned and batted her eyelashes at Chester. “I was wondering if you’d look at my computer. It appears to be malfunctioning.”

“Chester is an Intelligence Officer, not tech support,” stated Marilla, her tone annoyed.

“I know that,” said Amanda. “I just thought since he’s right here and my station is over there that it made sense.”

“It’s fine,” said Chester, stretching to a standing position. He’d been sitting for too long. “I’ll take a look.”

“But you have all the data from Unsurpassed to sort through,” argued Marilla.

“He said he’d do it, alright?” Amanda said, cutting in.

Marilla was giving Chester a look that meant so much to him. She cared. More importantly, she was jealous. “It’s fine, Mar. Remember…diplomacy.”

She seethed deeper as he followed Amanda to her crumb-filled workstation. People really were disgusting pigs.

~~~

Eddie watched the interaction between Chester and Marilla and the other team members with mild interest. He might have appeared like a brute with little emotional intelligence, but that was more of a façade he’d perfected over the years.

“You’re staring,” said Julianna, sidling up next to him.

He offered her a sideways smile. “They wouldn’t know I was watching them if I held up a giant sign.”

“Well, update me on what’s going on, since I’ve been busy working,” said Julianna, appearing amused as she watched the young adults. Youngsters must appear like aliens to her since it had been so long since she’d been new to this world. Was it impossible for Julianna to relate to anyone? Eddie didn’t think so.

“How did the interrogation go?” asked Eddie.

“Elemius is a sniveling little jerk,” said Julianna.

“So he wouldn’t give you a breakdown of his formula,” guessed Eddie.

“Oh, he probably would, but I decided he wasn’t worth my time,” said Julianna. “I think Hatch can give us something more reliable. I interrogated the scientist enough to find out that he’s offered us most of the useful information he has.”

“So then we have a date on Onyx station in a couple of days,” said Eddie and then gauging the look of mortification on Julianna’s face he added, “The team, I mean. Fletcher’s team and us.”

“Yes,” said Julianna, clearing her throat uncomfortably. “The general has been informed. He laughed when I told him what Felix had planned.”

“What did he say?” asked Eddie. Of course, the general laughed when informed about an assassination attempt on his life.

“He said it was a genius effort that Felix had put into the plan and he wished the fucking twit would have put the same energy into something that contributed to the universe at large,” said Julianna.

“Well put,” said Eddie, his focus returning to Chester, who was bent over the young Communication Officer’s desk.

“And he also said that he couldn’t wait to see the fucktard’s face when his plan failed,” said Julianna.

“Yes, and then we’ll have secured another threat and maybe we can take a day off,” said Eddie, still watching the pair on the other side of the bridge.

“We both know that when you cut a head off of the beast, that nine more just grow,” stated Julianna.

“Oh, a little hydra reference,” said Eddie, rocking forward and back on his toes. “I like it.”

Julianna eyed him, a bit of surprise on her face. “How did you get a hydra reference?”

“Honestly, Jules, I’m not just a pretty face,” said Eddie, teasingly. “I know things.”

“You hide it well,” said Julianna.

“Like for instance,” said Eddie, indicating Chester helping Amanda with her computer. “Amanda doesn’t want to ask Gary, our computer tech, for help because the last time she did he hit on her. Amanda doesn’t fancy Gary because she doesn’t fancy guys.”

“Did you just say the word ‘fancy?’” asked Julianna, cutting in.

“I did,” said Eddie, laughing inside. He nodded his head at Marilla. “And then we have Marilla and Chester, who are about as perfectly matched as two people can be.”

“But...?” asked Julianna.

Eddie smiled at her intuition. “But Marilla is a no nonsense type and doesn’t want to risk her career over what could be a passing flame.”

“And Chester?” asked Julianna.

“Well, Chester would delete the entire Dark Web for Marilla, but he’s still playing his cards close to his chest. He understands he’s got time on his side.”

“How do you know all this?” asked Julianna.

Eddie shrugged. “I’m observant. Most people wear their emotions on the outside if you know where to look.”

“Eddie…” said Julianna, her voice careful.

“Yes?” he asked, turning to face her directly, taking his focus off of the crew members for the first time in a while.

“Pip is afraid you’ve got a fever,” said Julianna, a grin spreading on her face. “However, I told him I’m more concerned that you’ve been taken over by a strange alien who is using your body as a host.”

“Ha-ha, you two,” said Eddie. “I’ll just keep my observations to myself. Now you can see why I have in the past.”

“Because of the incessant teasing?” guessed Julianna.

“Well, and it makes others nervous if they realize you can read them so well,” stated Eddie.

Julianna dropped her gaze in the way she did when she was having an argument with Pip. It’s like she went away during those conversations.

“What is Pip saying?” asked Eddie.

Julianna looked up, startled for a moment, but then covered the expression. “He, uhhh… He said he would like to see what goes on in your head.”

“Oh, well, there’s an idea I hadn’t considered,” said Eddie. Having an AI in his head would be the ultimate upgrade.

“It’s an idea. A horrible one that we’re not considering,” said Julianna, dismissively. She twisted around and looked out at the bridge. “What makes Marilla and Chester the perfect couple, I’m just wondering?” She added the last part with a bit of hesitation.

“That’s easy,” said Eddie, finding Marilla with his gaze, who was working a bit distractedly at her station. Her eyes kept drifting to Chester as he helped Amanda. “Opposites don’t attract. It’s quite the opposite. Get it?” He gave her a wink and she rolled her eyes. “However,” he continued, “I think the other person needs to have a bit of something to balance out their partner. So Chester and Marilla have a similar work ethic, they’re both incredibly intelligent and masters in their fields. But they have different areas of expertise. And whereas Chester is outgoing, Marilla is introverted. She’s level-headed and he’s flippant. It’s a delicate balance, but those two seem to fit the bill, about like my parents. We’ll just see if they figure it out.”

“Your face just changed,” said Julianna.

“I did just give a speech,” admitted Eddie trying to act dismissive, although he knew what Julianna meant. He felt the lines press into his forehead at the mention of his parents.

“You miss them, don’t you?” she asked, referring to Eddie’s folks.

“Every damn day,” he said before he could stop himself.

“And the regret? What about that? It’s always in your eyes when you speak about them. You realize I can read it on you, the same way you read other people, right?” asked Julianna.

Eddie looked directly at her. What was the point in entirely trying to hide it if she could plainly see the scars written in his expression? “I think someone as seasoned as you knows it takes a lifetime to understand our past.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

QBS ArchAngel, Cargo Bay, Behemoth System

I bet you were glad that ArchAngel interrupted when she did, said Pip in Julianna’s head.

You shouldn’t gamble. You’ll lose, answered Julianna.

I wager that the captain was glad for the timing of this meeting, too.

Julianna strode beside Eddie toward Hatch’s lab. ArchAngel had in fact interrupted the conversation on the bridge to tell them that the doctor had information for them. It was a good thing Pip couldn’t read her emotions, because then he’d know she was intrigued by the conversation with Eddie and not at all happy about the timing of the interruption. Julianna was practiced at blocking when necessary, which she’d found she had to do more and more with Pip since he became sentient.

Maybe it was the near death experience or the upgrade, but Eddie was changing. Or maybe he was just showing more of himself to her. That happens after fighting in battle alongside others. The memories of the bonds she’d formed through deathly missions flashed across her mind, making her remember. Remember many of the things she worked to forget…

Pip, why don’t you busy yourself with some online poker, since you like to gamble so much lately. Only play with fake money though.

I play slots when you’re sleeping. There’s a site that I found that doubles your chips if you send them referrals.

How are you sending them referrals?

I’m a man who owns many hats.

You’re not a man at all.

Of sorts, then.

And that’s what you do when I sleep? Can’t you find something more productive?

There was a moment of silence. I’ve considered all options and no, that’s the best use of my time on most nights. It helps me to hone my understanding of random number generators, which you should know, pretty much keeps this universe going round and round.

Random number generators? That’s what you suppose runs this giant ship we call life?

Good analogy and yes, in a way. They explain so much. There’s no randomness in life. It’s about energy and the generators even prove it. Slots prove it. Hell, shuffling your playlist proves it.

I don’t have a playlist.

You do now. I’ve created different ones for battles, workouts, sleeping. Whatever you want, just name it. That’s another way I spend my nights.

You’re very strange.

I’ve also been studying knitting and crocheting techniques but I haven’t gotten very far with the hobby.

Because you don’t have hands?

Bingo.

“Why don’t you want to share Pip?” asked Eddie, cutting into their conversation.

“Believe me when I tell you that I’m saving your sanity, which I’m losing increasingly,” said Julianna, waving to Hatch as they crossed the floor of the cargo area.

You know I keep you entertained.

I don’t know what you’re talking about, actually.

You love me, sang Pip. You don’t wanna share me.

I’m a soldier charged with protecting humanity. You’re a virus I’m trying not to allow to spread.

“But I have spread,” said Pip overhead in the cargo area. That’s right. Julianna had forgotten that Hatch had made it so that Pip could interface with the Q-Ships, comms, and his main work areas.

Hatch’s eyes darted up to the ceiling. “Spread what?”

Julianna waved him off. “Pip is trying to be cute but doesn’t realize he’s a runt troll who needs to cuddle up and shush it.”

“I think trolls are cute,” said Pip.

Knox laughed as he worked on one of the new Q-Ships. He’d put on weight, filling out his cheeks and making him look healthy. Before he’d been underfed and pasty, but a few hours in the Kezza sun looked to have been good for him.

“I had a chance to review the sample of degen that you brought back and have a report,” said Hatch, waddling over.

“In record time,” said Eddie. “You said it would take you at least a day.”

“Under promise and over deliver,” muttered Hatch, stretching his tentacle over to a far workstation and picking up a vial of purple gel liquid.

“Does it do what Elemius said it does?” asked Julianna.

Hatch’s expression dropped into one of dead seriousness. “Let me put it this way: you should have never chanced touching the degen.”

“Really?” asked Julianna.

“My calculations state that the substance is incredibly concentrated and only a small amount would undo your nanocytes’ programming,” said Hatch.

“And it’s not reversible?” asked Eddie.

“If you mean can you go back into a Pod-doc to fix the virus, then no. I only know of one such cure for the virus and I’m holding it right now,” said Hatch, waving the vial in the air.

“You had time to create an antidote,” said Eddie with a whistle. “When does this guy sleep?”

“I’m still trying to figure that out,” said Knox, wiping sweat from his brow with the back of his arm.

“Never mind, you two,” said Hatch, stretching his tentacle and wagging the anti-serum in front of Julianna’s face. “This is your only chance to undo the degen virus if Felix strikes the general with it.”

She grabbed the vial, clutching it tightly in her fingers. “Only chance? This was the only one you created? Can’t we get more?”

“I’d love to make you more. I really would,” said Hatch, shaking his head at Knox who looked to be covering a nervous smile.

“Is it because we only got one sample of the degen?” asked Eddie. “Maybe we can go back and get more from Elemius or get him to talk about the composition.”

Hatched waved him off with his tentacle. “I’m fairly certain I have the composition documented correctly.”

“What do you need from us in order to make more of the anti-serum?” asked Julianna. “I don’t feel comfortable with only one. What if the general is struck more than once? We need to be prepared.”

“I agree, but that’s all you have and all you’re getting,” said Hatch. “Note that if the general is struck with degen that he has minutes to take this antidote. If he doesn’t then it won’t reverse the effects. Also, one of you need to be prepared to catch him after he takes it because it will knock him out. It’s a cure all, but kind of like the Pod-doc, it’s going to put him in a comatose state for a while.”

Julianna nodded to this but not all of this computed.

“But if you created one dose, can’t you create another?” asked Eddie, looking as perplexed as Julianna felt.

“Hatch, is it a time conflict? Maybe if we delay the general’s schedule then we can stall the attack,” said Julianna.

Hatch looked at Knox who was hard at work on the Q-Ship, or at least making a good show of it. “Gunner, why don’t you inform these two what they’d need to supply me with if they wanted more antiserum?”

The young mechanic slid out from under the ship all the way and looked up at the three from the ground. “Remember the vermis rex? That’s what the doctor would need to make more of the formula.” Knox covered his laughter by pushing himself back under the Q-Ship.

“Oh,” chirped Eddie, looking guilty. “So that’s how you made this?” He pointed to the vial clutched in Julianna’s hand.

“Exactly,” said Hatch. “And we’re lucky we had enough for this. That’s exactly one dose of the cure. Take any less and it’s not going to work. The degen will forever plague your internal system.”

“Okay, well we’re going to have to make this work, then,” said Julianna, trying to project hope in her voice. They hadn’t bet on having a cure, so this was actually better than they expected. However, there were so many unknown variables in this mission and Felix’s weapons made her and Eddie incredibly vulnerable.

One shot. That’s all it would take to turn everything around, making them forever, purely human.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Alpha-line Q-Ship, Docking Station, Onyx Station, Paladin System

Julianna secured the vial of antiserum in her armored vest. She’d be the closest to General Lance Reynolds and therefore in the best position to deliver him the cure for degen. But that was a worst case scenario. They had a strong plan. Diversion. That was key. Felix didn’t know that they had wind of his plan and would be retaliating with force and strategy. Hopefully he was knocked on his ass and sent running with his tail pinched tightly between his boney legs. Or he’d blow up Onyx Station, not even caring for his own life if he could take down the general.

“Carnivore, this is Strong Arm. Do you copy?” Julianna said over the comms.

“Copy, Strong Arm,” said Lars at once over the comms.

“What’s your status?” she asked.

“We’re almost in position,” said Lars.

It was chancy, but a risk the general wanted to take. Chester had used the same navigation tracker to find Unsurpassed, but only using it briefly, hoping that its position didn’t shift too much. He unsurprisingly found that it was parked close to Onyx station, hiding behind a tiny moon.

Lars and the rest of the flight crew were now en route to surround the ship, at a safe distance. The last thing the Federation needed was for Unsurpassed to join the fight if things got ugly. According to Hatch, the ship had enough fire power to do major damage to the station. Felix might resort to drastic actions when he learned his plans had been compromised.

“Remember to keep attacks to a minimum,” said Julianna over the comm. “Distract Unsurpassed. Draw the ship away, but try not to inflict too much damage. We want that ship intact.”

“Copy that, Strong Arm,” said Lars. “We’re officially in position with the target in our sights.”

“Good work, Carnivore,” said Eddie, strapping his side arm into his holster. “We’ll get you a steak when this is all over.”

“The bloodier, the better,” said Lars, his voice light.

“Gross,” said Eddie, grimacing with disgust at Julianna. “He’s like a vampire.”

“Lizard vamp,” said Julianna, agreeing.

“What a bizarre combination,” said Eddie.

The pair watched as Fletcher’s team filed out of the Q-Ship. The lieutenant strode over, saluting to Eddie and Julianna. “My team will divide into three groups, protecting the areas we discussed. Any last minute orders?”

“Protect the people,” stated Julianna. “That’s key. We can’t let Felix escape unless it means saving lives.”

“The blue team has already been dispersed to evacuate the areas marked for attack,” said Fletcher.

“Good work,” said Eddie. “We’re on the main channel. Communicate with us about your progress.”

“Yes, sir,” said Fletcher.

Julianna turned to face Eddie who had an extra pack strapped to his back. “Are you ready to get dressed?”

“Yes, I’m ready,” said Eddie and then paused, his eyes carrying a great seriousness in them. “Commander, I know you think I have the dangerous job, but we’re both in compromised positions because of that degen weapon.”

“So be careful, right? That’s what you’re going to say next, isn’t it?” asked Julianna.

“Well, yeah, but there’s something else,” said Eddie and then he fell silent, hesitation heavy in his expression.

“What is it?” asked Julianna, her pulse pounding with adrenaline.

Eddie shook his head. “It doesn’t matter. Never mind. Just be careful. You’re a badass, but there’s a mad man out there who can undo all that.”

Julianna laughed. “You think I’m only badass because of the Pod-doc? You should have met me before I was enhanced.”

Eddie chuckled. “Man, I’m such an asshole. Of course, you were strong before. Now you’re just more so.”

“Yeah, whatever,” said Julianna, disembarking from the Q-Ship.

Upper Decks, Onyx Station, Paladin System

When they’d discussed strategy, Julianna had been the practical one, urging the general to cut Felix off before the attack. That was the right approach. Why let a tyrant kick off his evil plans when he could be preemptively shut down?

Jack knew better, though. Felix had been planning this for too long. Over the last two days no suspicious ships had docked at Onyx station, meaning that Felix had put everything into place before they brought Elemius into custody.

Eddie shut himself into a side room on the far side of the office that General Reynolds held. He was surrounded by Federation security. That was supposed to make him feel better. They were the best, after all, so why was he worried? Felix hadn’t dared an assassination on the general until he’d created a virus that ensured his attacks were fatal. That’s because it was unlikely that the security would ever fail at protecting the general. But Felix had thought of almost everything, with his attack on the upper decks. In a normal scenario, security would be thinned in order to fight back. But Felix wasn’t counting on Fletcher’s team being in place.

Eddie opened his pack and stared down. He gulped. This had never been a strategy that he considered, but it did make sense. Somewhere, two other members of General Reynold’s security team were opening similar packs.

“I’m in position, Blackbeard,” chimed Julianna’s voice over the comm.

“Okay,” said Eddie. He found himself momentarily frozen, staring at the contents of the pack.

“You there, Blackbeard?” asked Julianna.

“Yeah,” said Eddie. “Inform the general that we are on schedule and all four should rendezvous at the established time.”

“Copy that,” said Julianna.

Upper Decks, Onyx Station, Paladin System

Clearing out the floors hadn’t been the concern for Fletcher. The bulk of his forces had been doing it without causing any red flags. If Felix’s team had seen shop owners and residents moved out, then they’d know that their plan had been leaked. The team had managed to do it quietly, sneaking out the civilians without causing any disturbances. Now the decoys were in place, but not knowing when the strike would happen was a mounting stress that worsened with each long, passing minute.

“Stay in position,” said Fletcher over the comm to his team.

These were men and women that he’d served with in the heat of battle. Some of them he’d known for over a decade. And all of them he’d die to protect if it came to that. He always prayed that it didn’t, but nothing was ever guaranteed.

Instead, Chad Fletcher relied on the same mentality his father whispered to him before he left on missions for the Federation. “While I’m gone, son, keep your chin up, eyes open, and mouth shut.”

The first time his father told him that, Fletcher looked at him with confusion. The old man knelt next to his small cot and smiled, seeming to understand his son’s confusion. “I mean: confidence, observation and deliberation, son. The man who is sure of himself can lead others. The man who is keen will always find the solution. And when we’re quiet, that’s when we hear what most choose to speak over.”

Fletcher’s father had said that to him a total of thirty-two times before he failed to return from a mission. His dad had come back from more assignments than most in his squadron. He was a small legend among the Special Operation teams. Fletcher hoped he would make him proud one day and live up to his name.

Chin up, eyes open, and mouth shut, he thought to himself.

Upper Deck, Onyx Station, Paladin System

Julianna watched as the general paced back and forth. She knew he was a bit less fidgety than before when he smoked cigars. It made sense to her that smoking a cigar would relieve some of the nervous tension. However, she respected the general for more than his decision to quit smoking. He’d signed off on this plan, although it involved his attendance.

When offered a different solution, he said, “Goddamn it! You think I’m going to allow a bunch of honorable men and women to risk their lives because a dick-ass wants me dead? If they’re fighting, then I am, too. If Felix wants to kill me, then let him damn well try. I can’t wait to see the fucktard’s face when his plan fails.”

“The captain says he’s in position,” said Julianna, relaying Eddie’s confirmation over the comm.

“And the other security personnel?” asked Lance.

Julianna nodded. “Ready, sir.”

“Now we just wait for the attack to start,” said Lance.

“Yes, per protocol, we will move you to a safe room as soon as the message is relayed. Until then, we’ll stick to the schedule we’d normally follow,” said Julianna.

“I’m not happy that we have to allow an attack to happen on the upper decks for this all to go to plan,” said Lance, still pacing.

“Yes, me either. But Jack assured me this was the best way to pull Felix out of hiding. Otherwise, he’s going to split and he has too many things in place that he could possibility get away,” said Julianna.

Lance nodded. “I trust Jack.” A moment later the general added. “More importantly, I trust you, Commander Fregin.”

She smiled, unable to hide the pride she felt from hearing the words. “Thank you, sir. I’m honored.”

Upper Deck, Onyx Station, Paladin System

Fletcher stared out at the long corridor that was flanked by different doors and pipes that ran to various residences. In the distance, he made out the shape of two figures, both dressed in long coats, their heads obstructed by frilly hats. Many of the upper class women on Onyx wore dresses similar to this. No one would suspect under those hats were incredibly skilled Special Ops soldiers.

“An explosive has been detected,” said a voice over the comm.

“Location?” asked Fletcher, pressing back into the shadows.

“Second section, door eight,” answered the scout soldier. “Perimeter is clear.”

“Good work,” said Fletcher. “Time of detonation?”

Before an answer came a loud explosion rocked the floor, sending Fletcher backward. He paused, flexing every one of his muscles. The team around him did the same, staying upright and on alert.

From the north end of the deck, running footsteps thundered, audible over the explosions. It had to be the pirates Felix had planted as a diversion. They probably thought they were going to stroll onto this deck, dripping with riches and finery, and loot and have fun. Fuck these guys.

“Hold your position,” ordered Fletcher.

The women carrying designer handbags and shoes screamed, holding up their hands as if in surrender. They are great actors, thought Fletcher.

The first set of pirates, a pair of Kezzin bandits, were on the women, pushing them into the wall. One grabbed their purses. It was incredibly hard for Fletcher to watch this go down and not intervene. However, he knew timing was key. Felix had to think that his distraction had gone off without a hitch. In a typical scenario of terrorism, the Federation security would be deployed, pulling forces away from other areas. That was the point. However these assfaces weren’t expecting Fletcher’s team to intervene.

Another set of pirates--a couple of thuggish-looking Trid--slammed into several doors in the long corridor, breaking into multiple residences.

Fletcher held up his hand, fist clenched. Confidence, observation, and deliberation. He took in a deep breath and counted to four. Everything in front of him slowed as he focused.

Through the chaos, he watched as Nona threw off her frilly hat and swung around, knocking the Kezzin across the face. Her partner followed suit, slamming her elbow into the torso of the pirate behind her.

The two Trid turned and took notice, pulling guns from their waste.

Fletcher threw his fist forward. “Now,” he commanded over the comms, sending the team behind him and the one stationed on the other side into the fight. He sprinted ahead, slamming into the nearest Trid who was still facing the other direction.

A sea of bullets flew through the hall, each with its own target. In a single moment, multiple bodies fell against the corridor floor, collapsing like a field of wheat under the blade of a scythe.

One of the Trid rushed Fletcher, extending its rifle and attempting to fire. Fletcher bent to his side, avoiding the shot as he rolled. Before the Trid could try again, Fletcher sprung forward and slammed the butt of his rifle into the alien’s breathing device, located on its hip.

The Trid wheezed, a sudden panic in its eyes. It fell to the floor, dropping the weapon right in front of Fletcher.

The first encounter was over in a matter of seconds. Fletcher only hoped the rest would be so easy.

Upper Deck, Onyx Station, Paladin System

“Detonation on Deck Twenty-five,” said Julianna, picking up the transmission from Fletcher’s team.

“Then it’s time to move,” said the general, lifting his chin and striding forward. Two guards took the position in front of him. Julianna pivoted and strode on one side of the general as two more guards marched at their back.

“Captain, we’re moving into position,” said Julianna over the comms.

“Copy that, Commander,” said Eddie, his voice tight.

Julianna swallowed, feeling a constriction in her own throat. She paused when the general did, waiting for the guards to check the corridor outside of his office. More guards were stationed in the outer passageways.

The safe room, as Felix was probably well aware due to his extensive planning, was on the left. The intersection was cast in black, which would seem like a security concern if it wasn’t for the fact that it was planned. Filtered light flickered overhead, as if the lights were malfunctioning. There was enough light to make out figures but no details.

Lance halted in the large intersection of corridors, making brief eye contact with a man who stood in the shadows. He nodded once and then turned sharply to the left, going in the opposite direction of the safe room.

~~~

The general’s uniform fit perfectly, and gave Eddie a false sense of superiority. He was not General Lance Reynolds, even if he did wear his uniform. He was Edward Teach, a pilot…and sometimes a screwup. He preferred being the former. Maybe one day he wouldn’t think of himself as a screwup. Maybe after today, should everything turn out okay.

Each mission carried with it the opportunity for redemption.

Eddie didn’t really look like the general, even with the hair dye and uniform. But in the darkened intersection of corridors, he looked close enough, and that’s what counted. The other two guards, dressed similarly, didn’t look exactly like the general, either, but they were a damn close match. Hopefully they wouldn’t see any action from all of this. They were mostly extra precautions in case Felix became suspicious.

The general paused in the intersection, the flickering light making shadows on his serious face. He nodded once at Eddie and then pivoted and marched toward the “actual” safe room.

There were still so many unknown factors, and yet everything was going to plan. One of those unknowns was how Felix would attack. There were a multitude of possibilities and therefore difficult to account for them all. But one thing was certain. He’d be damned surprised when he realized he had the wrong man.

As the guards dressed as the general crossed paths, Eddie turned, taking the corridor where the real Lance should be headed.

~~~

Julianna split from the general, following behind Eddie. The corridor they entered was flickering with light as well, making it hard to see details. The supposed safe room was up ahead, which meant the attack had to come from one of the upcoming intersections. Although they were well guarded, there had to be something they were missing. An angle they hadn’t considered.

Angle, thought Julianna.

Angle, what do you think it means? Asked Pip.

Julianna jerked her head up, squinting to see better. There were vents that ran continuously along the corners of the corridor.

Pip, the vent system above us! How large is it? Could it have been breached?

It’s three by two feet and I’m scanning for intrusions now…

Hurry, Julianna urged, marching behind Eddie. At the next intersection, guards on either side saluted “the general.”

On your right. There’s an intruder in the ventilation system on the right.

“Be on guard!” yelled Julianna, alerting the soldiers. Shots behind them rang out, knocking the guards to the ground. An explosion in the neighboring corridor knocked out another of the guards. Julianna pushed Eddie forward as the darts kept raining down. Felix didn’t want to just shoot the general. He wanted to change him and then kill him. He wasn’t satisfied unless he made him suffer.

Darts hit the ground at Julianna’s feet. She wheeled around, shooting at the vents where the darts were originating. One flew and nicked her in the shoulder. It didn’t pierce the armor so she kicked backwards, urging Eddie down the corridor. The hatch door to the safe room was just ahead.

Another dart struck into the top of Julianna’s boot. She rapidly fired, finally breaking through the grating. Just one more shot and she’d have this bastard.

The next dart passed by Julianna’s arm that was holding her gun. She fired off another round and then there was a thud and creaking sound. Part of the ceiling collapsed and from the venting a body fell, hitting the ground in a crumpled mess. Julianna let out a sigh of relief, still on guard. Something had taken out the guards.

More gunfire rang out, exploding from either corridor. Julianna turned to Eddie just as Pip sounded in her head.

We have a problem!

What is it? The sniper with degen is dead.

It was too late. You were str—

Julianna frowned in confusion. The expression on Eddie’s face made her even more befuddled. His mouth was gaping open and his eyes staring at her gun.

Everything slowed down. Sounds were drawn out like they were being played at a reduced speed. Her vision was forced into slow motion. It then blurred. Her hearing deadened then everything was too faint. The noises she’d heard before were indistinct to her. All at once her body felt heavier, less agile, like she’d just run a marathon and her muscles were fatigued. She hadn’t known fatigue since…

Panic swept through her mind at once. She looked down at her gun, wondering what she’d see. Knowing it already.

Pip! Pip! Julianna screamed in her own head.

But he didn’t answer.

Julianna’s gun looked the same. She turned it over and then she saw it. The dart. It was stuck into the top of her hand at the bottom of her wrist. Without thinking she pulled the dart containing degen from her hand and let it fall, clattering to the floor.

Somewhere she was aware of a fight that was being fought.

Gun shots. Explosions. The general. It all flashed at the front of her mind and then quickly receded. After all these decades, Julianna…was normal. She was purely human. Completely vulnerable. She was going to die. A simple gunshot wound. A simple virus. A fall. Any of it could kill her. All at once she realized how much she’d taken for granted. She had been enhanced for so long that she had forgotten what it was like to be normal, to be average, to be a regular human.

Eyes wide, Julianna looked up at Eddie. His face communicated the same shock. They needed to get him to the safe room. They needed to lure Felix away from the general. They needed to—

Eddie darted forward and pulled at the side of Julianna’s vest. She couldn’t figure out what he was doing. Why was he yanking at her armor? Then he pulled the purple vial from her secure pocket, his hands steady but eyes buzzing.

“No!” Julianna said at once, realizing what he intended for her to do. “No, no, no,” she repeated.

“Yes,” Eddie insisted, thrusting the vial of liquid at her after removing the plug. “You have to. Otherwise—”

“That’s for the general,” argued Julianna.

Where was Pip? She felt so alone without him in her head. Of course with the degen virus she couldn’t interface with Pip. That was only a functionality made possible due to the nanocytes.

“You’ve been hit,” Eddie insisted. “You remember what Hatch said. The antidote has to be taken immediately.”

“But the general… If I take that then Lance has no option,” said Julianna.

Eddie looked up in the direction of the gun fire in the distance. It was a cacophony of indistinguishable noises to Julianna, without her enhanced hearing. “We’re going to defend the general so he won’t need it,” argued Eddie. “Someone is coming. Take it now.” Eddie pushed the vial into Julianna’s hands.

Of course, she had a choice, but it also felt as though she didn’t. If she took the antidote then she might be the reason General Reynolds didn’t recover if he was struck. But if he wasn’t struck and she didn’t take it then it would all be for nothing. The thought of never talking to Pip in her head made the rest of her lifetime, however much longer she lived, seem lonely and cold. How much she’d taken for granted.

Julianna gripped the vial and tossed it back in one movement. The sludge-like liquid was cold, although it had been in her pocket. It tasted disgusting, and coated her mouth at once. Then she remembered that it was comprised of the gross slime the vermis rex had spit at her. She coughed and nearly gagged on the chunky liquid. With great effort she swallowed, working it down her throat.

“All of it,” said Eddie.

Julianna tried to nod, but her legs gave out under her. Just as Hatch had said, she was quickly losing consciousness. Was that a sign that the antidote had worked and that she’d awaken to find herself back to normal? She desperately hoped so. Julianna gulped down the rest of the liquid, only slightly conscious of Eddie’s eyes, wide with alarm and nerves as he stared past her at the long corridor masked in smoke and filled with loud sounds.

She wanted to turn around and see what was approaching—or who—but her weight dragged her down as the antidote overtook her. She reached out to steady herself on Eddie’s shoulder, but missed. Julianna fell, to the ground but before she landed arms caught her. They wrapped around her back, then lifted her legs.

Her head cradled against Eddie’s chest. Her eyes fell shut, unable to stay open as he carried her away.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Upper Deck, Onyx Station, Paladin System

There were more pirates than Fletcher had expected. How had these guys snuck onto Onyx station? This must have been Felix’s influence.

“We’re surrounded,” one of his soldiers called over the comm.

“Same here,” another exclaimed.

Retreating was always an option. Or he could call for backup from Federation security. However, taking care of this without involving the Federation directly was best. They needed to focus on the general. Fletcher’s team was supposed to handle the pirates.

Fletcher knew he needed to say something. It was his decision to make. But there was something he was missing. He blinked, looking out at the smoke-filled corridor streaked with gun fire and explosions.

Fletcher felt like he was fighting Mamaths again, who were nearly impossible to defeat. As soon as one of them fell, three more thundered out of the frozen forest.

An idea hit him so hard that he wanted to double over in giddy laughter. Of course! Why hadn’t he thought of it before?

“Pip, are you there?” Fletcher asked over the comm.

“Yes, Lieutenant,” said Pip, a hint of sadness in his voice.

Fletcher dismissed it. “Can you hook into the thermostat for this deck?”

“I’m already connected,” said Pip at once.

“Make it fucking cold,” ordered Fletcher.

“Copy that, Lieutenant,” said Pip.

Immediately a rush of frigid cold air flowed from the vents, spraying Fletcher in the face. “Bundle up, team. It’s about to get frosty.” Fletcher turned his attention to a group of Trids who had overpowered one of his team members. “I want you all to focus your efforts on the remaining Trids. The Kezzin aren’t going to be a problem for us anymore. They’ll be statues.”

A collective “Yes, sir” came over the comm. Fletcher had remembered how hot the planet Kezza had been, and also how stiffly Lars had moved when on Klamath. After deliberating on it he decided that the Kezzin couldn’t stand cold temperatures and that’s exactly how they were going to secure their footing in this battle. Around them, the Kezzin started to freeze up, their reflexes now too slow to counter the attacks of his team.

The soldiers swept the room, making quick work of the frigid Kezzin.

Fletcher moved in, slamming a knee into the closest Kezzin guard and sending him into the wall. The Kezzin fell to the floor, doubled over, shaking from the cold and writhing in pain.

In a matter of seconds, the team had disabled them, ready to focus their energy on the remaining Trid.

Several of the shark-like aliens swarmed the team. Fletcher was ready, swinging his rifle around and unloading three quick shots at two of the soldiers. The first fell, wounded in the abdomen, while the second continued to charge, ready with its weapon aimed.

The enemy fired, shooting at Fletcher, hitting him directly in the shoulder. The body armor absorbed the bulk of the blast, but he still felt the pain. It gave him pause, but not for long, and he quickly fired back, hitting the Trid in the knee.

The alien dropped to one knee but continued shooting, apparently determined to take Fletcher’s life at any cost.

Another shot struck Fletcher in the chest, and this time the pain was so strong it made him scream. He felt the pain in his torso like a throbbing heat wave, spreading through his limbs, and he fought it with everything he had. Fletcher lifted the rifle, his hands shaking as he aimed, and together the two enemies fired a final time.

As he fired something slammed into Fletcher’s side, knocking him against the wall and out of the enemy’s line of sight. It was Nona, just in the nick of time, having blocked the shot with her own arm. She lingered on him for a moment, wrapping her arms around the man. “W-What just happened?” muttered Fletcher, pulling back to see the woman’s face.

She looked down at him, a strained look on her face. “Sorry, sir,” said Nona. “I had to do something.”

There was blood coming from her shoulder. “Goddammit,” said Fletcher, leaning closer to check on Nona’s wound. “You’re hurt!”

“I-I’m fine,” she answered. “Just a scrape. It didn’t break the seal in the second layer.”

He nodded, slowly, then looked at the Trid that had attacked him. The alien was sitting motionless, still on its knees with its head leaned back. The bullet had penetrated its forehead, from what he could tell.

A clean kill, quick and easy.

Thank God, thought Fletcher, looking behind the woman who saved him. The rest of his team had already finished up the remaining enemy soldiers. They were all still alive, everyone in one piece.

He stood, reaching down to Nona. “Are you ready to keep going?” he asked.

She smiled, giving him a quick nod, then grasped his hand with hers. “To the job, sir.”

Alpha-line Q-Ship, Paladin System

Lars’ mind had drifted as he held his position, watching Unsurpassed at a safe distance. The Black Eagles around him, mesmerizing him with their steady hovering. That’s why he had to blink to clear his vision when a string of Sting Rays departed from Unsurpassed, heading in the direction of Onyx station.

“This is Carnivore,” Lars said over the comms. “We have enemy activity. Let’s show those giant fish that they need to back up.”

“Yes, Lieutenant,” said one of the other pilots.

“Lone Wolf and Escrema, I want you two to bait Unsurpassed,” ordered Lars. “Draw that baby away from their current location.”

They agreed wholeheartedly. Besides Lars, they were the only two pilots flying Q-Ships, which stood a chance of taunting the giant battleship. It was an ineffective assault attempt, but it was definitely going to work to distract Unsurpassed.

Lars, happy to finally have some action, activated the thrusters, speeding forward, ahead of the Black Eagles and cloaked. He sprayed a round of bullets at the first Sting Rays, which took them off guard. They were probably readying their attack for the line of Black Eagles in the distance, not realizing anyone was that close.

They reacted at once, launching their own attacks blindly in front of them.

“Whoa now ugly fish,” hollered Lars. “Shouldn’t you know what you’re firing at before blindly shooting?”

“Big heads and small brains,” sang Lone Wolf.

Lars spun the Q-Ship around, darting out of the line of fire of the Black Eagles behind him. Taking advantage of his cloak he fired at the under bellies of the Sting Rays, taking two of the closest ones out.

“Oh shit,” yelled Trapeze. “I’ve been hit.”

Lars’ eyes darted to his radar and spotted the Black Eagle slow, falling out of position. “Get out of here!”

“Copy that,” said the pilot breathlessly.

Having the element of surprise had been in their favor, Lars realized as they picked the Stingrays off one by one.

“Unsurpassed is launching missiles,” yelled Escrema, her tone urgent.

“Sounds like you’re doing your job and pissing them off,” said Lars, watching the missile on the radar. It swerved, heading in the direction of Escrema’s ship. The Q-Ship sped in the opposite direction, giving the weapon a chase to impress. Unexpectedly the missile changed direction, heading straight in the direction of the Black Eagles.

“Black Eagles!” yelled Lars. “Break formation. Missile headed your way.”

The attack on the Sting Rays halted as all of the Black Eagles darted in different directions, making the missile choose a new target. Lars sped the Q-Ship in the direction of the missile chasing after it. The Black Eagles weren’t in the clear yet, not at all.

“Two more missiles have been deployed,” yelled Lone Wolf.

“Damn it!” yelled Lars. “Get after those. And Black Eagles follow after the Stingrays. They are again headed for Onyx station.”

Lars tried to lock onto the missile, but each time he had it in his sights the fucker changed directions. It turned abruptly, doing a one-eighty and speeding at him.

“Way to make it easy on me,” he said, firing at the missile…but the button stuck. It was fucking stuck. Lars tried again, but it still didn’t work. There was something wrong.

“Get out of there or blow it up, Carnivore,” yelled Lone Wolf.

“I’m trying, but there’s a malfunction with the ammunition,” said Lars. The warning sensor began blaring, alerting him he was about to be hit. He activated the thrusters, speeding away at once. It was too late though. The missile collided into the side of the Q-Ship, knocking Lars so hard he felt his teeth shaking in his mouth.

Upper Deck. Onyx Station, Paladin System

Fletcher slammed one of the larger Trids against the wall and pinned his weird-ass three-fingered hands behind his back.

“Hey, that hurts,” muttered the Trid, eating the wall as Fletcher had intended.

“Too fucking bad,” said Fletcher, nodding as Nona pushed a pirate past them. They were lined up down the corridor. It was one of the biggest busts that had happened under the Federation’s nose. With these assholes put away, there might be a bit more peace. Well, until more scum replaced them. It was always a repeating cycle.

Fletcher wasn’t cynical. He was realistic. There was a balance, and the only way it was achieved was if good had evil to go after.

He’d been all over the galaxy and had always found a villain to fight, even when he wasn’t looking for one.

His father had taught him everything he knew, and his words often chimed in his head—especially at a time like this, when victory had been achieved. “Son, the good people weren’t put here to keep evil in check. Evil was put here to remind us that there’s a reason we fight. It’s to protect what we should value most: Life. Life itself is the greatest treasure.”

Fletcher shoved the pirate hard into the wall before pulling him back and marching him into line with the others.

Alpha-line Q-Ship, Paladin System

“I’ve been hit,” yelled Lars. Warning lights flashed on his dashboard. The fact that he’d taken a serious hit on his armor wasn’t what was most alarming to him in that moment. It was the fact of what was on the radar.

“There’s another missile on your tail,” yelled Lone Wolf.

Lars could take one hit, but probably not a second.

“You got to get out of there,” said Escrema.

“We’re coming after you,” said Lone Wolf.

“You stay to the plan,” said Lars, attempting to quickly regain composure after being rocked hard. “Your mission is Unsurpassed.”

“Yes sir,” answered Lone Wolf, although he sounded reluctant.

Lars couldn’t shoot down the missile. That was clear enough. There was another option though, he thought. There’s another one besides simply running. He knew that, but it was like remembering a dream from the night before. It was there and not.

The Black Eagles had done as he requested and were fending off the Sting Rays. They nearly had them cornered, which would mean their surrender was soon. Lone Wolf and Escrema were keeping Unsurpassed mostly occupied. And luckily one of them had been able to shoot down the other missile. But one missile was hot on Lars’ ass.

It’s not going to quit until it hits its target, he thought, swerving from side to side, trying to keep as much distance as possible between his ship and the missile. All at once, like a dream popping into one’s mind randomly, Lars remembered one of the best perks of the Q-Ship. They looked like transport ships, but were much sleeker in their pure form. And while being faster would offer a benefit as far as keeping away from the missile, it wasn’t going to be what actually saved his ass completely.

Lars slowed the Q-Ship, which he realized was a deadly move. It was the only way though.

“What are you doing Carnivore?” asked Lone Wolf. “You’re about to get hit again.”

“I know, but I’ve got to try this,” said Lars. He hit the button to unlatch the outer armor, but stayed in place for a long moment. The missile was almost about to hit. Lars readied both thrusters, but didn’t move. The timing had to be perfect. The missile was dangerously close. Lars closed his eyes and did something he hadn’t done in a long time. He prayed. Please let this work.

Lars’ eyes popped open and he pushed the controls forward just before the missile hit. The Q-Ship dropped its armor and sped forward at break neck speed. The armor left behind hovered in space for a moment and then bam! The impact pushed Lars forward again. But he wasn’t hit because the armor he shed took the attack.

Upper Deck, Onyx Station, Paladin System

Eddie set Julianna against the wall in the safe room, although she immediately slid down. She was completely unconscious, but safe for now…or so it seemed. Eddie could hear a commotion in the distance. They had strayed from the plan, but it wasn’t too late to recover. Maybe Felix had taken the bait. He would have assumed that the general had been shot with the degen. There were so many things that could have gone wrong. For instance, the real general could be infected. Eddie pushed that thought out of his mind as he propped Julianna up again. She kept sliding down, since her muscles were limp from the antidote.

“General, your time has come,” said an icy voice at Eddie’s back. “Or rather, your time is up.”

Eddie’s back tensed. From the rear, he no doubt looked like the general. It had worked, but he couldn’t allow himself a moment to rejoice.

His fingers twitched at his side.

“Don’t even think about it. Hands up,” said Felix. His voice was rusty, like the way a saw sounds when cutting metal. “Just turn around and prepare to die like a man.”

Holding up his hands, Eddie took in a steadying breath. “If you wanted me dead…” he began, making his voice a course whisper, so it wasn’t easily discernable from the general’s. “Why didn’t you just shoot me in the head? Why infect me with the degen?”

A hostile laugh absent of any joy rattled from Felix. “Getting to you hasn’t been easy. If sending a sniper after you had been an option, don’t you think I would have done that long ago?”

“I’m certain you’ve already tried that and failed,” said Eddie, his eyes on Julianna sleeping in front of him.

Another laugh. “It’s true. You know that I’ve tried before. The explosion years ago was just the first attempt.”

“When you supposedly died,” said Eddie, his voice a hush.

“Yes, and then I plotted and planned for this very moment.”

Julianna was defenseless, lying unconscious on the floor. She was supposed to be awake. She was supposed to be his backup. The plan was falling apart.

“And before today shooting you in the head would have been a good enough solution, but as the years ticked by I realized that wouldn’t do it for me,” continued Felix. “I don’t just want you dead—”

“You want me to suffer,” said Eddie, his attention still on Julianna. He needed to move away from her. She would be a liability in her current state. And if the antidote hadn’t taken full effect yet, she was still vulnerable.

“Yes, and the degen makes what was a pipedream before become a possibility,” said Felix.

Eddie registered the click of a weapon a moment too late. The boom of the gun was so loud he thought it had gone off next to his ear. A searing, stabbing pain ripped through Eddie’s leg, and he staggered forward. The bullet passed all the way through the side of his calf, ripping through the flesh.

Eddie yelped from the pain and surprise, catching himself on the wall behind Julianna. He tried to keep her shielded with his body, but now he was making her more of a target. Panic started to crash down on him when Eddie realized the gunshot didn’t hurt as much as it should have. The nanocytes were already at work, fixing him.

Rattling, coughing laughter spilled from Felix. “Now, General, turn around so I can watch your face when I shoot you again. That must hurt like hell, since you’re not enhanced. How miserable your existence will be when I leave you paralyzed. But I’ll allow you to live. Isn’t that nice of me?”

Eddie tested his balance on his wounded leg. Surprisingly, it had no trouble taking the pressure. He lowered his arms, readying to dart away from Julianna and grab his gun.

Another bullet ripped through his arm. The explosion was deafening. This time Eddie was more prepared and side stepped away from Julianna. He didn’t stumble or let out a yelp of pain, which would only be what Felix wanted to hear.

“I believe I told you to keep your hands up, General,” said Felix, his voice full of amusement. He was enjoying this too much and that fun needed to end.

Eddie cuffed his arm with his hand. It hurt like a bitch, but that’s not why he was putting pressure on it.

“The thing is,” began Eddie, his tone surprisingly even, having been shot twice. “I’m not the general.”

Spinning around, Eddie grabbed for his gun, pulling it up in one clear motion. He fired at Felix, who stood fifteen feet away, by the entrance.

Felix moved like Julianna did—with incredibly fast reflexes.

No! Eddie thought, the realization finally hitting him. That asshole’s been enhanced!

Felix darted away from the line of fire, keeping his own weapon up. He shot at Eddie, who was slower to respond due to his injuries. The bullet nicked at the top of his hand, making him drop his weapon.

“Who are you?” asked Felix, his voice dripping with venom. He wore a navy blue trench coat and fedora hat pulled down low over his eyes, but the severe stare was easy to read on his face.

“I’m not the general,” said Eddie, pressing his good hand over the one that the bullet had grazed. His gun lay on the ground several feet away.

“Where is he?” asked Felix, his voice rising.

“Beats me,” said Eddie with a roguish smile. “Probably watching a movie. Maybe taking a nap. He didn’t seem stressed when he loaned me this suit.” Eddie stared down at the suit, covered in blood in places. “It looks good on me, don’t you think?”

Through clenched teeth, Felix said, “You’re that waste of space that Reynolds put in charge of Ghost Squadron.” His eyes fell on Julianna. “Well, you and the commander here.”

The way he pointed his gun at her made Eddie feel a sudden rush of panic. This had gone from bad to worse too quickly. He had to turn things around, but currently he had three bullet wounds, no gun, and an unconscious partner. Fucking-A!

“Why did the general think you were competent for the job?” asked Felix, looking less flustered by the fact that he’d shot the wrong man.

“Beats me,” said Eddie, taking several steps forward, making Felix tense. “Probably a momentary lapse in judgement.”

A wicked grin spread over Felix’s shiny face. Now that Eddie was looking at the man, he realized that his skin looked too smooth, too stretched—like he’d elected to have a great deal of plastic surgery done. “The general is a fucking idiot.”

“Bullshit!” yelled Eddie. He was only five feet from the conceited monster.

“I’ve read through your record,” taunted Felix. “You had some notable achievements. A few things that some would consider brave. But you let them die.”

Heat flashed in Eddie’s head. He knew. Knew about Eddie’s parents. Demons began to pour to the surface, overwhelming him. “I didn’t.”

“Oh, is that right?” asked Felix, his dark eyes shining even under his wide brimmed hat. This bullying was all a part of his game. “You didn’t flee?”

“I had orders,” said Eddie, his lips hardly parting to let the words out. He inched forward again.

“Do you ever think what would have happened if you’d disobeyed? Would they still be alive? Maybe you could have saved them,” said Felix, provoking him.

“I couldn’t.” Eddie was yelling. How did he know all this? “They were already dead. It was too late!”

“I guess you’ll never be sure,” said Felix flippantly. “And you went on to save an entire squadron that day, but you left your parents to die. I bet the guilt, the uncertainty, of what could have been just continues to eat you up inside.”

Eddie launched himself forward, darting one way and then the other, avoiding the gun fire that rang out from Felix’s weapon. He slammed his hand across Felix’s arm, making his gun fly from his grasp. He might be enhanced, but Felix Castile wasn’t trained for combat. That much was clear as soon as Eddie thrust his good leg up and slammed his foot down on Felix’s.

A guttural sound echoed from Felix’s mouth. He dove for the gun, but Eddie brought his fist around and slammed it into the side of his head. The assault made mention of itself in his injured arm, but it still didn’t hurt like it should. Felix fell back hard on the doorframe, his ear slamming hard against the corner.

Eddie grabbed him with both hands by the jacket and then pushed his back against the wall. Felix choked on a cough. The fear was real and wild in his eyes now. Eddie couldn’t stop. The insults on him had unleashed a fury he hadn’t felt in a long time. Eddie spun him around, still holding him by the jacket. Felix’s long finger-nailed hands grabbed for his hands but Eddie couldn’t feel a thing. Only his anger. He threw Felix on the ground and was over him at once, punching him hard in the face.

The anger was overwhelming. It was all-encompassing. In the distant part of himself, he knew he needed to stop. He needed to pull back and show his humanity. But Felix’s taunts played in his head, mirroring the things the demons whispered to him so often it was a waking nightmare. Felix’s face flew to one side and the next. Each assault tore at Eddie making him think he could never stop. Never be good again. This man’s suffering was the key to ending his own.

“Eddie,” moaned a voice in the distance. Wait, no it was nearby. He paused and looked around to find Julianna groggily trying to push away from the wall. Her attempts seemed useless.

Eddie stared down at Felix. The guy’s face was bloody, but his own enhancement had kept him safe enough, about like Eddie with the bullet wounds. Still, Julianna was there, awake…

Eddie looking at Julianna, remembered who he was. Remembered the things he did and the things he didn’t allow himself to do. He wasn’t a monster. He was a man. A good man with a good heart.

Eddie pushed himself off of Felix, who immediately groaned and covered his face with his shaking hands.

He stood over the coward for a long moment. He was weak. Too weak to fight a real fight.

“You disgust me,” said Eddie, looking down at Felix. “You think you know anything about this universe? If you did, then you’d know exactly why the general picked me to lead. It’s the exact reason he didn’t put you on that ship to Earth.”

Felix was crying. The fucking coward was crying, the one thing a man never did in battle. He had scooted back on his rear end, using his hands to propel himself toward the far wall.

Eddie shook his head. “Honor. The one quality that you lack over any other. At the end of the day, everything and everyone can be stolen from us. But not our integrity. And you never even had it to lose.”

“I-I-I should have been able to…” cried Felix. “To go home! Don’t you see what he’s done to us? What they’ve all done? Our home world was stolen from us! I deserved to go back! I-I deserved it!"

Eddie could barely stand to look at the piece of shit before him. But he was shriveling with regrets what had already been done and couldn’t be undone. It is the weak who lived in the past, feeling sorry over lives that can’t be relived. You remember your own words, Eddie, he thought to himself.

Behind him, he heard Julianna. Eddie turned to find her pushing up from the ground. The antidote was supposed to knock her out, but the shots and the sound of the fight must have snapped her to attention. She was a real soldier through and through.

Julianna staggered for a moment, losing her balance, like she was drunk. Eddie caught her in his arms, steadying her. “Easy now,” he said softly.

Her eyes fluttered like she was having trouble keeping them open. It was because of her, because of her calling out to him that he remembered who he was. That he hadn’t killed Felix with his fists, although the scoundrel deserved just that. But Julianna had brought him back to himself, reminding him that one doesn’t allow their enemies to make bad men of them.

“You okay?” he asked, aware of the shuffling and moaning behind him.

Julianna’s eyes were unfocused but darted to something behind Eddie. They widened.

Eddie spun, putting his back to Julianna in a protective manner. Felix was still seated but now it made sense. Now, his sniveling scooting made perfect sense. He had pushed himself back until he was over his gun. The weapon was directed right at Eddie’s head. Felix’s red eyes were hinged on him, tears continuing to stream down his slick cheeks. Even so, his hand was steady as he aimed the pistol.

“This time I won’t waste time shooting you in a limb,” said Felix, his voice scratchy with grief. “This time I’ll just shoot you directly in the head.”

There was nowhere to go. Julianna had her gun, but there was no way to get to it fast enough. And Felix was so close. Too close. Eddie pushed backward, only hoping that when he was shot it gave Julianna, even in her groggy state, a chance to get her weapon ready. To shoot Felix. To save herself.

“You’re completely right,” said a voice. The three turned to see the general standing in the doorway, his gun held up and aimed, a hot anger in his eyes. “This time I’ll ensure you’re dead.”

General Lance Reynolds shot only once. Felix fell back, hard on the ground. The bullet went straight through the center of his forehead. It was a decisive blow, quick and simple. And there could be no doubt.

Felix Castile was dead. Enhanced or not, he was gone for good.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

Landing Bay, QBS ArchAngel, Paladin System

Julianna thought she’d never be fully awake again. She still remembered waking up to find Eddie pummeling Felix, and thinking it was a dream. More than ever before she had had to fight to stay awake. It was like trying to stay dry while stranded in the middle of a hurricane.  Now the task was still excruciating, but mildly easier than before.

The light shined in Julianna’s eyes, not even making her flinch.

“How do you feel?” asked Dr. Parker, lowering the penlight he’d shined at her pupils. It had been so long since Julianna had seen a doctor, or even needed to. She tried to focus on his slicked back black hair, but her eyelids drooped against her permission.

“I’m going to need you to keep your eyes open a little longer,” said Dr. Parker.

Julianna widened her eyes and shook her head, trying to drive away the stubborn exhaustion. She looked at the doctor. He had black glasses that framed his slanted brown eyes.

“So again, how do you feel?” asked the doctor, showing unending patience with Julianna. She felt like they’d been at his for hours.

“Sleepy,” replied Julianna.

“That’s normal, considering,” said Dr. Parker, lowering the pen light all the way. “Do you notice that your reflexes, speed or senses are back to normal?”

“By that do you mean my normal or regular human normal?” asked Julianna.

She noticed Eddie stir, lifting his head to look at her. He was stretched out on a cot and bandaged, although he said he really didn’t need them.

“I mean your normal,” said Dr. Parker.

Julianna stretched out one of her arms, like testing it. It was hard to feel anything over the fatigue that was blanketing her brain, wrapping snuggly around it. She opened her mouth but couldn’t find an answer. How did she know if she was alright?

On the other side of the landing bay something hit the ground. Julianna swiveled her head in that direction. Hatch stood beside a damaged Q-Ship, a sort-of smile on his face. “She’s fine,” he called to the doctor. Then he reached out with his tentacle and picked up something tiny from the ground. He held it up and winked at her. Julianna squinted and just made out a tiny silver object. A needle. She heard the needle hit the ground.

“Thank the stars,” said Eddie, throwing his head back down on the cot.

Hello, said Pip in Julianna’s head. Can you hear me?

What? Is that you? she answered.

Oh good. You can finally hear me, said Pip in her head. That proves that you’re back to normal, whatever that is.

Pip! A smile broke over Julianna’s face. The doctor looked at her, confused.

“My AI is back,” she explained.

I was here the whole time. You’re the one who is back.

Right. No matter, I’m glad to hear your voice.

What? What’s wrong with you? I don’t show that you’ve experienced any brain damage.

Even Pip’s teasing couldn’t take the smile off of Julianna’s face. They’d made it. Despite the degen and Felix and all the odds, they’d made it. And hearing Pip’s voice after considering that it was gone from her head forever, was one of the biggest reliefs.

I heard that.

What?

Your current medical state has made your filter more permeable.

Do you mean you can hear the thoughts I just had?

Yes. Your attempts at blocking aren’t working.

Damn it.

There was a brief pause. Hey, Jules?

Yes, Pip.

I miss you like a fat kid misses mac and cheese.

That’s not how the phrase goes.

I’m trying something new.

It doesn’t work.

Fine. Cake. I miss you like cake.

What kind of cake? asked Julianna, watching Eddie sit up. He looked as tired as she felt, but was still giving her an amused expression.

Red velvet, of course.

Why of course?

Because it’s fancy.

Oh, she mused.

And red is my favorite color.

I had no idea.

Sounds like you have a newfound opportunity to get to know me better.

Maybe I will.

And a lifetime to do so.

Julianna tilted her head, bemused at the expression Eddie was giving her. He looked like he was trying to figure her out, like she was a complex equation.

“What?” she asked him just as the doctor retreated.

“What are you and Pip talking about?” he asked, testing his foot as he tried to stand.

“Cake,” she said. “What’s your favorite type?”

“Cheesecake,” said Eddie without thinking.

The laugh popped out of Julianna’s mouth, immediately making her feel more awake. “What a strange answer.”

“Why is that a strange?”

She shrugged. “Just didn’t expect it to be something so indulgent and rich.”

“What can I say, I have expensive tastes,” said Eddie.

From the other side of the landing bay, Hatch’s voice cut into their conversation. “Do you know how long it will take me to install new armor on this ship?” His tentacles were waving over his head. Lars looked sideways at Knox, who seemed to be suppressing a smile.

“One to two hours,” said Lars, sounding tentative.

“Just because I’m incredibly efficient doesn’t mean I should have to fix your mistakes,” said Hatch.

“If I didn’t lose the armor then I was going to be hit by a missile,” explained Lars. “What else was I supposed to do?”

“Fire at the missile!” Hatch chided.

“The guns weren’t working. The button was stuck,” said Lars.

“Oh. Well, that might have been my fault,” said Hatch, bustling over to where Julianna and Eddie stood. “Glad you didn’t die, Lars. Sorry about that.”

Lars watched, a bit confused, as Hatch retreated.

“Did you really make a mistake on the guns?” asked Eddie when Hatch stopped right in front of them.

“Hell, no,” said Hatch, waving a dismissive tentacle at him. “I ain’t made a mistake in decades.”

Julianna eyed Knox, who was already busy at work, repairing the battered Q-Ship. He was always working, never taking a break even when he looked as exhausted as she presently felt.

“It was Knox then?” asked Julianna.

Hatch looked over his shoulder at the kid before turning back. “Yes, but it’s probably his first one. I would have expected a dozen more by now.”

“So, you took the blame. That was nice of you,” said Eddie.

“I’m not trying to be nice,” said Hatch. “I’m trying to keep his morale up. An unhappy apprentice won’t work as hard.”

Eddie laughed. “Of course. I should have known it was something like that.”

Hatch’s eyes moved to something at Julianna’s back. She turned to find the general quickly approaching. She saluted.

“I’m glad to see you two are up and feeling better,” said Lance.

“We’re fine,” Julianna answered, speaking for Eddie although she hadn’t meant to.

“Thank you, sir, for what you did on Onyx station,” said Eddie. “Your timing couldn’t have been any better.”

“Actually, I could have killed Felix years ago,” said Lance. “That timing would have been a bit better.”

Eddie laughed. “Hindsight, right?”

“Precisely,” said Lance. “Now, if you three wouldn’t mind taking a trip with me, I have something to show you.”

Unsurpassed, Paladin System

The ship was…

Well, it was dark. That was the best way to describe it. Eddie squinted through the blackened corridor, walking beside General Reynolds. Julianna and Hatch strode behind him.

“How did you manage to seize this ship so easily?” asked Hatch. “There’s hardly any damage.”

“We offered up a deal to the crew,” said Lance. “Most of them were mercenaries, so there wasn’t much loyalty to begin with, but with Felix dead, the crew had no incentive to keep fighting. In exchange for Unsurpassed, we offered each of them a shorter sentence. They’re to spend the next year assisting in the reconstruction efforts on Kezza.” He smiled, adding. “Under Federationship supervision, of course.”

The corridors were spacious and from everything Eddie could tell the ship was incredibly well made. Lance turned when they were on the bridge. “Hatch, what do you make of this ship?”

Hatch appraised the area, squinting too from the darkness. “It’s got potential, although lacking many of the Federation conveniences that we’re all used to.”

The general nodded, his hands behind his back. “But that’s something that we can fix with time.”

“Fix?” asked Julianna. “Do you mean this ship, Unsurpassed is ours?”

The general nodded. “That’s why I ordered you not to demolish it in battle. As I mentioned before, I need ArchAngel back for other business. Unsurpassed is more than enough to hold Ghost Squadron, with room to grow. It’s powerful, strong, equipped and I’m prepared to give you the resources you need to upgrade it.”

Eddie stared around at the darkened bridge. It was a beautiful ship. And with Hatch’s help, it would be even better. More importantly, it would be their ship, his and Julianna’s. Something they could put their mark on and truly own.

“However, I don’t like the name Unsurpassed,” said Lance, grimacing. “It brings up bad feelings connected to a bad man.”

“Yeah, I agree,” said Julianna, thinking. “We’ll have to figure out something else.”

Lance held up a single finger, pointing toward the ceiling. “I think I might have a solution for you.” The lights on the bridge all came to life, making the space suddenly bright. Monitors all around the area flickered with activity. The strategy table in the middle of the space lit up blue, showing their present location. The whole bridge took on a new, vibrant life.

“I called an old friend,” began Lance, “and he agreed to help us out. I think you’ve all met. Please say hello to your new ship, Ricky Bobby.”

Julianna’s mouth popped open. Surprise mingled with pure joy sprang to her face. “Ricky Bobby! You’re here?”

“Hello, Julianna. It’s good to see you again,” said her old AI. “I’m ready for our next adventure.”

EPILOGUE

Jaslene Corporation, Federation Border Station Seven

Penrae straightened the collar of her crisp blouse in the reflection of the glass doors. Wearing tightly fitting clothes always took getting used to for her. Well, wearing clothes in general, really. It was a necessary evil, though.

She eyed the image that stared back at her. Her hair was platinum blonde and curled tightly under at the ends, like a famous female who had once lived on Earth. Penrae thought for a moment. Marilyn something…

She shook off the thought, realizing she’d been staring at her image for a whole minute. That would raise suspicions, which could ruin everything. Verdok was counting on her. The council and the elders had entrusted her with this task—her first big mission.

When she swallowed to combat her nervousness, she noticed how strange her throat felt. The bones and cartilage produced a strange sensation as they moved.

Focus, Penrae told herself, striding forward.

A male dressed in a uniform opened the door for her when she was near the office’s entrance.

“Good morning, Ms. Jaslene,” the doorman said with a sensitive smile. “What did you think of the game last night?”

Penrae cleared her throat and tried to smile. It was such a weird sensation that she wasn’t familiar with yet. Verdok said she’d get used to this and faster with each time. She hoped he was right. “I thought it was great,” she remarked, bustling through the open door.

The man’s smile fell. “Oh, but the Comets lost. I thought you owned the team?”

Penrae straightened. Tensed. She turned to face him directly, reading his nametag ever so briefly. “Charles, you know I don’t care about winning and losing. I enjoy the sport of it all.”

The grin returned to Charles’ face, this time wider. “That’s the spirit Ms. Jaslene. We could all learn something from you.”

Penrae gave a curt nod and turned back for the elevators. That was close. Too close. She replayed Verdok’s words in her head. “Keep it brief. The less you say and do, the better.”

The elevator was empty and for that Penrae was grateful. She held her briefcase close to her body, which was slender and curvaceous. Peering down, she chanced a glance at her chest. Boobs were such a bizarre thing that humans had. And this one had a full pair that made her small waist even more accentuated.

However, she was grateful that the CEO of Jaslene Corporation had been a female. That was how Penrae had landed this mission. It wouldn’t be impossible for a male to pull off this role, but it would have been an unnecessary risk. It took less time for Penrae to adapt to a female human’s body, due there being a partial overlap in certain biological functions. Had she been required to perform the part of a male, it would have take more time to fully acclimate herself to the role.

The doors slid open when the elevator arrived at the main floor. A female with auburn hair and round glasses gazed up from her desk. She glanced back down absentmindedly and then took a second look at Penrae, startled.

“Ms. Jaslene,” stammered the female, standing and hurrying around the desk. “I didn’t know you were coming in today. You usually take  Wednesdays off.”

Penrae cleared her throat and kept her chin high. “I just had a last-minute affair to deal with.”

“Is it the Murphy account?” asked the female, her voice high-pitched with nervousness. “I assured you I’d deal with it. Everything is fine now, I promise.”

“No, it’s not the Murphy case,” said Penrae, her voice clear and deliberate. She strode for the door on the other side of the office—the one marked “Mary Jaslene, CEO.”

“Oh. Well, is there something I could take care of for you?” asked the female, trailing behind Penrae. “I know you prefer to spend this day with your family, and I’m happy to—”

Penrae swung around, her movements graceful. It was the same way she’d seen the real Mary Jaslene walk when she’d encountered her that morning. “I do prefer to spend this time away from the office, so please leave me to my work. I won’t need anything from you.”

The female smoothed her pencil skirt, looking flustered. “Okay, then I’ll just go back to…” There was a strange look in the receptionist’s eyes like she was caught off guard by how the CEO was acting.

Penrae smiled serenely at the woman, making her face soften. “Thank you. I’ve made a small error with one of the accounts and just want to fix it before it is noticed. You shouldn’t worry about it since it’s my blunder. And let’s keep it a secret, okay?”

The female’s hesitation vanished. Her face broke with relief. “Of course. I thought you were double checking my work. Don’t worry, no one will hear about this from me.”

“I trust your work implicitly, and that you’ll keep this in confidence,” said Penrae and then headed for the door at the end of the room. She strode across the space, taking each step carefully in the high heels. They were such an odd thing to wear, and her nervousness made her think she’d trip and fall on her face. That’s definitely not something the poised CEO of Jaslene Corporation would do.

Penrae didn’t let out a breath until she was inside the expansive office. It was set up exactly as Hendrix had said it would be, which meant that the safe was on the back wall behind the painting of a bird.

All Penrae had to do was input the code and then she’d have what she came for. It was only a stack of papers, but those papers held the key. The Federation was hiding the Tangle Thief, and Penrae was going to help find it. Once the council was in possession of it, then they’d be unstoppable.

Knowing she only had one chance to disable the safe before the alarm was triggered, Penrae reverted to her natural form. She slid across the carpet, her scales leaving behind flakes in the fibers. Shedding season was nearing and soon Penrae would have a new skin, more iridescent than the one before.

She slithered to the painting, catching her image in the mirror sitting on the CEO’s desk. The female apparently looked into a mirror when talking on the phone to ensure she always smiled when she spoke. Penrae had learned this about the CEO when preparing for this mission. Her red serpent face with its large green eyes stared back at her. The Saverus species didn’t smile, which was why she’d practiced the gesture.

The giant snake turned her attention to the painting on the wall, her small arms extending in the direction of the vault. This had all gone to plan, and soon she’d have the praise of the council. Soon they’d be that much closer to taking anything they so desired.

Penrae’s forked tongue slipped from her mouth with a gentle hiss, a gesture reeking of her elation. The Saverus might be limited in their expressions, but the living forms they could shapeshift into were endless. Who needed to smile when they could steal the appearance of anyone in the universe?

FINIS

Author Notes - Sarah Noffke

January 19, 2018

After the last author notes, I feel like there’s a precedent set. And (aka Anderle) is all expecting me to pick up the mic in these notes and wax about how cray-cray he is and throw shade on him, prompting him to reply. However, I cordially decline to partake in such affairs at this junction.

No, I do not leave the house very often. And yes, I talk to myself. Well, I’m talking to my cat most of the time, if I’m honest. But he speaks Catenese, which I haven’t mastered, as of yet, and therefore I understand little of his replies.

Closing out this arc was a real challenge. As authors, we’re faced with upping the ante, but not so much that we can’t reach the bar in the next book. I came up with what I thought was a perfect ending for this book: Assassinate General Reynolds. Okay, not really, that was just the premise for the book. I tend to hash out these ideas late at night. I know I’ll suffer in the morning, but that’s when the wall comes down and I get those “Whoa” ideas.

I love to play around with my author notes, but in all seriousness, working with And is really great. No matter what hairball of an idea I’ve brought to him, he’s always entertained it and tried to make it work. So just imagine when I approached him about this book. “I want to create a drug that undoes nanos entirely.” And (Michael) totally entertained the idea and helped us to flush it out until we had something that worked. I’ll admit that I started to craft a backup plan, thinking that I’d gone too far. However, the awesome thing about TKG is that anything is possible, but within certain perimeters.

On an unrelated note. Is the And nickname confusing to anyone else? I don’t think it’s going to stick.

Onto more important business. The crew in this book didn’t get as sloshed this time thanks to nanos making that buzz a little harder to obtain. So please note, don’t upgrade me unless absolutely necessary. Eddie and Julianna did enjoy a few shots of Greek Pirate, which we can thank reader Charles Wood for that idea. And thank you to Micky Cocker who pretty much named most of the characters in this book. Her awesome efforts are helping us not to repeat names from other TKG series. Love getting the suggestions on drinks, characters and locations, so please keep sending them. Join the Facebook fan group. We post often and there’s always tons of fun interaction. Naming characters, drinks and planets is hard. I need your help.

Here’s a little insider. I named the pilots and ground forces soldiers after characters from my other series outside of TKG. Some would call that lazy, but I call it inserting Easter Eggs for my most loyal fans. Some are actual names of characters like Nona. And some are just references to important characters like Lone Wolf, Trapeze and Escrema.

Anyway, thanks for all the support for this series. The adventures will continue in book five, if for no other reason than to give me an opportunity to call my cowriter funny names.

Sarah

Check out Sarah Noffke’s Sci-fi Paranormal series:

Olento Research

Twelve Men Went Missing

Six months later they awake from drug-induced stupors to find themselves locked in a lab. On the night of a new moon, eleven of those men - possessing new gifts of speed, strength and inhuman powers - break out of their prison and race through the streets of Los Angeles. They disappear one by one into the night.

Werewolves Are On The Loose

Mika Lenna - a powerful dream traveler and head of Olento Research - wants to control the world. To do that, he must create an army of assassins. Capturing the twelve men was easy, as was experimenting on them while keeping them in drug-induced stupors. But now all hell has broken loose - wolf-like men have been spotted across the nation, leaving fatal attacks in their midst. Mike must tear every city apart until his invaluable werewolves are back under his control.

The Race Is On

The Lucidite Institute's main mission is to save the world from injustices. Their best agent, Adelaide Lewis, needs to find these mutated men and protect them and society, and fast. Adelaide realizes that she has to find the Alpha Wolf. Only once she's located him can she stop whoever is behind this experiment to create wild beasts out of human beings.

Alpha Wolf has a taut storyline combined with action-packed scenes. This spellbinding YA supernatural fantasy is a must read for the young and not so young alike.

Author Notes - Michael Anderle

Written January 22, 2018

First, let me say THANK YOU for not only reading this story, but all the way past Noff’s  author notes, as well.

Since Sarah threw down the gauntlet, I won’t comment on her author notes except to say the term ‘catonese’ (which I originally misread to be ‘cantonese’ and did a double take) is priceless!

And ‘And’ has to go, may it be but a blip in the history of Author Notes. Maybe one of those game show host scenarios where we have our fan on stage, the announcer speaking to a hush audience, “And for EXTRA Points, can YOU name the nickname Sarah Noffke gave Michael that lasted all of one book? For Extra EXTRA points, can you NAME the book?”

Tick tock…tick tock…tick tock… “And and Degeneration?” the contestant replies.

<Pregnant pause while the game show host looks down at his answer card, up to the contestant a frown on his face. He looks back down at his card, slowly shaking his head before his eyes LIGHT up and he WOOOPS YOU ARE CORRECT!>

WOOHOOO!

So, in order for this fabrication to ever have a chance to come true, Sarah can’t do that to me again.

Just saying.

THANK YOU SARAH for playing in the Kurtherian Universe. We the fans are the richer in our lives for your characters, for your fun, and for your stories ;-)

Sarah also has a huge set of wonderful stories herself. You should check them out when you are ready for something a bit different, and yet with author’s you already know.

For Sarah – check out her website here: http://www.sarahnoffke.com

And thank you Sarah. I’m usually not good with accepting compliments (not that I didn’t crave them like a kid wants sugar when younger, a teenage boy wants that girl to say ‘hi’ and a man wants that car he can’t afford) but when it happens?

I’m secretly happy, but stutter over the acceptance.

Kind of like now.

Damn!

;-)

Ad Aeternitatem,

Michael

Acknowledgements

Sarah Noffke and J.N. Chaney

Thank you to Michael Anderle for taking my calls and allowing me to play in this universe. It’s been a blast since the beginning.

Thank you to Craig Martelle for cheering for me. I’ve learned so much working with you. This wild ride just keeps going and going.

Thank you to Jen, Tim, Steve, Andrew and Jeff for all the work on the books, covers and championing so much of the publishing.

Thank you to our beta team. I can’t believe how fast you all can turn around books. The JIT team sometimes scares me, but usually just with how impressively knowledgeable they are.

Thank you to our amazing readers. I asked myself a question the other day and it had a strange answer. I asked if I would still write if trapped on a desert island and no one would ever read the books. The answer was yes, but the feeling connected to it was different. It wouldn’t be as much fun to write if there wasn’t awesome readers to share it with. Thank you.

Thank you to my friends and family for all the support and love.

About Sarah Noffke

Sarah Noffke, an Amazon Best Seller, writes YA and NA sci-fi fantasy, paranormal and urban fantasy. She is the author of the Lucidites, Reverians, Ren, Vagabond Circus, Olento Research and Soul Stone Mage series. Noffke holds a Masters of Management and teaches college business courses. Most of her students have no idea that she toils away her hours crafting fictional characters. Noffke's books are top rated and best-sellers on Kindle. Currently, she has eighteen novels published. Her books are available in paperback, audio and in Spanish, Portuguese and Italian. http://www.sarahnoffke.com

Check out other work by this author here.

The Soul Stone Mage Series:

House of Enchanted #1:

The Kingdom of Virgo has lived in peace for thousands of years…until now.

The humans from Terran have always been real assholes to the witches of Virgo. Now a silent war is brewing, and the timing couldn’t be worse. Princess Azure will soon be crowned queen of the Kingdom of Virgo.

In the Dark Forest a powerful potion-maker has been murdered.

Charmsgood was the only wizard who could stop a deadly virus plaguing Virgo. He also knew about the devastation the people from Terran had done to the forest.

Azure must protect her people. Mend the Dark Forest. Create alliances with savage beasts. No biggie, right?

But on coronation day everything changes. Princess Azure isn’t who she thought she was and that’s a big freaking problem.

Welcome to The Revelations of Oriceran. Check out the entire series here.

The Lucidites Series:

Awoken, #1:

Around the world humans are hallucinating after sleepless nights.

In a sterile, underground institute the forecasters keep reporting the same events.

And in the backwoods of Texas, a sixteen-year-old girl is about to be caught up in a fierce, ethereal battle.

Meet Roya Stark. She drowns every night in her dreams, spends her hours reading classic literature to avoid her family’s ridicule, and is prone to premonitions—which are becoming more frequent. And now her dreams are filled with strangers offering to reveal what she has always wanted to know: Who is she? That’s the question that haunts her, and she’s about to find out. But will Roya live to regret learning the truth?

Stunned, #2

Revived, #3

The Reverians Series:

Defects, #1:

In the happy, clean community of Austin Valley, everything appears to be perfect. Seventeen-year-old Em Fuller, however, fears something is askew. Em is one of the new generation of Dream Travelers. For some reason, the gods have not seen fit to gift all of them with their expected special abilities. Em is a Defect—one of the unfortunate Dream Travelers not gifted with a psychic power. Desperate to do whatever it takes to earn her gift, she endures painful daily injections along with commands from her overbearing, loveless father. One of the few bright spots in her life is the return of a friend she had thought dead—but with his return comes the knowledge of a shocking, unforgivable truth. The society Em thought was protecting her has actually been betraying her, but she has no idea how to break away from its authority without hurting everyone she loves.

Rebels, #2

Warriors, #3

Vagabond Circus Series:

Suspended, #1:

When a stranger joins the cast of Vagabond Circus—a circus that is run by Dream Travelers and features real magic—mysterious events start happening. The once orderly grounds of the circus become riddled with hidden threats. And the ringmaster realizes not only are his circus and its magic at risk, but also his very life.

Vagabond Circus caters to the skeptics. Without skeptics, it would close its doors. This is because Vagabond Circus runs for two reasons and only two reasons: first and foremost to provide the lost and lonely Dream Travelers a place to be illustrious. And secondly, to show the nonbelievers that there’s still magic in the world. If they believe, then they care, and if they care, then they don’t destroy. They stop the small abuse that day-by-day breaks down humanity’s spirit. If Vagabond Circus makes one skeptic believe in magic, then they halt the cycle, just a little bit. They allow a little more love into this world. That’s Dr. Dave Raydon’s mission. And that’s why this ringmaster recruits. That’s why he directs. That’s why he puts on a show that makes people question their beliefs. He wants the world to believe in magic once again.

Paralyzed, #2

Released, #3

Ren Series:

Ren: The Man Behind the Monster, #1:

Born with the power to control minds, hypnotize others, and read thoughts, Ren Lewis, is certain of one thing: God made a mistake. No one should be born with so much power. A monster awoke in him the same year he received his gifts. At ten years old. A prepubescent boy with the ability to control others might merely abuse his powers, but Ren allowed it to corrupt him. And since he can have and do anything he wants, Ren should be happy. However, his journey teaches him that harboring so much power doesn’t bring happiness, it steals it. Once this realization sets in, Ren makes up his mind to do the one thing that can bring his tortured soul some peace. He must kill the monster.

*Note* This book is NA and has strong language, violence and sexual references.

Ren: God’s Little Monster, #2

Ren: The Monster Inside the Monster, #3

Ren: The Monster’s Adventure, #3.5

Ren: The Monster’s Death

Olento Research Series:

Alpha Wolf, #1:

Twelve men went missing.
Six months later they awake from drug-induced stupors to find themselves locked in a lab.
And on the night of a new moon, eleven of those men, possessed by new—and inhuman—powers, break out of their prison and race through the streets of Los Angeles until they disappear one by one into the night.
Olento Research wants its experiments back. Its CEO, Mika Lenna, will tear every city apart until he has his werewolves imprisoned once again. He didn’t undertake a huge risk just to lose his would-be assassins.
However, the Lucidite Institute’s main mission is to save the world from injustices. Now, it’s Adelaide’s job to find these mutated men and protect them and society, and fast. Already around the nation, wolflike men are being spotted. Attacks on innocent women are happening. And then, Adelaide realizes what her next step must be: She has to find the alpha wolf first. Only once she’s located him can she stop whoever is behind this experiment to create wild beasts out of human beings.

Lone Wolf, #2

Rabid Wolf, #3

Bad Wolf, #4

Books by Michael Anderle

For a complete list of Kurtherian Gambit Universe

books please click this link.

Kurtherian Gambit Series Titles Include:

First Arc

Death Becomes Her (01) - Queen Bitch (02) - Love Lost (03) - Bite This (04)

Never Forsaken (05) - Under My Heel (06) - Kneel Or Die (07)

Second Arc

We Will Build (08) - It’s Hell To Choose (09) - Release The Dogs of War (10)

Sued For Peace (11) - We Have Contact (12) - My Ride is a Bitch (13)

Don’t Cross This Line (14)

Third Arc (2017)

Never Submit (15) - Never Surrender (16) - Forever Defend (17)

Might Makes Right (18) - Ahead Full (19) - Capture Death (20)

Life Goes On (21)

The Second Dark Ages

The Dark Messiah (01)

The Darkest Night (02)

Darkest Before The Dawn (03)

*with Ell Leigh Clarke*

Dawn Arrives (04)

*with Ell Leigh Clarke*

The Boris Chronicles

* With Paul C. Middleton *

Evacuation (01)

Retaliation (02)

Revelations (03)

Redemption (04)

Reclaiming Honor

* With JUSTIN SLOAN *

Justice Is Calling (01)

Claimed By Honor (02)

Judgement Has Fallen (03)

Angel of Reckoning (04)

Born Into Flames (05)

Defending The Lost (06)

Saved By Valor (07)

Return of Victory (08)

The Etheric Academy

* With TS PAUL *

ALPHA CLASS (01)

ALPHA CLASS - Engineering (02)

Terry Henry “TH” Walton Chronicles

* With CRAIG MARTELLE *

Nomad Found (01)

Nomad Redeemed (02)

Nomad Unleashed (03)

Nomad Supreme (04)

Nomad’s Fury (05)

Nomad’s Justice (06)

Nomad Avenged (07)

Nomad Mortis (08)

Nomad’s Force (09)

Nomad’s Galaxy (10)

Trials and Tribulations

* With Natalie Grey *

Risk Be Damned (01)

Damned to Hell (02)

The Age of Magic

The Rise of Magic

* With CM Raymond / LE Barbant *

Restriction (01)

Reawakening (02)

Rebellion (03)

Revolution (04)

Unlawful Passage (05)

Darkness Rises (06)

The Gods Beneath (07)

Reborn (08)

The Hidden Magic Chronicles

* With Justin Sloan *

Shades of Light (01)

Shades of Dark (02)

Shades of Glory (03)

Shades of Justice (04)

Storms of Magic

*With PT Hylton*

Storm Raiders (01)

Storm Callers (02)

Storm Breakers (03)

Storm Warrior (04)

Tales of the Feisty Druid

*With Candy Crum*

The Arcadian Druid (01)

The Undying Illusionist (02)

The Frozen Wasteland (03)

The Deceiver (04)

The Lost (05)

The Damned (06)

Path of Heroes

*With Brandon Barr*

Rogue Mage (01)

A New Dawn

*With Amy Hopkins*

Dawn of Destiny (01)

Dawn of Darkness (02)

Dawn of Deliverance (03)

Dawn of Days (04)

Tales Of The Wellspring Knight

*With P.J. Cherubino*

Knight’s Creed (01)

The Age of Expansion

The Ascension Myth

* With Ell Leigh Clarke *

Awakened (01)

Activated (02)

Called (03)

Sanctioned (04)

Rebirth (05)

Retribution (06)

Cloaked (07)

Bourne (08)

Confessions of a Space Anthropologist

* With Ell Leigh Clarke *

Giles Kurns: Rogue Operator (01)

The Uprise Saga

* With Amy DuBoff *

Covert Talents (01)

Endless Advance (02)

Veiled Designs (03)

Dark Rivals (04)

Bad Company

* With Craig Martelle*

The Bad Company (01)

Blockade (02)

The Ghost Squadron

* With Sarah Noffke*

Formation (01)

Exploration (02)

Evolution (03)

Degeneration (04)

Valerie’s Elites

* With Justin Sloan and PT Hylton *

Valerie’s Elites (01)

Death Defied (02)

Prime Enforcer (03)

Shadow Vanguard

* With Tom Dublin*

Gravity Storm (01)

Etheric Adventures: Anne and Jinx

*With S.R. Russell*

Etheric Recruit

Etheric Researcher

Other Books

Gateway to the Universe

*With Craig Martelle & Justin Sloan*

The Revelations of Oriceran

The Leira Chronicles

*With Martha Carr*

Waking Magic (1)

Release of Magic (2)

Protection of Magic (3)

Rule of Magic (4)

Dealing in Magic (5)

Theft of Magic (6)

SHORT STORIES

Frank Kurns Stories of the Unknownworld 01 (7.5)

You Don’t Touch John’s Cousin

Frank Kurns Stories of the Unknownworld 02 (9.5)

Bitch’s Night Out

Bellatrix: Frank Kurns Stories of the Unknownworld 03 (13.25)

With Natalie Grey

Challenges: Frank Kurns Stories of the Unknownworld 04

With Natalie Grey

AudioBooks

CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL LMBPN BOOKS ON AUDIBLE

Available at Audible.com and iTunes