Tales of Talon Box Set
Page 85
“What is this?” the marine demanded, eyeing the crystal in the dim light of the twin moons.
“It’s a data crystal. It contains evidence that proves Magistrate Balakov was in league with the Lokaba. They’ve been smuggling fire orchid dust into the Kybera Mining colony for months. A colony the Balteus was stationed at until the other day.”
“That means they were doing it right under the Captain's nose,” another marine exclaimed. He was a slim, shorter man and his voice held the excitement of youth.
“Yes,” Talon grunted. “A fact that would undoubtedly come up in my court martial. Especially considering a copy of this data was already sent to Tal Adar.”
“Sent by who?”
Talon grinned. “By the only person whose council an emperor must heed… an empress.”
The two taller men grumbled, then turned around and marched back to the shuttle. “Very well. Come along, then. We’re due to rendezvous with the fleet ASAP, then report to the Dominion border.”
As Talon fell in step with the third man, the youth tugged off his helmet, revealing a tousled mop of brown hair and wide blue eyes. “Talon, what in blazes were you doing here? I thought you made it back to the ship, after the fight in—“
“It’s a long story, Kev,” Talon replied. “Let’s just say I’m eager to get off this moon and return to the Balteus… Though I can’t say I miss the slop our fine cook serves in the galley!”
“You’re lucky we received your transmission when we did. The war with the Consortium of Free Worlds has escalated. Rumor has it they fired on a Dominion freighter in disputed territory!”
“War, eh?” Talon grinned and slapped the younger man’s back with his hand. Kev stumbled and coughed as the blow knocked the wind from his lungs. “I must admit, it will good to fight an enemy I can look in the eye… I’ve had enough deception and back-stabbing to last a lifetime!”
The men climbed into the shuttle and the ramp hummed closed behind them. Plumes of white steam exploded from the water as the vessel's thruster jets ignited. The tiny ship lifted off, then streaked into the night sky. Within moments the shuttle disappeared into the canopy of stars.
It carried Talon away from the moon of the Emerald Empress, and jetted towards whatever fate awaited him in the dark, infinite void of space.
Join my Readers Group!
Get a FREE copy of Talon the Gladiator, the Tales of Talon prequel, when you join my VIP Reader’s Group! You’ll also get access to exclusive content, special sales, contests, and new release info…
Just click HERE.
Or visit
aawarrenwriter.com
Thank you.
Special Thanks
The author would like to thank Kronos Ananth, Bea Syer, Aiden L. Bailey, and Mimi Cheung. Their proofreading and early feedback were invaluable.
I’d also like to give a big shout out to Talon’s Tribe and the Advance Reader Team. Your encouragement and support keep me going… Thank you.
Finally, and most importantly, thank YOU, dear reader, for reading this book… without you, none of this is possible!
Cheers,
A. A. Warren
ALSO BY A. A. WARREN
TALON THE GLADIATOR
Readers Group Exclusive
TALON THE SLAYER
Tales of Talon Book 1
TALON THE RAIDER
Tales of Talon Book 2
TALON THE HUNTER
Tales of Talon Book 3
A. A. Warren
Recipe for a Science Fiction and Fantasy Author:
Mix one part Star Wars with one part Star Trek. Stir in liberal amounts of Conan the Barbarian (books, movies, comics… all varietals.) Toss with Dune, Flash Gordon, Dungeons & Dragons, and Saturday morning cartoons. Add a pinch of video games, and season to taste with comic books, Stephen King novels, B-Movies, and whatever speculative entertainment you have on hand. Let simmer in a New Jersey suburb until partially mature, then finish in La La Land, Southern California.
Sear with Godzilla’s atomic breath. Serve with an ice cold beer and cheese platter.
Please contact A. A. Warren here:
www.aawarrenwriter.com
aaw@aawarrenwriter.com