by J G Cressey
Toker continued to shake his head, but his smile had faded. “Don’t you see, Cal? Don’t you get it? Sticking together is exactly how we’ve beaten the odds. All the craziness we’ve been through. Crashing on Mars. Hogmeyer. The Insidions. We’ve had each other’s backs every step of the way. Even here on Callacean. Eddy’s alive because you were there to save her and Melinda was there to revive her. And you’re alive because Viktor exploded the bastard that was about to eat you. This is how we roll. There’s potential danger everywhere right now. Every planet. Every colony. Whatever safe haven you try and dump us at, there’ll still be danger. The chaos is building, and it’s unpredictable. We came to this place to relax, right? Thought it might be safe? My point is, shit’s gonna happen, and we can’t predict when or where, so we damn well best stick together. You split us up, and we’ll just become more vulnerable.”
A bit taken aback by his young friend’s monologue, Cal stayed silent for a time, fumbling with the surprising logic of it. “Huh. That, um…that actually makes sense,” he managed eventually.
Toker grinned. “Try not to sound too surprised, eh. I might take offense.”
“Sorry. I mean, I just hadn’t really thought about it like that.”
“I know you hadn’t. Because in your messed up head, you feel like you’re the one leading us poor innocents into danger all the time. You really think Eddy wouldn’t be getting into crazy shit all the time if you weren’t around? And how many dangerous people do you think Viktor has pissed off in the past? And as for me, I’ve been getting into trouble my whole life. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve knocked on death’s door. There was a reason we all ended up on that reject raft together; we’re a bunch of unhinged misfits. And as for Jumper, he spent most of his life purposely living in a jungle full of big-ass predators. The dude’s nuts. We all are.”
Cal blinked a few times. “Right.”
“Yep.” Toker nodded, looking pleased at himself that he was proving the master of this debate. “Besides. This isn’t just about saving Kaia, right?” he continued, clearly on a roll. “These bastard pirates are becoming increasingly problematic, yes? Causing even more havoc and escalating the chaos. If we find them, and maybe find out how they’re operating, then perhaps we can do something to screw up their plans. That’s the big picture, right? Trying to put out this crazy wildfire that’s been lit. Getting the human race back on track.”
“Not sure the human race has ever actually been on track, but sure, I see your point, and it’s a good one. Your whole argument is a good one.” Cal rubbed his face then managed a smile. “I appreciate the pep talk.”
Toker waved a dismissing hand. “No worries, bro. That’s all part of looking out for each other, right?”
Cal nodded. “Right.”
“Great.” Toker heaved his feet off the console then stood up and stretched. “So this clue,” he said, turning to the flight window and staring out at the multitude of stars shining bright against the blackness of space. “You really think it’ll lead us to Kaia?”
Cal also got to his feet and grinned at his young friend. “You know what, Toker? I really do.”
Sample chapter for Book Three
This novella could be considered a teaser for book three in the series ‘Shattered Moon’ which has already been written and, depending on when you’re reading this little snippet, could already be available on Amazon’s shelves. Please read on for a sample chapter of Shattered Moon which takes the story to new levels!
Alvor
Alvor was every bit as awe-inspiring as Cal remembered. For the majority of their approach, he’d sat in the Star Splinter’s cockpit and simply stared in wonderment at the huge planet. The mass of green and brown landscapes seemed like a grand puzzle, some parts vast and unchanging, others fragmented and intricate. Great swirls of white cloud cut stark edges against the vibrant blue seas, and huge deserts appeared like burnt stains on an otherwise pristine picture. It was a welcome sight.
The journey from Aqualorian Prime had only taken a couple of weeks but had seemed more like months. Cal had filled the journey by studying Captain Stevenson’s reports on Callacean’s pirate attack, but details were scant, and he’d learned little. Undeterred, he’d also scoured numerous star charts as well as reading and rereading the frustratingly small amount of information they had on Falco and Calo Prime. Then there’d been countless hours of mulling over which destination to choose, but still he’d come no closer to making a decision. It was frustrating, but the fact that he at least had something to work on bullied much of that frustration away.
Alvor continued to grow large until it completely filled the Star Splinter’s flight window. The sight reminded Cal of a time on The Orrilian’s viewing deck, sitting on the floor with Captain Decker as they stared at the very same view. It also reminded him of pain. Both he and Decker had been in a sorry state that day—a couple of broken invalids who could barely help each other to their feet when the time had come.
Despite the discomfort, the two of them had formed a bond in those moments—a notion that would have seemed absurd only months previously. But the captain’s ordeal at the hands of the Insidions had changed him in ways Cal wouldn’t have thought possible, to an extent that he actually found himself looking forward to seeing the man again.
Alvor’s Tolann region presented one of the most beautiful vistas Cal had ever seen, the sort of view to momentarily steal one’s breath. Jogging down the Star Splinter’s loading ramp, he couldn’t help but take pause and drink in the sight. A wide alpine valley stretched out to his left, scattered with towering evergreens that appeared vibrant enough to seem almost unreal. Three rivers carved their way through the valley, their icy waters having tumbled down from the rocky heights that rose up on Cal’s right. The snow-peaked mountains lining the horizon were easily large enough to dwarf any that had once graced Earth, their rugged, steely faces cutting sharp edges against the clear blue skies.
The sweet air encouraged a leisurely pace as Cal made his way across the expansive landing area toward a line of buildings ahead. At odds with the surrounding beauty, the buildings were austere and block-like, appearing worthy of the most brutal of assaults—perhaps solid enough to remain standing even after the slabs of rock surrounding them had been leveled to dust. There were cannons too, monstrous great things that made the nearby ships look like mere toys in comparison.
Cal took it all in with increasing admiration. Considering the relatively short period of time that had passed, the expansion of the base was really quite something, especially as he suspected that most of it was probably unseen, buried deep beneath the ground.
“Captain Callum Harper! I dare say you look impressed!”
Cal caught sight of Lawrence Decker approaching, a broad smile plastered on his face. Cal returned the smile, allowing it to falter only slightly on seeing the large Carcarrion that was following closely in the captain’s wake. The alien’s muscular, inky black form was startling and all the more intimidating in the bright Alvorian light.
In truth, Cal had completely forgotten that he might encounter one or more of the aliens—that devastatingly small number of true Carcarrions who’d survived the Insidion invasion—but he did his best to swallow his surprise. “Why, Captain Lawrence Decker. I dare say that I—” Catching sight of a little insignia on the breast of the man’s uniform, Cal faltered yet again and this time failed to hide his surprise. “Oh, forgive me,” he said, giving his tone a theatrical flourish as he held out his palm. “I see it’s Colonel Decker now.”
Laurence clasped Cal’s hand and gave it a long, rigorous shake. “Yes…Colonel,” he said, his tone becoming a little less jovial as he tucked his chin and rolled his eyes down toward the insignia. “Such an impressive little badge, yet strangely, I don’t feel any different.”
Cal’s brows knitted in mock confusion. “That seems odd. Perhaps you’ve attached it wrong.” He stared at the insignia for a moment. “Is it the right way up?”
Lawrence shrugged and tapped at the badge. “I believe so.”
“Well, if it’s any consolation, the title sounds good. And I have to say, you’re looking remarkably healthy.” This last comment was completely earnest. The man almost appeared to have aged backward, a brightness in his eyes that was usually only seen in the very young.
“I appreciate the compliment,” Lawrence replied. “To be honest, I feel great. This planet…I swear it’s made me feel ten years younger. Fit too. Fitter than I’ve ever felt in my life. But I suppose that’s not saying much.” He patted his gut, which appeared solid enough to make any athlete proud. “Must be something in the air or perhaps the food. Puts a spring in the step. Just as well too considering how damn busy we’ve been.”
“Busy seems an understatement,” Cal said, making a show of looking about. “This base has come a hell of way from that modest research facility I last saw here.”
“Was little more than a hut as far as I remember,” Lawrence said with a wry grin. “And this is but a snippet. We’ve other bases underway—twenty more like this spread across various regions of the planet. And twice that many under construction on neighboring planets. We’re intensely recruiting too: fighters, doctors, engineers, technicians…numbers are building fast.”
Cal almost whistled his admiration. “Now impressed doesn’t seem to cut it,” he said keenly. In truth, this was far better that he’d dared to imagine. To hear of such growth and progress after all the degradation he’d witnessed of late. It was a spark of hope, and they were going to need a hell of a lot of it to stand any chance of surviving as a species.
“We’re fortunate that Alvor’s so rich in raw materials,” Lawrence said. “And very fortunate that it attracts such smart, talented people.”
Cal nodded his agreement, unable to prevent his gaze drifting to the Carcarrion who loomed only a stride behind Lawrence. “So who’s your friend?”
Lawrence’s cheerful expression sagged into a mild grimace. “This is Shadow. Or at least that’s what I call him. Follows me every damn where I go.”
“A bodyguard?”
Lawrence nodded. “Of a sort. It’s typical. I finally get a guard who can repel most with his mere presence, but now, I finally don’t want one.” Lawrence turned to look up at the big warrior. “Let’s just say he’s a little too dedicated. Never more than a few paces from me. Would stand in my bath given half a chance. Isn’t that right, Shadow?”
The Carcarrion didn’t react to Lawrence’s words, not even slightly. Its icy gray eyes remained fixed dead ahead, the great, clawed fists completely motionless like those of some fearsome gargoyle.
“Can’t you just send him on his way?”
Lawrence shot the hulking alien a look that seemed recklessly hostile. “Believe me; I’ve tried. He’s every bit as stubborn as he looks. The Carcarrions we rescued insisted upon it. A blood debt of sorts. That’s how I understand it anyhow. For the first month, I tried to send him home, but I might as well have been trying to banish my own shadow…hence the name.”
“Home?”
Lawrence nodded and jabbed a thumb over his shoulder. “The rest of the tribe picked a spot a good two weeks’ walk from here, high in the mountains. My friend Tark informs me that they’re settling in well. You remember Tark, right?”
“Yes, of course, the little guy with the white…” Cal twirled his finger at his head.
“Dreadlocks,” Lawrence offered helpfully. “That’s him. He spends half his time with them, half with us.”
Cal looked toward the south, squinting against the glare of the snowy peaks. “Doesn’t it get cold up there?”
“Damn cold. And we’re not even close to winter yet. I’ve tried to warn them, but Tark insists they’re happy. Apparently, they’re fond of harsh, rocky landscapes and are just as hardy when it comes to the cold as to heat.” Peering over Cal’s shoulder, Lawrence looked toward the Star Splinter. “The rest of your crew?”
“All well and mostly intact,” Cal assured him. “A near miracle to be honest considering what we’ve been through. They’ll join us once they’ve organized a few loading crates. We, er…it would be helpful if we could raid your stores…if that’s okay? We’ve had to trade most of our weapons for local currencies, and we’re running low on Xcel. Maybe some fuel cells and a bit of food too.”
Lawrence chuckled. “Don’t worry about it. We’ve plenty to share; you don’t even need to ask.”
Cal nodded his thanks, and together, they walked toward the base, Shadow following stubbornly close behind.
“So…how goes the search?”
Cal detected a note of something strange in Lawrence’s tone, a slight hesitation and perhaps some tension. But maybe he was just nervous of the answer. “Up until ten days ago, I’d have said a complete and utter failure,” he admitted. “But we’ve finally found a lead in the city of Callacean…two actually. One’s likely a good one, a very good one, but unfortunately, we’re not sure which. I’d appreciate it if I could sift through anything you have on the Pantar and Lexion systems. In particular Falco and Calo Prime.”
With a slight waver in his step, Lawrence glanced at him and blew out a breath. “A couple of charming destinations. Of course you’re welcome to our files, but I’d warn you not to go exploring too deep into either one of those systems for any length of time. Especially with the way things stand now. Linger too long and trouble’s bound to find you.”
Cal offered him a tight smile. “Trouble’s rather fond of us…seems to find us no matter where we go. But I appreciate the advice nonetheless.”
Lawrence nodded. “So, the famed underwater city of Callacean, eh!” he said after a moment. “I’ve always fancied a trip there. I hear it’s nice.”
Cal shrugged. “It was.”
“Was? You don’t recommend it?”
“Not unless you’re okay with the risk of getting dissolved in the body of a giant, transparent cephalopod.”
Lawrence turned to him, an eyebrow raised high.
Cal gave a little smirk. “I’ll tell you about it some other time.”
Eventually, the two men entered a cavernous entrance, easily large enough to accommodate the biggest of ships. Cal swept his gaze around, taking in the bustle as he and Lawrence continued on at a leisurely pace. Countless uniformed workers busied themselves beneath hulking freight ships, some tinkering with machinery while others strode purposefully between scores of automated loading crates that shifted steadily across the smooth floor. The distant sound of heavy duty construction rumbled from somewhere deep within, competing with noisy ship thrusters and whirring maintenance bots whose multifunctional arms tirelessly swung this way and that.
“And what of your news?” Cal asked, raising his voice to be heard over the din.
“Not a great deal to tell, I’m afraid,” Lawrence replied. “Other than some reported pirate attacks that is.”
Cal nodded, entirely unsurprised. “I can add a few to that list.”
“As for our missing military forces,” Laurence continued, “no solid leads. And our alien invaders seem nonexistent. We’ve created teams to systematically search charted space and others to investigate any civilian reports that come in. But it’s a mammoth task…an impossible task, in all honesty, and so far, little has come back.”
Cal had thought he’d be hearing that, confident that Lawrence would have informed him within seconds of their meeting had the news been otherwise.
Lawrence sighed. “And the bitch of it is that with interstellar communications down, any reports have to be delivered physically. A team might stumble across another Insidion stronghold, but it could still be months before we receive word of it.”
Cal rubbed at his jaw, more out of habit than anything else. “Yes, the plight of our mute communications.” What a slow, mortal wound that was turning out to be. “Any insights on that front?”
“Well, there’s a question.” Lawrence slowed to a stop and tapped at a nearby control, Sha
dow maneuvering dutifully behind him. A large, square section of the floor began to descend, taking them with it. “These scientists can talk endlessly on the damn subject, numbing your brain with equations and graphs for hours on end. It’s really quite impressive considering that their conclusion is always the same: They don’t have a damn clue. If we were in need of experts with the ability to stretch and expand a whole lot of nothing, then we’d be in ample supply.”
The platform on which they stood began to pick up speed, patterns of smoothly cut rock passing by on every side as they dropped deeper into the ground. Lawrence shook his head, his posture sagging a little. “I fear we were slow in seeing the severity of this particular problem, Cal. Or perhaps we were confident that it was a nothing more than a blip in the airwaves, something that would simply start working again. Damn foolishness. Did you know there used to be three different technologies capable of interstellar communication?”
“Yes, I remember the basics from the Academy.”
“Well, you were more clued up than I was,” Lawrence admitted. “For one of those to cease working would have been worryingly suspicious, but for all three…simultaneously… I’m starting to think these Insidions have purposely struck a quick bite and are now simply lurking until we weaken enough to be devoured.”
Cal grimaced. “To be honest, Lawrence, I’ve a nasty feeling they can devour us any time they choose. I think the bite was intended to cause chaos…purposely inflicted for the sheer pleasure of watching us suffer…or maybe even to witness us devouring each other.”
