The Girl from the Stars Series Boxed Set

by Cheree Alsop

  “At your service, Liora Day,” Maldin said with a bow of respect. If he looked surprised at the state of the battle-damaged hangar, he didn’t show it.

  “Thank you, Maldin,” she replied. “Can you take us to my father’s office?”

  “Right away,” Maldin answered.

  “I’ll stay and see to the repairs,” Hyrin said.

  The others climbed onto the hovercraft and Maldin took them at speeds far above what Liora was used to traveling on an open craft back to the main level of the capitol building. They stopped in front of the senior commandant’s office and everyone climbed down.

  “Is there anything else you require?” Maldin asked with a warm smile.

  “Nothing right now, thank you,” Liora replied.

  He bowed again and the hovercraft sped away.

  “That was impressive,” Devren said. “You really are getting the hang of being a commandant.”

  Liora led the way through the doors the guards immediately opened. “I’m not a commandant,” she said over her shoulder. “I didn’t do anything to help build Corian or the merchant fleet.” She glanced back at both men. “But I’ll admit it’s nice to have anything available when I ask for it.”

  She put her hand to the door panel and the door to her father’s office opened.

  “Wow,” Tariq said as if he couldn’t help himself.

  “This is the nicest office I’ve ever seen,” Devren noted with his gaze on the huge fireplace that took up one entire wall.

  “The carpet’s, well, cushy.” Tariq bounced up and down on the balls of his feet to emphasize the point.

  Liora had to hold in a laugh. She had felt the same awe when she first stepped into the grand room. Hearing it spoken aloud made her feel less out of place.

  She looked around at a loss as to how to contact her father.

  “Put your hand on the grid,” Devren directed when he caught her searching gaze. “Say your father’s name. Since the door panel was already programmed to open for you, I’m assuming he did the same for the communicator.

  She put her hand to the panel he indicated. “Senior Commandant Day,” she said.

  A moment later, her father’s face appeared.

  “Oh, good,” he said when he saw them. “I’m glad you made it back safely. I’ve heard reports of Ketulans there.”

  Liora nodded. “They tore the hangar apart, but your staff is already working on repairs. As soon as they get the Nines restocked, we’re heading after Brandis.”

  Her father’s brow creased with worry. “I don’t know how I feel about you going after him. We have many others who can do it. I’d prefer not sending you to face another threat.”

  “He brought me back here,” Liora replied. “He never gave up on me. I need to find him and bring him home. He did the same for me.”

  It was obvious by her father’s expression that he didn’t like the idea. Liora debated whether he would try to forbid her to go. She wasn’t anxious to pit the stubbornness of a Damaclan against the man who had built the entire Corian Day fleet, but her brother was in danger. She wouldn’t back down without a fight.

  As if he knew her thoughts, her father finally let out a breath of defeat.

  “Please be careful,” the senior commandant said. “And please come home with him. I can’t bear the thought of either of you in trouble.”

  “I will, Dad,” Liora replied. “I promise.”

  Her father nodded and turned his attention to Devren.

  “Captain Metis, you have proven to be a valuable asset on the first line of defense. I expected as much from an officer of the Coalition.”

  “Thank you,” Devren replied. He glanced at Liora and Tariq. “But I’m no longer with the Coalition, and so am also no longer an officer.”

  Senior Commandant Day nodded. “So I’ve heard. Given your stalwart dedication toward protecting the SS Hyperion, and also considering the fact that Corian and my fleet are under threat from Ketulans along with the inevitable pirates, scavengers, and mercenaries, I am in need of a captain for my new line of defense. The Coalition can no longer be depended upon for protection, and so I need someone used to combat who can be counted on in tight situations.”

  “Are you offering me a job?” Devren asked in surprise.

  Liora’s father nodded. “I’m offering you the position of captain of my defense fleet. I’ve seen what you can do in battle, and I feel you’re the right man for the job.”

  “I-I’m honored,” Devren said.

  “Do you accept?” Liora’s father pressed.

  Devren nodded. “Yes, Senior Commandant. Thank you very much.”

  “You’re welcome,” Senior Commandant Day replied. “Your duties begin immediately. I’ve been notified of more Ketulans heading your way. Take the appropriate actions and see to the safety of Corian and my fleet.”

  “I will, Senior Commandant,” Devren replied.

  Liora glanced at Tariq. He stood watching the proceedings silently, his hands held behind his back and an unreadable expression on his face.

  “Uh, Dad,” Liora said before her father could end the communication.

  “Yes, Daughter?” he replied.

  “Tariq will be joining my crew to rescue Brandis. He needs a Nine to make the jump.”

  The senior commandant’s gaze lingered on Tariq. “Who are you, son?”

  Tariq appeared caught off-guard. He glanced at Devren, then cleared his throat. “Tariq Donovan. My father was Edron Donovan of Verdan. I didn’t know my mother. Until recently, I was the Chief Medical Officer of the SS Kratos. Now, I am the man who cares very deeply for your daughter and I ask for a starship to accompany her on her quest to find your son.”

  The senior commandant studied him. “I know your father. He’s a good man.”

  Liora saw Tariq’s hands tighten behind his back, but his expression remained calm.

  “You must be mistaking him for someone else.”

  A sliver of humor touched Liora’s father’s gaze. “Are you calling your character into question?”

  Tariq didn’t flinch. “Just my father’s.”

  The senior commandant nodded. “Very well. Although I am not thrilled with your feelings for my daughter because you are a stranger to me, I’m grateful to anyone who has Liora’s back. You may have a starship to accompany her.”

  “Thank you, Senior Commandant,” Tariq replied.

  The senior commandant turned his attention back to Liora. “Pilot Zanden has informed me of the crew you have put together.”

  Liora felt suddenly guilty for not going to her father first. She had formed a team from his personnel without even speaking to him.

  “Sorry about that. I should have—”

  The senior commandant shook his head. “You did exactly what you needed to do. Zanden and his team are a good choice for a mission like this. They will have your back and you will never have to question their loyalty.” He paused, then said, “It’s a long journey you are undertaking. Rest up now. The repair crew will inform you when the Nines are ready to depart.”

  “Thank you, Dad,” she said.

  He smiled at her, his gaze touched with worry. “Thank you, Liora. Travel safely and return with Brandis as soon as possible.”

  “I will,” she promised.

  The screen went dark. She looked at Devren, then Tariq.

  “I guess we’re parting ways.”

  It felt strange to leave the captain who had rescued her from the Kirkos. She had experienced so much since that time, and the one constant factor was the presence of the two men. To leave one of them behind felt strange.

  Devren surprised her by giving her a hug despite how much he knew she hated them.

  “Take care of yourself, Liora. Be careful out there.” He tipped his head at Tariq. “Remember that you have this guy to come back with.”

  “I will,” she promised.

  Devren and Tariq hugged.

  It made Liora feel sad to watch them. Though they weren
’t brothers by blood, they had been raised together as such for most of their lives. Seeing them say goodbye gave her a pang of sorrow. If her father hadn’t asked Devren to stay and take charge of the new fleet, he would no doubt be flying out at their side. She told herself that they would return as soon as they found Brandis. She only hoped it would be that easy.

  Chapter 3

  Liora flew the Day’s End behind Zanden’s TDV Nine named the Black Arrow. To her left, Tariq flew the Night Wind. The other four ships ranged out behind them in a V formation. They cut through the Corian sky to the darkness of space beyond the atmosphere.

  Zanden’s voice came over Liora’s headset. “Remember. The fuel cells are good for two jumps; after that, you have to change them out. Senior Commandant Day’s engineers were hoping to have an alternate energy source solidified by now, but due to hiccups in the system, we are back to fuel cells. We’ll transport to Barnard’s Galaxy, then jump to the Triangulum Galaxy. At Triangulum, we’ll change the fuel cells and jump to Dryer Nebula Five Eighty-four. If anyone gets off on their jump, you know where the destination is.”

  “I’m plugging in the coordinates now. Is that a one or a seven?” Creeden asked.

  “A one,” Tanlia answered.

  “Are you sure?” Creeden replied. “A seven would make a huge difference.”

  “I cross my sevens,” Tanlia said with a hint of annoyance.

  “I don’t understand that,” Gunsa said. “Do your sevens have an identity crisis where they think they might be t’s? Why the crosses?”

  “So that you don’t mix them up with ones and accidentally jump to the wrong galaxy,” Tanlia answered with a huff.

  Creeden sighed. “It would be easier if we could have the coordinates on the screen rather than in Tanlia’s paraok scratch.”

  “That would work, except for the fact that the galaxy we’re heading to is so far out it’s not even in the log,” Kray shot back.

  “If you enter a seven and end up at the other end of the Macrocosm, it’s your own fault,” Tanlia said. “I didn’t take into consideration that you couldn’t read.”

  “I didn’t take into consideration that you are writing impaired,” Creeden retorted. “I should have brought a translator.”

  “Transport in five,” Zanden said without acknowledging their argument.

  “See you at Barnard’s,” Gunsa called out.

  “That sounds promising,” Waylan said. “Think they’ll have a bar? I could use a drink. The pain-killers are wearing off.”

  “I brought extras,” Tariq told him. “I figured it’d be better if I control your dosage.”

  Liora double-checked the numbers she had entered into the console; a smile crossed her face at their bantering.

  “Three,” Zanden said.

  “Just listen to Creed,” Kray told him. “You’ll be out in no time.”

  “Two.”

  “I keep your lives interesting,” Creeden said. “That’s a fact you can’t dispute.”

  “It’ll be interesting if you make it to the Dreyer Nebula,” Tanlia said. “Remember that’s a one.”

  “One,” Zanden said.

  “Exactly,” Tanlia repeated.

  “Transport,” Zanden commanded.

  Liora pressed the button. The cold sensation ran through her, then a piercing, throbbing light flooded the cockpit of her starship.

  “Ah!” Creeden called out. “What is that?”

  “I’m blind!” Gunsa said.

  “Seriously, turn out the lights,” Kray echoed.

  “We must have ended up inside a Cepheid variable star’s helium cloud,” Tanlia replied.

  “Can you say that in actual words?” Creeden shot back.

  “A pulsating star,” Zanden answered. “We’re inside the gas cloud. Enter the coordinates for the Triangulum Galaxy before you fly into the star. Even these starships won’t be able to withstand the heat.”

  “Burning to death isn’t my idea of a good time,” Creeden said. “Entering coordinates now.”

  “And remember to put one instead of seven,” Tanlia reminded them quickly.

  “Transport,” Zanden said.

  Liora hit the button and the bright light vanished. Another cold flood ran through her body. When it faded, she felt light-headed. She wondered if anyone had ever studied the effects of multiple transports within minutes of each other. It took her eyes a moment to focus. When they did, her heart slowed.

  The three Nines that had reached the Triangulum Galaxy ahead of her were under attack. A Ketulan had latched onto the side of Zanden’s Black Arrow. Tariq shot it off. Four more took its place and several others attacked Tariq. The other ships appeared.

  “Change your fuel cells,” Zanden commanded. “Transport before you’re torn to pieces!”

  Liora ducked behind her chair and squeezed through the small space to the engine panel. She pulled it up and set it aside. The fuel cell was wedged in the middle. It took several precious seconds to wiggle it clear and shove the other one in its place. She could hear yelling from one of the other ships over the communications link. The voice was female. Either Kray or Tanlia were fighting for their lives. Other voices joined them.

  Liora slid back into her seat in time to see three of the Nines transport.

  “What if the ship falls apart?” Creeden protested. “They’ve cut into the hull!”

  “Better to find out than stay here,” Kray replied, her voice tight.

  Two more ships disappeared.

  “They’ve cut my fuel and oxygen.”

  Liora’s blood turned to ice at Tariq’s words. A glance over her shoulder showed Tariq’s ship brimming with Ketulans. Through their metal bodies, she could see holes torn into Tariq’s Nine.

  “Eject in the escape pod,” Zanden commanded.

  Liora shot at three Ketulans attempting to reach her ship. Two others landed on Zanden’s Nine. Their mechanical arms flashed in the light from Liora’s starship as they sliced into his hull.

  “Zanden, you’ve got two on your back,” she said. “Angle to the right so I can get a shot.”

  Zanden did as she instructed. She took careful aim and fired. Both Ketulans exploded. Several others rushed over and began piecing them back together.

  Tariq’s escape pod blasted from the bottom of the Night Wind. Two Ketulans went after him. Zanden shot them down. Liora steered her ship to the other side of the small square pod. She could see Tariq through the window. The pod looked barely big enough to hold him.

  “Zanden, there are half a dozen Ketulans on your tail,” Tariq said.

  Liora maneuvered her ship so that she could see the Ketulans closing in on Zanden.

  “Transport to the Dreyer Galaxy, Zanden,” she told him. “I’ll pick up Tariq and we’ll follow.”

  “Are you sure?” Zanden asked.

  “If you don’t, you’ll be Ketulan fodder,” Liora replied. “We have the coordinates. We’ll meet you there.”

  A moment later, Zanden’s ship vanished. All of the Ketulans immediately turned their attention to Liora and Tariq.

  “I don’t think that was a good idea,” Tariq pointed out.

  “Worried about the odds?” Liora asked.

  She carefully steered her ship to just above Tariq’s escape pod.

  “They aren’t my favorite,” Tariq replied. His voice was tight.

  Liora pictured him preparing the pod’s hatch so he could open it right when she was ready. The moment she hit her hatch release, he would make the jump from one escape pod to the other.

  “As soon as the hatch sealed again, I’m hitting the transport control,” she said. “Ready?”

  “Better hurry,” Tariq replied. “There are a few Ketulans that think the Day’s End looks pretty enticing.”

  “Three, two, one,” Liora said. She pressed the button and the ship’s controls gave several low beeps to indicate that the hatch was open.

  The sounds of a scuffle ensued.

  “What’s going on?�
�� Liora asked, her heart racing. She didn’t dare leave her seat because every second counted. If too many Ketulans got the Nine before she transported, the starship would be torn apart before they could make the jump. Her heart thundered in her chest. “Tariq?”

  “They got in!” he shouted.

  “Close the hatch,” Liora ordered.

  Tariq gave a grunt of pain. As soon as the beeping stopped, Liora hit the transport button. The ship didn’t move. A dozen warnings flashed across the monitors. Liora could see Ketulans littering the sides of her Nine.

  A sharp claw grabbed her shoulder. Liora tried to turn around, but she couldn’t maneuver in the tight space with the Ketulan pinning her. She grabbed her knife and slammed it into the machine’s side. It released its hold on her shoulder only to clamp onto her right forearm with both of its mechanical claws.

  The atmosphere suit gave little protection against the steel claws. Liora turned the best that she could and stabbed her knife into its side again and again. The claws tightened. She let out a cry as the bones in her arm snapped beneath its relentless grip.

  She could hear Tariq struggling in the escape hatch. An image of him being shredded by Ketulans filled her with rage. She gritted her teeth and brought her arm around, slamming the Ketulan against the window. Tears of pain ran down her cheeks at the movement. The power cell beneath the Ketulan was revealed. Liora drove her knife into it once, twice, three times. The Ketulan shuddered and then stilled.

  Unfortunately, its claws were still locked around her arm. Every movement sent a rush of pain up Liora’s mangled limb. She worked her knife into the gap between the first claw, and with a grunt of agony, managed to pry the claw open. She did the same with the second. As soon as the Ketulan was free, she kicked it away from her, cradling her arm against her chest.

  “What’s going on?” Tariq asked over the headset. Liora could tell by the tightness of his voice that he was also in pain. “Why aren’t we out of here?”

  “They’ve cut into the system,” Liora replied. “I don’t have control.”