Barrier: The Purpose of Pain

By Pamela Caves

Sixteen year-old Lenya McKay is told that both her parents were killed when their vehicle imploded. She refuses to accept it, though, and goes off in search for them with the help of new Squad 13 weapon's officer, Corporal Zhoven Spiridon. Instead, they find something they could never have suspected; enemy infiltration. Growing up takes a sudden leap when she is Zhoven's only hope for survival against an unpredictable and brutal enemy. Meanwhile, Sabina has to adjust to her new life without the use of her legs and to a new job; it's the first time in her life she's felt less than adequate.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pamela Caves
• Release date: May 15, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301397877

Pamela Caves

Pamela is a teacher and writer living in northern Alabama.

Book preview

Prologue

Previously...

The Xarle Empire has been conquering and devouring worlds for centuries. When the United Alliance began, its intention was to protect unsuspecting planets and liberate those suffering at the hands of the Xarle (or slang, the Snarles).

Most planets were pulled into the conflict when the Xarle attacked them. In most cases, the UA fought with the planets. As a result, the UA grew into a force to be reckoned with and for a brief five year period, the galaxy enjoyed a cease fire.

That cease fire was recently broken when it was discovered that the Xarle was holding thousands of mostly Human slave laborers, whose predecessors had been taken from Earth almost a century before.

In the struggle to free the slaves, Sergeant Sabina Doubek, the minor weapons officer on Assault Squad 13, was injured. The damage to her spinal cord was severe and left her in a wheelchair indefinitely. Sabina made it no secret that she blamed fellow squadmate, Sergeant Triana Kreeler, for not only her injury but for not leaving her to die. A life without her career wasn't any life at all...

Sabina Doubek

The halls were getting crowded lately. Since the cease fire was over, Special Services Division 32 (SSD 32) had become a new home for thousands of military personnel. Normally, Sabina would've welcomed the chaotic nature of thousands of souls on one base. But not today. Probably not ever again. She was seeing things from a much lower perspective these days. What kind of existence was it when you couldn't look someone in the eye unless they were looking down on you?

Not a pleasant one, that was for sure. Wheeling through the halls, watching everyone scoot aside so she could pass... it left her feeling mildly nauseated. Going outside her quarters became number two on her list of least favorite things to do, preceded only by the grueling nature of her physical therapy sessions.

She endured a few stares in the lift and she fantasized briefly about verbally abusing them until they cried. Fuckers needed to learn some respect. Third least favorite thing to do; get on a lift with a bunch of insolent morons.

She wasn't sure why General Devin Tain wanted to see her but had a feeling she was about to mentally jot down number four on her list.

The door slid open and Tain beckoned her inside. Thank you for coming so quickly, Sergeant.

Quickly? Did he really just use that word? I could've been faster but ya know... she motioned to the wheels on her chair.

She noted that he didn't seem to notice her sarcasm or perhaps he'd ignored it. The latter was more likely. The general was part Observer and they didn't miss much, if anything.

Yes, the corridors are fairly crowded lately. I imagine it would be difficult to navigate, no matter the situation. But I didn't bring you all the way up here to discuss the population of the base, Sergeant. I'm offering you a promotion and new position.

I'm sorry, Sir, did you just say a promotion?

I did.

But, Sir, I turned in my resignation. I'm heading home in two days.

You're a fine addition to the UA and I'd like to keep you, if it's all the same. I'd like you to be my second. We're expanding and I need someone to help me run things around here.

A laugh escaped Sabina's throat. With all due respect, Sir, not only have I never had a command, but I'm a soldier, not an administrator.

You are intelligent and capable. You would have to go for additional training and pass several exams but you should be able to swing those easily. I'd rather have a veteran of this base than someone who doesn't know my command style. I have full confidence in you.

She had never known General Tain to joke but she still couldn't quite manage to believe him. I'm sorry, Sir, but I don't think that's going to be possible.

What are you so afraid of, Sergeant?

Afraid isn't the word I'd use, Sir. She tried her best to keep from growling but it seeped through anyway. It's not my specialty. I'm in weapons...

"You don't look like you're much into