Sam & Samantha

By AJ Asher

Betrayed and banished to the far distant planet Haleena, 17 year old Samuel Mac has two things on his mind, recovering his personal wealth and escaping the greedy clutches of 'family Onyx'. But life on the fringe is far stranger than mother earth. Samuel rescues a Valkrie - something Earth doesn't believe in. The one he rescues is beautiful, incredibly smart, dangerous as hell and decides she wants to be a part of his life journey. In an act of kindness Samuel rescues a young Thron Ti-lynx, a lioness type animal, and then discovers something nobody believes in, the Ti-lynx are equal in intelligence to mankind and they possess amazing mental abilities. The Ti-lynx Samuel rescues decides she also wants to be a part of Samuel's life journey. And Samuel's rescue of the Benzerene Sisterhood, a sisterhood of incredibly beautiful witches to many, brings him knowledge of the dire ‘edan lagronte’ prophecy, the time of great killing. Life becomes 'interesting' when the sisterhood decides it also wants to be part of Samuel's life journey. Then Samuel discovers the one thing no one 'wants' to believe, the monstrosities that will drive the ‘edan lagronte' actually exist. His life journey suddenly has an urgent new mission - warn mankind, and Earth in particular, about the 'edan lagronte' monstrosities. Unfortunately that task faces a large and uncomfortable speed bump. In many circles, due really to the most minor of misunderstandings, Samuel is known as the Pirate Samuel Mac.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AJ Asher
• Release date: Jan 31, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310337598

AJ Asher

A. J. Asher is a pen name chosen specifically for publishing ebooks.The photo is my youngest giving her impression of a 'cute smile' for a family photo. No one noticed until we had it developed. She is older now - LOL.The formative years for my wife and I centered around farm life. We met and married in college and then spent time as a married couple in the military prior to returning to college to finish our degrees. After college we were blessed with three healthy children, one boy (the oldest) and two girls. Common interests that drew my wife and I together were mathematics (how we met), music, and a deep love of reading.Family life experiences have included seeing/enjoying/suffering through numerous dogs (the last died 6 years ago), fish (the salt water type were harder to keep alive - at least in our household), parrots (the last is still with us but has gotten nippy), and gerbils (a small mammal of the order Rodentia once known simply as "desert rats") who, if their cage is placed too close, will eat the drapes (sigh). Who knew?Other learned family facts include: Waterbeds and small fingers are not a match made in heaven (you can not sleep in a 100 degree waterbed - no matter how tired you are); A child can find a way to use a plastic 'big wheel' and a soft grass lawn to break a perfectly good wrist bone; and, raising tomatoes for bacon and tomato sandwiches (yum) only works if your dogs don't develop a yen for eating the tomatoes.Life experiences outside of family include: military experience {Hey you in the green hat!}, multiple degrees in mathematics {Axiom of Choice? I have to know that?}, college level instructing {How come we can’t have an open book exam?}, sales {No really. Trust me!}, and work for a U.S. government agency {I think I might be secret service because nobody tells me anything}. Okay, okay I fess, definitely not secret service. Those folks are way too serious. My official government title: peon. My unofficial government title: lowly peon.I am appreciative of your interest and sincerely hope you enjoy my story telling.

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Sam & Samantha

Copyright 2014 AJ Asher

Published by AJ Asher at Smashwords

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Table of Contents

Chapter 1 - Exile

Chapter 2 - The Sword of Hearts

Chapter 3 - Fang & Claw

Chapter 4 - Youth’s Enemy

Chapter 5 - OOPS

Chapter 6 - A beautiful fawn

Chapter 7 - Unfinished Business

Chapter 8 - Aloha again

Chapter 9 - Motherhood

Chapter 10 - Burnside Square Shootout

Chapter 11 - Free Traders Conference

Chapter 12 - Dangerous Negotiations

Chapter 13 - INVASION

Chapter 14 - Aftermath

Chapter 15 -The last Tango

Chapter 16 - A farewell dinner

About the Author

Other works by this author

Sam & Samantha

Author: AJ Asher

Chapter 1 – Exile

Earth – ‘family Onyx’ Gamma-3 research center:

Samuel Mac stood motionless staring out a lab window. Beneath the apparent calmness a storm of bitterness raged. This was the second worst day of his life, second only to the day when both of his parents had been mysteriously killed. Samuel had failed to see the looming betrayal. His hereditary family position within ‘family Onyx’, Earth’s most prestigious research think tank, of membership on the board of directors had been stripped from him. His research lab had been taken from him and his family’s personal lodgings had been reallocated. The searing pain of being forced to pack his parents belongings ignobly into containers was feeding his bitterness. He felt totally powerless. And there was worse for the Controni victory had been complete. Samuel’s fiancée was now marrying a hated Controni. The sound of the lab door opening caused Samuel to turn.

Come to gloat, Bea? he said.

You caused your problems, she said sharply.

He examined her for a moment then turned back to the lab window, the window that tomorrow would no longer be his. Her absence at the proceedings and her presence now, so quickly after his being stripped of family rights said Bea had known about events in advance. And she had not offered warning or aid.

Bea was a strong personality whose very presence demanded attention. She was a beautiful woman who was adroit at the power games at play within ‘family Onyx’. She shared the great physical beauty of his mother, but not the glowing inner radiance. Considering Bea was his aunt her lack of warning spoke large about their relationship. He continued to ignore her.

Sulking is not going to help, she said cuttingly. Her voice commanded attention. It was hard for Samuel not to react as she desired, she was an accomplished player in the world of adult politics. He was completing the last journeys of childhood on his own and today’s bitter lesson was betrayal.

You’re the one with something to say, he said finally. It was taking all his willpower not to face her. Her presence literally demanded attention. This was the first time he had been able openly resist her.

There was a slight rustle of silk. He heard her exhale. You’re being deliberately insulting and that won’t make ‘family Onyx’ happy, she said.

Say what you’ve come to say and get out, he said finally recognizing that family or not Bea was not his friend. Her words clearly echoed Controni interests. Cold silence followed. After a moment he glanced at Bea and had to bite his tongue. Explaining would put him on the defensive, a position he always found himself in when in Bea’s presence.

Where’s Janice? he finally asked. Janice Beldegard was his former fiancée.

No longer a concern of yours, but since you asked she is getting ready for her upcoming wedding, said Bea.

I want to see her. I don’t believe the marriage represents her wishes.

Must you continue pretending? It’s over, she snapped angrily. Your immature tantrums against ‘living metal’ have caused disgust throughout ‘family Onyx’ and if you continue being childish, you will make an enemy of the Controni clan. Even you can’t be that dense, she said

Thank you so much for that insight, Domme Johani, he said coldly using her official ‘family Onyx’ title. Samuel had never felt so alone. He had no parents, no fiancée, no lab to bury himself in and now he no longer had family he could trust. What had he done to deserve this?

Samuel, you’re barely 17. You’re too young to marry and you’re much too young to run a ‘family Onyx’ research lab. You haven’t even reached your final growth yet. He didn’t bother correcting her. He had been running a ‘family Onyx’ research lab since he turned fourteen and his team’s research results in the last year had turned extremely profitable.

When he didn’t say anything she continued. I know this might seem like a crushing event for you at the moment but infatuations like yours come and go monthly at your age. And whether you admit it or not you are not old enough for a leadership position in ‘family Onyx’. When you’re older, you’ll understand, she said.

He turned his back on her and looked out the lab window with unfocused eyes. Silence slowly filled the lab.

What are your intentions? Bea finally asked. He could hear exasperation in her voice.

Whatever it is, you’re the last person I would tell, he said. He heard her sigh.

Being difficult won’t play, Samuel, and though you are refusing to see it, I’m trying to befriend you. You’re going to need friends. You have upset powerful people, she said. After she finished he remained silent. What good were friends or family who sold you out? Much to her vexation he continued ignoring her.

You don’t really have a choice, she said her irritation finally showing. The Controni clan has graciously offered you a second level lab assistant position in their living metal research lab. You should grab it. You won’t do better.

The Sun will never see a day where I work for a Controni, Samuel said in loathing. The Controni Clan had stolen profitable research from his father years ago so sitting at a Controni table would never be an option.

They will rue this day, said Samuel coldly. They have made a lifelong enemy.

His aunt gasped in dismay. Suddenly a sense of danger enveloped Samuel. Her reaction was out of place for a conversation between two people. He heard the lab door burst open behind him and when Samuel turned he saw five people entering the lab. The one that immediately caught his eye was Jernod Controni. Despite his effort at self-control Samuel shivered. Jernod was dangerous. Besides being a major force within the Controni Clan Jernod Controni was a vicious player. He was in all sense of the word a man not to be trifled with. And now distressing Samuel even more, Jernod’s face was filled with an intense smugness that jarred Samuel clear to his backbone.

We tried to be lenient and take his youth into account, said Domme Fraziel looking at Samuel’s aunt. But open hostility against other members of ‘family Onyx’ is not acceptable, Domme Johani, under any circumstance. Domme Fraziel was the third most powerful member of family Onyx’s ruling council and she was firmly in the pocket of the Controni clan. Domme Fraziel turned and looked at Samuel.

As of this moment you no longer have any lab privileges and all your ‘family Onyx’ accounts are frozen. By order of the ruling council you will report to personnel for re-assignment tomorrow morning at 6:30 a.m. Your new duty station will be off earth. You were warned at the proceedings, she said.

White-hot anger coursed through Samuel. Bea, his only living relative in ‘family Onyx’, had worn a listening device. Now his betrayal was truly complete. His face grew taut and his lips thinned as he raised a finger and pointed angrily at his aunt. Do not ever, ever, contact me again, he snarled. You are dead to me. The shock of his words flashed across his Aunt’s face and was quickly followed by anger.

The little brat doesn’t know when to shut up, said Jernod Controni. Like I told the council, he is completely out of control. Jernod was openly smirking.

An enforced off Earth period will rid you of your infantile childishness, said Domme Fraziel to Samuel. When you gain adult maturity, we will allow you to reapply for admission to ‘family Onyx’s’ Earth compound. If you have learned to control yourself, perhaps the Controni clan will be gracious enough to re-offer you a second level lab assistant position in their living metal laboratory.

Samuel faced the council member. Domme Fraziel as of this moment I no longer consider myself a part of ‘family Onyx’. I will be leaving the compound tonight. There are many who will appreciate the skills I can offer, said Samuel angrily.

You just don’t learn, do you, said Domme Fraziel furiously.

Jernod Controni smiled predatorily. Structured exile? he said.

Samuel suddenly realized he had allowed his anger to push him into a serious error. He could sense the feelings of victory surging through Jernod Controni.

Yes, said Domme Fraziel. She looked at the Controni male. And by order of the ‘family Onyx’ ruling council you are hereby authorized guardianship powers. I’ll leave it to you to put things in motion, she finished.

Samuel couldn’t believe his ears. A hated Controni was now his legal guardian? Angry beyond words Samuel turned to face his enemy and raised his fists. He knew he stood little chance but he was not going willingly.

How appropriate, a dumb brat to the end, said Jernod derisively. He raised a silvery tube and pointed it at Samuel. A sharp pain pierced Samuel’s chest before blackness claimed him.

**~~**

Sam & Samantha

Author: AJ Asher

Chapter 2 - The Sword of Hearts

Ten months later - The Planet Haleena:

No one in their right mind would choose to live in the wastelands known as the Perine plains. So when a nameless military planner found all that land available at such a lovely price, he knew he had found the perfect spot for Fort Reison. It even had the added advantage of wide-open unclaimed space around it available for unit maneuvers. The fact that the cost of transporting water and building a power grid to support the fort would exceed the cost of pricier land elsewhere did not enter the picture. Total cost analysis wasn’t part of the planner’s function - purchasing land at the cheapest possible price was.

The Perine plains at their best were simply sun baked; at their worst, a wasteland turned into a deadly inferno by a relentless Sun. The only thing that moved in the heat of the day on the plains was a choking dust, but it did so only when stirred by the occasional current of scorching air. The air was hot, the ground was hot, and tempers, when men found the energy, were short and violent. And when the odd weather pattern let cool moisture laden winds from distant oceans enter the plains, ferocious storms lasting days on end arose. The rain in these storms was so intense that even the smallest of gullies became instant death traps.

Where there is a military post there is a military town nearby. For Fort Reison that town was Easton. The planners of Easton at least had the good sense to build at the foot of the mountains, but even so, living on the edge of the Perine plains meant Easton was a town used to a hard-scrabble existence.

It was barely past 09:00 hundred and already the ground in Easton shimmered with heat. It was going to be seriously hot in a few hours and Samuel Mac wasn’t relishing the task ahead. Climbing through salvage yards and metal shop storage bins in Easton promised to be hot dirty work. And if a late afternoon wind blew out of the plain its moisture sucking heat and choking dust would make the task nearly impossible.

Samuel wiped his forehead and looked around. This was only the second time since his arrival on Haleena that he had made it to Easton. Samuel wasn’t into hard drinking and the living metal chastity belt Jernod Controni had entrapped him in to force his submission to Controni will had eliminated the second reason men came to town. But like many things around the Perine plains, the obvious hid a truth. The real reason Samuel deliberately avoided Easton was the risk of running into Sergeant Stryker. When ‘family Onyx’ unceremoniously dumped him in the god-forsaken hell known as Fort Reison, the first Army bully Samuel had encountered had been George Thomas Stryker, 280 hard muscled pounds of mean. Incensed, incautious, and mad at the world in general, the seventeen-year old boy Samuel had been had reacted hotly to Stryker’s belittling insults and the ensuing one-sided fight and terrible beating had cost Samuel a week of hospitalization and two-weeks of painful rehab.

Even without Stryker’s menace, Samuel’s first six months at Fort Reison had been the hell Jernod Controni had intended. Performing the most menial of tasks in the excruciating heat had proven debilitating. The heat and relentless sun had leached Samuel’s youthful anger and arrogance, and taught humility. It had however done one other thing that few could have foreseen - it had morphed youthful anger into a steel resolve.

Six months after his arrival Samuel’s personal hell of demeaning duties in Fort Reison had ended abruptly. An on post crisis had enabled Samuel to demonstrate his great knowledge of metal and metal composites to the base commander. Shortly after the incident Private Samuel Mac found himself promoted to Corporal and transferred to Fort Reison’s Reclamation and Salvage platoon. The transfer had literally been the breath of life. Samuel had gained access to tools and metals, better living quarters and much more interesting duties. As long as he didn’t screw up his permanent latrine orderly assignment at Fort Reison was over.

Samuel and his two companions, Snake Foures and Horalk Lantly, all from the salvage platoon of the 432nd Light Mech Battalion, were searching for badly needed metal composites. The 432nd was unable financially to purchase the parts necessary to upgrade the unit’s mechs. It was here the Commanding Officer of Fort Reison had taken advantage of Samuel’s knowledge and skills. The CO had been quick to understand the full scope of Samuel’s talents and had tasked Samuel with finding a way to upgrade all the mechs of the post’s Scout platoon.

The first scout Mech upgrade had been relatively easy component wise for they had been able to cannibalize existing obsolete military equipment to obtain the metal composites necessary to effect the modifications. However, upgrading that first mech had exhausted all of the Battalions recoverable composites and the Battalion commander had refused to let them look in the salvage yards of other military units on Haleena. Samuel’s scrounging metals from other units salvage yards meant questions and questions meant the Colonel risked losing his exclusive claim on Samuel’s talents.

Wow. The object of Samuel’s admiration was an eye-catching Valkrie replete with body armor and a wicked looking sword strapped across her back. The well-used look of her armaments did not disguise the beauty of long muscular legs, appealing female shape or the strong lines of her very attractive face. And just as eye-catching was the tightly bound blond hair that just begged to be let down. There were even beautiful shoulders for the lovely hair to cascade over. And yet, despite the beauty, rippling sinews and the well-used look of her armor screamed caution.

Even on a frontier world such as Haleena, bullets, lasers and other deadly long-range weapons made Valkries of little consequence militarily. Valkries were mostly a personal space weapon system; however, within that range they were dangerous in the extreme. As Samuel continued to stare he realized what her outfit reminded him of - power armor.’

Down, Romeo, that’s a Valkrie. It’s rumored she’s ostracized, but it never pays to antagonize a Valkrie, said Snake quickly. Samuel turned and gave Snake a curious look. Snake shrugged.

She can lay a hurt bad on you and Valkries aren’t always predictable, Horalk added.

And for heaven's sake, don’t get to lusting over her. Easiest way I know to buy time in sickbay, Snake added. Samuel restrained his snort. How easily they forgot about the living metal chastity belt he was imprisoned in.

Living metal was a family Onyx development and the exclusive domain of the Controni clan. It was also the reason Earth’s fleets were considered untouchable. Living metal warships were nearly indestructible. Not surprisingly, living metal, and all tools that could work it, was one of Earth’s preciously guarded secrets. Living metal tools, like the metal itself, were never allowed off of Earth. Reason enough for Controni gloating.

Samuel nodded acknowledgement to Snake and went back to studying the Valkrie. Samuel only knew of Valkries through crude barracks jokes so finally seeing one was fascinating. He looked at the shape of the Valkrie's beautiful backside until the constrained tightening in his groin said his interest had become more than scholarly.

When he looked up, Samuel found Snake watching him intently. He almost laughed. Ever since the men in the salvage platoon learned his knowledge was their ticket to a better life, they had all assumed the role of protectors. Samuel paused. Perhaps that view was a little harsh. For most men in his unit, doing things no other salvage platoon in the Regiment could do had given them an intense sense of pride.

Well, time to hit it, Samuel said looking at his watch. We'll be pressed to cover everything as it is. He had apportioned all likely sources of needed metal and composites in Easton between the three of them in order to keep their searching to a single day.

Okay, but keep a sharp eye out for Stryker’s lot. Heard he’s looking hard for you, Snake said.

Samuel sighed. His first attempt at self-defense had been pathetic. Unfortunately, his one lucky blow had blackened Stryker’s left eye and the ribbing Stryker had taken for being tagged by a 17 year old skinny nubie had fostered an intense anger in the larger man. Later, Samuel’s move into the choicest living quarters on post and his growing notoriety as an expert with metals and composites had not gone down well with Stryker or his crowd, not at all. So it wasn’t surprising that the initial anger between the two men had developed into open hatred. Simply put, they loathed each other and the intensity of that loathing went bone deep.

I’ll keep a sharp watch, Samuel promised. With that the three men split up and Samuel entered the nearest salvage yard.

*~~*

Three hours later Samuel emerged from the last salvage yard on his list. He was tired and badly frustrated. Nothing even remotely close to what they needed had been found and he knew Snake and Horalk’s results would be similar. Hot and thirsty he started dusting himself off as best he could. Before slaking his thirst he needed to join up with Snake and Horalk – danger was close, he could sense it.

Samuel Mac, a private word please?

Samuel whirled and looked into the attractive face of the Valkrie he had been admiring earlier. Up close she was every bit as attractive as she had been from a distance. Despite the beauty there was an underlying sense of constrained violence at the ready. He could easily sense the potential danger she emoted.

Wow!

Is that an affirmative?

Ah, sorry, said Samuel in embarrassment. He hadn’t meant to voice his thoughts. Sure. How should I address you to show my respect? For a moment he thought he saw the slightest of smiles pass over her face.

Valkrie Gesvor, she replied. And I would buy drinks for the imposition on your time, Samuel Mac.

Five minutes later they sat at an in/out table at the Hawk & Boar, a local pub. Samuel noticed that Valkrie Gesvor had adroitly maneuvered the seating so she had her back to a wall and was seated in the darkest corner of the table.

Large Gotauche juice on ice please, said Samuel. The waiter sneered and punctuated that with a smirking laugh. The drink was the local equivalent of lemonade. It was not something soldiers from Fort Reison drank.

Make that two, Valkrie Gesvor said looking hard at the waiter. The waiter’s eyes shifted then he gulped.

With pleasure, Valkrie Gesvor, he replied quickly.

Sorry. Hope my choice didn’t offend you, Samuel said after the waiter had left.

Your clothes say you have been crawling around in dusty dirty corners searching for desirable metals during the early part of this very hot day - no doubt you’re dehydrated. I believe your choice a wise one, Corporal Mac.

Samuel’s eyes widened. She knew what he was about as well as his true military rank? Interesting! The waiter reappeared with their drinks almost instantly. Samuel waited until the waiter had left before picking up his glass. He tilted it at the Valkrie in thanks then took a long satisfying drink. It was delicious - just what he needed. After a second deep drink he set his glass down and looked at his benefactor. How is it that I can help you, Valkrie Gesvor?

Important voices in the marketplace say you are a great wizard with metals. If that is true there is a commission I would beseech you to accept, she said.

Samuel felt his face grow warm. I don’t know about the wizard part, Valkrie Gesvor, but I do a lot of metal work in repairing fighting mechs for the 432nd Mech Battalion at Fort Reison.

As spoken in the marketplace, she said nodding slightly.

And I have never taken a commission for work outside the service, Samuel added quickly. He wondered why he would be a topic of interest in Easton when he rarely came to town.

Would you consider such, Samuel Mac, if the price was sufficient, she asked.

Curiosity aroused, Samuel cocked his head and examined his attractive host. I would need to know more about the commission, Valkrie Gesvor, before I could offer opinion.

She nodded then drew her sword with a swiftness that left Samuel gasping. One moment it was on her back, the next it was in her hand. No wonder Valkries were accorded respect! No one sober and in his right mind would knowingly irritate someone who could handle a weapon like that. He watched as she moved their drinks aside and laid her sword on the table.

My weapon dies, Samuel Mac. Can you repair it?

‘My weapon dies?’ What an interesting concept he thought. He looked at her curiously before rising in his chair and leaning forward to examine her sword. There was a streak of darkness running slightly off center from the hilt to almost the middle of the blade lengthwise. When he looked closer he saw the stained area was slightly mottled and the discoloration was not any form of oxidation he was familiar with. He wondered what the causative agent was.

Do you know the reason your weapon dies, Valkrie Gesvor?

For a moment the Valkrie looked at him strangely. He heard her sigh then she leaned forward. He hurried to mirror her action. Valkrie metal is more than just metal. It has a vital energy component that allows a Valkrie to be Valkrie. I have been ostracized so Valkrie Charterhouse has turned off the energy component supporting my weapon. As my blade loses its energy it decays. It is their way of forcing me to accept Charterhouse policy or suffer an ignoble fate, she said.

Samuel looked at her vacantly.

Once a Valkrie loses her weapon, life is pretty much over for her. There are those who pay large sums to be able to force themselves upon a weaponless Valkrie, she explained noticing his confusion.

Ah, Samuel said understanding completely. Do you know how much time you have before your weapon becomes useless? Her pause told Samuel how personal the matter was. The information will go no further than me, Valkrie, he added quickly.

She laughed cynically. Samuel Mac, the marketplace has ears you suspect not and it probably already knows how much time remains for me, even if I know not. One to three years depending how badly I have irritated Charterhouse’s leadership.

Well that’s good news.

What? Valkrie Gesvor said glaring hard at Samuel.

Sorry, said Samuel quickly waving the comment away with his hand. What I meant was that what others can turn off someone else might be able to turn back on.

I don’t follow you, Samuel Mac.

The first and easiest problem, I would think, would be to find a way to retard the decay of your weapon. The main problem of permanently repairing or replacing your weapon - that would take longer, he said.

You could do that? she asked anxiously.

Samuel shrugged. Though it was only present for the briefest of moments Samuel had seen the naked desperation that had flashed briefly across the beautiful face. It made him realize she was as much a victim of Valkrie Charterhouse policies as he was of ‘family Onyx’ policies. If she found Charterhouse policies onerous enough to openly resist them despite the great risk she now faced, then she greatly treasured her independence, as he did his - now.

May I conduct a small test? he asked. After her slight nod he arranged the glasses and a wooden salt container on the table then borrowed knifes from the adjoining tables and placed them so that their wooden handles were on the highest points of the glasses. He picked up her weapon by the handle and slowly laid it down so it was resting only on the wood portions of the handles of the knives and salt container. When he looked up, he found her staring opened mouthed at him.

Is something wrong?

Ah, no, she said with a slight hesitation.

Valkrie Gesvor seemed slightly disoriented to Samuel but when she said nothing further he picked up a spoon. Though unused, he wiped it on his napkin then reached out and tapped the blade at its tip. The blade rang with an attractive peal. He moved the spoon down the blade and tapped again. Another peal sounded though not as pure as the first. Ten taps later the blade clunked instead of pealing. As Samuel completed his circuit of tapping he made notes on the reverse side of his place mat. When he finished examining the handle of her blade he began his calculations. Five minutes later he looked up and found her watching him. He had the distinct feeling that his actions were amusing to her.

The decay is more advanced than what shows on the surface. The center core is starting to turn bad from here to here, he said pointing with his hands. My guess is that it is in the process of changing crystalline alignment and after that the mottled colorization will set in.

Where the peal was not clear, she said?

Samuel nodded. More or less and the charge device for your weapon is about here, he said indicating a point in the handle about an inch below the pommel.

And you divined that using only a simple spoon, said Valkrie Gesvor shaking her head slightly. She continued staring at him. You are indeed a wizard, Samuel Mac.

Nah, just an understanding of molecular and crystalline resonance theory and making guesses based on what you told me, he said. Samuel knew he was once again blushing but couldn’t help it. It had been a long time since anyone had found anything he did noteworthy and in his defense Valkrie Gesvor was a very attractive female.

Can you repair it? she asked hiding a smile. Valkrie Gesvor missed few things in her immediate environment and Samuel’s blush had pleased her.

With a top flight lab, proper tools and plenty of money, yeah. My guess is that it would take about a year to find a permanent fix. With no lab or tools to start with your guess is as good as mine. And before you ask, I couldn’t do it on base. If they permitted it, which they wouldn’t, as soon as the work was done, they would confiscate it. Haleena’s military does not offer incentives for individual work unless it benefits them, he said.

He watched Valkrie Gesvor exhale in defeat - it was written clearly on her face. Her pain moved Samuel. Suddenly he experienced one of those strange feelings that had gotten him those unexplainable breakthroughs in the lab and constantly brought trouble for him inside ‘family Onyx’.

Perhaps if we had a place of business where we could build a lab and manufacturing facility to cover research costs we could get it done, he said. Assuming you can be patient enough to allow the necessary time for the research to complete. However, I feel it necessary to warn you that finding a permanent solution will take an unknown amount of time. Other than that I haven’t any ideas, said Samuel. The science aspect of her question intrigued him. That she had even brought the question to him had made him feel alive once again. It was great to have someone believe you were something besides discarded refuse. Samuel could easily read the excitement and hope his answer had given her.

‘If her sword is energy based, maybe her armor is also,’ he thought. His visual inspection immediately found the tops of her full breasts, the portion left exposed by her armor. Valkrie Gesvor was a beautiful woman. A healthy beautiful woman! Then he noticed a slight stain in the armor protecting her breasts. His eyes followed the stain and soon he was leaning over and tilting his head and examining the armor around her waist. The discoloration continued to her waist and beyond. Samuel nodded thoughtfully. The stain was proof her armor, like her sword, had an energy component. If Valkrie armor provided an effective defensive system against laser and projectile fire Valkries were much more dangerous than their appearance suggested. When he looked up he found himself staring into Valkrie Gesvor’s eyes.

It was not my intent to give offense, Valkrie Gesvor, he said hurriedly.

You did not, Samuel Mac. You possess a young male’s body but your eyes are those of a wizard, she said. I have a reasonable amount of money set aside and I can probably get more. I would be willing to invest it in setting up a small business for you if you agree to take the commission.

Samuel smiled. Thank you for your confidence, Valkrie Gesvor. Since I need money and a lab for my own purposes, the idea would serve both our interests. However, the time necessary for finding a permanent solution is the one thing I am unable to predict. And I know enough from past research efforts to warn you the search will be longer than you wish and quite frustrating at times.

I accept. Do you want me to put nonrefundable deposits in a bank for you to get started, she asked.

No, I trust you, said Samuel.

A lot of people would say that makes you naïve, she replied. Out of the corner of his eye Samuel saw Snake and Horalk sitting at the adjoining table. They had arrived without him noticing and both were nodding agreement with her statement. Including your two acquaintances, she said without looking directly at them.

Samuel smiled. They have more marketplace wisdom than I, Valkrie Gesvor, and on certain matters I value their opinions greatly. However, everyone shapes their own destiny and I choose trust to shape mine. If others break that sacrament, then what happens is on their head, Samuel said coldly. There would be no trust or affiliation with ‘family Onyx’ - ever.

Surprised by the sudden hardness in his voice Valkrie Gesvor stared at Samuel closely and suddenly her eyes widened. You’re more than a metal wizard, she said in surprise.

Samuel paused, how did he answer something like that? I’ll need to talk to the men in my platoon, Valkrie Gesvor. We will need them if we are to be successful. May I give you my answer in two days?

Agreed Samuel Mac, here is a contact number, she said handing him a small LC button. I pray for your success with the rest of your unit.

Suddenly large hands closed around Samuel’s throat and he was jerked bodily from his chair. Well, well, if it isn’t Princess Chastity. You have no idea how happy we are to find you and your two girlfriends. We’re just starved for female companionship so now we can all get down and party, said a deep raspy male voice.

Samuel twisted in the strangling grip – Stryker! Samuel reached down, grabbed a fork off the table and drove it deep into the massive muscles of Stryker’s forearm and twisted with all his strength. Stryker let out a roar of pain and dropped Samuel like a hot rock. The large enlisted man pulled the bloody fork tines from his arm and then looked at Samuel with intense hatred. You’re gonna regret that to your dying day, asshole.

Samuel glanced at the next table and saw that four of Stryker’s gang had Snake and Horalk by the arms.

Get him, cried Stryker still nursing his wounded arm. The last two of Stryker’s men moved around Stryker.

Samuel jumped back and looked at Valkrie Gesvor. I accept. The first payment on your commission is due right now, he said pointing at the two men approaching him.

With a motion too fast for the eye to follow, her sword was in her hand and Valkrie Gesvor struck the flat of her blade forcefully against the side of the two men’s heads one right after the other. They went down like falling chimneys and never moved once they hit the floor. As the two men were falling Samuel grabbed a heavy pepper mill from the table and while Stryker stared in dismay at his two fallen compatriots, Samuel hit him in the left eye as hard as he could with the fist containing the heavy pepper mill. Though he had hit Stryker with every ounce of strength he possessed, the blow barely moved the larger man and Samuel’s fist radiated pain all the way to his shoulder. Stryker shook his head, saw Samuel and lunged.

Another part of your first payment, I believe, said Samuel jumping back and looking at Valkrie Gesvor.

She rolled her eyes then laid Stryker out in the same easy manner she had laid out his cohorts - a forceful blow to the side of the head with the flat of her blade. And this time her blade made a lovely pealing sound when it struck Stryker’s head.

Samuel watched Stryker fall then turned to the four men holding Snake and Horalk. Your turn, he said. I’ll give you each a choice. Pick up your girlfriends here and drag them down the street that way, he said pointing, or get sliced and diced. I was talking to a beautiful woman and you clods interrupted. I do believe the lady is pissed.

Two minutes later Stryker’s gang was out of sight. The one that had not recovered consciousness had been drug away. The other two, including Stryker, were so woozy they needed assistance just to walk. Samuel had no doubt Stryker would have a monstrous headache tomorrow.

Why did you send them that way, asked Valkrie Gesvor looking at Samuel curiously.

Yeah, Samuel, asked Horalk. Why not make them go back to base.

Hey, you’ve never heard of a head start?

Snake laughed uproariously until he saw Samuel shaking and rubbing his hand. What’s wrong with your hand, asked Snake?

Bruised it when I hit Stryker, he said.

You hit Stryker? The amazement and sheer horror in Snake’s voice did wonders for Samuel’s ego.

Well, me and the pepper mill did. Wouldn’t be surprised I blacked his eye. The same one, said Samuel grinning wickedly.

Samuel! He will absolutely want to kill us now, shrieked Snake.

Yeah, I know. Gives life that little pizzazz, doesn’t it? said Samuel still grinning. He had just avoided something much worse than a bad beating and felt giddy. Besides, what Snake and Horalk didn’t understand was that there was nothing he could do that would make Stryker hate him more.

You live dangerously, said Valkrie Gesvor.

Samuel turned and when he saw her expression he realized she was more than beauty and dangerous sword. She was meticulously evaluating him. He knew the look.

Not Really. Old age is overrated, he said. Her surprise caused him to chuckle.

Snake and Horalk groaned. After another shake of their heads they set about helping Samuel clean up. Overturned chairs were righted, the fork and other utensils were returned to the tables and when all was in order Samuel stuck out his hand. Valkrie Gesvor looked at it in confusion then reached out and took his hand. They shook and Snake and Samuel turned and walked away. Horalk checked with the bartender to insure no charges needed paying.

Corporal Horalk, a private word please.

Horalk stopped in surprise and faced Valkrie Gesvor.

I offer a word of advice, Corporal. I do not normally involve myself with life paths of others voluntarily, but I do so now because I feel you can be good for him and I think you stand to benefit greatly from the association. I’d walk a very straight path around him. You might not see it now, but when he grows claws, he is going to be very dangerous - to everybody. And grow claws he will. Valkrie Gesvor emphasized her message by nodding slowly.

Horalk glanced at Samuel’s retreating back and glanced back to Valkrie Gesvor. His face was clouded with doubt.

Yes, the one you know as Samuel Mac. He is going to grow sharp dangerous claws. It is already shaping his k-aura. Because I can see a part of what he will be, I will always speak cautiously around him and my word will be my bond. If I were you, I would live by that same rule when dealing with the one you know as Samuel Mac.

Horalk glanced again at Samuel’s retreating back. Her words disturbed him in ways he couldn’t explain, and worse, left him confused. Finally he decided he would share them with Sergeant Wilkinson and let the sergeant decide. He thanked her. As he hurried off to rejoin Snake and Samuel, Horalk grinned to himself. He could hardly wait to get back to the platoons living quarters. Wait until the rest of the unit heard Samuel was drinking Gotauche Juice with a Valkrie - and she had paid. Only Samuel! But they weren’t going to be a bit happy about the muck-up with Stryker’s lot - not at all. It would make all of their lives more dangerous. Stryker’s lot was unforgiving and very nasty.

*~~*

Do you know what you are asking?

Not asking, Colonel Bressard. Just informing you as to the only way he will be able upgrade all your scout mechs, said Sergeant Wilkinson. Sergeant Wilkinson was the platoon sergeant for the salvage platoon and Samuel had painstakingly sold him on his idea. Sergeant Wilkinson and Samuel were in the Fort Reison Commander’s office trying to sell the idea of Samuel and some of the salvage platoon setting up a private shop off post.

Why can’t it be done here on post? asked the Colonel. The question had been addressed to Samuel.

Money, Sir. The furnace necessary to meet our needs is quite expensive. Nothing the platoon could afford and I’m certain it can’t be funded out of your discretionary funds. The private party that made the offer made it contingent upon the furnace not being located on government property. I think they are afraid it might get confiscated, said Samuel.

Besides, Sir, if it was on here post an order from higher ups could get it moved out of your command on the chop, added Sergeant Wilkinson.

Colonel Bressard studied them silently. And if I agree with this hair brain plan of yours, what would it cost me, he asked finally?

Sergeant Wilkinson looked at Samuel.

Four things, Colonel: lots of duty hours off post for selected platoon personnel, so no out of pocket costs for you there. We would need lots of power, but nothing that we wouldn’t be using if the furnace was on post. We would also need a vehicle for transportation so we can get back and forth between the two facilities and that we can use to haul parts and metal with, and last, a small amount of money to purchase needed metal stock or salvage when we can find it. Since we would be able to manufacture the composites we need with the furnace, what we couldn’t find in our salvage operations we could purchase basic inexpensive metal stock and create the needed composites.

And what exactly am I supposed to get out of all of this, Colonel Bressard asked looking from Sergeant Wilkinson to Samuel?

With the furnace fully operational we would be able to apply every Modification Work Order and upgrade available to all scout Mechs on post, Colonel. If we can do that, your Scout platoon would rival any Scout platoon fully equipped with new Mechs off factory assembly lines within the last two years, Samuel said carefully. He then spent the better part of five minutes explaining in detail what that would mean to the Colonel’s command. Samuel spoke slowly and eloquently for the success of the venture had become critical to him. His feelings about the necessity of helping Valkrie Gesvor had become stronger during the night. Somehow she was a necessary part to his achieving independence from ‘family Onyx’. That he would be helping her gain her independence at the same time would make his success all the sweeter.

Twenty minutes later on the way back to the salvage platoon’s working area Sergeant Wilkinson turned and faced Samuel. You let me down and you won’t have to worry about Stryker.

Not a chance, Sergeant. It’s exactly as you and I discussed. Hopefully you will be one of the ones involved with the shop. That way you can see what is going on all the time and be able to report to Colonel Bressard that you are keeping a real close watch on our operation. It will also give you a chance to participate in some of the profits.

Bribing me?

Partly, but truly I need your experience, Sergeant Wilkinson. I can’t be both ramrod and researcher and I have no intention of letting this opportunity for all of us turn into a puddle jump. I, we, need people who want to exert themselves. If someone thinks this is their opportunity for easy duty, I need them assigned back to the on-base portion of the platoon. For us to get where we need to go, it’s going to take numerous 12 to 16 hour days of research on my part and I badly need your help in getting those.

Samuel saw Sergeant Wilkerson nod. I’m in. I hope I’m not being a fool.

No more than me, Sergeant, said Samuel holding out his hand. The two men shook. Now you have to help sell this idea to the rest of the platoon and then convince them to keep it quiet, said Samuel smiling at his platoon sergeant.

Snake, said Sergeant Wilkinson knowingly. Samuel nodded.

*~~*

Ten days later selected members of the salvage platoon of the 432nd Light Mech Battalion stood looking at a small manufacturing building a couple of miles outside Easton. Valkrie Gesvor had been searching for possibilities that matched the requirements Samuel had given her and this was the best candidate she had found. Like Easton it was in the transition zone between the Perine plains and the mountains.

Oh, Christ, there’s another one, said Snake edging towards the center of their group. They all looked and sure enough sunning on a flat rock was a large Sandmaster. Sandmasters were unique to the Perine Plains and surrounding environments but that uniqueness made them no less deadly. The good thing about Sandmasters - they were an aggressive venomous snake. The bad thing about Sandmasters - they were an aggressive venomous snake. The only thing about Sandmasters - they were an aggressive venomous snake. Reasonably, everyone left Sandmasters undisturbed because once agitated they were reputed to stalk victims for miles and their bite, if left untreated for more than thirty seconds, was always fatal.

It’s perfect, Samuel said. We’ll take it.

Samuel, it’s lousy with Sandmasters, Snake said looking nervously around.

I know. That’s why the previous occupants abandoned it and that’s why we are getting it so cheap. No one else wants to deal with them, Samuel said happily. Valkrie Gesvor hid her grin.

Samuel, I detest snakes, Snake said looking at him, Sandmasters most of all. I say we find another place.

There were a number of chorused agreements.

Hey guys, for what we plan, they add value.

Samuel, you’re nuts! said Snake shaking his head emphatically and glancing nervously once again at the sunning Sandmaster.

I have to agree with Snake on this, said Horalk. A number of men chorused agreement again.

Would you rather deal with Sandmasters, Samuel asked, which we can easily keep out of the shop area by building a snake restraining wall completely around our property, or have Stryker and his lot to deal with. And Stryker won’t be the worst we’ll face. Once people learn what equipment we have and what we are doing out here, security will become a 24/7 necessity. Remember there are many who would kill just for the value of our furnace, Samuel said. The last warning was courtesy of Valkrie Gesvor and Samuel had immediately seen the wisdom of her words. The men looked at her. She nodded affirmatively.

I still don’t like it, said Snake.

Yes. But it does one other thing for us. It allows us to return to base without having to go through Easton, said Samuel. The men looked at him curiously.

Stryker, Horalk said.

Smart lad, Sergeant Wilkinson said nodding.

They took it and for the next thirty days, as they labored to build the anti-Sandmaster wall and get the shop operational, they listened to the same litany over and over, Snake didn’t like snakes.

*~~*

Three months later continuous 12 to 16 hour days and the unrelenting heat of the plains had the men in Samuel’s metal laboratory snapping at one another.

I don’t care, it's not fair that Valkrie Gesvor gets free rent off of us, Snake said hotly. We are being used and I for one don’t like it.

Samuel paused. Yes, Valkrie Gesvor did live full time in the shop, but it was her money that had purchased the building. Samuel knew Snake just needed to blow off steam, but unfortunately his attack on Valkrie Gesvor threatened all they were working for and one of his unexplainable feelings told Samuel there was something in Snake’s complaint that others felt. That made it too important to simply let pass.

What do you think a bedroom space like hers, one that has the noise of a shop associated with it twenty-four hours a day, is worth? What would you be willing to pay, Snake?

What do you mean what I’d be willing to pay? said Snake belligerently.

Well, you sleep here at least half the time so if we are going to charge rents, I think we should do it commercially. Like a boarding house.

I’m not paying any rent. I work here and none of us have seen much in the way of profits, Snake retorted. His