The Malefactors

By Theresa Snyder

In volume 4 of the Star Traveler Series it is the year 30-31 A.R. (After Reestablishment) Garrett and Pon's new marriage threatens to shatter before it even has a chance to flower. Can a child rescued from certain death at the hands of the local Guardians on Goliath's Third Moon be the catalyst to save their marriage?

Meanwhile we are led to the rainy, dark planet of Walh. The ruling family has discovered disturbing information about Targus which will send the MT team spiraling out of control.

It is only through Terrell's inherited ability to learn languages, and his persistence, that Targus may escape his fate in a society that is scarcely more than medieval in its technology. But in order for Terrell to save his Captain, he must resurrect and conquer the hidden demons he has tried so hard to bury.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Theresa Snyder
• Release date: May 1, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311449948

Theresa Snyder

Theresa Snyder is a multi-genre writer with an internationally read blog. Theresa grew up on a diet of B&W Scifi films like Forbidden Planet and The Day the Earth Stood Still. She is a voracious reader and her character driven writing is influenced by the early works of Ray Bradbury, Robert Heinlein, Anne McCaffery and L. Ron Hubbard. She loves to travel, but makes her home in Oregon where her elder father and she share a home and the maintenance of the resident cat, wild birds, squirrels, garden and an occasional dragon house guest.

Book preview

BOOKS BY THERESA SNYDER

The Farloft Chronicles

(Dragon books suitable for Middle-school to Adult)

James & the Dragon - Vol. 1

Kingdom of the Last Dragon - Vol. 2

Dragon Deception - Vol. 3

Too Many Dragons - Vol. 4

Three & a Half Dragons - Vol. 5

Dragon Memories, Dreams & Reflection - Vol. 6

The Star Traveler Series

(Sci-fi suitable for Young Adult to Adult)

The Helavite War - Vol. 1

The Heirs of Henu - Vol. 2

Old Friends/New Enemies - Vol. 3

The Malefactors - Vol. 4

Cataclysm - Vol. 5

A Mear Sleight of Hand - Vol. 6

The Twin Cities Series

(Paranormal Mature Young Adult to Adult)

Shifting in The Realms (Book 1)

Shifting Agony & Ecstasy (Book 2)

Memoir

(Adult Non-fiction)

We 3

Learn more at

www.TheresaSnyderAuthor.com

1. Dlf of the Red/Gold Line

It has been brought to my attention by some of my students that I have not properly introduced myself as the writer of these volumes, nor established a time frame for my readers.

I am Dlf of the Red/Gold Line. Meaning, I am a direct descendent of the Henu Arr. In my body runs the blood of the original six houses of Henu. (Note: I did not say seven. That is for our story this time.) I am rare among my people for I possess the inherited abilities of all the Henu, as did two others in the Red/Gold line before me.

I am a scholar and a teacher, but I am best known to all as The Keeper of the Records. In my vault reside all the books, journals, logs and recordings that were made by and about the Henu. I have Margaret and Damion's medical and personal journals, the ship's logs from the Calpernia and the Sunbird, logs from Nor's mercenary vessel, the Zephyr, Julia's research notes and personal journal, copies of MT #2424 and #3210's logs and Vio's written and recorded histories, among others.

We of the verse have had relative peace for thousands of years. The excitement and adventure of the time in which Jake, Arr and their children lived is nothing more than history now. My students today only dream of such escapades. The only excitement they find is in their games and stories. They have no heroes unless they are heroes of the mind, such as Chi, who invented the new Stellarflux power system which enables us to travel far greater distances in far less time.

One of my pupils' favorite stories is about Viktor Prasch, the first earthling to contact the Valarians. The Valarians were, and still are, the cartographers of the universe. Viktor spent his whole life with them, translating their maps for the English speaking explorers and traders. He is always held up as one of the great explorers of all time. Most of my pupils would give anything to have lived in that time of the unknown, the untried, the undiscovered.

The planet Henu is so densely populated now that many of our young people emigrate. I know from speaking with my students that part of this desire to emigrate is based on the belief that there is more out there to see. More adventures waiting to happen.

The trader line has become so strong that it has diversified over the years. Some of Arr's descendants have become interpreters and ambassadors for the numerous trade treaties that are constantly being negotiated and renegotiated.

There has been a renaissance of sorts in the past few years. The young people have a desire to know what their roots are, where they came from. I have always told little stories and anecdotes within my program of teaching. A few years ago some of my pupils began to tell their parents the stories and one thing led to another until a committee came to my door one night to request that I write down some of my tales for publication. Now, my evenings are spent here in my study telling stories to a select few who drift in each night as the com-link processes my re-tellings for direct transmittal to the editor's com.

My listeners want to know if Arr ever met Carrie again.

What happened to Garrett and Pon?

Did Nor become a mercenary and was he happy at last?

Was Terrell ever able to overcome his early upbringing?

Did Terrell and Julia ever get together?

What happened to Terrell's career as a Galactic Official if they did?

What did happen to Terrell?

Times of joy and contentment in life are often followed by periods of sorrow and disillusionment. It is how we deal with these adversities that give us insight into ourselves and make interesting stories for scholars such as me.

2. Bad News

Garrett sat across the desk from Damion in the infirmary. He left Pon at his mother's house. The two women were busy playing with Kit, Garrett's year old half-sister. He told them he had things to check on the Sunbird before tomorrow's departure for Madelor and the transport of the Max Cat for Karl and the Intergalactic Zoological Association to Goliath's Third Moon. In reality he came here. He needed to speak with Damion privately.

It was well over a year since he and Pon were wed. They both were anxious that there was no sign of Pon becoming pregnant. All the other Henu females conceived within the first year after mating. Margaret coached patience when they casually mentioned it to her. The two young people were very busy trading. These things took time. Garrett's physiology was different than any they ever dealt with before. The process may take longer for this match.

Yesterday Pon asked Margaret to examine her to make sure there was nothing wrong. Margaret did not argue. She thought perhaps if she settled Pon's mind that everything was functioning normally it would calm her enough so she would conceive. The medical expert found no reason for Pon not to have children. She tried once more to assure the young Henu that all was well, to just relax.

Last night Pon was frantic during their lovemaking. Afterward she lay in Garrett's arms and cried. Cried long and hard like the time in the cell on Madelor. It almost killed Garrett. He held her close, petted her and soothed her, but he knew that only a child could really bring her comfort.

I'm so very sorry, Garrett, Damion said. He moved around the desk and placed his hand on the young man's shoulder. I know you don't want to talk about alternatives now, but know that it isn't the end of the world.

It's the end of my world, Garrett replied. As he stood he shrugged off Damion's hand. He didn't want to be consoled. It was all his fault. Like when he was a child and bit someone unintentionally, he wanted to run and hide. He turned toward the door.

Garrett, don't go.

I need to be alone for awhile to think this through. Garrett took the few strides needed to put him at the threshold.

Let me go get Pon, Damion suggested.

NO! Leave it be Damion. Garrett warned in a threatening tone. She's the last one I want to see right now.

Damion didn't have a chance to say anything else. Garrett was out the door and headed toward the field where the ship's pods were kept.

Damion found Lal working at her loom on the front porch of their home. Pon was down on the floor keeping Kit entertained as she visited with her mother-in-law.

If you're looking for lunch you're too early, Lal said as Damion leaned over to kiss her. I didn't expect you for another hour. Her hands never missed a rhythmic movement of shuttle work as the loom clickity-clacked its obedience forming a lovely vibrant red length of material.

I'm not looking for lunch. I came to see my girls. Damion lifted Kit off the floor. He gave her a kiss then returned her to Pon's care. Margaret sent me for you, he lied. It was the only way he could think of to get Lal out of the house without arising Pon's suspicions or having her tag along. Perhaps Pon won't mind watching Kit for you while you go.

Margaret was getting old even if she refused to have anyone speak of it, or even admit it herself. Lal didn't want to ignore a request from her. Margaret might truly need her.

Do you mind, Pon? Lal ask her son's wife, the loom falling silent as she rose.

Not at all, we're having fun aren't we? Pon ask Kit as she held the cooing child over her head at arm’s length.

I'll be back as soon as I can.

Damion didn't let her go far before he excused himself from Pon saying he needed to get back to his work. She was staying for lunch wasn't she? He'd see her then.

Damion caught up easily to Lal with his ground eating strides. He put his arm around her shoulders slowing his pace to her small steps. When they came up to Margaret's house he squeezed her shoulder.

Lal, don't stop. Margaret doesn't really need you. I needed to speak with you privately.

He guided her on around the front of the house to the side yard and stopped looking down the rolling slop of the hillside toward the landing field.

Garrett came to see me a little while ago. Initially he said he was concerned about Pon's not becoming pregnant. The truth of the matter was with Margaret eliminating the possibility of Pon being infertile; he wanted me to test to make sure he wasn't sterile.

Damion didn't need to put the result in words. Lal's face filled with anguish. He's sterile?

I'm sorry Lal. I'd give anything if it weren't true. Damion took her in his arms to comfort her as he had wanted to comfort Garrett. The boy was like a son to him. These things happened, but it didn't make them any easier to take. Tim had a very low sperm count. It was a wonder you two were able to have Garrett. It just never occurred to me to check Garrett. I always assumed Garrett would be all right.

Lal gently pulled herself free from Damion's protecting embrace. Where is he?

He headed toward the pods. He said he wanted to be alone, but I think he needs someone. He rejected me. I'm afraid he might do something rash before he has time to truly think things out.

I'll go talk to him. You go back and tell Pon as gently as you can. Let her get her cry over before she sees him.

Garrett sat at the controls of the pod. Tears stained his face. He had to leave before Pon could talk him out of it. It wasn't fair to her. He loved her too much to condemn her to a life without children. He would leave while there was time. Later he'd send her a sub-space message begging her forgiveness and releasing her from her marriage vows.

He switched on the thrusters. When he looked up from the console his mother was standing outside directly in front of the pod. He couldn't lift off. She would be tossed in the backwash like a leaf in a hurricane force wind. Garrett waved at her to move away. She merely shook her head. With resignation he powered down the thrusters and popped the hatch to the pod from the control panel.

Lal came to her son. She leaned over the back of the seat and put her arms around Garrett's shoulders.

Damion told me, she said softly.

Oh, Mother… What am I going to do? Garrett moaned as he hid his face in his hands and broke down completely.

Lal came around swiveling Garrett in his chair to face her. He reached out and grabbed her about the waist burying his head in her chest like a small child. Deep sobs wrecked his body. Lal soothed his hair and cuddled him close. Seeing him like this, her big good natured son was unbearably painful.

When the sobs subsided Lal lifted Garrett's face up to her.

Running away won't help.

I can't stay. I love her so much Mother. I can't hurt her like that, Garrett tried to explain.

If Margaret told Pon yesterday that she could not conceive would you have let her run away?

Of course not! I love her more than anything else in my life. I couldn't live without her. Garrett said defensively.

But, you think Pon has so little character or loves you so little that she would let you leave? Could she live without your love? I think not. Lal was playing the devil's advocate.

At that moment Pon burst through the door her face tear streaked and her breath short from the run. Lal moved out of the collision course the two were set on in their hurry to console one another. As they fell into each other's arms Lal made a quiet retreat.

She found Damion outside the pod bent over at the waist trying to catch his breath.

I'm getting to old for this. I couldn't keep up with her. Damion said through gasps for breath.

Lal laid a tiny hand on her husband's back. It's going to be all right. Let's go find where you left our youngest.

It doesn't matter, Pon assured Garrett.

You say that now and I think you believe you mean it, but what about a year from now or ten years from now? Garrett countered.

Why not say fifty or a hundred or even three hundred? I'm telling you it will never make any difference. I love you! I need you! There are plenty of Henu children. We're Kit to your sister. I hate to think of the time when Damion is no longer with us, but it will come. Then you will have plenty of time to play at being a father figure. Pon sat across from Garrett in the pod. They needed to get past this. They had to be secure again. There could be no loose ends. No questions in either of their minds as to their position in this relationship. Garrett was the most important thing in her life. She couldn't let this come between them.

There is always adoption too, she suggested as an afterthought. Ethan was adopted. Imagine how terrible his life would have been with that trader if Jonah hadn't saved him. She could tell by the look on Garrett's face she hit on the solution to their problem. We don't have to do it right away. We have the option now of choosing when we want to start a family. We're busy trading and getting to know each other right now. She stroked her hand across the top of his thigh, a touch that always pleased him. We can relax. Take our time. And later, when we're ready, we can find just the right foundling to take in.

Garrett pulled her into his lap. Why not three or four or half a dozen?

Pon literally purred. No reason, my love, if you want to buy a larger vessel to house them all.

3. Emergency!

Terrell heard the ship's intercom come on. Targus and Coal once asked how he knew to answer before either one of them spoke over the ship's communications system. He said he could hear it sigh as it came on. He didn't need to wait to hear their voices.

Yes? he answered to the un-asking voice.

Terrell switch your monitor to standard. I want you to be in on this incoming call. It was an order from Targus, not a request. The MT Captain had been giving far more ‘orders’ than usual lately.

Terrell switched over to the main incoming channel. A middle aged, alien man's face appeared on the screen. He was obviously distraught.

I have our Medical Expert on now. Terrell, this is Captain Yakutis. His trade vessel struck a small cruiser sitting too close to the exit of a window. The cruiser was totally destroyed along with her crew. The Captain's wife and nine year old son are onboard. The boy has been injured. Targus explained.

Can you give me his condition? Terrell asked.

The Captain aboard the trade vessel wiped his sweaty brow with one of his four hands. He's unconscious. Neither my wife nor I were with him at the time of the accident, but it looks as though something hit him. He has a large lump on the side of his head.

Any bleeding?

No.

How long has he been out?

"About thirty minutes. It