Amari: Amari, #1

By Steven Atwood

How far will she go for freedom?

Amari Prokop murdered her first victim at age eight... 

She acquired her starship at twenty-four... 

She started smuggling people from Earth to the freedom on Europa for a price but found that blackmail and murder paid much better. All that wealth should have made her happy. But it didn't, nothing could fill that void she felt. She had to get out and start over. 

Now on her last job, all she has to do was kidnap Cloee Thompson from a government transport ship and hold her until Amari's employer was ready to take her. The promise of a pardon from the United Nations was too good to pass up. It was the only way to leave that life behind. 

Colin Ross was an Interplanetary Space Security Force (ISSF) agent, handpicked by the United Nations to recapture the mysterious terrorist Cloee Thompson and stop Amari, dead or alive. With his partner Marlie, they began the chase across the stars. 

Can Amari escape Colin and the ISSF? Will she get her freedom? Who will steal Amari's heart? Why is Cloee Thompson so important? Who is pulling strings and why? 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Steven Atwood
• Release date: Sep 20, 2014
• ISBN: 9781513000633

Steven Atwood

I grew up reading fantasy books and watching science fiction whenever I could. When I was young, I played role playing games within the fantasy genre. Close to the end of my military career, I started to write. It was something I always wanted to do but never did, until now.

Book preview

Chapter 1

This could be my last job. Amari Prokop sat back in her worn captain's chair. The bridge of the United Nations Space Ship Samadra was as tired as her chair. She picked up her Martian coffee from the drink holder, the captain's chair best feature. The bridge had grayish walls with a few pictures painted on them. Her executive officer or XO as Amari called him, sat in the seat to the left of the pilot. Any word from our employer? I'm still waiting XO.

Borris Kyler turned his massive frame towards Amari. His blue eyes twinkled at her. Not yet, since when are you this patient anyway?

Old age, I guess. She dreamt about Borris occasionally, but not a lot, certainly not enough to pursue anything. That would be wrong, right? He had been with her through two crew changes, which she did every few years or so. It's always good to keep fresh young crew on board; they take less of a cut. A pirate's life is all about the money, right? Perhaps I'll take him during the next refit. He is the XO after all.

You're not that old, I still got you by three years. His eyes pleaded with her, but she never caught on or she just ignored it. Borris chuckled, Maybe I should tell everyone how old you will be on your birthday next month.

Her thin lips twisted into a tight smile. Maybe I should give you another scar on your neck. But, I won't mess it up.

Borris rubbed his neck just below his larynx, I bet you won't.

A few years ago, he got into a bar brawl with a man who called Amari a whore. During the fight, he got behind Borris and attempted to cut his throat. The moron missed the jugular and barely cut deep enough to make a scar. What kind of idiot brings a dull knife to the bars on Europa? Borris ended up breaking his neck and plunged the dull knife into the man's eye, but Amari still gives him a hard time about it.

Amari couldn't hold back the smile anymore. What am I going to do with you?

I'm a keeper. You'll never get anyone better than me. The audio alert of an incoming encrypted message caught Borris' attention, Looks like he finally decided to call us.

Send it to my quarters. Amari quickly got up and hurriedly moved through the small hatch.

& & &

The unmade bed in her quarters displayed her stained sheets to everyone who came in. Amari’s primitive paintings decorated the walls. Rare wood furniture decorated the room. Ever since cutting trees or doing anything to the environment became illegal, wood furniture was almost impossible to get. When you are a pirate, such rules don't apply to you. She sat on a tan seat cushion upon a dark mahogany chair behind an elegant chestnut desk. Amari flipped on her computer and video transceiver, and then tapped the screen to open the message. The video was blocked and the voices altered, as per her security protocol. A pirate can trust no one.

About time you called, Amari said.

The male computer simulated voice was just loud enough for her to hear, but not enough for someone listening outside the door. I had to be sure, before I told you.

Send the coordinates of the target ship and the exchange point, encrypted of course.

Of course, no more screw ups this time. I meant what I said before, the voice said.

Amari sat back into her chair rubbing her chin. The bar code on her left wrist was a constant reminder of her situation. I won't, but if you don't keep your end of the deal, I will kill you and your whole family, myself.

The smile almost came through the simulated voice. I'm sending the coordinates now.

Amari pulled up her message program. Okay, I got them. Are you sure, the girl is on board? If she's not, this is your doing not mine. I didn't get this lead and I won't be held accountable for it, either.

Positive. I am sending you the layout of the ship and the security procedures.

Amari opened his latest message and skimmed through it. An ISSF prisoner transport ship?

Soon after the United Nations became the world government, the Internal Security Space Force was established. It was sold on the premise of security, but the rumors about what they actually did were far darker. Nearly half a century ago, space was the last place where you were free. No one told you what to do, what to think, or what to believe in. The UN determined that it was unfair that the people on Earth had to obey UN directives, but those on colonies or in space didn't. The ISSF became the secret police. Their ships are not as heavily armed as military vessels, but they are more armed than your typical civilian ships, even most pirate ships.

Yes, is that a problem?

Hold on a second. She dove into the meat of the message forcing a gleeful smile on her face. Are these crew numbers right? Your message only says four. That can't be right.

It is. The ship had to leave some of it security on Europa, lucky for us.

Yeah right, whatever, as long as it's right. This will make it easy. She typed the coordinates into the ship’s messaging system and sent it to the bridge. Are you sure you want us to hold onto her for a while, before we turn her over to you? This seems like an unnecessary risk.

The risk is greater to me if you don't. Just send me video confirmation once you have her in your holding cell.

Sure thing, out. Amari double tapped the screen to close the link. She set the computer to sleep as she stood up. If this all works out well, I will get some clothes that actually match. Even Borris won't accuse me of having no style. Who am I kidding?

& & &

Borris was reading the coordinates to the pilot, Bill Westover. The black greasy hair complimented Bill’s average frame. The sliding sound of the door opening caused both of them to stop.

Back already? Borris asked without turning around.

Amari slid into her chair and popped the tablet out of the its arm. Yeah, I am. This won't be bad.Her fingers tapped the tablet, pausing only to consider what she wrote. The good news is only four crew members on board.

Borris' eyes widened. Four, are you sure about that? That doesn't sound right at all.

That is the information we have. Guess what the bad news is?

I can't wait.

It's an ISSF prison transport ship. We can get some payback at the same time.

Borris beamed at her, They’ll get what’s coming to them.

Amari had lost crewmembers in the past to the ISSF. In fact, the ISSF caught her as a child and tattooed that bar code on her wrist. Her stepfather boarded a similar ship killing the crew to get her back. The mere thought of killing those bastards lit up her day. How many people have they carted off to the processing camps? Everyone knew at least one ISSF victim. Yeah, payback indeed.

Okay, we finished the equipment checks while you were in the back. Weapons, T-Pads, and EW Shielding are all up and ready to go. How many on the boarding party this time? Borris asked.

You and Bill stay here. I want ten with me on the initial assault and ten ready for backup, just in case we got some bad info. Assuming we have no issues and we secure our prisoner, I want to take some of the government weapons and equipment.

Bill, head towards that ship. I'm going to assemble the boarding parties. We should reach those coordinates in thirty minutes. Borris rushed off the bridge mumbling the list running through his head.

Amari leaned back into her seat gazing at the blurred stars, while traveling near-light speed. She was born in space, but she didn't want to grow old in it. But, this was it, her ticket out of pirating. What would she do? She had been on a pirate ship since she was six years old. Her mind flooded with possibilities and discarded them just as fast. The only constant theme running through her mind was that she had enough.

Bill, fire up the EW Shielding, Amari ordered.

The EW shielding was more camouflage than a shield. The ship will appear to the enemy's scanner whatever the user desired. Amari got the device as payment for smuggling a high-ranking government official's son off Earth to Europa. The device was in development when she got it a few years ago and it was still not issued to the ISSF fleet. The part Amari liked the most was that the victim ship wouldn't know their scanners were wrong until it was too late.

What do you want to be this time? Bill asked.

Amari pulled out her tablet again. She pulled out the list of ISSF ships spotted in the region. Local populations feared the ISSF so much that they posted the ship’s name and coordinates, every time they were spotted. Try the UNSS Gallantry, Captain James Wilbur.

Got it.

Okay, let me know when we're five minutes out. Amari rushed to her room to prep for her last mission.

& & &

Lieutenant Cox yawned as she looked at her watch for the fourth time, waiting for her shift to end. The muscular ISSF officer enjoyed looking out into space. This was probably what kept her out away from Earth for so long. The transceiver chirped with a new encrypted message coming in. She leaned over the glowing console. This is UNSS Riptide, state your identity and send your priority code signal.

The video signal on the monitor was snowy with distortion and the voice was equally garbled. This is the UNSS Gallantry. Captain James Wilbur was killed in a recent pirate attack. We have several wounded aboard. We're requesting some assistance.

Pirates! They're now attacking ISSF ships! She turned back towards Staff Sergeant Baine, who was operating the navigation station. Paul, inform the captain we need him on the bridge, now! She turned back to the transceiver in the console. Gallantry, we’re still waiting for your code signal. We can't proceed until we get it. Beads of sweat began to come through the skin on her forehead. Come on send it! We're all alone out here and all we have is each other. I want to help you! Send it!

The grating voice broke her into her thoughts. We can't. The pirates destroyed most of our communication and security equipment. We are only able to call you because our tech sergeant managed to piece the transceiver back together. I know this against protocol, but please you have to help us. The voice became weak, nearly choking on tears. If you don't help us, we're all going to die! We would help you, why won't you help us?

Why indeed? I hope someone would help me, if I needed it. It's only some stupid regulation anyway, I'm sure the captain wouldn't object. She leaned over the console and opened her mouth as if to speak, but the gnawing in her gut didn't allow any words to come out. Paul, do you have them on scanner?

Paul's fingers flew over the touch screen controls never taking his eyes off the monitor. He scanned every pixel looking for something. As soon as the tiny ISSF ship icon appeared, he double tapped it, bringing up the details of the ship. His attention to detail required him to pull out all the relevant information as quickly as possible, as his training demanded. Ma'am, I got it. We don't have the code signal, but we do have the ISSF FOF beacon.

The FOF, or friend or foe, beacon was the redundant system to identify ships at very long distances. The codes themselves were so secret that they were only verifiable by computer. This system, as far as Staff Sergeant Baine knew, was never and could never be hacked.

Paul frowned. They weren't lying about the attack either. I am reading multiple small hull breaches, engines running on fifty percent power, and nearly half the bridge systems, including weapons, are not functioning.

Life support? Cox asked.

One second. Paul ran his finger down the ship diagnostic scanner readings. They have it for now. I'm not sure for how long though. I—

The door made a swoosh sound when it opened. A short bald man with crow's feet along both of his eyes stepped through. What do we have?

Cox stood up, handing the captain her tablet that she was taking notes on. UNSS Gallantry called for emergency assistance. They were badly damaged in a pirate attack. Paul said they may lose life support, sir.

Captain Alan Kizcek was born on the military ship where both his mother and father served. That was before they were sent to the processing camps, for believing that there is something more important than the United Nations. Bah! He didn't believe what he was supposed to either, but who did? He just kept his mouth shut about it; too bad his parents didn't. During his second lieutenant days, there was almost no crime whatsoever out here. But, then UN decided that anyone not conforming to their way of thinking needed reeducation. Although he had never seen his parents since, they were somewhere safe right? That act gave birth to pirates in space. It started out with the human trafficking and moved up to hijacking. In his over twenty years of patrolling the Milky Way galaxy, he had never seen pirate ships attack an ISSF ship.

Are you sure pirates attacked them? That's very unusual, Alan said.

Sir, all we have is their word for right now. Does it matter, really? Cox asked.

Lieutenant, we have a very important prisoner on board. We have to be very careful. Did our scanners confirm that they were indeed attacked, are we sure?

Yes, it did. The only thing was that they didn't have the priority code. They said transmitter was destroyed in the attack. Her eyes were no longer stone, but filled with worry. Sir, can we proceed in helping them? It seems like you're— you're hesitating.

Alan rubbed his chin. Out of all of the attacks by terrorists on ISSF ships that I can remember, the scanner was never wrong. I— He gave her a nod, Okay, send our coordinates and come to a stop. People there are only four of us onboard, we can't afford to make mistakes. He sat down in his captain's chair focusing on the monitor in front him. Cox, ask them what kind of help they need, so we can prepare."

Yes sir. Cox leaned back over her console again. UNSS Gallantry, do you read me?

The garbled voice seemed to be different somehow as if it became a female voice. We read you. Are you going to help us?

We are. I am sending you the coordinates where we're stopping. Cox said.

Okay, we have them. From our position, it will take about twenty minutes or so. We won't be long. We'll come out of Near-Light Speed about two hundred kilometers from you.

Near Light Speed was humankind's greatest accomplishment. When light speed was determined to be too dangerous because micro-fractures formed in the hull from the stress, the UN decided to shelve the technology. Sometime later, an inventor created near light speed, where you were able to travel within the Milky Way without the structural stresses on the hull. When the public heard about his breakthrough, the UN promptly confiscated the patent for security reasons. Years later, the UN allowed the public to own spacecrafts fitted with this technology, for a hefty tax of course.

Lieutenant Cox's pride fell on her face like a blanket. Roger that, we will be waiting for you. The captain wants you to send you support requirements, so we can have them ready.

After a few seconds, the loud audio alert from the console broke the long silence. Got them?

Yeah we do. See you soon, She said into the console. Cox and Alan headed for the door. Paul, we’ll be back after we're done.

Yes ma'am, Paul turned back to his station. And here I thought we were going home early.

& & &

The floor was cold to the touch and the bars surrounding her gave her no comfort. Nearly sterile walls, just outside the cage, made her feel that much more alone. Her only amenity was a small window looking out into space. The beauty of the stars always calmed her heart.

Cloee Thompson was one of those girls that all single men noticed when she walked into the room, or rather used to. Her once soft and elegant skin became dirty and tough like an old goat. Cloee's blue eyes used to be similar to wading pools in the Greek islands, but now they were more like cold steel.

Her innocence had long left her, ever since that day she became a criminal. In the old days, terrorists or revolutionaries used guns and bombs, but she used her technical savvy. Before she was caught this last time, Cloee nearly did it. She targeted the finances of Earl Huffington, the Deputy Secretary General of the UN. She would get him, even if it had to be from prison. If they sent her to the processing camps, she would just escape again. There was one thing that hadn’t changed, it wasn’t her personality or looks or choice in men, rather her stutter. Cloee never thought that she would ever be considered such a dangerous criminal, especially to warrant a private prison transport back to Mars. Cloee was in shape yes, but she was a hacker, not some kind of fighter or assassin.

She sat up on her plywood-like mattress trying to keep down the putrid meal they gave her a few hours ago. They're going to kill me, or try to. Will I get help this time? Will someone help me escape, again? Even though I'm in an empty room, I don't feel alone. I did what was asked of me and for that, I'm happy. She gazed across the room as the clanging of feet on the metal floor approached her door.

The door slid open revealing Alan standing behind it. Cloee—

What is it, captain?

We're bringing some folks on board in a little while. There will be a lot of noise and strange voices nearby that you’ll certainly hear.

Why— Why— Why are you telling me? I'm your dangerous criminal, remember?

Cloee, you're not dangerous. My orders say you are, so I have to treat you like this. I’m placing a guard on the door while they are here, just in case. Alan's heart couldn't help but feel pity for the stuttering girl. Too bad you're a crook. The ISSF could use a hacker with your skills.

But, I stutter. You would just have me killed. People like me get euthanized and my parents would get sterilized in order not to contaminate the gene pool. She closed her eyes forcing herself to calm down. You— You have to obey the law, don't you? Cloee asked.

Yes, we do. As soon as they’re gone, I'll get you some better food, sound good?

Cloee smiled at him. Thank you. I— I will pray for you and your family captain.

Alan heart skipped a beat. Don't you ever say that again! I don't want your curse on my family. There is nothing besides the UN, period! About the extra food—

Yes?

Forget it. I hope you starve! Even now, you still spout your hate speech. He stormed out of the room.

Cloee shook her head. What did I say?

& & &

Frustrated, Alan headed back to the bridge. That woman always gets to me. Why do I always put myself in that position? I don't need to hear her crap, but I do. Listen to me. I'm beginning to think I'm as crazy as she is. Once he reached the bridge, he assumed his seat in the captain's chair. Paul is everything going well?

Fine sir, I thought you were going to be greeting them? Staff Sergeant Baine asked.

I will later. Cloee got me upset again. At least we'll be rid of that woman soon. While turning on his tablet, Alan shifted in his seat. He tapped the internal communications tab, which provided a video link to the cargo bay. Dusty resin crates of various sizes littered the large room. The little used room housed the ships spare parts, most of which were compatible with the rest of the ISSF fleet. In recent years, UN scientists made significant progress in composite alloy durability, especially in solid-state electronics. Since then, normal wear and tear caused so little damage that the ships engineer became an additional duty. Cox, are you there?

I'm here. I thought you were coming down. Everything alright? she asked.

Yeah, it is. I'll be down in a little bit. I've got-- stuff I have to do first. Alan was never a good liar and he could tell from her expression that he failed again. I'll tell you about it later, okay?

Sure. Cox turned back to heavy plastic crates, pulling out the hull-breach patch kits.

"Sir, they should be

Reviews for Amari

[pierced_phoenix · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

**SPOILERS**This was an awesome book. If you like Star Trek, or sci-fy/fantasy books then this is the one for you. It follows Amari, a space pirate, who is hired to kidnap a convicted terrorist form a prison transport ship. Soon things begin to go crazy.Inside jobs, government corruption, and false identities lead to a revolution of sorts.I would highly recommend this book to anyone above the age of 15.

[kastelling · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I was given this book as a Member Giveaway in exchange for an honest review. I tend to love sci fi/ fantasy books. This one was just ok, for me. There were definite spelling and grammar issues from time to time. In today's day and age, there is NO reason for those to exist in published books anymore. Having said that, it was a fun little story. As another reviewer said it's a "B-movie sci-fi adventure" based on a lady pirate in the future. The story could have used more depth, the characters could have used more development, it was a bit cheesy at times. But a fun little read.

[jayblac21 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I received this book through library thing in exchange for an honest reviewFirst let me say I liked the story but I found it lacking some of the character development and the relationship developments did not seem natural I found it absurd that Amari would bare her soul to this prisoner she just met asking Cloee for relationship advice less than 24hrs of her being on the ship. Cloee wasn't there long enough to develop a rapor with Amari or any of the crew. I just did not get drawn in unfortunately this series is just not for me.

[xxcoder · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

Wow. It's like author reads TvTropes and took few trope character types and made this book.Some of reactions by characters is really strange. Weird religious vibe over whole thing too. I had to eyeroll over few "instant converts" praying right before die or thought will die soon.Don't bother with this book.

[michael.hoogkamer · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Amari...I fell in love with Amari, an action-ready heroine not afraid to get her hands dirty for a good cause, and while hard and tough on the outside, just a little girl on the inside.Amari Prokop: female pirate with one more mission to complete before she retires and use her new found time time to build a family with the one she loves. Seemingly simple and straight-forward, one last mission to capture and hand over a hacker with a history. But what seemed simple at first, turns into a quest where Amari chooses for good over evil, not for her own benefit, but for that of the whole of mankind.

[sportzmomof5 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.This was a good story with well developed characters and a flawless storyline. I loved the fearless heroine who would stop at nothing to get what she wanted. I look forward to reading more from this author! This is definitely one book that I would recommend to friends!

[carmenmaranda · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Amari Space Pirate.Amari and Borriswant to retire to a quiter life but must do one more run. It turns out to be one that will test them all. Very exciting reading inventive and fast passed.

[deemelody-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very good book. I'll need to find the next one to see what happens. Great characterization and descriptive ability from the writer. Steven Atwood is very skilled at presenting a good read that leaves you wanting more. Well definitely look for more books by this author. I like his writing style and attention to detail. If you like dystopian mixed with sci-fi this is the book that combines them seamlessly. Highly recommend.

[cathygeha · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Having received this through a LibraryThing giveaway and never having read this author before I was not sure what I would find within its pages. It is a SciFi type story with space vehicles and space pirates in a world that has leaders who are very corrupt. There are twists and turns and plenty of action with good flow but there are grammatical errors and issues that could be cleaned up a bit. I did put the book down from time to time to read other books so it did not keep me on the edge of my seat although in the end it was an enjoyable read. NOTE: My version had a different cover and ISBN.

[stamatimenos-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I won this book playing Pazaak. Nah, I kid, I won it on a LibraryThing giveaway. :) Smugglers, space-chase, killing, a bit of romance... this book is written for Star Wars fans, and as a Star wars fan I REALLY enjoyed it, finished it in just a few nights, don't miss it guys!

[charles_ray_60 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I’ve been a science fiction fan since reading Edgar Rice Burroughs’ John Carter series way back in the dark ages of the 1950s. I particularly like the swashbuckling space epics with the good guys battling evil a la Han Solo from the bridge of his Millennium Falcon. So, I approached Steven Atwood’s Amari with some pretty high expectations.Amari is the story of space pirate Amari Prokop, who does battle against the International Security Space Force (ISSF), the dreaded secret police of the UN. With her crew of pirates, including her XO, Borris, with whom she has a somewhat strange relationship, Amari dashes off to dispense justice and get some payback for past ISSF misdeeds when she is tasked with snatching a prisoner from an ISSF prisoner transport vessel.This is a competently written story – albeit with a few grammatical glitches that threw me a bit off stride, but not irrevocably so, and one or two minor internal inconsistencies – but, despite the potential, it doesn’t quite rise to the level I believe Atwood is capable of. Dialogue and descriptions are at time a bit wordy and cliché. That said, Amari is still a fun story to read I can see the four-star potential in Atwood’s writing, but alas, I can only give him three stars this time.

[noussaiba-5 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

So I m not a big fan of syfy books but this one made start to like this type of books.Amari its about a brave pirate with the same name who lives an unexpected adventure and face the decision to make about saving humanity from its dictators with the help of a few of course.Its not only about the adventure its also about the sacrifice that people in this world are willing to pay for there convictions and believes.Now lets talk a little about the interactions between the characters; I really liked Boris and Amari a true love story ,the interactions between both, the respect, the friendship and of course the love even if it ended in tragedy still a good story; Colin and Marly, I have to say that I appreciated Colin since the beginning because I knew that in the end he’ll do the right thing but for Marly in the contrary her character was really the villain one “to betray your friends like and even willing to sacrifice there life for power not good” but in the end she had what she deserve.And finally Cloee ahh the symbol of kindness, purety and forgiveness , and I expect a lot for her in the future.So if your are a fan of syfy this is defently a book to read and appreciate reading it.

[sarah42-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Amari By Steven AtwoodAmari is a science fiction, dystopian future, space adventure where the UN took over the running of the known universe after the GFC. They became power hungry tyrants that basically became thought police. They shipped people off to Mars to be “Re-educated” in the mines and others who escaped colonised Europa and beyond, creating places ripe for piracy and black market trading. I think I was hoping for Firefly and was sorely disappointed. I also thought I could read around the religious aspects of the book but couldn’t. The idea that all the religious people were calm and righteous and all those against religion were cruel, callous and fear their own death more than anything else really grated on me. Mainly because I read science fiction because it reflects the world quite well and I don’t see this as the way the world is. Simple being religious does not suddenly make you a perfect person as it seemed to do in this story.The further you go in the book the more grammatical errors there are, which slows down the reading process dramatically. If religion is the saviour of you world and you like science fiction with that flavour, this would be a great book for you but not me.I received this book from Library Thing’s Members Giveaways.