Destiny of the Queen (The Brajj 3)

By Jacqueline Patricks

Can a goddess find redemption? Can a soldier find purpose?

When you think all is lost,
When you believe life is meaningless,
Sometimes your destiny is revealed.

If you’re willing to see the signs,
And brave enough to fight,
Sometimes you can change worlds.

Rejoin Cass, Jeamon, Lewis, and Ta'mat as they deal
with the ramifications of Ta'mat's insanity and General
Neville's betrayal. The few Brajj remaining with Cass and
Jeamon are now under Dr. Saniya's control.

Meanwhile, a world away, Captain Lewis and Ta'mat
struggle with their strange bond inside his mind as they
unravel the mystery of their new circumstances. Where
did Ta'mat's wormhole transport them? Why? Is there
some greater destiny unfolding? Where does freewill
end and destiny begin?

THE STUNNING CONCLUSION TO THE BRAJJ TRILOGY!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Crazy Bird Publishing
• Release date: Mar 31, 2016
• ISBN: 9781310281365

Jacqueline Patricks

Functionally insane writer with military and medical experience. "So, I know how to draw blood, patch you up, and hide the evidence," she says with straight face.YOU DON'T READ A JACQUELINE PATRICKS STORY, YOU EXPERIENCE IT!#whatsyourexperienceBe hot shit, subscribe to my exclusive content list: http://eepurl.com/TXJUz

Book preview

Fatum Reginae

Everything hurt. Lying flat on his back, his bare skin chilled against a cold metal floor. Lewis shivered and opened his eyes to find a dozen plus narrow barrels of unrecognizable rifle-sized weapons pointed down at him backed up by men and women of varying colors, sizes, and ethnicities. They were wearing, however, identical military-style white jumpsuits without any identifying badges or insignia and helmets with the visors lowered.

Ever so slowly, he put his hands up and gave them his best, disarming smile. Hey, sorry about, he rolled his eyes, this, but I sort of–

Silence!

While the weapons didn’t withdraw, they did part to allow the entrance of a woman with short silverish hair and brilliant green eyes. She wore the same uniform—form-fitting enough to advertise her top physical condition, yet loose enough to avoid impropriety. Her walk shouted smooth grace of authority, and the group lowered their heads in subordinate body language.

Yet Lewis got the sense they willingly, even happily, deferred to her. None of the mouths revealed beneath the visors displayed anything but hardened resolve and respect—firm lines of determination not pursed lips of discontent.

The woman stood over him, not quite scowling, but definitely unhappy. Lewis gulped. He hadn’t allowed his body to override his brain since he was a young man, but holy crap her presence did something to him, and lectures from his high school principal rushed back. Her all-business attitude and hard gaze bored through him, and he resisted the sudden urge to tug the horribly inadequate medical gown around his sides. He curled his toes and tucked his straightened legs together.

Hands on her hips, feet shoulder-width apart, she tilted her head in a very Brajj-like manner and blinked several times. Lewis waited for her to speak, but she continued to blink and shift her head. Then she turned to a tall, blond man standing beside her, and they stared at each other for several seconds.

Ta’mat, what the hell is going on?

‘I don’t know.’

The woman faced him again and cleared her throat. I am Captain Melton, and you have breached my ship via an unsanctioned wormhole. Who are you, and what do you have to say before I have you terminated for endangering my crew?

Lewis propped himself up on his elbows. Wh-huh?

‘Uh, maybe the wormhole was a bad idea.’

No shit, Ta’mat. Any more gems?

‘Flirt?’

I hate you.

Keeping his knees tucked close with one hand holding the hospital gown in place, Lewis smiled and sat up. Name’s Captain Charles Lewis, US Army. Pleased to meet you, Captain Melton. Sorry about your ship, but, he held out his right hand, let me explain–

The weapon barrels moved closer, hemming him, and he pulled his hand back.

Lewis? Captain Melton said sharply. Captain Charles Lewis, Special Forces?

Yes. Lewis drew the word out as he moved to crouch. Prickles of apprehension raced over his exposed skin. Hospital gowns did not excel in modesty, and the metal floor continued to ice his bare feet and backside to numbness.

While she continued to tower over him, eyes narrowing, and muscles in her jaw twitching, her arms did relax at her sides. Years of military discipline taught a soldier how to keep a good poker face. It also taught another soldier how to see through one, and Lewis could tell she was debating about something. Seconds stretched out, and his awkward position made his muscles cramp, but he was damned if he was going to risk pissing off another officer-in-command in such a precarious position.

Captain Melton, he said in his most deferential voice, the floor is uncomfortable, may I…?

Melton waited a moment, then waved a hand at her personnel.

Without hesitation, every weapon lowered and the men and women straightened as a unit, but the tension never left their bodies. One word and he’d be at the end of their muzzles again, of that Lewis had no doubt.

Lovely. He eased to a standing position, wishing he could shake out his aching body, but didn’t dare to move a single, unnecessary muscle.

‘I don’t like her.’ Ta’mat sneered.

Big surprise.

‘And I don’t like the way you’re reacting to her.’

Excuse me? Lewis bit the inside of his cheek to keep from blurting his thoughts aloud. This was going to be fun.

‘Your body is responding in a fashion that I find disrespectful to me, and I–’

A pressure expanded in his head, like the beginnings of a sinus headache during a bad cold, and Lewis held his breath and pushed back. Stop it, Ta’mat.

The pressure receded, then vanished. ‘Do you plan on fighting me over everything?’

If I have to.

‘You’re quite a lot of trouble, Captain,’ she said in an exasperated tone.

Lewis grinned mentally. But I’m worth it.

‘I’m beginning to doubt that.’

Lewis gave Melton a tentative smile and a nod. It’s alright. I’m not insane. I’m just possessed by a thousand-plus-year-old astrophysicist who thinks she’s a goddess. Nothing to see here.

‘If that’s your idea of humor, it’s sorely lacking.’

You heard that?

‘I can hear all of your thoughts and sense your emotions.’

Awesome.

Captain Lewis. Melton stepped into his personal space, and Lewis resisted the urge to stumble backward. She stood even with his height. Though it didn’t help his case that he was barefoot, and she wore some sort of thick-soled, white combat boots, which vaguely reminded him of the boots designed for the Army desert uniform. Hers, however, were sleeker and more form-fitting.

He stretched to his full height and braced to attention. Captain Melton.

One corner of her lips twitched. You are now officially in the custody of the Global Federation of Earth.

The wha–?

Captain Melton’s voice continued in a harsh tone, For your protection…

Lewis clamped his mouth shut and tightened his brace. What the hell was wrong with him? Strange soldiers, strange officer, strange ship, and he couldn’t stop talking? He really did want to be shot.

…will be detained for the present. You have the right…

The tall, blond man stepped into her space, drawing her attention.

Captain Melton stabbed a hand at him and released a short hiss.

The man jerked upright and his mouth clamped shut so tight his lips blanched.

What was that about?

‘Unknown, but it seems somewhat personal.’

Lewis released his exhale slowly. Well, detained is a step up from terminated.

‘Agreed, but why? What’s changed?’

Hell if I know, but I’ll take it for now.

Do you understand your rights as a prisoner of the Global Federation of Earth?

Uh, sure.

Melton’s lips pursed.

Lewis cleared his throat. Yes, ma’am.

‘What rights?’ Ta’mat asked. ‘I missed those.’

Guess we’ll have to figure them out as we go.

Very well. Melton stepped back and nodded to her crew.

Lewis said as two nondescript soldiers grabbed his arms. Is this really a ship?

Why would you think otherwise? Melton said, cocking a brow and slipping her hands to the small of her back.

I just, Lewis glanced around, no reason. Curving metal bulkheads, hatches, and a few computer displays mounted on the walls surrounded them. Layers of white veneer over the metal attempted to cover years of service, but chips and dents could only be repainted so often before it needed to be stripped to the base and refinished.

Hmm, no windows. His gut tried telling him something important, but he couldn’t quite put the pieces together.

‘I noticed that, too.’

Captain Melton snapped her fingers. Lieutenant Faust.

The blond man snapped to attention, then turned to one of the soldiers holding Lewis and stared at him for several seconds.

The corporal nodded, then squeezed Lewis’ arm. No trouble now, brain-skip.

Wouldn’t dream of it, Lewis said half to himself, brows furrowing.

The rest of the crew made a hole by smashing their backs to the curved bulkheads to either side. The soldiers released Lewis’ arms and formed a single file line—one before and one behind him—with their weapons at the ready. As they strode past, Lieutenant Faust fell in formation behind them.

Lewis kept pace with their long strides, hospital gown flapping open to expose a bit too much of his backside. Cool air tickled his privates as he dangled in the wind. Was the captain watching as he marched away? Lewis tucked his arms closer to his sides to make sure the gown didn’t open too far.

‘You really think she cares to look?’

Shut up, Ta’mat. Just what he needed a jealous wanna-be goddess stuck in his head.

Ta’mat grumbled.

As they approached the end of the passageway, a telescoping door irised opened with a muted swish, allowing them access to the next section. White bulkheads curved ahead, and along the left side, approximately every ten feet, were hatches large enough to admit a person with small computerized data pads assigned to each one. Each hatchway was identical to the previous one. How did they know where they were on this ship?

Ta’mat, can you tell where we are?

‘I sense … identical-sized spaces. Most are empty of life, but a few have a person inside.’

Private berths? Lewis grinned and studied one closer as they passed.

A weapon nudged his lower back. Wh–? Lewis twisted around.

The soldier cocked his head to the side and stared at him.

What? Lewis said, returning the glare as he rubbed his back.

Move, the soldier said in a rough voice that sounded rarely used.

I’m moving, I’m moving.

Below the helmet’s dark half visor, the soldier scowled.

So, exactly what sort of ship is this? Lewis asked.

No one answered him as they continued their march.

I mean is this an aircraft carrier or a battleship? Another door telescoped open and they stepped through. The passageway gradually widened enough to allow the lieutenant to move beside him, and Lewis looked at the blond man. It’s really different. Some new design I’m not familiar with.

Silence! The lieutenant snapped.

I’m just trying to– Lewis tripped over his feet as they rounded a bend in the passageway. Reaching out for the bulkhead to brace himself, his hand met inky smoothness. He fell forward until his arms and face smashed against something curved and transparent.

A large black rectangle decorated with millions of bright smears and sparks of colors spread out in a swath before and below him. Sparkling darkness spiraled outwards forever. He looked down—more pinpoints in the unending void.

‘Captain!’ Ta’mat sounded fuzzy and far away. ‘Close your eyes!’

Vertigo sucked at him, calling him until he couldn’t help but lean his entire body on the window separating him from the fall. Shuddering, he said, Wh-where the hell are we?

Someone yanked him backward by the collar of his hospital gown, strangling him. Get away from the observation bubble, brain-skip!

Lewis stumbled over one of the guard’s boots and fell to his butt. His gown flapped up his thighs and cold air invaded. He didn’t care. The black view obsessed him. Looking up from his position on the floor/deck Lewis narrowed his eyes at the guards. Observation bubble? That didn’t sound good. He pointed at the window as he moved to a squatting position. You mean? He looked up at all three’s blank expressions in turn. That can’t be…

‘Focus on me, Captain.’

Ta’mat? Was she helping? Why? The pressure in his head returned, but this time it felt more reassuring, like fingers massaging his scalp from the inside. You’re freaking me out, Ta’mat.

‘Fine.’

The bizarre pressure ceased as the two guards slipped their arms underneath his and jerked Lewis to his feet. What in the multiverse are you stammering about? one asked.

Lewis gaped. You know?

Know what?

About parallel worlds.

The guard sighed, rolled his head from shoulder to shoulder and said in a put-out tone, We should fry him. Regs say it’s a go.

Stand down, Lance Corporal.

The corporal shrugged.

Lance Corporal? A Marine rank.

‘We are on a ship,’ Ta’mat said, oozing sarcasm.

But exactly what sort of ship? Lewis’ eyes stayed riveted on the expanse outside the win–no, the observation bubble.

‘Come now, Captain. I may be stuck in your head, but even I’m not that disconnection from reality. It’s obvious.’

Just say it.

‘We’re in space.’

His throat constricted and his heart thudded. That’s what I was afraid of.

Lieutenant Faust approached him while the other two soldier—sailors?—held him still. Lewis fought back hyperventilation, his composure slipping further away as the truth stuck in his mind. Meeting the lieutenant’s hard-eyed stare, he bit the inside of his cheek, choking back hysterical laughter.

The lieutenant’s lips downturned, and he pronounced Lewis’ rank with disdain, "Captain, I don’t know how you breached Reginae’s gravity fields. He stepped closer until he was nearly nose to nose with Lewis. A rare feat." Faust’s boots made him a full two inches taller, which he used to his advantage.

Lewis snorted, keeping his voice steady. I guess I’m just talented that way.

Faust’s eyes glowered with repressed anger. The captain is wrong to delay your termination.

Anger flowed through Lewis, burning away his anxiety. He clenched his jaw and bared his teeth. Yeah? Too bad you strike me as a rule follower.

Faust’s nostrils flared and his body tensed, but he gave away no other visible physical reaction.

‘He really hates you.’

No shit. It can’t be just because of us showing up uninvited. Lewis arched a brow. Bet you can’t eat without her order.

Faust moved a centimeter closer. Dangerous.

You have no idea. Lewis cracked his neck.

Faust’s eyelid spasmed.

One of the guards coughed.

Faust’s expression rippled, then his light blue eyes thawed and he rocked back on his heels, his body relaxing. Another time, perhaps. He smiled without humor and stepped to the side. Take him, Corporal.

Yes, sir.

Lewis heard the relief in the corporal’s voice and allowed the guards to lead him away, careful to keep his eyes from straying to any further observation bubbles.

Chapter Two

Earth

You lost him? Cass jumped from her chair and accidentally hit the round melamine table, tipping her paper cup of coffee on its edge.

Lewis! Jeamon smacked the table as he stood, finishing off the cup’s precarious balance. A river of brown liquid spilled over the edge of the table, splashing onto the floor.

Lars threw his full cup across the room. Coffee exploded against the vending machines and the ubiquitous white wall behind it.

Mathews sulked in her chair, arms crossed, and chin to her chest. Figures.

Dr. Saniya sighed and bowed her head. I understand how distressing this must be for all of you.

Lars and Mathews exchanged pissed off looks while Cass sputtered and Jeamon growled.

Lunging at Dr. Saniya, Lars said, "No, doc, I really don’t think you do. We’ve been stuck in here for hours, then you come tell us you lost our captain?"

Cass circled the table, stepping over the puddle of her coffee, her bare feet padding on the highly waxed, industrial tile. Sometime during the earlier conflict, she’d lost the slippers Ta’mat favored and had yet to acquire a new pair of shoes. Not that she cared about shoes when Lewis’ life was in danger. Taking a deep breath, she waved the others back and approached Dr. Saniya as a colleague rather than an enemy.

Dr. Saniya, Cass said, exactly what do you mean when you say, ‘you lost him’?

Although Dr. Saniya’s expression eased, her eyes darted around the room. Well, Dr. Baros, that’s difficult to say.

Cass sensed the frustrated energy of her friends and felt, rather than saw, Jeamon, Lars, and Mathews march from the far side of the break room to stand next to her. She wrinkled her nose at the pungency of everyone’s clothes arriving a second before them. Dirt caked Lars and Mathews’ uniforms, Cass’ gauzy blue dress hung in tatters, and Jeamon’s iridescent black Brajj tunic and pants were torn and ragged. Blood matted his long pale hair, which hung unbraided and tangled. All of them looked like they’d survived a life and death fight—an accurate assessment.

Cass feigned a smile. Try.

Dr. Saniya adjusted the collar of her lab coat. Dr. Umi and I were assessing Captain Lewis and the entity known as Ta’mat within his psyche when he became extremely agitated.

Lars snorted and shuffled his feet. I bet.

Dr. Saniya glared at Lars but continued in a dispassionate voice, He escaped the exam room and made it into the main passageway. During the recapture, she wrung her hands, he, well…

What? Mathews asked.

He jumped through a wormhole.

My God. What’ve you done? Cass closed her eyes and covered her mouth with her hand.

Jeamon wrapped her in a hug. Lewis is strong. He will survive.

Cass pressed her face to Jeamon’s chest, shaking her head. You don’t understand.

Dr. Saniya moved closer, one hand reaching out before she stopped and lowered her arm. What do you mean?

I mean if he was, she gave Dr. Saniya a pointed look, extremely agitated when Ta’mat created the wormhole then there’s no telling where they are, or if they’re still alive.

You can’t be serious!

I’m very serious, Sergeant. Cass slipped from Jeamon’s embrace but remained at his side, her hand clasped in his. From what I learned while Ta’mat was a part of me, dark energy is very unstable when it’s used to manipulate strings. If Ta’mat was not completely focused at the time, then likely she was unable to select where the wormhole ended.

Hang on. Mathews massaged her temples and grimaced. Dark energy? Strings?

Dr. Saniya touched Cass’ forearm. You’re certain of this?

Absolutely.

What does this mean? Manipulate strings? Jeamon asked.

Cass squeezed his hand and gave him a gentle look. She’s able to change the frequency and vibration of the fabric of the universe, which means, in most cases, she can change the universe to her desires. Any universe.

This is how she became a goddess? Jeamon asked.

Cass frowned. She’s not a goddess. She’s what’s left of a twisted human being. It took a tremendous amount of skill for Ta’mat to gain her powers because they go against the very nature of the cosmos. She shouldn't be able to do these things, but she's attained a higher state of non-physical existence.

I wondered how she was able to do such amazing feats. Dr. Saniya’s gaze intensified. You must tell me more!

No one should possess such power. Cass crossed her arms and jutted a leg. "What about you telling us what you’ve done