Pioneers of the Stars: Chronicles of George Jackson, #1

By Cody J. Sherer

This fun-filled and action oriented Science Fiction adventure introduces you to the world of George Jackson. On the run from the Alliance, George does what he can to hide, but his cover is ultimately blown by Alliance Bounty Hunters. George must choose between fighting and running. Outnumbered and outgunned, he retreats to the only place that will grant him safe harbor: A Coalition ship that is bound for uncharted space. Though a stranger to the rigors of life on a spaceship, George quickly finds his place among the unique and resourceful crew of the CNS Pilgrim. Though he has found a home among the stars, the mission of the CNS Pilgrim is not all it seems.

Along with the book are two short stories, both of which take you into one of the character's pasts. The first of them delves deeper into Jackson's past with the Alliance. The second story takes you into the past of Todd Bradford.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cody J. Sherer
• Release date: Nov 4, 2015
• ISBN: 9781516367184

Cody J. Sherer

Born and raised in Southern California, Cody J. Sherer was always fascinated with Science Fiction, Fantasy, and other similar genres of movies, books, and shows. He began his writing career at the age of 20, though he did not publish his book until a few years later. His journey from reader to writer started when a friend had the idea of writing a non-fiction book of short stories together. At the time, the then Accounting major thought that writing sounded enjoyable. They began writing the book and writing stuck with Cody. Now, he mostly writes Sci-Fi and Fantasy, but also tends to dabble in Mystery and Detective genres as well. You can find his books on various major book selling websites. Cody is currently working on more books that are scheduled to be released out in the coming months and years. You can also find Cody on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Codyjsherer

Book preview

The Chronicles of George Jackson

Book 1:

Pioneers of the Stars

By Cody J. Sherer

© 2012 Cody Sherer

All Right Reserved

Contents

Chapter 1: The Pilgrim

Chapter 2: Zeta Station

Chapter 3: Not Your Average Everyman

Chapter 4: The Robot, the Officer, the Infiltrator, and the Assemblyman

Chapter 5: The Promotion and the New Beginning

Chapter 6: Gamma Station

Chapter 7: From the Shadows

Chapter 8: Picking Up the Pieces

Chapter 9: Springing the Trap

Chapter 10: Flight School

Chapter 11: Old Acquaintances

Chapter 12: The Last Leg

Chapter 13: The Aftermath

Short Story 1: For the Alliance

Short Story 2: The Mongoose, the Fox, and the Badger

Author Bio

The Wizard’s Council Excerpt

Chapter 1: The Pilgrim

Jackson dropped down behind his desk as he heard the alarm sound. The others were looking around trying to figure out what was going on. Typical civilians, he thought as he checked the magazine on his pistol. He faced a choice: warn the others and give away his possible ambush spot, or risk civilian deaths. The rectangular room provided little cover other than the various desks. Not knowing what he was up against, Jackson decided to stay hidden until he had a further grasp of the situation. He took in a deep breath and peeked over the top of the desk.

The door lit up for several seconds before flying off the hinges and slamming into a nearby desk, causing several of the workers to shriek in terror. A group of soldiers clad in black stormed into the room and began barking commands. The majority of the room hit the floor, while a few tried to plead with the men. Jackson ducked back under the desk and readied his pistol. By the look of it, the intruders were more than just the run-of-the-mill thugs that practically ran the seedier areas of Altaris IV.

Heads down, everyone. We’re here for former Lt. Commander George Jackson. Give him to us and the rest of you can live. The man spoke with intensity as he aimed the rifle from one civilian to the next.

All this commotion for little old me? Jackson asked, as he rolled out from under the desk and jabbed his gun into the man’s back.

It seems you are as much trouble as we were told, the man replied, slowly putting his gun down.

What do you want with me? Oh, and call off your dogs. Jackson nodded toward the men closing in on the two.

You heard the man. Back off, boys. The price on your head is more than enough to draw a few unsavory types.

A bounty? Who wants me dead?

The man shifted his weight slightly. You’ll find out soon enough. They want you alive.

Jackson grabbed the man’s shoulder with his free hand. That’ll be enough. Have your men drop their weapons and we’ll all walk away from this alive.

The man nodded to his troops. Let him walk, boys. We’ll catch him next time.

Jackson pulled the gun away and released his grip on the man’s shoulder. He smiled to the others as he sauntered over to the exit. After pausing at the door, which now lay at his feet, he examined the contents sitting on his desk. His was the only desk that had little or no personal items. Sure that he wouldn’t miss any of the items, Jackson shrugged and continued through the door. He heard a commotion coming from behind and took time to improvise a diversion. Using a trip wire and a flash bang grenade, the former Lt. commander rigged a trap for his pursuers.

The loud explosion told him that his plan had worked, but he had no way of telling how much time it had bought him. Should have killed them when I had the chance, he thought as he tried the doors on a few nearby hover cars. The lights on the street were much dimmer than the adjacent streets. Only the large corporations could afford to pay for lighting every night of the year. He continued down the block until he found a suitable hoverbike with the keys in one of the side bags. As he drove off down the street, he glanced in his rearview mirror to notice several figures coming out of the building.

He kicked the bike into a higher gear and turned down the nearest street. Altaris IV wasn’t known for its street traffic, and this night was typical by traffic standards. The massive skyscrapers didn’t help his visibility, but they blocked his pursuer’s view of him as he wove through several more streets. Jackson found no trouble until he came upon a checkpoint for the Coalition Naval Command.  Why’d it have to be Coalition forces? he groaned as he slowed for the checkpoint. Being neither a stranger to the Coalition or Naval Command, Jackson decided to try his chances with them.

Name and rank? the guard asked.

Ensign Jackson, reporting for duty, Jackson replied.

"You’ve been assigned to the CNS Pilgrim?"

That I have. I just recently was assigned as a consultant. If I am not mistaken, the roster is still in process, Jackson answered as he guessed at the guard’s inquiry.

Last time I checked, the guard replied, as he powered down the force field.

I’m free to go?

Yeah, but you might want to change before seeing the captain. He doesn’t like his crew wearing civilian clothes.

Newly assigned Ensign Jackson nodded and revved his bike before proceeding toward the massive starship that awaited him in the middle of the naval base. The CNS Pilgrim was the first of its kind. Never before had anyone successfully built a functioning Colony ship of that size. Due to the ship’s caliber and the scope of the missions it could accomplish, the ship was known as a Capital Class Colony ship. A testament to the skill of the Coalition engineers, the Pilgrim could hold fifty thousand passengers and five-hundred crewmen. It currently was operating at a lessened capacity with only half the crew. There were no other ships in the naval base, causing George to believe that the Pilgrim was their top priority. Jackson slowed his speed as he closed in on the launch pad.

The ship had seven decks in all, two of which were dedicated to storing supplies. One of the decks served the ship and the other was for colony building. The bridge was the uppermost and smallest of the decks. It consisted of a handful of necessary operation consoles and the captain’s quarters. Engineering was the largest deck and held all the ship’s critical systems and, being one of the most integral parts, was off-limits to all nonessential staff except the captain. The Habitation deck consisted of the civilian living quarters, civilian eating areas, and the entertainment lounge.

Of the final decks, the military deck was more important. It housed the crew quarters, a training room, and the ship’s medical facility. The Recreation deck was more popular with its observation decks, parks, and the fully functioning gym. All these decks together made the Pilgrim the pride of the Coalition, and George Jackson was one of the few lucky enough to work on the craft on its maiden voyage.

Your name isn’t on the roster, but here it is in the Coalition database. What is your specialty? the naval officer asked Jackson as he approached the entry to the ship.

Security and some navigational experience, George replied.

Good, report to Bridge. The head security officer will meet you there.

Jackson smiled and then entered the transport tube. The tube shot the ensign up to the habitation deck. There he was greeted by the chief habitation officer and informed of the location of his quarters. Upon entering his quarters, he found a security outfit. The black intermingled with the gray wouldn’t have been his first choice, but he didn’t get a say in the matter. At least the vest gives me some protection, he thought as he exited the room.  He was then shown to the main hub of the ship, which housed the main elevator. The elevator was the only effective way to travel between each of the levels of the colony ship. Some of the middle decks had stairwells leading to adjacent deck, but the bridge and the two storage decks were only accessible via the elevator. As an ensign, Jackson was confined to levels three, four, and five, unless otherwise specified.  Having been an officer in the Alliance ground forces special operations task force, Jackson was unaccustomed to larger vessels.

The elevator shuttled him to the bridge, where he found himself face to face with both the head security officer and the captain. They were already in the midst of a conversation and Jackson thought it best not to interfere. What have I gotten myself into this time? he thought as he glanced around the bridge. The bridge was unusually devoid of personnel. Jackson wasn’t sure whether this was due to the nature of the ship or the fact that the ship was still in dry dock.

You there, state your name and rank, the security officer ordered.

Ensign Jackson. Reporting to the chief security officer. Jackson did his best salute, which was still far from what was expected of a coalition officer.

Right, I’ll put you on the work log as part of the assault squad. You’ve had experience in the field?

Yes sir, I was a soldier in the Alliance ground force not long ago. I disagreed with an order or two and I quit on the spot. Things have gotten a little dicey since then.

The captain interrupted the conversation. Your background, while I’m sure it is most interesting, is of little meaning. All we need to know is your skill set and that your loyalties lie with us.

Of course. My apologies, Captain. I was trying to be forthcoming, Jackson replied, somewhat annoyed.

Not at all. The captain just likes to keep a tight shift, the security officer said as he guided Jackson back toward the elevator.

I’ll keep that in mind, Jackson answered as he stepped into the elevator.

Oh, and stay off the bridge unless ordered here, the chief security officer advised just before the doors closed.

Over the next several days, Jackson grew accustomed to ship life. The numerous training drills and ship tours helped him find peace in his new venture. He was quickly identified as one of the most promising of the security team recruits, leading to him being chosen as an instructor for new recruits. The Pilgrim was beginning to feel like home.

*

George wiped his eyes as the rain continued to pound the surface of Denab III. His other hand rested on the modified pistol at his side. The mission briefing had been oddly vague about what kind of resistance they were expected to face, but none of that bothered George. At twenty-three, Lieutenant Jackson thought he was indestructible. He thought this with good reason too, for he scored among the highest of all the cadets in the Alliance military. His rise through the ranks had been one of the fastest in history, even if the details were shady.

Nobody was surprised to see a politician’s son or nephew rise fast in Alliance ranks. Usually they were rewarded with simple assignments like protecting senators and their families. Even the families of military heroes were regularly accelerated to the top of their class and then awarded positions that were mostly prestigious. That was the way things were done in the Alliance. Ranks were a way of showing preference and rarely had anything to do with a person’s skill. Jackson, however, was a different story. His rise was due to his skill and hard work. That, coupled with his loyalty and penchant for not questioning his superiors, made him the perfect tool for the Alliance. His unit was assigned to difficult tasks that required the utmost of secrecy, and often kept in the dark about the true intentions of the mission.

None of that mattered now. His focus was solely on the mission. This is a test, he thought as he scanned the area for possible targets. His mind was ever searching for ways to be noticed by his superiors. If he could manage to identify bogeys without receiving further instructions, he stood a good chance of being promoted to lieutenant first class. His eyes caught sight of several soldiers leaving a nearby building. Each of them was carrying heavy armaments, and had more armor than Jackson was used to seeing.

Your targets are on the move, said a voice in his ear.

Thanks, Haley, I’ve got them in sight, he replied as he began to tail the soldiers.

The men made a turn down the next alley and Jackson followed. Much to his surprise, they were waiting for him. He ducked behind a nearby dumpster and pulled his pistol. With a flick of his thumb, he switched it to combination fire mode. Several blasts slammed against the dumpster before he finally rolled out and fired his own shots. His first two shots hit the mark and two soldiers slumped to the floor. Another two shots and two more soldiers were down. The third soldier threw his gun on the floor and dropped to his knees.

Terminate all targets, Haley ordered.

Yes, ma’am. Jackson pulled the trigger and watched the final soldier crash to the floor.

George bent down and examined the emblems on the soldier’s shoulders. I thought they were our allies, he thought, noticing the Coalition symbols. For the first time on any mission, Lieutenant Jackson realized he was sweating. Most of his missions took place far from the public eye. What if somebody saw me? he thought as he grabbed the small package out of the leader’s hand. He peered out from the alley to see an empty street. Money in the right pockets had cleared the street of spectators. George had heard the rumors, but this was the first time he had experienced how efficient the Alliance was at making things disappear.

I need an evac, George said as he tapped his fingers against the wall.

Two minutes out, Lieutenant, the voice replied.

Call me George.

You know the protocol, sir.

Mission’s over, Haley. I don’t outrank you anymore.

The mission isn’t over until the evac team arrives.

George had never thought of it that way before. To him, the matter was as simple as getting in and taking out the target, retrieving a package, protecting an individual, or some combination of the three. Does she know something that I don’t? he wondered as he holstered his pistol. The package seemed harmless enough. Judging by the size, the contents were too big to be a chip, but too small to be a weapon.