Battling Avon

By Rebekah Shelton

Avon and Jeremy have escaped planet Earth, but their adventure is not over. While learning more about the web of lies which encompassed their lives, Avon is drawn deeper into everyone else's desire for her to be the next ruler of Zarcon. Wanting to only rescue the kidnaped children, she is betrayed again and again by those she trusted the most. With every attempt to free the children, another hardship prevents her from attaining her goal. Can Avon and the Freedom Fighters rescue the enslaved children and overthrow the Zarcon Empire? Who will wear the crown? And who will lose their head?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rebekah Shelton
• Release date: Feb 2, 2016
• ISBN: 9781311584991

Rebekah Shelton

Rebekah Shelton, originally from Northeastern Ohio and now residing in Middle Tennessee with her husband, is an empty nester who found her passion for writing through her love of reading. Her literary journey began with her first book, "Emerald Eyes," which started as a tragic romance but evolved into a captivating paranormal romance. Captivated by the characters she created, Rebekah continued to delve into their world, crafting the ongoing series known as the "Legend of the Snow Wolves." Expanding upon her storytelling prowess, she ventured into the realm of the supernatural with a mythological twist in her spin-off series, "The Red Wolf Chronicles."Driven by her addiction to sci-fi movies and her boundless imagination, Rebekah embarked on her third series, titled "The Battle for Zarcon," immersing readers in an exhilarating science fiction universe. Displaying her versatility as an author, she co-authored a book alongside her husband, Jeff, entitled "Operation De-ICE - The Battle for Earth," delivering a collaborative tale filled with thrilling adventures and epic battles."Address for Murder" draws inspiration from a real-life incident that sparked the author's imagination. The story revolves around a woman who faces difficulties receiving packages at her post office box, which had previously been rented by an FBI agent. Intrigued by the possibilities, the author began contemplating what would unfold if the box came into the possession of a CIA agent entangled in a dangerous web of deception and betrayal. Thus, "Address for Murder" was born, weaving a thrilling narrative that explores the consequences of a double or even triple cross, putting the life of an innocent girl in jeopardy.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Wait for me! a familiar voice called out just as Rory started closing the hatch to the small space shuttle. Avon turned and saw Iramy running toward the aircraft. Iramy was carrying several weapons, including her favorite sword, an assault rifle, and a duffle full of ammunition.

What are you doing here? Avon begged anxiously.

This is my fight too. I promised to take care of you, and you are my responsibility. I can’t just hide in a concrete hole and expect you to fight this battle alone.

While the thought of Iramy heading out into the galaxy and hiding from the assassins who were after Avon frightened her, Avon was relieved Iramy was there. Avon hugged Iramy and noticed the smile on Rory's face. It was a smile of familiarity and respect. But there was something more behind his smile. Instinctively, Avon knew there was more to the story, but there wasn’t enough time to ask.

We need to get the hell out of here, Iramy urged. Another group of assassins isn’t far behind. They have been following me for days. This morning I realized they had inserted a tracking device into my leg when I was attacked at the mansion. I took it out with a piece of metal I found about ten miles back and fed the transponder to a rat. My leg could use some medical attention. I didn’t have the time or luxury to heal it properly. I didn’t grab a medical kit, just a few weapons for protection.

Avon glanced down at Iramy's leg. She saw the makeshift bandage wrapped around the wound. It appeared to be a strip of cloth Iramy had torn off the bottom of her shirt. Blood had stained both the dressing and Iramy's pants. Only then Avon noticed, Iramy was favoring one leg, limping slightly due to the pain.

We need to look at your leg, Avon suggested. You took a big gamble cutting out the transponder with a dirty piece of metal. I hope infection hasn’t set in.

Your survival is more important than mine, Iramy proclaimed. I will always put your safety before my own, even if I have to do it with just one leg.

Avon gasped, hearing Iramy's proclamation.

Prepare for takeoff, Rory suggested, ushering everyone inside. Then we can take care of Alia's leg.

The shuttle was small, barely big enough for eight or ten people. It was designed for transporting small landing parties onto the surface of a planet. It wasn’t equipped for long journeys. Ladies, take a seat wherever you would like. Jeremy, you’re up here with me.

Jeremy looked at Rory, confused. "You are a pilot, aren't you? Rory asked his nephew. Jeremy nodded. Good, because I need someone to help fly this shuttle if the assassins catch up or catch on. I will man the weapons, and you will take the stick. We have two of the most beautiful women in the galaxy as our passengers, and I will be damned if anything happens to them."

Jeremy looked back quickly at Iramy and Avon. Yes, both were attractive, but he had never really thought of them in anything other than a platonic nature. Iramy was the same age as Avon's mother. And Avon was a Cadet. His assignment and his ticket to a battleship. Jeremy chuckled for a moment. Because of Avon, he would go into battle, not as an ICE officer, but as her personal protector. When Rory asked him to join the cause, Jeremy didn’t hesitate. Jeremy knew protecting Avon, the lost Princess of Zarcon, was the most important thing he would ever do. Plus, he would get the added satisfaction of taking down the empire that killed his father twenty years ago.

Boy, Rory chuckled. Are you blind, or is your dick dead? Alia is drop-dead gorgeous, and Avon is mighty easy on the eyes, even with the dark hair.

She is nothing but a spoiled rotten brat I was babysitting for the summer. That’s all I saw.

All you saw was a ticket to your next assignment and maybe a promotion, Rory countered. Boy, this is your next assignment, and if you still want a promotion, you got it. I will make you a Colonel in my army.

You have your own army?

Yep, Rory smiled.

Rory pushed a few buttons, and the door to the shuttle closed and sealed. Soon the roar of the plasma engines was purring, ready for takeoff. I see you have upgraded the engines, Iramy smiled.

I’ve gotten a few donations here and there, Rory laughed.

Don't you mean acquisitions? Iramy smirked.

Rory smiled but didn’t answer. He purchased what he could, and he stole what he needed.

Once off the ground, Rory headed for space. Avon grabbed Iramy's hand. It was her first trip in a shuttle, the first she remembered. Her only other journey through space was from Zarcon to Earth, but Avon was only a baby, a newborn.

Can we fly out over the ocean? Jeremy asked, remembering a previous conversation in which Avon had learned the coast was a barren strip of land twenty miles across and not really the coastline of the ocean. Avon has never seen the ocean. Jeremy conveniently omitted he had never seen it either. ICE had designated the coast as a no-fly zone.

Of course, Rory smiled. It may be a while before we return to Earth.

Rory made a quick course change, flying out over the ocean. Come look, he told Avon as he circled. There is the beach, and in the distance, Lorian City.

It’s beautiful, Avon smiled.

Rory glanced back at Iramy. I thought we agreed you would take a passenger ship when it was safe.

I decided to join you now. I didn’t want to wait, Iramy smirked. I don’t think I will ever feel safe again on this planet.

We’ll have to make a detour or two to conceal our final destination, Rory informed his passengers. As long as we meet with Ishi before the Zarcons find us, we’ll be okay.

Ishi? Jeremy asked.

Ishi is my ship, my battleship. It’s one of my aircraft in the fleet used by the Vees.

Vees? Jeremy asked.

The Freedom Fighters call themselves Vees. We have three Vs that we live by. Valor, virtue, and victory. It’s our motto.

So why Ishi? I’ve never heard the name before, Jeremy asked again.

"Back in the early 1900s, a Native American from the Yahi tribe appeared on the west coast of North America. He walked out of the wilderness and was captured. It was believed he was the last of his tribe. In the Yahi culture, it was rude to ask someone their name, so an anthropologist named him Ishi. Ishi means man in the Yana language. For the longest time, I refused to give my ship a name. But I got tired of everyone asking me what the name of my battle cruiser was. It was rude. Remembering what Ishi said about it being rude to ask someone their name, I named her after him. Now the ship has a name, and when people ask me why I call her Ishi, I get the added pleasure of insinuating they are rude."

"So, you named her Ishi, which means man, Jeremy pondered aloud. I don’t get it."

It’s my ship, Rory smirked. "I can name her whatever I want."

I like it, Avon grinned. "The subtle insult is perfect. But for me, it means mankind and humanity."

The shuttle only took minutes to escape the Earth's gravitational pull and enter outer space. We need to look at your leg, Avon reminded Iramy once they could unbuckle their harnesses. Avon had always loved Iramy. But now she loved her even more. Not for joining them but because Iramy was family, blood family. Not just the woman who had cared for her and raised her. Iramy was her aunt, her mother's twin sister. Avon stared at Iramy, trying to see her mother, the mother who she had never met. The mother who died at the hands of her own father after Avon was ripped from her womb and discarded like yesterday's trash.

Is there a medical kit? Avon asked Rory.

The shuttle has a few items but not a regenerator. Antiseptic and bandages should be in the compartment below the left bunk. It will have to do until we reach Ishi. We have a full medical bay there.

How long will it take to get there? Avon asked, now concerned. She could see the pain Iramy was enduring. The wound was still bleeding.

A few hours, Rory informed her. She is at the edge of this galaxy, waiting for our arrival.

Captain Hanson, Avon called out and then snickered. Oops, Colonel Hanson, help me move Iramy to the back.

It’s Jeremy, just Jeremy, he replied. I think we’re now considered deserters. The Intergalactic Command Exchange is now our past, not our future.

If I’m no longer a Cadet, do I get a new title? Avon retorted sarcastically.

I think we’re back to Princess again, Jeremy snickered.

I prefer Avon.

Rory turned and smiled. You may want to get used to it. You are a princess. This fight is about you and the Zarcon throne. Like it or not, many people will call you Princess Avon and bow to you. Technically, you outrank us all. This is your army now.

What if I don’t want an Army?

You got one, so suck it up! Rory laughed wholeheartedly.

Chapter 2

Jeremy helped Iramy back to the bunk and found the limited medical supplies. Looking inside the compartment, Avon found some gauze and some antibiotics. Avon searched for something to close the wound, but without a regenerator, she had nothing, or so she thought.

Avon looked at Iramy's wound, confused. You have a bag of weapons, and even a sword and a knife, but you used a piece of dirty scrap metal to dig the transponder out of your leg. Why?

Growing up, I was taught getting your own blood on your own weapon meant death. It was like a curse, a premonition. I’m not saying it’s true, but I’m not taking any chances. I would like to live another forty years or so.

Rory appeared seconds later. We’re on autopilot. I figured you could use my help. Hand me the stapler.

The what?

The stapler, Rory repeated. It will hold the tissue together and close the wound until we can use the regenerator. It will hurt like hell, but it’s all we have. We reserve our limited resources for battles. We have to go old-school for a lot of injuries. Unless an injury is life-threatening, we bandage and keep going.

This is barbaric, Avon countered.

Yes, it is, Rory replied in agreement as he ripped Iramy's pant leg up to the wound on her thigh. You really did a number on your leg digging out the transponder. You’re going to have a scar.

You have a few yourself, Iramy grinned salaciously.

One or two, Rory replied with a smile and a hint of familiarity.

How much history do the two of you have? Jeremy asked, seeing the interaction between Rory and Iramy. It bordered on flirting. Rory even called Iramy by her given name, Alia.

I was at the ICE docking station when Alia and Avon first arrived on Earth. When I first saw Alia, my knees went weak. She was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. Her fiery red hair was stunning, and her skin was so pale and perfect. And those freckles, I wanted to touch every one of them. But when I saw the baby in her arms, when I saw Avon, my lust turned to hate. I hated Alia, Avon, and everything I thought I believed in. My brother was dead. I turned away. Not just to Alia but to my life as I knew it. I dropped out of ICE and became a rebel.

Rory poured some antiseptic into Iramy's wound. Hearing Iramy's muffled scream clearly distressed him. Hold the tissue together while I staple it closed, Rory requested of Avon. Avon had healed her father many times when he had returned from temporary assignments to keep some of his injuries off the record. Seeing blood did not make her squeamish. Now Avon wondered about the nature of her father's injuries. Why did the General want them to be kept a secret?

After a few years, Alia joined the rebellion. We became friends and allies. She is a fighter. She knows weapons and hand-to-hand combat. We’ve had some fun. She is quite talented when it comes to computers, viruses, and encryption codes. Alia has helped me integrate antiquated systems with newer ones a few times. I have tried to procure more up-to-date equipment and systems as they become available. Alia has been able to find ways to interface one technology with another. We may not have the most modern ship, but we have some things other ships don’t have, and we use it to our advantage. We have kept the creature comforts to a minimum to ramp up our shields and weapons arrays. And for speed, we can outrun just about every ship in the galaxy.

Rory paused and glanced at Avon. Alia is a strong, beautiful woman. I would have been honored to have her at my side, both in battle and in my bed. But Alia would never leave you. Alia loves you as if you were her daughter. And I suspect she has also come to love the General over the years. You and he are her family now.

You love her? Avon asked.

Rory looked at Iramy and smiled. Yes. I love her with every inch of my being, almost as much as chocolate éclairs. Avon and Jeremy's eyes went wide. Rory was the unnamed person Iramy had spoken about during lunch at Bella Luna's. Rory was the sexual partner that Iramy had referred to when stating that the éclairs were almost better than sex.

Iramy reached out her hand to Rory and smiled. He’s just in love with a renegade princess.

Rory smiled. A dead princess, he laughed.

What do you mean, a dead princess? Avon asked.

Well, I’m technically a princess, and technically I’m dead, Iramy smirked.

Rory laughed and continued the story. Alia's mother was in one of the first groups kidnaped by the Zarcons to be used as slave labor. Adara was only about sixteen and was quite beautiful. Zarcon took her as his consort and later made her his wife, his queen. That makes Alia a princess.

Ex-princess, Iramy quickly interjected.

Rory turned and addressed Avon again. Shortly after your arrival on Earth, we started a rumor that Alia had been killed by local rebels. With her cosmetic alterations, no one is looking for her. As far as Angar knows, Alia is dead. It’s why she was not killed during the home invasion. We also spread a rumor that you died before arriving on Earth, which worked for a few years. But our hoax was discovered when photos of you and the General started circulating. There was no denying you are Asenath's daughter. The hair color and complexion clearly were that of Asenath's. With your twenty-first birthday barely a year away, you would be able to claim the throne. Angar has to ensure your demise if he wants to rule the Zarcon Empire.

So, I have to bow to her now? Jeremy asked, insulted at the idea of Avon outranking him, even if she was a princess.

Avon shrugged and smirked. Now, who has to suck it up?

And to think, a week or so ago, we were camping and learning to become a team, Jeremy sighed.

We are still a team, Avon replied. We made it through the slums together, and now we will fight together. I still trust you to have my six. Do you still trust me?

A week ago, you weren't really a princess. You were a cadet. That I trusted. Now you have a whole army of people to fight for you. You can go back to being soft again.

Avon clenched her jaw and took a long breath through her nose. Rory could see the tension between the two. Avon, let me ask you something. Would you shoot back if you knew someone was about to shoot you?

No, Avon replied and then continued. After everything that has happened, if I knew someone was going to shoot me, I would shoot them first.

I think you have your answer, Colonel Hanson, Rory laughed. This girl has been a survivor from the moment she was born. Avon surprised everyone then, and I expect she will continue to surprise us. Avon is a fighter. Soon she will be a true warrior.

Rory finished bandaging Iramy's leg. There should be a pair of pants in the drawer under the other bunk, he informed Iramy. They might be a little big, but they will do for now.

After we reach Ishi, then what? Avon asked. Is there a home base somewhere? Or will we be confined to a ship forever?

We have a honey hole on one of the moons of Glorca. The moon is pretty much uninhabitable. The surface is ice cold, and the winds can rip a man in half in seconds, but beneath the surface, we are safe. We found a cavern that we were able to excavate, and it has an excellent landing pad for shuttles. Ishi stays in orbit. We have set up our headquarters on the moon. It’s not fancy by any means, but it’s quite functional. We have barracks, complete with a dining hall and full medical facilities. We will fully outfit everyone with battle uniforms and a full complement of weapons once we arrive. In the meantime, I have some handheld lasers and a set of Solarian armor for Avon. It’s nearly impenetrable. Avon has to be our first priority. The armor was made based on the measurements Alia sent me six months ago, so it may be a little tight. It appears Avon has bulked up a bit over the summer.

Rory double-checked Iramy’s bandage and helped her off the bunk. It’s really good to see you, Rory whispered as he kissed Iramy lovingly on the cheek. I’m glad you’re here.

Iramy smiled and then kissed Rory, this time on the lips. The kiss lasted longer than Rory had expected. When the kiss ended, Rory was left with a euphoric smile. He blushed, realizing Avon and Jeremy were watching.

Iramy was also smiling as she retrieved a pair of military-style pants from the drawer. Searching for a bit of privacy, Iramy hobbled to the rear of the shuttle with Avon just steps behind. Eyes front, gentlemen, Iramy warned as she turned her back and started unbuttoning her pants.

You heard the lady, Rory told Jeremy sternly. Jeremy complied, staring straight ahead.

Avon helped Iramy change into clean pants. They were a little big but would suffice until Iramy could find other clothing. Then Iramy helped Avon into the Solarian armor. It was jet black and made of a leather-like material. It was designed to thwart any injuries that could be inflicted during battle.

Avon wiggled into the skintight armor and held her breath while Iramy zipped it. It showed every inch and asset of Avon’s toned and womanly physique. Avon glanced at the left sleeve cuff and saw three white Vs. Avon grinned, knowing they stood for valor, virtue, and victory.

It’s a bit tight, Avon whispered, trying to hold her breath.

This armor will save your life, Iramy reminded Avon. The boots should fit perfectly. I will do what I can to procure a new set of armor once we arrive on the moon. But I have to say you will turn a few heads. It seems my little girl has grown up.

Together the ladies walked back to the front of the shuttle. Jeremy’s eyes nearly popped out when he saw Avon. Noticing Jeremy’s stare, Rory smacked him on the arm. Eyes front, Colonel.

Rory and Iramy did their best to stifle their laughter. Both knew Jeremy, for the first time, had seen Avon as a woman and not just an assignment.

We have about two more hours before we dock with Ishi, Rory advised. Take a seat and get comfortable, he suggested.

Iramy sat without hesitation. Her leg was throbbing with pain.

I think I will stand, Avon whispered hoarsely. She was not only afraid of sitting but also of taking a deep breath.

Chapter 3

As soon as the shuttle docked with Ishi, Rory rushed Iramy toward the medical bay. We are getting you proper medical treatment for your leg. I’m sure you don’t want a nasty scar.

I don’t mind the scar, Iramy chuckled. Especially since I have a great story to go along with it.

It will be legendary, Rory smiled. But we’re getting it looked at just the same.

Avon and Jeremy followed Rory and Iramy.

The medic, Imelda Patu, smiled as Rory entered the medical bay. We used a twenty-first-century surgical stapler to close the wound. But I’m more concerned about infection. Iramy used a rusty piece of metal to dig the assassin's tracking device out of her leg, Rory explained.

Damn, woman, Patu smiled in awe. You are hardcore.

I did what I had to do, Iramy replied with a shrug.

Everyone else out, Patu barked.

Jeremy knew it was his cue to leave. Avon and Rory did not move. Take Avon with you, Rory requested. She doesn’t need to see this.

You don’t need to see this either, Iramy told Rory.

If you think I’m leaving, you are insane, Rory rebutted. First, this is my ship, and secondly...well... Rory didn’t complete his sentence. However, Iramy knew he would stay because he cared deeply for her.

Jeremy took Avon by the arm and led her away. They didn’t walk far. Patu pulled the curtain for privacy, but Avon and Jeremy could still hear everything said.

You did a good job with the stapler, Patu told Rory. But I’m going to reopen the wound and close it properly. Plus, I want to check for internal damage and infection. Overall, your leg looks good. Still, I’m not taking any chances.

Iramy nodded and then closed her eyes. No anesthesia, Iramy requested. Just do what you need to do.

I’m going to numb the incision, Patu rebutted. Otherwise, this is going to hurt like hell.

Iramy looked at Rory, who nodded. Local anesthesia only, Rory grimaced.

Patu administered the numbing agent and then started removing the staples. She opened the wound and started looking at the depth of the gash. You did a real hatchet job, lady. But I can fix it. I will flood your leg with an antibiotic and then prescribe an oral antibiotic. You will live.

Well, I better, Iramy laughed.

Iramy's leg was almost healed with the regenerator when a junior officer rushed into the medical bay. There is an urgent message from Camp Valor, he exclaimed.

Iramy didn’t wait to hear another word. She jumped up and started pulling on her pants. I’m not finished, Patu yelled.

Yes, you are, Iramy rebutted as she followed Rory, who was already on his way to the helm. It took only seconds for Iramy, Jeremy, and Avon to catch up with Rory.

On the helm, a halo projection appeared. Rory recognized his camp commander, Colonel Annelle Tigani. General Hanson, we’re being attacked by the Zarcons. There was no warning. Somehow their arrival went undetected, and we didn’t have a chance to launch our ships to defend the moon.

How could this have happened? Rory demanded in anger.

I believe we have a mole, a traitor. I will initiate a full investigation, and I should have answers by the time you arrive, Tigani advised.

How is the camp holding up?

For the most part, pretty good. One of the enlisted wings is taking the brunt of the attack. We have some injuries but no casualties yet. Please hurry. We need some support from the air.

The halo projection ended. You heard the lady, Rory commanded. Full speed to Camp Valor.

Rory turned to Jeremy. It looks like you will see combat sooner than you thought. I was afraid they would retaliate after Avon left Earth. It was only natural for them to suspect the Freedom Fighters of being involved. My primary concern is how they found our base of operations and how they snuck up on us. Someone's head is going to roll.

Rory turned to Iramy. Iramy, take Avon to my quarters. She doesn’t need to be here.

Avon quickly rebutted. I’m staying. If this is about me, then I’m already involved. This is my fault.

Iramy grabbed Avon by the arm and spun her around. This is not your fault! You are innocent. You are the target. The helm is always the first target of a battleship. Staying here only puts you in more danger, right in the line of fire.

I’m staying! Avon barked for everyone to hear. This is my fight too. I’m not going to hide from my enemies.

Everyone on the helm and surrounding deck smiled. It was their first time seeing the infamous Princess Avon. They had expected a meek, gentle, frightened girl. But here stood a woman, a fighter, a determined soldier dressed in Solarian armor. Avon was both beautiful and a force to be reckoned with.

Okay then, Rory shrugged. Jeremy, you back up the helmsman. Iramy, you know the weapons system on this ship as well as I do. I need you to back up the weapons officer. Dougal McDungess, meet Iramy Wayzata.

Mack, McDungess stated, nodding at Iramy.

Jeremy and Iramy looked at