Return To Cinzana

By Jeanne Linton

When The Alliance decides to negotiate a peace treaty and trade agreement with the Garendos Sen and Evana are asked be witnesses to what caused the breakdown of the previous treaty.
When the Sesro returns from its scheduled three year sojourn, Zenfeor, the captain of the Sesro, tries to satisfy his needs with a prostitute. Unfortunately, instead he falls into her clutches and is drugged and implanted with a tracking device. Ordered to appear before viceroy, Zenfeor expects a reprimand for unbecoming behaviour but instead receives instructions to take the negotiating committee to Yerba.
Come and join us in the developments and journey into the world of the Garendos and Zapotec.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jeanne Linton
• Release date: Mar 16, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370767618

Jeanne Linton

I was born in Vancouver, B.C. Married when I was 22 and moved to the midwest with my husband. While living in Michigan I had four children. Although I liked living in the U.S. after I was divorced, I returned to B.C. with two of my children where I have lived ever since, only returning to visit my family still in the U.S. I am retired now, enjoying my life, and continuing to write stories.I have written three young adult novels, a book where the main character is a chicken, but mostly science fiction novels. The science fiction novels ;'Seeds of the Galaxy' deals with the roots of humanity as they are forced from their world because of a changing environment and migrate across the cosmos.My books are listed on Smashwords under Jeannelinton.

Book preview

COPYRIGHT

© Copyright 2017 by Jeanne Linton. All rights reserved

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any way by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the author except as provided by USA copyright law.

This novel is a work of fiction. Names, descriptions, entities and incidents included in the story are products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, events and entities is entirely coincidental.

The opinions expressed by the author are hers alone.

Published by: Smashwords 2017

For other works including children's books and science fiction please see my website: jeannelinton.com

Available on iBooks, Barnes & Noble, Kindle, Kobo, and Smashwords.

DEDICATION

TO

KATRINA

May the joy in your eyes, the kindness of your heart,

and the sweetness of your soul never be taken from you.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Copyright

Dedication

Prologue

CHAPTER 1 - First Encounter

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5 - Carmona

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7 - City of Ming

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9 - Sesro

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12 - Kondor

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 16 - Evana's Escape

CHAPTER 17

CHAPTER 18

CHAPTER 19 - Temple of Imar

CHAPTER 20

CHAPTER 21

CHAPTER 23

CHAPTER 24

CHAPTER 25

CHAPTER 26 - Leaving Yerba

CHAPTER 27

CHAPTER 28

CHAPTER 29 - Return

CHAPTER 30

CHAPTER 31

CHAPTER 32

CHAPTER 33

CHAPTER 34

Appendix

Profile of Jeanne Linton

Other Books by Jeanne Linton

Coming Soon…

PROLOGUE

Called upon to make sacrifices for the common good, Sen and Evana embark on a diplomatic mission to Yerba where they'll be reliable witnesses and help negotiate a mutually beneficial treaty and bring lasting peace to the galaxy. They leave Preta and their children behind in the capable hands of Evana's sister Tali as they forge ahead into the unknown.

However, things don't go as planned as the rogue faction that thwarted the original peace treaty some years earlier takes this opportunity to rekindle the war between the members of The Alliance and the Garendos. The previously nameless faction, now known as the Pachi, emerges from obscurity when The Alliance moves forward in their effort to reinstate the peace treaty with the help of The Alliance's President, Mando. When the peace seeking envoys land on Yerba, Sen and Evana are caught up in a dangerous covert action that takes them to the island of Carmona where they are helped by the Zapotec.

Join me in this fast-paced adventure and discover the intriguing mysteries of Yerba as Sen and Evana are drawn into the maneuvering between The Alliance, the Pachi, the Garendos, and the Zapotec.

CHAPTER 1 - FIRST ENCOUNTER

Manus hurries along the narrow corridor pondering the dark intrigue that's developing on Avesta which has now turned into a disaster of catastrophic proportions. Upon entering the bridge, the barrel-chested man slumps into the commander's chair that sits in front of the viewing screen displaying the jewel-like planet as his mind contemplates the implications of the developing mystery. Why? Why are they doing this? Nothing makes any sense. Though I'm not a politician, I don't understand the reasoning behind the killing of the Coryphe and then fingering my man. Kos stood heads and shoulders above any other diplomat that the Credens have had in centuries. He was loved by his people and admired by every member of The Alliance. Sen had no motive for killing him and killing a couple of Orandees and two young girls is certainly beneath his dignity. He's a mechanic and fighter pilot, with little interest in politics. Instincts tell me these developments aren't going to end here. Moving his hand to the control panel, Bridge, what other ships are in this quadrant?

The Sebac's within range, sir.

Hail them. I'll speak to Commander Keiran. Put the transmission through on the highest security level.

Yes sir.

As Manus leans back in his chair, his mind continues to wander. Obviously, more than the murder of the Coryphe is going on. If killing Kos was their only agenda he would have simply had an accident or died in his sleep. Why implicate us? We're not in a position to afford the loss of another starship with four hundred highly trained personnel aboard. Not with all the losses we already incurred. All I can think of is that it's sedition orchestrated by a rogue terrorist group trying to seize power because the members of The Alliance need peace just as much as we do.

I'm also aware of the fact that our population is diminishing and continued losses could result in extinction. At the current rate of decline, in a few hundred years we'll become like the Zapotec. However, unlike the Zapotec, there's no population for us to assimilate into. I don't want to lose my ship but if I try to leave the quadrant, The Alliance will strike.

The intercom bleeps, Commander Keiran, sir.

Thank you, Nuri, put him through.

Good to speak to you again after all this time, Keiran. What's happening here is I find myself involved in a very thorny situation. What I need is for my crew to be transferred from the Kritania to your ship. I know it's a lot to ask but can you help?

How many, and why?

I have approximately four hundred people on board: skilled technicians, maintenance personnel, fighter pilots, people difficult to replace. It's become apparent that the only way I can save my crew is to sacrifice my ship. Will you assist?

I can, but it'll be tight taking that many people aboard. I don't understand why you're not defending your ship and why you've chosen us instead of the Argost?

Because The Alliance already knows the Argost is here. We are being detained while they are investigating the murder of the Coryphe. One of my crew was fingered for the deed which places everyone aboard this ship under suspicion as conspirators. If I move the Kritania, I'll be fired upon but it's highly unlikely that the conspiracy will stop with the destruction of my ship.

I'd be happy to accommodate your people in this situation but how do you intend to sneak them off the Kritania without raising suspicion?

Once my crew's safe I don't care what they do or think because this is a losing situation so I can't make it worse. I'll start by shuttling non-essential personnel to intercept behind Jonk-heer. Because they don't know you're here, you can slip directly behind the satellite. Because of your size and the nature of your technology, you won't be detected by their sensors. We'll jettison the shuttles from the rear hatch in the direction of Jonk-heer and hope that they have enough momentum to reach you but you may have to lock-on and pull them in. Before you approach Jonk-heer, shut down your thrusters and drift in but be mindful of how you approach because you don't have clearance. If you're detected, we'll have a different problem on our hands. If all goes well, we should be down to a skeleton crew by the time this thing blows.

So what happens if you're wrong? Keiran asks.

Then this operation will be my epitaph.

I'm proceeding to intercept. I'll be in position by the time you're ready to deploy.

Switching off communications, Manus leaves the bridge as his mind again wanders, I hate losing a good officer. As he enters his quarters, that's when it dawns on him. Dorinda, I think that's her name. I should tell her what's happened to Sen. Hailing the bridge, Have Dorinda, the records clerk, report to my quarters immediately.

Aye, Aye, Commander.

Opening his closet, he takes out his officer's tunic and drops it on top of the lounge chair beside his bed and takes off his parade tunic. He lays the white tunic, decorated with his achievement awards, on the bed and gazes at it. Well that didn't work out as I planned. I only wore it to impress the powers that be in hopes of winning Sen's release.

The door slides open as the exotic raven-haired clerk enters. Excuse me, sir, I thought I was expected. Embarrassed, I didn't mean to enter unannounced.

It's alright, Dorinda, disregarding the situation. Bare-chested, he slips his commander's tunic on. As he approaches, he looks compassionately into her sultry dark eyes. There's no way to break it gently, so I'll come straight out. Sen is being held on Avesta charged with the murder of five people. I'm sorry, Dorinda. There's nothing I can do. He's irretrievable.

But … how? Why? as her brow furrows.

Touched by her emotional reaction, I feel the situation's part of a conspiracy but there's no way I can intervene on his behalf. Standing before her, he smells the essence of her hair, and perceives the beauty of her features. But he has no time to think about that now. There are pressing issues before him and he must stay focused. Gently guiding her to the door, I'll keep you informed if anything changes, my dear, but it doesn't look good. I'm sorry, I'd like to discuss the matter further but right now I have my hands full. If you need time, you may stand down for the balance of your shift. I'm sorry, Dorinda, but there's precious little time for grieving.

I understand, sir. I'll return to my post. Thank you, as she leaves.

Hailing the bridge again, Nuri, who's the shift duty officer?

Hoa is running this shift, sir.

Send him to my quarters immediately, please.

Retrieving the personnel files from his consul, he scans the list as the door slides open and a slender light-skinned Zapotec enters. Manus turns to speak, We have a major problem brewing, Hoa. I have no choice, we must abandon ship but we must do it in such a way as not to be detected. What I need from you is an orderly departure plan. I need to be down to a skeleton crew as quickly as possible. Are you up to the job? When Manus looks into the small man's eyes, a feeling of uneasiness comes over him. It's as though Hoa's ghostly eyes virtually read his thoughts.

I see no problem, sir, as the quiet gentle man bows politely. Where will the personnel be evacuated to?

The Sebac will pick up our crew behind Jonk-heer.

CHAPTER 2

Many years later, the high-pitched siren screams throughout the ship's corridors as the nonessential crew scramble to the safety of their containment cones. Only the bridge, engine room and navigation crew remain at their posts as the ship approaches the asteroid belt that circles Yerba. At the helm, Zenfeor, commander of the Sesro, fixes his eyes on the vastness and complexity of the asteroid belt. The ship's computer scans the thick asteroid belt searching for a safe corridor through the dappled maze of hurling rocks. Flicking a switch, Dolace, can you plot a safe course through?

Commander, I think I see a channel through but the maze is a nightmare. The swirling debris appears to be artificially created with only a few clear channels through and many dead ends. If we can hold this position, I'll scan what I think is an open channel to the other side for rogue particles and hidden setups. At these speeds, even the smallest object would penetrate the hull. We could lose not only the ship but everyone aboard.

Is there a way around the belt?

Not really. It's more like a canopy than a belt. An artificial gravity force surrounds the solar system and holds the asteroids in orbit. The belt serves as a failsafe system against rogue asteroids or unwelcome intruders.

Do your best, Dolace, because our lives and this ship are in your hands. Directing his attention to his second in command, How far are we from Yerba, Mathes?

We're within hailing range, sir.

In a confirming voice, Is our hailing sequence in place?

Ever since we entered this quadrant, reconfirming what the commander already knew.

Switching to the ship's intercom, This is your commander speaking. Please make sure you are secured in your cone and that the cone's lid is firmly locked in place. Check the controls for life support. If you have a problem, other units are available in the landing bay on deck 14. We'll be engaged in evasive maneuvers as we enter the asteroid belt. If the ship is hit, your only chance for survival is in your cone. We are currently holding our position for just the right moment to enter the belt and then to proceed to Yerba and the end of our very long journey. I am hailing the Garendos to announce our presence as peaceful emissaries. Hopefully, the reception will be cordial. Good luck everyone; we enter the belt shortly.

Time drags slowly as the bridge waits for word from navigation. Zenfeor spends the time reflecting on the path that has brought him to this place. It seems more like a dream than reality as he reflects on the occasion he sat in the Viceroy's office waiting, his troubled mind searching for the infraction that brought him here. He retraces his actions while he and his officers were celebrating the return to Preta after three years of active duty. How could he find out? I'm sure nobody saw me slip out the rear door. They were all drunk and manhandling each other and I knew I wouldn't be missed. The three-year interstellar trade mission delivering goods and passengers to several planets, outposts, and intergalactic docking stations, took us as far as Credenzia. The trip was long and fraught with difficulties. We even engaged the Pachi. If not for the Ortiki coming to our rescue we could have perished or been taken hostage. The Pachi wanted the Sesro intact. If not for that, we'd all be dead men. I understand the value of the Sesro and why they want it. Although not particularly maneuverable, it's one of the fastest and largest starships in the fleet. Its size alone would make it a desirable home base for the marauding Pachi.

I have needs that I can't control. If I can satisfy those needs, I can release the pent-up tension that's been torturing me during the arduous journey. I saw her standing on the corner earlier this evening and instinctively I knew she's one of them … a fallen woman. Even from afar, I drank in her beauty … that is for a Nardanian. I slipped down the alley, my body tingling with excitement. Stepping cautiously out of the dark shadows, I proceeded along the street to where I last saw her. Looking around … she's not here. I expected her to be lurking in a doorway, stepping out only as a vehicle approached in order to not get caught. Like a moth drawn to the flame, his body's wracked with excitement as the very thought of her arouses him. I must be patient. She'll return to claim another customer since the night is still young.

The area is the zone of lost souls where the dimly lit streets are fraught with danger. It draws the free spirited wicked into adventure and in some cases, catastrophe. He fights the shame of his desire but he must have her. It's only with this kind of woman that his depraved innermost needs can be met because any other woman would refuse. As he fantasizes, he's desperate to feel the warmth of soft flesh as he imagines her sweet breath on his face and luscious lips that will surely excite his passions further.

The sound of clicking echoes along the street as she pulls at the loose but very short dress, making herself ready for the next customer. As she approaches the intersection, he bounds across the street. But what is this, she isn't a Nardanian at all as he makes out her unusually fine features. She's obviously a cross between Nardanian and Creden. Not full Nardanian like himself. His very members quiver with the excitement of the revelation knowing that she's indeed beautiful. Without a word, he takes her hand in his. The message understood she guides him down the dark street and into a nearby building.

As they enter the apartment, instantly she throws off her dress to reveal her naked body. The usual fee, she says as she throws herself on the rumpled bed. He's shocked at her cavalier behavior and shapely form and the fact that she was already naked under her dress. Unlike most Nardanian women, her breasts are plump and firm and her shoulder-length brown hair accents her beautiful face. Extending her hand, she giggles as she pulls at his clothing. His body tingling as he quickly flings his clothing to the floor. She gets up, steps to the table, and picks up a glass of already poured wine, This will increase your pleasure, in her sultry voice.

Putting the glass to his lips, he tastes the fruity fermented flavor which pleases his pallet. He quickly downs the glass and draws her to the bed that's still in disarray from the previous client. She dims the lights from a switch on the headboard and presses her silky skin against his. Running her hands up and down the length of his body, she touches his members. Relax, my love, you are about to find pleasure beyond your wildest dreams. She drags her tongue down his neck, shoulder and across his chest, and then sucks on his navel. He closes his eyes as electricity rakes his body and a sensation of falling overtakes him. He sinks into blackness.

Waking with a start, eyes wide with dismay, he rolls about in the cool sheets trying to recall the events … but he can't. The room is now dim, not from the lamp but from the approaching dawn as slivers of light creep through the cloudy broken window. She's gone. Every trace of what happened that night has been removed with the exception of a smudge of blood on the sheets. When he tries to get up, he's struck by a dull stabbing pain at the base of his spine just above his anus. He doesn't remember her entering him. Did I pass out? Oh, my God, does that hurt, as he gets to his feet. I didn't even pay for her services. That woman may be beautiful and she certainly knows how to please a man, but she's definitely no businesswoman. He looks for his purse. Maybe she helped herself. But he finds his purse and money intact. Wow, it must have been good because I can still feel it. I just hope I didn't hurt her and that's why she left.

He collects his clothing, dresses and walks down the hall in the direction of the stairs. As he passes one of the apartments, the door stands ajar. Looking in, the room is dusty and vacant. He opens another door ... empty. He hurries out the front door to discover the board that once barred it. That's when he sees the sign, Condemned Building. Low overhead, he muses but dismisses the incident.

Walking in the direction of his hotel, What will I tell the men? I got drunk and passed out … not exactly fitting conduct for a starship commander. But surely they'll understand that even I need a diversion from the monotony of space.

His thoughts are broken by the drone voice of the matronly receptionist, The Viceroy will see you now, Commander Zenfeor.

As Zenfeor enters, Sit down, Zenfeor, the Viceroy commands.

His body rigid, he takes a seat at the side of the Viceroy's desk expecting a reprimand. We must enlist your help, Zenfeor. Instead of delivering ore and farm machinery to Credenzia, we are rerouting the Sesro to Yerba. The President of The Alliance is taking an entourage of dignitaries to negotiate a new peace treaty. It's a dangerous mission offering a unilateral proposal. Since they don't trust us, the Garendos may destroy you and your ship before you reach the planet. And then there's the chance of encountering the Pachi. Not to mention the fact that the journey in itself is a huge undertaking. Once you reach the outer reaches of the solar system, there's the danger of navigating the asteroid belt surrounding their solar system. Another problem is the uncertainty of their docking bays for such a large ship, plus the issue of the ability of the Garendos to supply your needs for the journey home.

Do I have a choice?

Frankly … No! the Viceroy says emphatically. As he clears his throat, Your ship is being prepared as we speak. Mando and four others have been assigned accommodations in the officer's quarters. Although you're in command of your ship, Mando has superior authority. Don't challenge him! Do you understand?

Yes, sir, I understand.

You may return to your shore leave for now. For security reasons, inform your officers of the new destination only after you leave Preta.

* * *

Mathes breaks the silence as Zenfeor returns to reality. Commander, we are now entering a channel through the asteroid belt at maximum speed. I'll advise if there's a problem.

Zenfeor feels the pressure as the ship jettisons into the asteroid belt. The ship bounces around as they're hit by tiny particles that failed to show up on the sensors. Although they are moving quickly, it feels like time is passing slowly. Apprehension builds. How do the Garendos cope? I can't imagine it's easier for them and yet it doesn't seem to impede them in any way. Why us? What an unlikely way to end a career by