Dragon Betrayal

By Dave Transou

It’s been twelve seasons since Elias Hawkes and Annie Tolen were married. Makala Hawkes has retired and Elias has assumed the title of StarHawke Tycho. While daughters Emma and Olivia have brought a new level of happiness and fulfillment into their lives, although it will be short-lived, as they secretly prepare for the birth of their son, who, as the legends declare, will bring about the Return of the Great Dragon.
The Second DragonHawk War has moved underground. The StarHawke Tycho and his Hawkkur Legion continue to seek out the Dragon Hunters wherever they can find them. While the Trade remains unwilling to believe the old legends of the Star Empire are being fulfilled, DragonHawks from all over the Star Trader Galaxy are making their way to the Tycho Trade Station, seeking the protection of the Tycho Drakkon as they prepare for the Return of the Great Dragon.
The StarHawke Tycho knows the path forward will not be easy. He has prepared his Hawkkur Legion as best as he can. His fleet has the most modern starships and his troops are the best trained and best equipped fighting force in the galaxy, a mighty army of fanatical warriors filled with a renewed purpose as they await the birth of StarHawke Tycho’s son, reverently referring to him as the Great Dragon.
As the tension within the Star Trader Galaxy reaches a dangerous level, the StarHawke Tycho steps forward in an attempt to broker peace with the Major Families, the Planet Corps, and the Frontier Council. But the peace is shattered by an event that threatens to truly rip the Star Traders apart once and for all. Will it be enough to alter the course of history? Or is the Return of the Great Dragon inevitable?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dave Transou
• Release date: Oct 28, 2017
• ISBN: 9780989836531

Dave Transou

I retired from the U.S. Navy in 1992 as a Senior Chief Machinist Mate, MMCS(SS). Since then I have been working in the training and development field while I work on my writing. I was born in Houston, Texas, but grew up in Baytown, just down the road. I graduated from Ross S. Sterling High School in 1971. As soon as I could I joined the Navy, retiring 21 years later. I was assigned to the Machinery Division, Generator Gang on USS Forrestall, CVA-59, Auxiliary Division on USS Detroit, AOE-4, where I also qualified as Machinist Mate of the Watch in the Aft Engineroom. I was a Company Commander at RTC Orlando, Fl., leading six companies of recruits through Navy Boot Camp before volunteering for submarine duty in 1981. I served as Auxiliary Division Chief on the USS John Adams, SSBN-620 (Gold) out of Charleston, SC; a Ship Control Instructor and a member of the Curriculum and Instructional Standards Office at the TRIDENT Training Facility at the Bangor Submarine Base, WA; and as the Auxiliary Division Chief and Maintenance Coordinator on the USS Aspro, SSN-648, in Pearl Harbor, HI until we retired in 1992. My wife Cindy, our three sons David, Will, and James, and I moved back to the Houston area after I retired. We wanted the boys, who grew up in Navy towns - Norfolk, Orlando, Charleston, Bremerton, and Pearl Harbor, to have an opportunity to learn about our families. So we moved back into the middle of them! I started by “civilian” career as an Instructional Designer and Training Developer in the oil and gas industry where I am still employed. At least until I sell enough books... As for the writing, I’ve been writing the DragonHawk Saga for some time now, albiet in bits and pieces from writing endeavours that were primarily designed to entertain myself during long underway times. There’s ten main stories in the Saga, some of them are already partially written. I hope you enjoy them!

Book preview

Dragon Betrayal

By Dave Transou

SMASHWORDS EDITION

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PUBLISHED BY:

Dave Transou on Smashwords

Dragon Betrayal

Copyright © 2017 by Dave Transou

All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

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Dragon Betrayal and the DragonHawk Saga are all works of fiction.

The Characters, events, and locations described are

all figments of my own overactive imagination.

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Smashwords Edition License Note

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

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This book is dedicated to the Rivendell Writers

Dragon Betrayal was originally titled Tycho Station. It was written one summer when a chance meeting presented me with the opportunity to meet a group of independent writers, home schooled kids, and their parents who invited me to participate in their summer writing event.

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Dragon Betrayal

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The DragonHawk Saga

It’s been twelve seasons since Elias Hawkes and Annie Tolen were married. Makala Hawkes has retired and Elias has assumed the title of StarHawke Tycho. While daughters Emma and Olivia have brought a new level of happiness and fulfillment into their lives, although it will be short-lived, as they secretly prepare for the birth of their son, who, as the legends declare, will bring about the Return of the Great Dragon.

The Second DragonHawk War has moved underground. The StarHawke Tycho and his Hawkkur Legion continue to seek out the Dragon Hunters wherever they can find them. While the Trade remains unwilling to believe the old legends of the Star Empire are being fulfilled, DragonHawks from all over the Star Trader Galaxy are making their way to the Tycho Trade Station, seeking the protection of the Tycho Drakkon as they prepare for the Return of the Great Dragon.

The StarHawke Tycho knows the path forward will not be easy. He has prepared his Hawkkur Legion as best as he can. His fleet has the most modern starships and his troops are the best trained and best equipped fighting force in the galaxy, a mighty army of fanatical warriors filled with a renewed purpose as they await the birth of StarHawke Tycho’s son, reverently referring to him as the Great Dragon.

As the tension within the Star Trader Galaxy reaches a dangerous level, the StarHawke Tycho steps forward in an attempt to broker peace with the Major Families, the Planet Corps, and the Frontier Council. But the peace is shattered by an event that threatens to truly rip the Star Traders apart once and for all. Will it be enough to alter the course of history? Or is the Return of the Great Dragon inevitable?

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Chapter 1: The Sundai Express

The Sundai Express was outbound from the Sundai Trade Station, bound for the Joint Venture AgriSub on Narat, in the Conbor System. They’d been in Transit Space for four Transit Days when the Proximity Alarm sounded. The four person crew scrambled to their stations as the starship dropped out of Transit Space into Normal Space.

Commander Surran Sundai and her NavComm, Mantar Sundai, arrived on the Control Deck in time to stare in disbelief as a large starship appeared in Normal Space directly ahead of them. Before they could react, the Proximity Alarm sounded again, as a second starship dropped out of Transit Space directly astern.

Hard left Mantar! Zee aspect minus forty five! Surran yelled. Only moments before she’d been sound asleep in her cabin. Now she was wide awake. Secondary Drives to full power!

Helm is hard left! Mantar replied, his tall frame bent over the NavComm Station. Secondary Drives answering full power!

The Sundai Express shuddered as the starship heeled over and accelerated away from the closing starships. Surran braced herself as her not so nimble starship leaned into the turn, hoping their reaction would be fast enough to get them out of the way. But her gut told her that this was not an accident. And that in the end, her crew’s actions wouldn’t really matter.

Tedd! What’s the status of the Primary Drive? She barked.

Looks like a couple of node failures! Teddon Tork, her Engineer, reported over the comm. It’s gonna take some time to repair!

We don’t have any time! She yelled, as the big merchants turned onto the track of the Sundai Express and accelerated, quickly closing. Shut the Primary Drive down and route all power to the Secondary Drives and the weapons!

Battle Screen is up! All weapons systems are on line! Her nephew Traaddar Tork calmly reported from the Ship Station at the rear of the Control Deck. Surran hadn’t heard him enter the Control Deck, but she was glad he was at his station. Contacts are classified as two Class Five armed cargo transports, augmented with Battle Screen!

It seemed everyone was augmented with Battle Screen these days.Not that it really mattered.

The Sundai Express was well-armed and equipped with its own Battle Screen, but if these starships were OutRiders, as she suspected, they’d be horribly outgunned.

Maybe we’ll get lucky… She thought, as she stared at the Tactical Display.

Where are we Mantor?

He shrugged his shoulders as he glanced at the Navigation Display.

Four Transit Days? About one quarter of the way to the Conbor Transition Point. He replied. Basically nowhere.

Surran stared at the Tactical Display. The merchants had fallen back a bit as they turned on her tail. With a little luck, she might be able to delay the inevitable…

Three more starships just transitioned! Traaddar grimly reported. One Worrendell Class Eight battle cruiser and two Worrendell Class Five destroyers. All projecting Battle Screen!

Warships? Mantor said, his voice filled with fear. We don’t stand a chance against warships!

Keep power up to the Weapons Systems, Tedd! She said over the comm. We’re only going to get one shot at these bastards!

She scowled at the displays. Up until now, the OutRiders had been a problem for the Frontier Council and their smaller, less-developed colonies. Not that she’d wish these bastards on anyone. Especially lone starships traveling the long, lonely transit routes of the OutWorlds. Like her starship. Like the Sundai Express. They’d stayed away from the Star Traders, whose starships were faster and better armed.

Not any more! She glowered, wondering if they’d be able to do any damage before the OutRiders took them out.

Hard right Mantar! She yelled at her NavComm. How’d they find us in Transit Space?

How the heck do I know? Mantar shot back, as he fought the starship into the turn. How’d they knock out our Primary Drive?

I don’t know either, old friend. She said, knowing she and her crew would probably not live long enough get any answers to their questions.

Incoming! Traadder yelled from his console.

Surran jerked her eyes to the Main Viewscreen, bright flashes of plasma lighting up space as the destroyers fired on her ship.

Fire stern batteries! She ordered. Whatever they were, they weren’t pirates. Pirates didn’t have destroyers and Battle Cruisers.

Did they?

Firing stern batteries! Traddar Tork replied.

The Sundai Express shuddered as the stern batteries, two large power guns located on either side of the Primary Drive, belched their fiery plasma.

Wow! Teddon Tork yelled over the comm from the Engineering Section. That was loud!

Surran didn’t reply as she grimly watched the bright energy packets from her weapons race across the short distance to the lead merchant, wasting their energy against the enemy’s Battle Screens with no apparent effect.

The merchants turned away as the destroyers increased speed, closing the distance to the Sundai starship, firing their forward weapons in response.

Here come the destroyers! Tradd warned. The merchants have fallen back!

Hang on back there Tedd! Surran yelled as the twin streaks of fiery plasma raced towards them, striking their stern.

The Sundai Express shuddered, the Control Deck thrown into darkness, save for the sparks arcing from their stations. The starship slowed, falling off to the port side.

Lost Secondary Drives! Mantor reported.

Lost Battle Screen! Traadd reported. Lost Fire Control!

Lost Main and Weapons Generators! Teddon reported over the comm as the emergency lighting flickered to life. Everything back here tripped, but most of it is restarting!

The Main Viewscreen flickered to life long enough for the crew of the Sundai Express to watch the OutRider destroyers come along either side of their drifting starship. A row of small weapons stations on the side glowed to life, projecting a strange energy field which glowed yellow against the stark blackness of space. The strange energy field engulfed the Sundai Express, passing effortlessly through the hull, glowing dully in the dimly lit interior.

What the heck is that? Traddor exclaimed.

Without warning, the Control Deck Stations began to short out, filling the air with sparks and the acrid odor of burning components. All that remained working were a few emergency lights which flickered on and off under emergency power, although it was hard to see anything in the choking smoke rising from their damanged consoles.

Engineering Section’ shutting down… strange energy cloud coming through the hull… Teddon’s voice was weak as it rattled through the Control Deck speakers. Reactor’s gone! Safeties engaged! I’m coming forward!

I’m going to the weapons locker! Traddar said, turning and hurrying from the dark, smoke-filled Control Deck.

Surran nodded grimly as she looked at Mantar.

Set the charges. She said, removing a chain small, mechanical key on a chain from around her neck, handing it to him.

He accepted the key, silently nodding his agreement.

With main power out and emergency power an uncertainty, the mechanical backup system was the only way to ensure the starship’ valuable and highly prized navigational databases were destroyed before they fell into the hands of the OutRiders. A set of intact Star Trader Navigation Data would be worth more to the pirates than the total value of the starship’s cargo of farm equipment and agricultural materials.

Maybe that’s what they’re after! Mantor mused, as he knealt down and inserted the small key in a slot at the base of the NavComm Station. Opening a small door, he reached inside, tripping the row of manual toggle switches in a specific sequence. Once he repeated the process on all of the Control Deck Stations, a mechanical timer was started that would flood the database with a strong acid that would phyically dissolve the data crystals. Locking the door, he moved to the Commander’s Station where he entered the next sequence.

Traddar stepped through the Control Deck Hatch, a grim expression on his face, his arms filled with weapons from the weapons locker.

I grabbed what I could… He said, handing Surran her pistol, a small, but powerful power gun. His face was covered in sweat and grease, his hands shaking. Don’t know if it will do any good…

He handed a compact assault rifle to Mantar as the loud clang of docking clamps reverberated through the hull. The Star Traders paused, listening to the mechanical sound of the pirate’s breaching device as it drilled into their outer hatch, their faces filled with fear. They were not cowards. Together they had faced the dangers and uncertainty of Transit Space for many seasons. But this was something different... These were OutRiders, pirates who wouldn’t hesitate to kill them…

Here they come! Teddon said as he stepped through the hatch, breaking them out of their funk, accepting a battle rifle from his cousin. Port side personnel hatch.

Let’s go to the Lounge. Surran said. We’ll ambush them as they come through the hatch…

Rising from her station, she gave one last look around the Control Deck. We’ve done all we can do here…

Forcing a smile, she turned to her crew.

You’re a good bunch of spacers. She said. There’s no one else I’d rather ship with…

Come on, Aunty Traddor Tork said, working the action of his power rifle. Let’s go kill some pirates.

Surran snarled, walking over to smack her nephew on the back of his head.

How many times do I have to tell you not to call me ‘Aunty!

Mantar and Teddon laughed as Traddor smiled sheepishly.

C’mon. She growled. Like the man said, let’s go kill some pirates!

Wordlessly, she led the way to the Lounge Deck where they would make their stand. They were no match for the heavily armed pirates. But they were Star Traders. And they would make sure the OutRiders understood that before they gave up the Sundai Express.

*****

New Contact! The Sensor Officer reported. Normal Space, red two four five!

Multiple contacts, Commander. The Tycho Legacy’s Tactical Officer, Senior Lieutenant Stevven Stephram reported. "It should be the Tycho Pride and her group."

Excellent! Commander Tennon Penn replied. He turned to his NavComm, Commander Nathanial Roggers.

"Signal Heritage. He ordered. Prepare for Transition!"

*****

"Legacy and Heritage have completed Transition, Commander." The Tycho Pride’s NavComm reported.

Very well. Commander Jaxxon Gormer replied, turning to his Executive Officer. X.O. order the task force to change course to the rendeavous course.

Aye aye, sir. Commander Corrd Nottee, the Tycho Pride’s Executive Officer replied, passing the orders to the starship’s Communication Officer.

Commander Gormer watched with satisfaction as the Tycho Pride leaned into the turn.

The Lord StarHawke will be pleased with our results! He mused watching the Tactical Display as his destroyers turned to follow his flagship.

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Commander, we have six contacts at max range. Senior Lieutenant Stephram reported. Sensors classify the contacts as one Worrendel Class Eight Battle Cruiser, two Manervian Heavy Destroyers, two medium sized merchants and one small merchant that appears to be stationary… all in Normal Space.

He stopped and turned back to his station, consulting with his team.

Sir, the battle cruiser and the destroyers are showing Battle Screen.

And the others?

Merchants One and Two are holding position away from the others. The Tactical Officer said. The smaller merchant is stationary and appears to be badly damaged.

Tennon Penn glanced at his X.O.

What do you think, Alex? He asked his Executive Officer.

We’re the only military units in the area, sir. She replied. It’s got to be OutRiders…

Sir! The destroyers are firing on the stationary starship! Senior Lieutenant Stephram."

Man battle stations! Commander Tennon Penn ordered. Ahead flank!

He turned to Commander Tycho.

Contact the flagship, X.O. Tell them we have discovered an OutRider attack, and that we will intend to engage the pirates!

*****

"Sir, the Tycho Legacy reports they have detected an OutRider attack!" The Tycho Pride’s Communication Officer reported. Commander Penn intends to close the range and engage the OutRiders!

"Bring the task force to a new course on a bearing to the Tycho Legacy’s heading. Commander Gormer ordered turning to his X.O. X.O. bring the task force to Battle Stations!"

*****

Commander, the OutRiders have broken off the attack and jumped to Transit Space! Lieutenant Stephram reported. We’re tracking them on the Transit Sensors!

Continue to track them! Commander Penn said. Let’s see if we can get a baseline course!

Sir, the flagship has ordered the task force to Battle Stations and is joining us. The NavComm reported.

Very well. Commander Penn said. Contact that starship and inform them that we are standing by to assist.

*****

The noise outside the personnel hatch stopped. The crew of the Sundai Express looked at each other, their faces filled with surprise. Traddar ran over to the inner personnel hatch and peered through the deadlight.

Looks like they’ve left! He said with a grin.

Mantar! Control Deck! Disable the charges! Surran quickly ordered. She turned to her nephews.

Tedd you and Traadd go aft! She said. Get whatever power up as soon as you can!

Come on Traadd! Teddon muttered Don’t know what we can do…

*****

"Sir, the Tycho Legacy reports that the OutRiders have jumped to Transit Space." The Tycho Pride’s Communicator reported. "They are standing by to assist the disabled starship, which they have identified as the Sundai Express."

"Send a message to Tycho Legacy and Tycho Heritage to enter Transit Space and pursue the OutRiders as long as they can. It would be good if we could capture them, but otherwise, they are to seek out and destroy them."

Aye aye, sir! The Communicator replied.

"Nav, get us on a course to the Sundai Express. Commander Gormer said. X.O. let’s get a couple of boarding parties ready to go over and assist the crew of the Sundai Express."

He grinned, looking from his X.O. to his Communicator.

Then I guess we better get a message off to Tycho. He could not help but smile. Tell the Lord StarHawke and Admiral Simeas what we are up to!

*****

Surran hurried to the Control Deck, where Mantar met her with a big grin.

Mantar, what has happened? She asked, looking around at the damaged stations and shorted out consoles.

The Tycho Star Traders have happened. He said with a grin, pointing to the emergency communication system, the only thing that appeared to be working on the otherwise dark Control Deck.

"A task force of Hawkkur Legion warships was operating nearby. They just jumped to Transit Space to chase the OutRiders.

How is that possible…. Surran Sundai muttered.

I don’t know, Surran. Mantar said. "But the Tycho Pride is on its way to assist us!"

"The Tycho Pride? Surran Sundai asked, even more confused. I thought that starship had been scrapped."

****

Chapter 2: The Lioness

Varla Riss pulled her heavy lion cloak tight around her shoulders, shivering in the penetrating cold as she stepped through the open hatch of the personnel shuttle that had delivered her to the Pondalor Space Port. A discrete flash of her CSS credentials had secured her a seat close to the hatch for the short trip from the Outworlds Rover to the spaceport, ensuring she was the first person to disembark when the hatch was opened. Stifling a yawn, she made her way up the flimsy tunnel, fighting to clear away the cobwebs that cluttered her tired mind, her Dragon Within growling crossly.

Be quiet, Tanis! She scolded her Dragon Within, whose rumblings hurt her tired brain. After seven weeks of travel in Transit Space she was tired of being cooped up in starships, regardless of how luxurious they might be.

It was winter on Navpillon and the rugged, heavily forested planet was covered in a deep blanket of snow. Even at mid-day the temperature barely rose above the freezing mark as the wind howled off the snow-covered rocky peaks with a vengeance, rattling the plasteel docking tunnel, whipping her cloak around her as she stepped into the drab terminal building.

Varla Riss was dressed in the simple utilitarian style she preferred when traveling in the OutWorlds: Black, military-style trousers, and a green, military-style jacket over a dark green, knit pullover sweater. The long jacket and comfortable trousers sported large cargo pockets that held her scancomm and extra power packs for the small power gun that rode in a custom shoulder rig under her jacket. Her trousers were bloused, military style, into the top of her trademark knee-high black boots, the tapered heels sounding dully on the metallic deckplates, as she strode purposefully up the boarding tunnel. Her utilitarian wardrobe would be inconspicuous, were it not for her magnificent Pillion Lion cloak, which always attracted attention wherever she wore it, especially here on Navpillon.

Reaching the end of the drafty boarding tunnel, she stepped into the crowded gate area, ignoring the stares at her cloak as she scanned the crowd filling the busy terminal. In additon to the OutWorlds Rover, there were two other Class Seven Starliners orbiting over Navpillon, delivering fresh loads of hunting parties and tourists, while picking up others for the return trip to the InWorlds, as fast as the overworked ground crews could process them.

In the wake of the Royal Republics War, the war-weary people of the InWorlds became desperate to get away from their drab, devastated cities. Those who could afford it, opted for an adventure in the OutWorlds. Resorts and tourist destinations had popped up throughout the OutWorlds, offering a variety of adventures that were not possible in the war-torn InWorlds.

The Low City of Conborine, once the exclusive domain of hardened spacers had become a vacation hotspot. Adventurous tourists were prowling the shops, restaurants, bars, and pleasure houses of the infamous Port District, mixing it up with their usual, somewhat surprised clientele, in search of the experiences and adventures they’d only dreamed of. Luxury hotels and resorts were springing up in the mountains above Conborine, where Conbor’s famous coffee and tea farms were popular attractions. Other resorts were springing up all along the Conbor Range where activities included hiking and camping seasons that alternated with winter sports during the winter. Other resorts were springing up on the more temperate planets, where untouched white sand beaches and sparkling blue waters were the homes of a new industry of waterfront tourism to attract the wealthy, adventure-hungry InWorlders.

For those who could afford the high cost of a big game hunt, Navpillon’s fierce wildlife offered an adventure that was unparalleled in the galaxy. Settled by Colonel Konrad Konnr and the crew of the former Core Royal Navy Destroyer Royal Pride, the planets of the Navpil System were rich in natural resources and teeming with wildlife. The dense forests and large grassy plains of Navpillon were home to large populations of wild animals and exotic creatures, the most well known being the massive Horned Bison that roamed the lower plains and the planet’s apex predator, the fierce Pillion Lion. The hunting lodges in the mountains and on the plains around Pondalor were fully booked through the fall and winter hunting season for lion, bison, and lesser predators. Other lodges were being developed along the western coast of Navpillon’s main continent where huge populations of tigerfish and mega sharks thrived in the planet’s plentiful oceans.

Pondalor’s small, utilitarian terminal, originally built to service small freighters and transports, was overwhelmed by the ever increasing tourist traffic. The original building had been expanded several times, adding additional shuttle pads, walkways, tunnels and gate areas. Despite its overcrowded and run-down appearance, the security systems protecting the spaceport were state of the art.

Konnr usually had one of his people meet her, but she didn’t intend to stand around the arrival gate gawking like a tourist. Ignoring the envious stares at her magnificent lion cloak, she swept her gaze over the crowded gate area, wondering where she’d meet her contact. Loosening her cloak, she set out for the front of the terminal and the Main Security Checkpoint, working her way through the milling crowds, knowing the Terminal Security Team would find her soon enough.

The arriving hunting parties were easy enough to identify; there was a hungry look on their faces as they eyed her lion cloak. The departing hunters were just as easy to spot by the dejected looks on the faces of those who had failed to make a kill. As the predominately male hunters watched her passage, she knew they figured her for someone’s mistress, who would spend her time shopping and relaxing in the luxurious lodges, while her man went out on the hunt.

You are someone’s Mistress… Tanis growled.

What I have with Konrad is not the same… She argued with her Dragon Within.

As you wish, Mistress Riss! Tanis teasingly rumbled.

Varla Riss was a strikingly beautiful woman who easily stood out in a crowd, even when she was not wearing her magnificent lion cloak. It was frustrating at times, but she was used to people, particularly males, underestimating her. She’d fought the classic female stereotype all her life as she rose through the ranks of Center City’s police force to lead one of the most effective fighting forces in the Royal Republics War and the Great Takeover. She was hardly a tourist and she’d never been anyone’s mistress.

Wonder how she got that? An overly loud male voice called out over the background buzz of the busy terminal.

Riss stopped and slowly turned, staring hard at the offending hunter. The area around her grew deathly quiet, as her Dragon Within angrily growled.

Take it easy Tanis! She ordered her Dragon Within as she sized up the hunter and his companions. I’ve got this…

They were clearly InWorlders; their hunting clothes had that stiff, awkward look of inbound newness that would only go away with time and wear. She scanned their faces carefully, knowing she would probably recognize anyone of importance from the Planet Corps, but she was spending less and less time on Core these days and couldn’t be expected to know or recognize everyone. To her expert eye, she thought they might be Manervian.

Not that it really mattered.

You should walk away! Tanis cautioned. You are attracting unwanted attention!

Yeah I know, but I don’t care! Her gut told her that her Dragon Within was right. She should just turn away. Nevertheless she found herself in a foul mood after her long trip and in need of blowing off some steam…

With long, deliberate strides, she stalked towards the hunting party, locking eyes with the offending hunter until she was less than a metron from him. Pushing back her cloak, she slowly unzipped her jacket and raised her left arm, pulling the sleeve of her jacket and sweater back. Her actions revealed her shoulder rig and the long, jagged scar that stretched from her wrist to her elbow.

The hunters’ eyes grew wide at the sight of her shoulder rig. They grew even wider at the sight of the faded, pink scar on her firm, muscular arm.

I tracked her for four days. Riss said, her voice flat and emotionless. Late on the fourth day, she doubled back and came at me and my guide from behind.

She paused, taking in the stunned faces of the men standing around her.

I put two 14mm HV rounds in her brain before she hit me.

Riss shook her arm and let her sleeve fall down over the scar, never breaking her gaze with the hunter who had shot off his mouth. She straightened the fall of her jacket, allowing the group another glimpse at her power gun.

She knocked me down and pinned me to the ground. She was dead, but I was trapped under four hundred kilos of lioness until my guide managed to roll her off me.

The offending hunter’s face was flush, a mix of fear and embarrassment. Riss glanced at the others, her Dragon Within guardedly rumbling as she noted their wariness. They were uneasy, uncertain who she was, and what she might do next. All but one, who met her gaze and nodded respectfully.

Where are you going? She asked him.

Rocky Ridge Lodge. The respectful hunter replied without any hesitation or fear.

She nodded appreciatively. Good place this time of year. The big lions like to come down into the valley to hunt bison. She smiled. Find the buffs and you’ll find the lions.

Thanks! The hunter said, exchanging grins with the other hunters.

She nodded, returning her attention to the offending hunter, allowing him to stew under her steely gaze for a little longer.

You should remember, there are a lot of dangerous things on this planet. She said her voice hard, as she pulled her lion cloak around her. And most of them are female.

Pivoting on her heel, Varla Riss resumed her march through the crowded terminal, ignoring the laughter that erupted in her wake.

That was unwise… Her Dragon Within rumbling uneasily.

You should be happy I didn’t shoot him. Varla Riss spat, her words trailing off as she angrily stalked through the terminal.

You are tired, Varla Riss. Tanis rumbled. You – we – need some downtime to clear our head and organize our thoughts! I fear we are entering a turbulent time...

We’ll see… She said, knowing that her Dragon Within was probably correct. We’ll see what Konnr has to say about his new orders!

The wide passages in this section of the terminal were filled with vendors busily working the new arrivals, hawking everything from beverages and snacks to lodging and lion hunts. Experienced travelers ignored the persistent peddlers, while those new to Navpillon could not resist the opportunity to stop and take a look. Her lion cloak continued to attract attention as she made her way through the terminal, but she was paying scant attention to the crowd. Her Dragon Within’s muted growl was all she heard, as the memory of the hunt swept over her.

They’d tracked what turned out to be a pair of lions for four days. The lions, a male and a female, led them on a torturous course across the rugged mountains north of Konnr’s estate. It was early spring and there was still a lot of snow in the high passes, a dangerous time to be in the mountains. The mating season for the Pillion Lions was just starting and this pair seemed anxious to get an early start to their romance as they gamboled over the rocks and ledges with impunity. But their guides were two of Konnr’s best scouts and the hunters doggedly kept a loose trail on the lions as the massive beasts cavorted in the snow.

Perhaps the hunters grew tired or careless after four days in the cold, snow-filled mountains. Or maybe it was a slight shift in the wind that carried their scent. Regardless, something alerted the lions to their presence. Without warning the tracks split off in two different directions.

Well aware of the lion’s famed double back tactic, hunters and guides were immediately alert. Nevertheless after making an enormously large and foolhardy bet on who would reach their quarry first, they split up to track the individual beasts. Riss and her guide tracked the lioness for four hours until they lost her tracks on a large, windswept outcropping of rock. They stopped for a moment to catch their breath when the huge beast appeared out of nowhere, springing from the rocks above and behind them.

It was only her superb combat senses, honed sharp by ten seasons of war, that saved Varla Riss and her guide. A flash of tawny brown was all the warning she got as the lioness leapt from the rocks. Combat instinct took over as she swung the muzzle of the heavy rifle, managing to get off two rounds before the powerful animal hit her full on. The blow knocked the breath from her, pinning her to the ground. The animal was dead, but she was trapped underneath four hundred kilons of lioness for several minutes until her terrified guide managed to roll the huge beast off of her…

Captain Riss?

Tanis growled as Varla Riss quickly turned, her right hand reaching into her jacket for her weapon. She paused, scowling at the small man standing beside her, angry at him for using her name and former rank. But she was more angry at herself for not spotting him before he spotted her.

She took a breath to clear her mind, her Dragon Within rumbling as she let her right hand drop to her side. Forcing herself to smile, she turned and looked into the unassuming face of Bowder Lee.

He was a simple, harmless-looking man, almost a full head shorter than she. His round, bland face sported a large, squat nose that was wedged between a pair of large round eyes. A light fuzz of short-croppped hair sparsely covered the top of his round head. Beneath an overlarge nose sat a small, round mouth with thin lips sporting a friendly, unassuming grin. He wore simple, rugged clothes of neutral colors, dark brown trousers with large cargo pockets, a dark green shirt and a light brown military style jacket that hung down to his knees. His well-worn boots were made of leather, a rugged style that was manufactured locally from the tough hides of Navpillon’s massive horned bison. A scancomm was strapped to his left arm, spacer style. He appeared to be unarmed, but she knew there were at least two weapons hidden somewhere under his big coat. Not that he really needed them.

Hello Lee. Varla Riss replied, keeping her husky voice low. It’s good to see you.

It is good to see you, Varla Riss. Lee replied with a grin, taking in her lion cloak with a long glance. I was surprised to find you so quickly. The Colonel said you would probably be keeping a low profile…

He finished the statement with a shrug of his shoulders and gestured in the general direction of the front of the terminal.

She sighed as Tannis rumbled appreciatively.

It’s too cold not to wear my cloak. She answered defensively, subconsciously pulling it around her. Anyway, no one can hide from the Colonel’s security…

Bowder Lee stopped and looked up at her, his unblinking stare making her uncomfortable.

Be at peace, Varla Riss. He said. You are among friends.

She sighed as Tanis rumbled. Her encounter with the hunters had not escaped the attention of Konnr’s security team. With a resigned nod of her head and another quiet rumble from her Dragon Within, she followed Lee as he led the way towards the security checkpoint and the terminal exit.

The flow of traffic through the terminal gradually slowed as the passageways from the other gates reached the main security checkpoint. Lee stepped around the growing crowd, motioning for Riss to follow.

She nodded curtly, schooling her features to her best hard mode as the curious tourists continued to stare at her cloak. Lee flashed his identification to the supervisor, and after a cursory glance at her CSS ID and a respectful nod, they were passed through the checkpoint.

I have your gear. Lee said, handing her a pair of yellow-tinted protective goggles. He waved his arm in the general direction of the building exit. We can go directly to my truck.

Riss nodded as she placed the goggles over her eyes and pulled her cloak around her. The goggles were mandatory for anyone who would venture outside during the daylight hours in the winter, protecting their eyes from Navpil’s bright star as it’s harsh white glare reflected dazzlingly off the snow and ice. The bitter cold air struck her like a slap in the face as she stepped out of the terminal, blasting her out of her earlier funk. She instantly became more alert, her eyes sweeping the area around them, as they strided away from the crowded exits.

You’re still doing odd jobs for the Colonel? She asked.

Performing odd jobs for Colonel Konnr was an oversimplification of Bowder Lee’s duties. During the war, Bowder Lee worked for Core’s Intelligence Service, as a highly skilled and very effective field agent. Nowadays he was the person Konnr turned to when something had to be taken care of quickly and quietly.

From time to time. Lee replied with a shrug of his shoulders as their boots crunched through the frozen snow and ice. They walked past a long row of air cushion buses waiting to take the tourists to their hotels and lodges. Their idling fans filled the air with a low growl, kicking up bits of snow and ice that swirled around them as they hurried past. As they cleared the line of buses, Lee turned towards a small parking area on one side of the terminal.

I’ve opened a trading station near Pandar. Lee explained as they cleared the noisy buses. It’s not much, but there is a small colony of independent wood cutters who cut custom hardwood for NMC. Keeps me busy between assignments for the boss.

Riss stopped and stared at the squat man in surprise. Good for you! She said her voice filled with genuine surprise. Next thing you know, you will be getting married and living happily ever after!

Bowder Lee smiled and looked down at his feet, pleased by her praise. They were both professionals in a hard profession, one that rarely ended with happily ever after.

Well maybe not right away… He replied with another smile.

Her eyes widened with surprise. She shook her head and smiled, pulling her cloak close against the cold, as Lee picked up the pace, leading the way to a small, battered, air cushioned cargo hauler.

There were few developed roads on Navpillon. The ones that did exist were rough on equipment, as evidenced by the scarred exterior of Lee’s cargo hauler. NMC favored military vehicles, particularly air cushion vehicles, which were essential for travel on a frontier planet like Navpillon. Konnr’s people maintained the military capabilities of their vehicles and crews, creating a ready-made army if and when it was needed. Lee’s former military hauler featured an enclosed cargo box, sealed against the weather. The truck cab and box were made of armorsteel, a lightweight steel sandwiched with a layer of ceramic, covered with a military grade composite material that was strong and durable. They sat on top of heavy, steel skirts, a boxy, armored structure that housed the small fusion power plant and the eight powerful fans that provided lift. The bottom edge of the steel skirt was covered in flexible plastic sheets, a concession to civilization to catch and deflect the debris stirred up by the truck’s fans.

We’re not going to drive all the way in that? Riss asked, staring incredulously at the small boxy truck.

She’d ridden in her share of military vehicles, but Konnr’s compound was some distance from the spaceport, reachable only after several hours of traveling on some very treacherous mountain roads. It was an exciting drive in the spring and summer, but at the height of winter it was not something that one undertook lightly.

We can if you want. Lee replied with a chuckle, savoring the look of disgust on her face. Or we can take my shuttle, which is parked over at the freight terminal. He keyed a small remote, the hatches on either side of the cab swinging up and open.

Riss didn’t hesitate, climbing into the passenger side of the truck, her feet and hands automatically seeking the familiar, well-worn foot and hand holds. Half-way in, she paused to peer dubiously inside.

From the outside, it looked like every bit of interior space was crammed full of equipment, and supplies, making her wonder if there was any room left for passengers. She spied her luggage; two nondescript military style cases perched prominently on top of a pile of supplies near the side door. One case held her personal gear, the other her work clothes and some select tools in case they were needed. With a shrug, she gingerly climbed in to the passenger seat.

You’ve been in the big city too long, Varla Riss. Lee teased, grinning as he climbed into the cab, bringing the small power plant to life. You need to get out in the field more.

The whine of the drive fans starting up drowned out any opportunity for a reply, as Lee tweaked the combined throttles and pitch control levers. The noise dropped to a muted whine as the cab doors swung shut with a click and a pop of air pressure. The cramped cab filled almost immediately with a welcomed blast of warm air from the oversized heater. He scanned the vehicle’s instrument panel as the truck’s systems came on line and then turned to his passenger.

The Colonel sends his apologies for the transport. He explained, all business now. There are some Star Traders in the area and he thought you would prefer to keep a low profile.

Little late for that! Tanis rumbled.

Who’s here? Riss asked, ignoring her Dragon Within as she rubbed her gloved hands in the stream of warm air.

Tiburon and Nebulon Reska are here on a lion hunt. Lee replied. Along with some of their staff.

Riss nodded guardedly but was silent as her Dragon Within rumbled.

Lee glanced at her before turning his attention to the truck’s controls. He eased the fan throttles forward, bumping the pitch controls off their stops, raising the small truck in ground effect. With a quick glance around, he tilted the fans and effortlessly slipped the truck into the stream of traffic.

Their party is staying at West Ridge Lodge Lee explained. But the Elder and the son are staying at The Roost.

Riss nodded noncommittally.

She was not particularly fond of the Reska, nor any Star Trader for that matter. Nor was she bothered by their presence on Navpillon. It was a minor irritation that she could deal with. She knew the devious Elder and his dangerous son quite well from their smuggling activities during the war. The Reska were some of the most brazen and notorious smugglers to haunt the InWorlds, trading with anyone who could afford their products. When not smuggling weapons to the forces of the Royal Families, they were supplying weapons to Bani Dermand and his Takeover Army. Her Special Intelligence Team had spent an inordinate amout of time tracking and chasing the Reska and their smugglers.

Idly she wondered if the Reska were involved with the latest OutRider attack.

According to the newsnets, the Sundai Express, a class three armed cargo transport, was in the Transit Lane for the Conbor System when it was knocked out of Transit Space and attacked. The OutRiders had disabled the small cargo ship and were closing in for the kill, when a task force of Battle Cruisers and destroyers from the Hawkkur Legion arrived.

Her Dragon Within rumbled.

She wondered if the OutRiders had managed to evade the StarHawke Tycho’s task force. The newsnet reports didn’t say anything about that, one way or another.

The Reska better hope they weren’t involved! She mused, while Tanis growled. If the StarHawke Tycho suspects their involvement…

In the past, the OutRiders had steered clear of the Star Traders and the larger colonies, concentrating on the smaller, less developed colonies and lone starships in the outer reaches. This attack represented a dramatic change in their tactics.

The Sundai were pretty tame as far as the Star Traders Families were concerned. They were high-tech farmers, scientists, and engineers specializing in agricultural and bioengineering technology. The best food synthesizing equipment came from the Sundai Star Traders, as did the best food products. Like the other Families, they relied on the strength and might of the Star Legion to protect them from the OutRiders.

Not any more! She mused, closing her eyes and sighing, as Tanis continued to rumble.

Varla Riss was pretty confident she knew how the Trade would react to the attack on the Sundai Express.

The Minor Families would make a lot of noise from their Senate at the Gaanard Trade Station. Meanwhile, the Major Families would argue the issue in the Star Trader Council, without coming to any consensus. They would raise their shipping and insurance rates, which would cause a similar increase in the markets of the OutWorlds and InWorlds.

The Reska would raise prices for their weapon systems and munitions, and then sit back and watch while the other Families demand the Star Trader Council do something. Meanwhile, the Star Traders would be wary of anyone who approached their Trade Stations or starships without first clearly identifying themselves, which would make traveling in the OutWorlds that much more dangerous.

But it was the Tycho Star Traders that worried her the most. Led by the StarHawke Tycho, the Tycho Star Traders were the richest, and the most powerful of the Major Star Trader Families. Their fierce Hawkkur Legion was the best equipped, best trained, and the most capable military force in the galaxy. Their starships were the fastest and heaviest armed, capable of carrying the well-trained combat teams of his powerful Hawkkur Legion into battle.

Tannis rumbled guardedly.

Varla Riss was pretty sure she knew what the StarHawke Tycho would do. He would deploy his fleet and his superb intelligence forces to find the OutRiders. And when they found them, he would send his fierce Hawkkur Legion to destroy them.

The fierceness of the Tycho Star Traders did not diminish the threat presented by the other Star Trader Families. The Star Traders were one of the oldest civilizations in the Galaxy. They lived on their massive Trade Stations, which were heavily armored fortresses, defended by large, well-trained and superbly equipped military forces. Their Trade School, which was attended by most of their children, taught small arms training, security procedures and basic military tactics alongside engineering, science, economics and trade politics at their Trade School. The average adult Star Trader rarely traveled away from their home Trade Station unarmed. Anyone would be a fool to start something at one of their Trade Stations or attack on one of their starships.

But that’s just what someone has done! She mused as Tanis rumbled softly.

You okay, Cap’n?

Riss turned to look at Bowder Lee, who was watching her anxiously. There was a soft popping sound from the console as the aroma of fresh caff filled the cab. A small panel opened to reveal a small cup of steaming caff which he handed to her.

Yeah, I’m just tired. She said, accepting the hot caff from him while Tanis rumbled softly. Thanks.

Lee nodded, returning his attention to his driving, as she sipped the caff, the hot liquid spreading warmth through her chilled body.

The Navpil Sector boardered the Tycho Sector. She wondered if the Hawkkurs knew the Reska were nearby.

Probably... She decided. The StarHawke Tycho’s intelligence network was just as good as her own. Out here in the OutWorlds, it was probably better.

She looked up as Lee swung the air cushion vehicle onto a paved road leading to a row of seven large hangers, the NMC logo displayed prominently on their sides. He slowed as they approached an automated security gate, which swung open as the air cushion vehicle reached the sensor. Lee drove onto the apron, turning behind the row of hangers until he reached the last one. As he drove up to a large roll-up door, he touched his scancomm, causing the large door to open. Slowing his air cushioned vehicle to a slow crawl, he eased through the open door, which closed automatically behind them.

Here we are. Lee announced as he pulled up to the rear of a Class One assault shuttle. Varla Riss could not help but smile as she surveyed the battered shuttle with a critical eye, her Dragon Within rumbling as memories flowed unbidden.

The old Panther Class Assault Shuttle squatted on the spotless hangar floor like the dirty, great beast that she was. Her battered sides were covered with scorch marks and there were dents in the dark, green, military-grade paint that was starting to chip and fade. There were a couple of large dents in her troop ramp where something had hit hard, scraping away part of the NMC logo and the large number two painted underneath it. Despite her banged up appearance, the leaves of her drive nozzles were clean and smooth, and her twin energy cannons protruding from the well worn blisters on either side of her command cabin gleamed with fresh oil.

Lee touched his scancomm, lowering the troop ramp from her belly. With a blip of the fan controls, he deftly slid the truck into the troop bay.

Just leave your gear in the truck. Lee said, as they climbed out of the cab. It’ll be unloaded when we get to Pandar.

She nodded without comment as she climbed out of the cab and watched Lee latch the truck to the troop deck. She shivered unconsciously as she took in the scarred interior, her Dragon Within rumbling mournfully, as memories of battles fought and comrades lost flooded her mind.

Damn Bowder Lee and Konrad Konnr! She fumed. Tanis growled as she struggled to fight back the tears as she followed Lee up the short ladder to the assault shuttle’s cramped command deck. Without thinking, she climbed onto the raised platform behind the Pilot and Copilot Stations, dropping into the Commander’s Station and strapping in. Hearing a chuckle, she looked up to see Lee grinning at her from the Pilot Station.

What? She said, her face flush with embarrassment. She flashed him a quick smile. Old habits… Her voice trailed off.

No problem, Captain Riss. Lee replied, all business as he donned his headset. It’s a nice ride and you will have a better view up there anyway.

She absently nodded, settling into the Commander’s heavily padded chair as the memories continued to flood her consciousness.

Konnr’s people are good! Tanis reminded her. He always makes sure they’re properly briefed.

But Bowder Lee was Royal Pride. He’d known her almost as long as she’d known Konnr.

She watched Lee run through his preflight checklist, shivering as the shuttle’s auxiliary power unit spooled up with its familiar whine. She reached towards the Commander’s Station and paused, her fingers poised tentatively over the switches and selectors until she finally gave in to her memories and quickly powered up the station. Her hands moved with long mastered familiarity over the console as the row of screens glowed to life and the shuttle’s powerful sensors came on line. With a practiced motion she pushed the hood of her cloak back and slipped the headset into place.

APU running. Lee said over the command net, with a glance in her direction. Main turbines coming on line.

Roger. Riss replied without thinking. She could not help but grin as the whine of the APU was lost in the twin rumbles of the shuttle’s powerful main turbines spooling up.

Tower, Kondor Two. Lee said over the comm, as he bumped the throttles forward. Coming out of the barn.

The main turbines growled as Lee eased the big assault shuttle out of the hanger, the polarized windscreens darkening as they emerged into the bright sunlight. Clear of the metal building, the shuttle’s sensors came to life, filling her console with dozens of contacts and their tracks. She briefly scanned them, then relaxed, watching the activity outside the shuttle.

The shuttle pads were busy. A long row of smaller shuttles bearing the NMC logo were being serviced before they were