Night Hawk: Hero's Dawn

By Jolene Loraine

Book Three of the Night Hawk Series

The war might have ended, but the battles are far from over. The planet of Telamier continues to reel from the devastation wrought by Vairdec forces, now hiding within the expanses of its wilderness. As Earthenia’s new director of defense, David Malard faces the fierce challenges from not only his old enemies, but new, mysterious forces. With Celehi and Oxyrans clashing on Earthenia’s border and criminal activities increasing within his cities, David resolves to take a bold, new stand; one that could cost him everything.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jolene Loraine
• Release date: Oct 26, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463822265

Jolene Loraine

Born with a passion for storytelling and influenced by film, author Jolene Loraine has begun her publication career with stories of fantasy and adventure, rich with deep character struggles and growth. In February of 2012, her first book, a short story series entitled, White Horse, was published through West Bow Press, chronicling the life of a white horse and the challenges she faces in a mountain realm. In June of 2014, Jolene launched her first full length novel series, Night Hawk, realizing a twenty year dream. Along with writing, Jolene Loraine is active in filmmaking, participating in the independent film community of the Pacific Northwest as everything from a grip to screenplay writer and performer. In October of 2016, she became the owner of White Horse Entertainment, LLC, an independent film company she works diligently at with great hopes for the future. With professional puppeteers for parents, she has developed skills as a puppeteer on the live stage and in film. She has also studied swordplay, performing for five years with the Seattle Knights. She plans to continue her work on the Night Hawk series for both publication and film.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Get another unit of whole blood.

BP.

Dropping fast.

BP!

60 over 35 and dropping.

Whole blood.

On it.

I’m losing him.

No you’re not. Hold on, David. Hold on!

I’ve lost readings.

I’m not losing him.

Doctor, there’s too much damage.

Come on, David!

I’ve lost a pulse.

Keep going.

No readings.

Clamp that.

Clamped.

Increase the LSU power.

Life support’s at full capacity.

Nothing.

Clamp that bleeder.

There’s too many.

Doctor, we need to call it.

No. Keep going.

No pulse.

LSU to 86 cardio. Shock him.

Shocking. Clear.

Nothing.

Again.

Shocking. Clear.

Sorry, doctor. No response.

Come on, David!

There’s too much blood loss.

More whole blood.

We have to call it.

No.

Doctor. It’s over. Call it.

Lazcaut 2.

Doctor…

Lazcaut 2!

He’s dead. Call it.

No wait!

David Malard snapped awake, sweating and shaking as he stared blankly at the dark ceiling. Where was he? What had just happened? The soft beeping at his wrist slowly drew him from his dazed state back to reality. Groaning, he eased himself into a sit to take a careful look around his bedroom. The familiar surroundings appeared in the soft glow of moonlight filtering through the large, transparent doors leading to the outdoor balcony. In the pale light he could make out the plush chairs, high polished table, intricately carved dresser and gentle shimmer of the reflective wall panel.

He hoped that after being gone nearly a year, coming back to his house overlooking the San Terres valley would help ease the trauma wrought by the war and near death experience. Unfortunately, the nightmares followed him. Night brought with it the vivid reminders of those lost; friends, comrades-in-arms, his dear mentor General Kyler Riechet; their deaths played and replayed. So did the horror the Vairdec brought with them. Fires, blood and rage battled through his brain. The enemy’s demonic war masks sneered and mocked him. And then there was his own physical pain, his own moments so close to death. The heat of agony haunted him. The biting cold of death’s grasp threatened his soul night after night.

The incessant beeping pulled him from his morbid contemplation. Glancing down, David stared at the band. It shimmered its readouts, warning him of his elevated heart rate and heightened adrenaline. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself enough to stop the annoying little alarm. If he didn’t relax soon, he would have to endure explaining himself to one of his many on-call physicians who ceaselessly monitored his status via the band locked around his wrist. Over the past nahm David had come to despise the devise, not enjoying its constant reminder to stay calm and take care of himself precisely as the doctors ordered. However, it was the only way they would allow him to leave the confines of the hospital for the more comfortable surroundings of his own home.

Releasing his grip on his right wrist, David took a deep breath and closed his eyes. The alarm shut off with a final, satisfied chirp, allowing David to sigh with relief. No frantic calls from doctors this time. For several more minutes he sat in the middle of his large bed, contemplating sinking back into the luxury grade mattress and down pillows, but the latest nightmare kept him from relaxing too much. It had all been dark and incoherent. Not as horrifically graphic as the dreams filled with the grotesque images of war, it still disturbed him with the disembodied voices that sounded so frantic and terrified. It tore him apart to listen to those voices and he feared hearing them again should he close his eyes. David carefully pulled himself out of bed and headed for the bathroom. A hot shower might help calm his frayed nerves.

The stream of therapy-oil-infused water flowed warmly over him, easing the tension and allowing him to feel a little more like his old self. Leaning his hands against the shower wall, David let his gaze trail across the numerous scars depicting the most harrowing moments of his life. His left shoulder still bore the faint mark where the criminal known only as The Assassin drove a spike through him, the same spike used to slaughter his fiancée, Melina. On David’s chest another mark remained as a painful reminder of the day General Kyler Riechet, a man he looked to with great admiration, died before his eyes, sacrificing himself so David could live. To live; it was a chance nearly cut short when David encountered the Vairdec’s supreme leader, Arct-Ieya, on that fateful day now known across the planet as The Victory of Cannon Ridge.

Gingerly David ran his fingers along the gruesome scar cutting across his midsection. He held no memory of being speared by Arct-Ieya or of using his last bit of strength to behead her with the legendary Blade of Norian, Excalibur’s Legacy. Nor did he recall how in the final moments before slipping from the living world it was Colonel Amber Riechet who held him.

Pulling his gaze from the wound, David stared at yet another mark on his body. Unlike the rest, this was self-inflicted, and one not made by a weapon. Adorning his right wrist, a hawk stretched its golden wings upward. A silent scream seemed to emanate from its open beak. Its red eye shimmered in the droplets of water running down David’s arm. He had gotten the tattoo in a state of rebellious anger when his mother disappeared. His father, never the supportive parent David had longed for, had always referred to his son as a hawk, though even now David knew none of the reasons. Having a hawk tattoo only irritated Benjamin Malard, much to his teenage son’s sadistic pleasure.

But the tattoo had been more of a curse, a mark of hurt in David’s life. Until now. Now it marked one who was rising with new strength. Through Amber’s words, David was slowly beginning to understand that he held a new identity, and with it a new chance at life.

CHAPTER ONE

Smoke and flames erupted skyward, causing the sleek CAF-47 to bank hard to the right to avoid the explosive updraft. Mike never flinched. He knew the Predator’s capabilities and expertly aligned himself at the front of the squad once more. Below, the chaos of battle was clear. Chatter from the battlefield filtered through the cockpit speakers.

"Soecay quare hove bolos."

"Jyt amac hove. Socay katoe tauzar."

"Moera bolos tro’geetaq."

The Oxyran city of Sard materialized through the haze less than a kilometer ahead. When the Oxyrans retreated during the war, leaving their region undefended, the Vairdec had moved in. The clean up was an ongoing struggle.

Touchdown in fifteen seconds, Mike announced as he circled back to provide the following transports with cover. Get ready back there.

Lieutenant Colonel Jylin Py’guela leaned closer to his mapping board as he watched the Celehi army sweep across the once Vairdec controlled valley. A pocket of enemy soldiers holding the center was now the main target of the Telamierian armies in the Northern Sector of the planet. As fortified as the Vairdec were, the hatred the planet held for them made the attack a sure win for the Celehi and their allies. He allowed himself a slight ripple of teal-green as he thought pleasantly on the way the battle swung. A newly arriving army was joining his own soldiers. He knew who led the flight team and those he was delivering to the field. The battle would soon be won.

Even before the transports settled on the churned earth, the doors swept open to release a surge of raw Candonian power. The group leaped to the ground to thunder toward the battle. On their backs, the Riders kept low, moving with their mounts as they drew their weapons and prepared to fire. Nathaniel Darson and his Candonian partner, Black Ice, quickly took the lead. Unabashed daredevils, their youthful energy drove them fearlessly into the fray.

The Vairdec tenaciously held their own, taking refuge in the rounded towers making up the vast majority of the city proper. On the ground, the streets were a labyrinth of twists and turns. Oxyrans did not hold the reputation for organization, especially in city planning. Most built when and where they liked, leaving the city’s layout more or less confusing to anyone other than an Oxyran. The Predator swept overhead, providing an aerial view of the city.

Head northwest, Mike informed. Look for the bridge two hundred meters off the central gorge. That should put you eighty meters north of the power complex.

The Riders didn’t bother trying to track the directions on their intel-bands. The instructions were for their Candonians whose innate navigational skills kept them on course through the winding streets. Those on their backs had enough to worry about. Every turn could reveal enemy soldiers, as the upper floors of the many towers surrounding them were not fully cleared.

Nathan scanned every point around him with the scope of his weapon, relying on the subtle changes in Black Ice’s movement to stay with his mount as they barreled through the city. Ever since the Battle of Cannon Ridge, they had worked at honing their skills as a team, proving themselves the most skilled pair in the Riders Corps. Captain Ro’deser didn’t try to hold them back. He knew the value in the duo. However, he and his Candonian partner, Gabriel, stayed tight on the colt’s heels, providing cover while relaying orders to the rest of the unit.

Black Ice tumbled to the side as Gabriel struck him in the flank. Nathan fell to the side, being caught by Ro’deser who righted the youth before swinging his gun around in response to enemy gunfire. Gabriel’s hit effectively drove Black Ice off course, allowing him to avoid the shots meant for him. Ro’deser and Nathan turned their attention to the upper floors of the towers. Other Riders scattered along side streets, tucking themselves into any protective alcove to avoid the shots. Two of the towers were alive with enemy soldiers.

Cruiser, Ro’deser called.

"Already on it."

The roar of the Predator warned everyone to take cover. Seconds later a heavy barrage of firepower ripped through the towers. Mike would have preferred the use of missiles, but with too many of his own people on the streets, he couldn’t risk that level of exploding debris.

Gabriel leaped forward, taking advantage of the moment to make for the bridge. The rest of the Candonians followed, spreading across several streets to avoid converging as one large target. Nathan leaned over Black Ice’s pumping neck, constantly sweeping for enemies. He was itching for a fight. A vehicle swept by off Nathan’s right, staying a couple streets over as it passed. Something about it drew Nathan up.

Ice, pull up, he instructed.

Black Ice slid to a halt and pivoted with Nathan’s leg command. He was just as ready as his rider and willingly charged after the vehicle Nathan sighted. Ignoring Ro’deser’s questioning call, they cantered to the end of the street. Black Ice rolled back on his haunch to effectively come to a stop and turn with amazing precision, bringing Nathan close to a wall he used as cover. Bringing his gun around the corner, Nathan sighted down the scope at the vehicle as it continued toward the central gorge and subsequently, the bridge. The occupants were clearly Vairdec.

Not today, krashka, Nathan growled. He tapped Black Ice with his foot. Come on.

Crossing the street, they took to side roads and passages, Black Ice’s innate navigational skills keeping them in line with the enemy. Nathan kept his gun ready to fire. In this maze of alleys, walkways, corridors and stairs, it was impossible to know when they would suddenly break into the open. What would be in the open was anyone’s guess.

When Black Ice veered off course, Gabriel had slowed, worried for the colt’s safety. Ro’deser, too, took a second to consider what course of action to take, but knowing how much the two mavericks had already survived, figured he’d have to trust them. His mission remained getting across the main bridge and to the power complex. The valuable members of the Vairdec’s intelligence force were apparently held up in there and he had no intention of losing them.

Nolen, Korie, he ordered. Take up defensive south side. Darmalin, sweep north with Colby and Banlov. Take the second wave. The rest fall in. Cruiser, we could use a clear bridge.

"Right behind you."

As Gabriel lined up with the bridge and lengthened his stride, the ground shook with the Predator coming up behind. Its shadow swept over as Mike cleared the way before heading for the power complex. It was well protected by anti-aircraft cannons, so he would have to stay wide, assisting those on the ground as best he could while staying out of the crosshairs. A signal on the pilot’s sensors drew his attention.

Heads up, he warned. Enemy target five-oh.

Ro’deser glanced back over his shoulder as the vehicle carrying four heavily armed Vairdec raced into view. They circled wide, angling themselves to cross paths as they neared the bridge. Gabriel wheeled about as they opened fire. A shot knocked aside the Vairdec stationed on the back. Though not killed by the hit, the strike forced him into the closest shooter, causing the shot meant for Ro’deser to slip by his leg.

Black Ice charged toward the vehicle with Nathan firing into the Vairdec’s midst. His shots struck home, but the heavy armor held up, allowing the enemy fighters to turn on him. Two other Riders following Ro’deser changed course to aid Nathan, catching the vehicle in a crossfire. Splitting their firepower between the two charging sides, the Vairdec took aim on the Candonians, who provided larger targets. Windstorm buckled under a shot and somersaulted from the inertia, sending his rider tumbling to the ground. Nathan lined up a shot on the driver.

The high caliber bullet sliced through the driver’s neck. The return shot aimed at Nathan went high as the vehicle veered to the side. Grabbing the controls, the closest Vairdec tried correcting the course as they went into a spin. Black Ice tensed at the sight of the vehicle careening toward him. At the speed he was going coupled with that of the oncoming vehicle, there were few options available. A row of pillars blocked an escape to the side.

Hold on, he called to Nathan.

Nathan gripped his mane tightly as Black Ice made a jump for it. Unable to get enough distance, he landed directly in the middle of the Vairdec. Surprise alone saved him. As the Vairdec tried righting themselves, Nathan opened fire, spraying the space around Black Ice with a deadly combination of lasers and bullets from two guns. Black Ice struck out with his front hooves, smashing an arm before the gun could be trained on him.

Gabriel slowed at the bridge to watch helplessly as the vehicle, with Black Ice and Nathan aboard, spun toward the edge of the gorge. Ordering the rest of the Riders across, Ro’deser turned toward the young duo.

Darson, Ice, get off!

Black Ice had already seen the drop off. Unfortunately, getting off the vehicle was not as easy as getting on. His legs were tangled among seats and dead Vairdec. Taking a few desperate hopping rears, he broke loose enough to get his front hooves on the back of the vehicle. Nathan leaned over his neck.

Now or never.

Black Ice’s ears dropped against the sides of his head. He didn’t favor the warning. Bunching his hindquarters under him, he launched himself forward. The vehicle’s momentum shifted downward, unable to maintain lift over the expanse. Nathan clung with both hands to Black Ice’s mane, shutting his eyes as he felt the Candonian make the leap. Kicking free of the vehicle, Black Ice stretched for solid ground. His back legs dropped over the edge. Feeling himself going down, he twisted to the side, catching a small ledge he had seen seconds earlier.

For a brief moment he stood precariously on a tiny jut of rock over the gorge before taking an agile leap for a larger space. Thankfully a Candonian’s hooves were lined with a thick calloused pad of skin, which provided superb traction. With youthful agility and skills born to him from mountain living, Black Ice caught the upper ledge with his front hooves and nimbly made it back to safety. Only when he cantered past Gabriel did either Human release his breath.

You’re a regular caprocudent, Ro’deser said.

Black Ice only answered with a proud snort. Nathan, too, said nothing. As fearless as he tried to be, nearly falling over a cliff left him a bit shaken. Keeping his eyes on the opposite side of the bridge, he did his best not to show any of his feelings. He pulled his rifle around from where he slung it across his back and prepared to start shooting once again. The Predator circled back around, this time flanked by two Teshian fighters. Shots from the complex forced them further north.

"Teshians on the southeast, Mike informed the Riders. Holding a unit there. Celehi pushing from north. ETA ten."

Leaping and dodging obstacles through the lower regions of the complex, the Candonians brought their Human partners up to the main entry. It had already been blown apart by repeated earlier attacks, allowing the Humans access without resistance. Built for Oxyrans, the building provided no clearance for the larger Candonians, forcing them to leave their partners to carry on without them. Black Ice nickered his frustration at leaving Nathan’s side. Patting the sweaty neck for reassurance, Nathan brought his rifle up and headed in, pressing close to Ro’deser’s shoulder.

No one spoke. Inside the confusing twists of passages and open halls it paid to stay focused. Ro’deser led the way, having been given the layout of the facility, which now guided him by way of a pair of field glasses. Despite knowing where to go, there would be no way to predict where the enemy lay in wait. Sounds of battle echoed through the walls and tremors vibrated underfoot. The Celehi had to be getting closer, but for the time being, the Humans were on their own. Though light glowed along the ceiling in strips, the way remained uncomfortably dim, affording the enemy the chance to hide in the shadows.

"Hold position."

The command snapped through the comlinks of the full unit, bringing everyone to a synchronized halt. Ro’deser checked his intel.

Holding, he confirmed.

Making sure his comlink would only connect with the others in the unit, Chandler Darmalin spoke up.

Why the hold?

Follow orders, Ro’deser snapped.

However, he, too, felt curious by the call. Perhaps the Teshians and Celehi were about to break through their respective lines and command wanted a coordinated attack from three sides. It made perfect sense and Ro’deser was not about to argue, though he did wish to confirm their status.

Command, he said. ETA on coordinated strike.

"Celehi command says to hold."

Ro’deser rolled his eyes. He got that much.

ETA to move, he emphasized, surprised by the lack of an immediate response.

What are they waiting for? Nathan hissed. Happy hour? For all we know we’re in a pissin’ kill box.

Shut it, Ro’deser ordered.

"Pull back."

Ro’deser rarely questioned orders, but something didn’t feel right. Say again?

"Pull back. Return to Quadrant C."

Quadrant C? one of the Riders in the back stammered. That’s a full retreat.

Command, Ro’deser said. We are in position and ready to assist. What is the status of the complex?

"Vairdec positioning changed."

What’s that supposed to mean? Nathan wondered.

Which direction? Ro’deser asked, worried they might now be blocked in.

"Return to Quadrant C, captain."

Ro’deser began to back up, urging his team to head back the way they came. A click over his comlink indicated a change in communication networks. Mike’s voice jumped in.

"Ro’deser. Hold."

Cruiser?

"The Celehi know the positioning. We’re trying to get their intel."

They’re not sharing? Darmalin asked incredulously.

Sir, Ro’deser said, we’re standing in the middle of a pissin’ hive. If they know something about where the Vairdec are headed, it would be very helpful right now.

"Noted."

A pause. The Riders continually swept the area for threats. Though less than thirty seconds passed, it felt like an eternity.

"Ro’deser, get your team moving. Haul it east."

Ro’deser studied the new directions streaming across his intel-band.

That’s further into the complex.

"We’ve got high value targets in there. Intelligence agents. Teshians have eyes on a passage leading out of Sard but they can’t reach it. You get to the passage. Do not let those targets escape. We need them – alive preferably."

Ro’deser and his team were already on the move. And the Celehi?

"They’re not going to make it in time."

Scanning his intel once again, Ro’deser noticed it did not include specific directions toward the location. Which way to the passage?

"I’m trying to get that."

The Riders continued to move deeper into the complex, surprised by the empty corridors. From their briefing, it was stated that a fairly significant number of Vairdec were held up here. Apparently the Vairdec in the area were split between the Teshian and Celehi forces, unaware of the Humans’ presence. But for how long? Coming to yet another confusing junction, the team froze, splitting the ranks to press against the walls near each entry to stand guard. Ro’deser’s mouth ran dry. There was no further direction to follow. Enemy soldiers could come down any number of passages, successfully surrounding his team if they didn’t move fast.

We are in position. Which direction?

"Strike team on their way, another command voice, this time distinctly Celehi, said. Hold."

Are they wiped? Nathan hissed.

We need intel. Where to?

"Hold."

They serious? Darmalin wondered nervously.

You have the eyes, Ro’deser argued. Talk to us.

"Military personnel assembling."

"We are military."

A stream of curses cut through the official channel.

"The Celehi and Teshians both have their own intel." Mike hurriedly explained. "They’re trying to get the prize themselves. No one’s going to get anything if we don’t move now."

Pissin’ wipes, Nathan snapped. I’m going in.

Ro’deser grabbed his shoulder to hold him back. We’re blind in here.

"Working on it."

An intense wave of energy shot through the right passage, searing the air as it swept into the junction. Being pressed against the walls on either side of the entryway, the team avoided the killing center of the flamethrower’s charge, though one collapsed with second degree burns.

Fia!

The angry sentiment echoed through the chamber as the Riders opened fire.

A direction would be very helpful right now, Ro’deser called in.

Darmalin flung a grenade down the passage, effectively driving the Vairdec back. No one could tell how long it would last and continued to fire. It would not take long before they would find themselves on the receiving end of grenades launched at them – or worse.

"Haul it," Mike ordered as new directions flashed before Ro’deser.

Team, he shouted, directing them toward the left passage.

The group fell in behind their leader, thankful to put some distance between them and the Vairdec. As the passage widened into a room, Ro’deser motioned toward points of cover.

Darson, Colby, hold here. Keep them back. Nolen, Arlerah, back them up west side. The rest with me.

Knowing those left would successfully halt any Vairdec advancement from the rear, Ro’deser quickened his pace toward the location Mike had relayed to him. While battles still rumbled through the walls, his own way was left unimpeded until he made it to the bottom of the stairs.

Laser fire ripped past his head. Kasiner dropped from the shot. Cursing between clenched teeth, Ro’deser fired back. Those behind did the same. The Vairdec held for only a minute before backing away and making for the escape route. Ro’deser pressed forward. Instinctively he knew they had found their targets. Spraying the room with one last wash of lasers, the Vairdec guarding the intelligence officers disappeared down the tunnel.

Ro’deser broke into a run, making for the door while holding down the trigger of his gun the whole way. The loud, almost mocking slam of the security door blocked his path. The nearby access panels were destroyed. The thick metal barrier would not yield under fire. By the time it was forced open, the prize would be long gone.

Sliding to a halt at the door, Ro’deser gave it a fierce kick.

Fia!

CHAPTER TWO

David staggered down the back stairway to the kitchen, groggy and disoriented from his poor night’s sleep. He would have preferred going back to bed if not for the day’s itinerary. Upon hearing of his release from the hospital, Earthenia’s governing body eagerly awaited his joining their ranks in person, intending to seize the opportunity to gain greater recognition and status on Telamier by having a planetary hero among their top leaders. Before the war, the Human’s small population caused many other species to question the true significance of their involvement on the planet. Now there would be little room for doubt.

David wasn’t sure how he felt about being the figurehead. Fame made him feel self-conscious. Furthermore, he did not kill Arct-Ieya as a show. It was out of necessity, a mission he figured he would not survive. Many had not been as lucky as he. They had given their lives, saving countless in the process and making it possible for David to do what he did. Hopefully he could convey this succinctly in the speeches he inevitably would have to give in the coming days.

Making it to the family kitchen, David found the rest of the household up and preparing for the busy day ahead. Mike leaned against the counter with a hot drink in his hand while Nathan sat tucked in the recessed kitchen booth shoveling down a breakfast. Though still an active member of the air force, Mikander Soerin, chose to take advantage of the quieter living outside the base. His incredible service during the war earned him many perks, including where to live. With no home outside the military, David offered the pilot a chance to live at his estate.

Nathaniel Darson also found a home at the estate, finally getting his wish of a bedroom all to himself. Though David had first found the teenager irritating at best, Nathan’s energy and surprising devotion grew on him. After the war the orphan had few options, making it impossible for David not to ask if he wanted to join Mike at the Malard residence. Keven, too, was offered a room, but he chose instead to stay with what remained of his family down in the protected western edge of San Terres Valley. It also allowed him to stay close to CLE’s temporary headquarters, to which he was now regional director.

Both Keven and Dr. Jacob Hardny were currently present in the kitchen. The doctor, a good friend of David’s who had watched over the young man since his birth, had played a key role in keeping him alive. He had become a rather familiar edition to David’s home as of late as he monitored the returning health of his star patient. Keven leaned against the counter with Mike, holding a casual conversation while sipping a drink of his own. Upon seeing David enter, he turned his attention to him with a smile.

Morning.

David slowly made his way to the cold storage to grab one of the high-nutrient shakes that made up the extent of his diet. With his stomach damaged from the impaling, solid foods were still not on the menu.

Morning, he answered with a yawn. What are you doing here?

With the strikes in the south, the government requested extra precautions with your transportation to the Plaza.

And you’re it? David quipped, trying his best to sound playful despite his fatigue.

He wasn’t ready to face the seriousness of the developing situations. Mike eyed him with gentle amusement.

A crippled CLE agent is better than nothing, I guess.

Temporary limp, Keven defended, his tone remaining casual. You fall some thirty stories and see how well you walk.

David only chuckled as he sank into one of the booth’s benches. Dr. Hardny reached across the table to grab David’s wrist without objection. The routine had become commonplace. Instead David focused on his drink as the doctor scanned the wristband for any updates on its patient’s physical state.

Am I alive? David asked dryly.

More or less. Your heart rate was elevated last night.

Keven chuckled. Who was she?

David glared at his friend in mock annoyance.

Very funny. He turned his attention to Mike. Off the records, how did the strike go?

Very well, Nathan commented sarcastically through mouthfuls. Thanks for asking.

David stared at the youth sitting next to him. Nathan never looked up from his meal.

Sorry, Nathan, David replied. How did it go?

For the first time the teenager set his fork down and looked over at David, giving him a rueful smile.

Ice and I are one out there. Too bad the rest of the army wasn’t.

So I heard, David said, focusing on Mike as he figured the pilot would give a more credible account

It’s hard to say what any of them were thinking, Mike answered, though I believe there’s still skepticism over the Candonians. Not everyone’s convinced of their value.

Or Human’s for that matter, Keven muttered. Even after all we did, I’ve heard other species still can’t see our full worth. Some believe Arct-Ieya’s death was nothing more than an insanely lucky accident.

David dropped his gaze. Part of him wanted to agree with the sentiment.

I’m just thankful we didn’t lose more out there, Mike said. I heard we’ve got a couple in critical right now.

David kept his voice low. I heard that, too.

We wouldn’t have been so bad off if people made up their minds about where we were going, Nathan grumbled.

Mike threw his hands up in frustration. I worked as fast as I could. The Celehi kept trying to take over and I had to go through Teshian channels to get you through.

I can’t believe Py’guela would do that, David admitted.

He didn’t, Mike answered. It was higher up. He was the one that got the final coordinates to me.

Well after yesterday they should’ve seen we’re tougher than they think, Nathan argued. I mean, Ice and I took out at least twenty on our own.

Mike’s laugh incurred a scowl from the youth. Twenty? You need to learn to count.

Nathan shrugged. All right, twenty-five.

Try a lot lower. There weren’t many Vairdec left to begin with.

There were enough, Nathan argued.

I’m sure there were, David said, hoping to deescalate the situation before an argument broke out.

He would have enough to deal with throughout the day without it starting with disagreements over Vairdec numbers. The official reports were already waiting for him. Such was the inevitable paperwork of Earthenia’s new director of defense.

It had taken the government little time to decide on approaching David for the position. Even before he woke from his coma the rumors of their proposal had spread throughout the region. David remained less than enthusiastic at first, not wanting the stress and responsibility of the job. After surviving the war, a semi-retirement sounded perfect. Unfortunately, too much still needed to be done.

Many of Telamier’s citizens were crowded into refugee camps. Some had chosen to board transports back to their home worlds. For those who chose to stay, or as in the case of Humans who had nowhere else to go, the coming nahms and even years would prove as challenging as the war itself. It left many feeling vulnerable and desperate. The fear of increased gang activity had been growing. Furthermore, as strong as various alliances were across the planet, the desperation for supplies and livable space left governments tense over incidences along their respective borders. And, as proven the day before, the Vairdec were still a very real threat to the planet’s defense.

You ready to go? Keven asked, breaking though David’s thoughts.

Sucking in a deep breath and leaning back in his seat, he glanced around at his friends.

I think so. He motioned toward the doctor. Am I?

Dr. Hardny leaned back as well. As long as you don’t get too worked up.

David slowly rose as he shook his head. That has yet to be seen.

CHAPTER THREE

The tiny shuttle groaned under the strain of gale force winds racing across the arctic wasteland of Tralex Desert. It pitched to the side, dropping nearly a hundred meters before being brought under control once again. Buffeted by the growing storms, it struggled over the dead landscape toward an equally dead city.

At the start of the year, Earthenia’s tourist playground of Karnoss rose as a gleaming crown upon its high plateau pedestal. Its magnificent skyline beaconed the masses into its embrace to enjoy luxurious resorts, relaxing spas, gambling, theaters and entertainment of every kind. Then the Vairdec came. The lights went out, the music ceased and blood, not riches, flowed through the streets. People fled underground as the Vairdec set up a command center within the opulent towers, inciting violent exchanges with SIERA’s forces. As a result, the famed city lay in smoldering ruin, black and lifeless.

As the shuttle neared the plateau, its occupants got their first real look at the devastation. What towers still stood created an ugly, jagged line against the sickly winter sky. Massive piles of rubble replaced buildings. Craters marked missile strikes. Skeletal remains of aircrafts spoke of the deadly face-offs encountered within the treacherous confines of the city. Though none were visible, the new arrivals could only imagine the number of dead lying within Karnoss’s remains.

Cresting the lip of the plateau, the shuttle’s pilot tensed even more. The winds never let up and navigating among the buildings was a deadly game. One strong gust could easily slam them into a tower, adding them to the list of the city’s dead. Easing down a canyon of crumbling walls, the pilot guided his craft along a carefully laid path mapped out on his screen. At last the open patch, once an elegant plaza, now a slightly lighter smear among the filth, came into view. A powerful blast of wind struck the back of the shuttle as it touched down. The bang of metal striking the polished stone thundered up the sides of the remaining buildings.

Shutting down power, the pilot and his three Human passengers sat frozen a few seconds longer before regaining their breaths. They eased themselves from their seats and began suiting up. Without power or the protective walkways, Karnoss’s upper city threatened to kill anyone who dared stay out in the elements for more than a few minutes. While the rest of Earthenia enjoyed the gentler change of the seasons, right now feeling the crispness of autumn, Karnoss was already locked in winter’s grip. So far north, it was the way of things. Before the war, those in the city ventured between buildings via underground transit lines that crossed back and forth through multiple layers of the plateau. It would not be so easy for the four new arrivals.

Covering their faces, they bravely stepped from the shuttle and braced against the storm now coming on at an alarming rate. They had been fortunate to make it into the city before the brunt of the fierce weather. Keeping the shuttle between them and the winds screaming down among the buildings, the four struggled across the open space toward the nearest building. In front yawned the black mouth of a resort entrance, which sucked them into the murky gloom of the front lobby. Passing through a thermal shield, they breathed easier, pausing long enough to turn on portable lights before making their way across the empty space.

Darkness followed them, swallowing up the path behind as they ventured deeper into the building’s core. Nothing stirred. No life remained to greet the small group. Everyone had been evacuated the moment the news arrived concerning Arct-Ieya’s demise. The desperation was great. Those who survived in the deepest bowels of the plateau, secured behind bunker doors, could not fully escape the threat of death. Starvation had claimed many of the weaker members of the population. The close confines and limited medical treatments easily spread disease. Others simply lost their will to live.

For those who lived to be transported to the south, many vowed never to set eyes upon Karnoss again. With such great devastation to the infrastructure and psychological trauma to the surviving community, the government made no attempt to establish plans for rebuilding. Karnoss remained untouched. No one cared to venture north, content to leave the city to the dead. This suited the visitors, for it meant only the dead would be listening to their plans.

Fia, one of them muttered, looking about the blackened interior. I really hate this city.

Entering a small inner lounge, the group halted, cautiously examining the occupants before proceeding forward. Over a dozen glowing eyes stared down at them from various ledges overhead. Claws scraped the hard surfaces. Leathery wings fluttered as the aliens readjusted themselves, keeping the new arrivals not just within view, but within range of the weapons grasped tightly in their bony hands. The four Humans also gripped their weapons as they proceeded with care toward a center table. Though the two groups had agreed to meet, neither fully trusted the other.

Knowing it unwise to show fear in front of the watchful Manogonites, the Humans seated themselves at the table and sat back, attempting nonchalance. They snatched up bottles of liquor set in front of them and poured drinks, never dropping their guard. The Manogonites above made no indication of aggression.

A heavy body crashed onto the edge of the table, causing the bottles to rattle violently. The Humans pushed their chairs back in response, glaring in silence as the Manogonite who had just landed folded his nearly three-meter wingspan. Large by Manogonite standards, he was an intimidating criminal leader who knew the sway he held over those summoned to Karnoss. After eyeing each in turn he set a small sphere of metallic black in the center of the table.

Our buyer wishes to speak with you, he snarled.

The eldest of the four sucked in a deep breath before leaning forward.

We were under the impression we would deal with the Manogonites.

Stretching his wings, the Manogonite wrapped them around the perimeter of the table in a display of size and power. The wingtips struck the table on either side of the Humans, the sharp tips barely avoiding one of their hands. Pulling himself forward, the Manogonite perched on the edge of the table.

You deal with the one with payment, as we do.

The eldest Human refused to be daunted. So who is the buyer?

Anonymous.

I want to know.

Not possible.

Then we walk.

Unwise.

Watch us.

The man rose, his colleagues more hesitant to follow. As he turned his back to the table, a smooth voice, calculatingly calm yet authoritative flowed from the box. A slight metallic tremor indicated the voice scrambler, making it impossible to trace or recognize any accent.

"If you wish to check, a down payment has already been made to the specified accounts. It is but a ten percent amount in show of my trustworthiness and the wealth you will acquire upon the transaction’s completion."

The Humans checked their intel-bands. Confirming the payment, the eldest took a deep breath and seated himself once more across from the Manogonite.

All right, we’re listening.

A show of the goods.

The woman among them glanced at the eldest who gave her an approving nod. She reached into the satchel at her feet