Children of the Dark Star

By Royce Garner II

"CHILDREN OF the DARK STAR" is the first in a series of three books that sets an intense, and quickly developing story in motion, that will connect across multiple genres of writing. It is the story of a teenage boy named Xavier. He was born of mixed human and alien DNA. With his mother being human and his father from the planet of Galatian, his conception brings about interesting consequences for all those involved. Xavier has always known he was different, and the story picks up when Xavier is just about to turn sixteen. The day before, repercussions of the past show up on his doorstep and he is thrust into a dangerous world with an interesting cast. This is a constant adrenaline ride, with DNA enhancements and robotic implants making up the attributes of the cast and the clashes are epic! With constant reminders of the alien traits and the technology they use for combat. This story continuously ups the ante on what is possible.

The fantasy of a new world of characters with deep plot twist inspires the story of "CHILDREN OF the DARK STAR". The story is an action science fiction adventure, with many other elements for all readers to love. Just as in real life, there is love, loss, betrayal, family, power, and intrigue, intertwined in the telling of the story. The aim is to allow you, the reader to immerse yourself into the manuscript, and grow and feel with the characters as they embark on this journey.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Feb 10, 2019
• ISBN: 9781543958843

Book preview

©2018 Royce R. Garner II. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses

permitted by copyright law.

ISBN: 978-1-54395-883-6 (print)

ISBN: 978-1-54395-884-3 (ebook)

Contents

At the Core

Everything Changes

The Awakening

Revelations

Level Up

New Dawn

Weaving the Web

New Blood

Life Goes On

In Synch

Intersection

Lines Drawn

All Out

The Prodigal Son Returns

Excerpt: Galatian Wars (Children Of the Dark Star, Book 2)

CHILDREN OF the DARK STAR is the first in a series of three books that sets an intense, and quickly developing story in motion, that will connect across multiple genres of writing. It is the story of a teenage boy named Xavier. He was born of mixed human and alien DNA. With his mother being human and his father from the planet of Galatian, his conception brings about interesting consequences for all those involved. Xavier has always known he was different, and the story picks up when Xavier is just about to turn sixteen. The day before, repercussions of the past show up on his doorstep and he is thrust into a dangerous world with an interesting cast. This is a constant adrenaline ride, with DNA enhancements and robotic implants making up the attributes of the cast and the clashes are epic! With constant reminders of the alien traits and the technology they use for combat. This story continuously ups the ante on what is possible.

The fantasy of a new world of characters with deep plot twist inspires the story of CHILDREN OF the DARK STAR. The story is an action science fiction adventure, with many other elements for all readers to love. Just as in real life, there is love, loss, betrayal, family, power, and intrigue, intertwined in the telling of the story. The aim is to allow you, the reader to immerse yourself into the manuscript, and grow and feel with the characters as they embark on this journey.

Chapter 1

At the Core

In a Nashville suburban neighborhood, a group of high school kids are walking home from school on a bright spring day. Clear skies and warm weather make up the environment. They chat. Laugh. Smile. Then each breaks off and heads to their homes. Xavier Brass is among the group. He looks more like a track star than a football cornerback: five feet, eleven inches tall, with a slim athletic build. He is well groomed and somewhat preppy, with a bit of edge to him. He has an upbeat and lighthearted demeanor, and a bright smile that melts when he flashes it.

Okay, guys. I’ll see you all tomorrow! Ready for the weekend? One more day and we are at the cabin! Xavier exclaims.

Oh yeah! the group responds.

Birthday weekend for you! Jennifer says as Xavier walks toward home. Monday you will be able to officially drive!

Xavier smiles. True! he responds. And then we’re going on a road trip, JJ!

He looks at Jennifer and smiles as he reaches his doorstep. Then he unlocks the door and walks into his home. He heads for the kitchen and opens the fridge. He reaches inside and grabs an orange juice bottle. Then he calls out, Mom, where are you? He begins to make his way into the living room, and is met by a high kick toward his face that he blocks with one hand. Whoa! Xavier exclaims.

The attack continues. Kicks and punches all thrown at him; the assailant seems to possess a great deal of skill and strength. Xavier blocks, dodges, and counterstrikes. The melee moves from the entryway back toward the kitchen then outside the back door as Xavier smiles through it. Then there is a slight pause. Xavier squares with his opponent. 

Is that all you got? he questions.

Nope! the aggressor responds confidently, unleashing a heavy barrage of kicks and flips that push Xavier all the way back toward a large tree in the backyard. And just as he runs out of space to retreat, the foe moves in to finish him off. But Xavier has a trick up his sleeve: he leaps ten feet in the air. Backward. He lands on a branch high up in the tree.

The attacker screams, Hey! No fair!

Xavier laughs. Well what did you expect?

The attacker now removes the mask. I told you no powers when we spar, Xavier’s mother, Janet, scolds. And get down before the neighbors see you up there!

Xavier smiles. Ah, he responds. No one’s home next door anyway. I can see in their windows. 

He laughs as he puts his arms out to the side, and gently pushes off the branch, and glides down from the tree to his mother.

You have gotten so good, son, Xavier’s mother says with a smile. I thought I had you in the kitchen!

Xavier looks at his mother with a comical eye. Well, with a sensei like Sahn and a mother like you who never lets up, did I really have a choice? he says sarcastically. You made me drop my O-J, he continues. And man, I’m thirsty!

Janet reaches for him, saying, Don’t be an ass! Get over here! She pulls him close, and he leans down as she kisses him on his forehead and whispers, You know I love you, right?

Of course, he responds.

She sighs and continues, Good. Come on. I’m about to start dinner.

As the two walk back into the home, Xavier thinks to himself: I remember when I was a child. Not a normal one, but still a kid, and understood I was different. Everything was different. We moved around a lot in the early years, and it wasn’t until later that Mom explained to me why. It’s just my mother and I….well, my father is….was….the reason I am different. From the outside looking in, most would say I am biracial. My mother is a black beautiful female who was born in Columbus, Georgia, but was raised in Atlanta. Smooth chocolate skin and a disarming smile; the only child of a military veteran and a nurse, she always knew she would serve. My father was a warrior prince from a planet named Galatian. He was the son to King Sheed and Queen Lesten, and the older brother to Prince Kole and Princess Zee. His skin? It was a pale color. A bit darker than the way you may picture the shade of a vampire. His hair? Short and frosty white. In return, I have lighter skin, hazel eyes, and a few other physical features that would make for the biracial assumption. In a sense, you would be right. Except, I am bi-species. Half human, half alien makes for some interesting physical developments. I am stronger and faster than most. How does that happen, you wonder? I will get to that later.

As a kid I was homeschooled until I was eleven. My mother said it was the wise move to make, until I developed myself and had a clear understanding of who and what I am, along with other dark reasons. Every few months she took my blood but I wasn’t sure why or what she did with it. Hell, at the time she wasn’t sure how I would develop; she just knew I would.

The first experience I remember was about eight years old. I was being a boy, doing what boys do, and running through the house headed to the back door. The sliding glass door was closed; somewhere along the way I tripped and was heading face-first into the glass pane. I put my hand up as a natural reaction, and could feel the energy shooting through my body. A blue hue appeared, emanating from my fingertips. It didn’t stop my trajectory, but it did break the glass out. I landed on the other side without a scrape. I remember thinking to myself, first, Huh? and—second, as I turned and looked at the shattered glass: Mom is going to kill me!

At that moment, I could hear her calling my name, with sheer fear in her voice:

Xavier! What was that? Are you okay?

She quickly made her way to the commotion and saw me standing on the other side of the broken glass. She rushed toward me and said, again, Baby! Are you okay? What happened?

I looked like a deer in headlights.…for many reasons. My mother knelt down and did a full Mom exam, looking for any injuries. I remember saying, Mom….I’m sorry! I was running and I tripped and I…. 

She interrupted my pleas and revealed the outcome of her examination: There isn’t a scratch on you.

As I examined myself, I realized that she was right. Not a scratch.

I’m not invincible, mind you. It just takes a bit more to damage me than it takes the normal person. My royal bloodline affords me the Blue Hue, and I heal much faster than a normal human. On the flipside, it still hurts like hell! Not like the comics or Wolverine exactly—but not far behind him.

When Xavier is twelve years old the schoolhouse bell rings and the kids flood out of the building as boisterously as kids do at that age. Xavier is among them. As the kids make their way to buses and cars to be transported home, he talks with a friend. 

Xavier, the friend says, ask your mom can you come over to my house and hang out. I just got some new video games that I need your help winning! You’re the best at them!

Note: In addition to physical differences, I also have mental differences. At eleven years old my mother let me start to attend school. It seemed as if we were done moving around for a while. Paperwork and IDs were no problem for Mom to get, and I was pretty well versed in the act. But, in order to enter school from homeschooling, I needed to take a test to make sure my knowledge aligned with the grade I was entering. When I tested, I scored on an eighth-grade level, when, per my age I should have been headed into fifth grade. I mastered Rubik’s Cube when I was seven and had the ability to process information extremely fast. Mom opted for Seventh Grade—Advanced Placement, just to allow some childhood development, I suppose.

I don’t think all of my intelligence was just due to my father’s DNA; my mother’s intellect also played a role. Before I was born she was a top military commander, scientist, and engineer who received many accolades and awards. She developed countless tools and weapons for the military and was once a decorated soldier.

Anyway. I process movement, and images extremely fast, so video games are a breeze to me. Fun to play.…but I crush them every time!

As they continue to walk toward the row of cars parked in the children’s pick up zone, Xavier responds, I can’t. I have karate practice. I’ll see if I can come over this weekend and let you know tomorrow.

Ah man! his friend exclaims with laughter. Okay.…see you tomorrow!

Xavier makes his way to the passenger side of the SUV waiting for him then hops in.

Hello, baby. Janet greets him. How was school today?

Xavier looks to her from the passenger seat and responds, Okay. Did you bring my stuff?

Janet smiles. Of course.

She motions to the bag in the backseat.

Mom learned how to fight in the military. She was more than brains and told me early on that the day may come, and I needed to be ready. Never told me ready for what though. I went to the schools you see in the movies and commercials. It is a dojo providing instruction and guidance in light training techniques and teachings to understand the basics of karate for all ages. That all changed when my mom came to pick me up from class one Thursday when I was fourteen years old. 

Mom! Xavier says, greeting his mother as he leaves the dojo. Today was awesome! I just got my second-degree black belt! Grand Master said I’m the youngest to ever do it! 

He holds up the notch in his belt.

Great, X-man! she replies. Makes this move even more logical.

Looking puzzled, Xavier inquires, What move?

Janet motions toward the car parked on the street and says, Wait for me in the car and I will be right out.

Xavier makes his way toward the car as he looks back at his mother speaking with the dojo’s sensei behind the glass door. The expressions in the sensei’s gaze and in Xavier’s mother’s eyes seem sad but mutually understood. Xavier’s mom hands over an envelope with a smile. Then she leaves and proceeds out to the car.

What’s going on Mom? Xavier inquires upon his mother’s entry.

His mother looks to him and answers, You are done training here.

Huh? Xavier asks. What does that mean? Did I do something wrong?

Janet smiles. No baby. Just means that they have taught you all they can teach you. You must learn more. You gave the sensei a run for his money, and that’s just the human side of you.

But, Xavier exclaims, I want to learn more. There has to be more to learn!

I agree with you, Janet says. I want you to learn more also. You are right, there is more. But it can’t be taught here.

During their conversation, Janet is driving with purpose. As the two end the discussion, Janet pulls the car up to a house in a desolated area of the city. Xavier examines the surroundings then asks, Where are we?

Here is where the real training begins, Janet states. She exits the car and motions Xavier to follow suit. As they make their way to the doorstep, Janet speaks, Sahn is a good friend of mine who I have known since my military days. I trust him with my life. He was once a soldier in the Japanese army before becoming a citizen of the U-S. As the two continue to walk toward the door, Janet explains further: He joined the army and was assigned to protect me and our team.

Team? Xavier asks. What team?

Yes….that is a story for another time. He also trained me to fight….and still does. And…. she finishes ….he knew your father.

Xavier’s eyes grow wide at his mother’s revelation, and he turns to his mother to speak. But the two have reached the front door, and the door opens, interrupting Xavier’s thought.

The silhouette of a man of medium height and build beams behind the door. Hello, Xavier. My, how you have grown over the past two years.

Xavier stands there next to his mother, a look of complete confusion in his eyes.

The humble figure motions to Xavier. Welcome in young man. He stands to the side, allowing a pathway into his home.

Xavier looks back to his mother; she gently nods, Yes. He makes his way into the house as Sahn and his mother speak to each other softly. At the end of the conversation Xavier’s mom kisses Sahn on the cheek. Xavier can read her lips as she mouths Make him ready. To that, Sahn affirms his mother’s command with a light bow and she makes her way back to her SUV. Sahn watches her from the doorway, until she enters her vehicle and drives away.

Meanwhile, Xavier surveys his surroundings. The home is nice, but seems somewhat bare. Bamboo and wood fill the place. Seems hard, Xavier thinks, with no real personality. He isn’t sure whether that is intentional, or a subconscious mirror of the dweller. 

As Xavier continues his surveillance he asks, So who are you, really?

Sahn, a very wise and direct instructor responds, I am Sahn. 

Xavier has a slight grin as he looks to Sahn and speaks with a bit of sarcasm: Not what is your name. That I already know….Sahn. But who are you? Until today I never heard of you. You and my mother seem close.

The gentle man smiles and responds: We are. She did say you are a handful intellectually….and she was right. A lot like her, I see.

Xavier takes advantage of the comment and interjects his next level of curiosity. And my father? How do I compare to him?

Sahn pauses for a moment and then grins. You share the same inquisitive demeanor, it seems. I am more curious about the rest of your similarities though. According to your mother you have some special abilities that need to be honed and controlled. I will teach you that.

My mom trusts you, Xavier acknowledges, giving the strong yet humble speaker his full attention. She has told me to trust you. Tell me….what do you need me to do?

He speaks with obedience. Sahn smiles at Xavier’s words and replies: Believe in me and give me all of you, and I will believe in you and give you all of me, young one.

Xavier responds with a bow. Yes, Sensei.

Then, Sahn says, let us begin.

Up until this point, Sahn and I spent many nights and weekends together. When not in school learning my lessons, I was with Mom, learning about weapons, or maybe with friends sometimes, just having fun. Sahn is a knowledgeable man and a master swordsman. He taught me more than just how to fight with my hands: he taught me how to fight more intelligently, more dangerously. Not only unlocking powers possessed in me by concentration and focus, but also about new aspects of life. Aspects that many wouldn’t even consider, as most are still skeptical of aliens….I know they exist, as I am a product of one. That is to say: when Sahn spoke to me about the infinite possibilities in the universe, it was easy for me to follow that thought. Opening my mind and centering my soul.…both human and alien.

I also learned much about my mother that I never knew. More about my father and General Cage, his trusted right hand who died alongside my father. Mom said just being here on Earth killed them. I never understood that. Sahn shared many stories and some show and tell pictures that demonstrated the three-dimensional aspects of my mother. Or Joo, as he called her. Queen in Japanese. She was the leader of the group she had mentioned to me. It was a group of military scientists and soldiers. My mother and I talked more about it over the years. The team was special, in many ways. The smartest, the strongest, the most elite special team ever assembled by a government agency. With the NSA at the helm, no good deed went unpunished. They did lots of work in the name of good; but lots of evil and mayhem were born of their attempts. My mother was one of the founders….the core roots of an entity that could one day become a threat to my very existence….if it someday becomes known that I exist.

Did my mom always carry two guns, Sahn?

Xavier is examining two of the three pictures in his hand. The photographs show his mother in her military combat uniform, with a shoulder holster brandishing two firearms.

Sahn approaches the young student. Yes, she did, actually. He motions to retrieve the pictures. Xavier hands one of the photographs to him. While looking at it, he continues: There was a time that your mother’s veins ran cold. Always the mission. A genius who loved the battle. Loyal to God and country and then….

Xavier is listening intently as his master seems to be reflecting.

And then? he asks.

Sahn looks to his young pupil and responds: Your Father. As Xavier watches Sahn, he changes the subject and continues: She called them ‘Hope’ and ‘Grace.’ Twin Sig nineteen-eleven Spartans. One made of bronze and the other chrome, their names etched in the back of the butts. She retired them when you were born.

Xavier recognizes the subject change but doesn’t press. Instead, he makes his own subject change with a rhetorical question: So, you have pretty much been a shadow in my life that I never noticed?

Sahn responds, Correct. Always close by and watching.

His student asks, Watching for what?

Sahn responds, Not sure….but one can never be too careful with special young warriors, such as yourself. With laughter, Xavier says, Except for the past two years. You were away. Which means you missed my black belt test!

Sahn smiles. He peers at the young man he sees before him as he begins to practice his swordplay. The way he commands the blade and the focus in his eyes, brings flashes of Xavier’s father to his mind. You are correct, he responds. I was away.

Doing what? Xavier asks.

Sahn answers: Joo had me working on a project from a distance. I possess a few talents she found useful for the undertaking.

What was the project? Xavier asks.

Sahn begins to chuckle. Do not let your inquisitive nature get ahead of you, young one. Continue to master and progress, and all things will be revealed when the time is of need.

Xavier stops his swordsmanship display and looks to Sahn. He smiles, saying, Knowledge is power!

That brings a tickled laugh from Sahn. Feeble attempt at using truth to persuade. But I admire your approach. Back to it!

Xavier smiles and follows directions as he gets back to his precise sword Kata.

Chapter 2

Everything Changes

Nice day out. The sun shines on the cul-de-sac on which Xavier lives with his mother. The time is about two p.m., the Friday before the cabin trip. Pretty quiet, as usual, in the suburbs of Nashville. In about an hour, high school children will be in the streets, vacating their school bus or standing next to their cars in their driveways. Xavier will be loading up with his friends once they get home and gather their gear: heading to a cabin in the mountains to celebrate his born day and their upcoming graduation. But a caravan of black SUVs breaks the peace and quiet as they flood the concrete circle. Personnel exit the vehicles: a mixed crew, some in suits, some in military fatigues—but all intimidating. Black