Strangers In a Strange Land: Strangers In a Strange Land

By C. B. Maurice

The complete story arc.

Millennia ago an advanced race seeded Earth with the cultures in their galaxy so they could find out what would happen when those cultures left their home planets and started to mingle. Then they vanished…

Linguist Dr. Livy Valens couldn't pass up the opportunity to discover a lost language even if it means traveling to another galaxy to do it. Her friends, Jessie Hartner and Kevin Blake, think she's being kidnapped when her escort comes to pick her up and they refuse to let her go without them. But what starts out as an intellectual puzzle turns into an adventure when they get to the other side and find a complicated political structure they don't entirely understand and a galaxy on the brink of revolt.

The Magyar rule this galaxy with an iron hand. They own and control everything. The band of rebels wants to overthrow them, but before they can do that they need to learn to work together, both to overcome their prejudices and to move beyond their personal baggage. Daig was a famous poet, traveling between worlds until his performances led to repercussions against his family. He would like to spend more time with Dr. Valens, but he needs to right the wrongs he feels he's caused first. Lars is in a contract marriage with Saida, but it is strictly a business arrangement. He believed in the cause, but had no funding. She had funding, but couldn't command troops. The deadline for that marriage is looming and he's feeling more than professional respect for former gunnery sergeant Jessie. Meanwhile, Saida is intrigued by Kevin, but she isn't sure she can trust him. With reason.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christa Maurice
• Release date: Apr 9, 2019
• ISBN: 9781386046646

Book preview

Strangers In a Strange Land

By

C. B. Maurice

Copyright 2018 C. B. Maurice

eBooks are not transferable. All Rights Reserved. This book may not be reproduced, transmitted, or stored in whole or in part by any means, including graphic, electronic, or mechanical without the express written consent of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

PUBLISHER’S NOTE:

This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locale or organizations is entirely coincidental. The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party Web sites or their content.

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Chapter 1

The beefy, gym addicted security guard dragged Livy through the convention like she was some kind of criminal.

You can’t kick us out, Livy shouted. Her guts churned. Everyone was staring. I was defending myself. He grabbed my ass.

I never touched you, the world’s worst Spiderman snapped. He was being dragged by the gym addict’s evil twin.

You little fanboy creep, Jessie snarled. A third security guard had Jessie’s elbow.

Jessie and Kevin must hate her for getting them thrown out of the con. At least, they all looked good. Livy’s Kaylee coveralls were perfect down to the teddy bear patch she’d had to sew on this morning. She’d meant to sew it on during her flight, but her seatmate had ratted her out to the flight attendant because she was obviously planning to take over the plane with a needle and thread. Jessie had chosen to dress as Inara and the floor length scarlet dress showed off her perfect figure, which begged the question, why had Spiderman grabbed Livy’s ass and not Jessie’s?

He’d probably intuited that Jessie could break him in half with her pinky while Livy’s best defense would have been her ability to craft a cutting insult in more than a dozen languages.

Her gym addict propelled her through the hall’s entrance allowing the people still trying to get their badges in the atrium to take their turn staring. This was not going well. All her other efforts to expand her boundaries had been great. Disneyland with Dr. Field’s family. Paris with Dr. Piaget. The con should have been the easy one and here she was getting kicked out on the first day. Gym Addict hauled her past the registration tables before he stopped. His buddies, one with Jessie by the elbow and another with the creep, also stopped.

Give me your badge. Gym Addict held out his hand.

Livy yanked the con badge over her head. This was a terrible omen for her next trip. The biggest one of all. You better take his, too or I’ll sue for sexual harassment.

Gym Addict stuck out his hand to Spiderman who huffed before yanking off his badge.

Jessie ripped off her badge and threw it at Gym Addict. It bounced off his sculpted chest and fell on the carpet. Kevin looped his badge over his head and leaned down to scoop up Jessie’s. I guess I won’t be coming back either. He held out the badges.

Too bad. Kevin looked so sharp in his Simon Tam cosplay. Almost a perfect match for the character except his hair was lighter brown and his eyes were blue.

Gym Addict and his bulky buddies retreated into the con.

You bitch. Spiderman rubbed his throat where Livy had elbowed him at the beginning of the melee. Further proof that she didn’t know how to behave outside of Ames, Iowa academia. I can’t believe you got me kicked out.

Maybe that’ll teach you to keep your hands to yourself. Livy brushed her hands over her coveralls. What she really needed to straighten were her jangled nerves. Such a good costume, too. Livy had even dyed her hair a lighter shade than normal to complete the look, though she’d refused hazel contacts. Her own brown eyes were good enough, and she was sure if she tried to insert contacts, she’d poke out her own eye.

I should have you arrested for assault, Spiderman snarled.

I doubt that would work, Kevin said.

You should be arrested for assault on the senses, Jessie barked over Kevin. She folded her arms. What made you think a Spiderman costume would look good on that fat bod?

Spiderman’s face turned a shade that matched his costume and took a step toward Jessie, but a tall, impressive blond stepped in front of him.

That’s enough. You should go, the guy said in a deep, authoritative voice. His white blond hair brushed his shoulders. If he’d dressed as Thor, he’d have been a dead ringer, but Livy couldn’t place his accent. Norse-ish, but not from any of the Scandinavian countries.

Spiderman’s face drained of color and he stumbled backward. Then he huffed and stomped away, muttering.

That was awesome. Jessie stepped forward with her hand out. Are you a Browncoat, too?

The blond looked down at his clothing. Black pants, white shirt, black vest, holster. Cosplaying Mal from Shindig? Brown coat? the blond asked.

Or not.

Doesn’t matter. Thanks for the assist.

I saw what happened in there. You were robbed. He totally grabbed your ass.

Totally? Was he a Viking Valley Girl? Wait. Livy frowned, glancing at Jessie and Kevin. They didn’t grok the new guy’s wobbly English, but Livy’s alarm bells were ringing. Did Alexy send you?

Yes. The blond smiled, menacing and happy simultaneously.

Who’s Alexy? Jessie asked.

Oh shit. I thought you weren’t going to come for me until Tuesday, Livy said to the blond.

I am here to watch you until it is time to go to the portal.

Double oh shit. He should not be saying things like that in public. Let’s go back to my room.

Go where? Jessie’s gaze pinged between Livy and the blond. Why do you want to take him to your room? Unless—I mean­­—that would be totally fine. Do you know this guy?

No. Yes. Sort of. Livy turned to Jessie. Kevin had shifted to stand behind Jessie, peering over her shoulder with more than casual interest. She needed to get this guy away from her friends before they got the wrong idea. It was a solid bet they wouldn’t get the right one. I have to go. There’s been a family emergency.

A family emergency? What are you talking about? Jessie’s features molded into something very comforting and, at the same time, implacable. Whatever is going on, we can help you.

Yeah, Livy. We’ll help, Kevin added.

Livy snorted before she could stop herself. Sure. They’d help. Help her into a straight jacket. If it weren’t for tall, blond, and handsome here, Livy wouldn’t believe her own story. Until he’d shown up in all his awkward English glory, she’d kind of convinced herself that Alexy was pulling the most impressive practical joke in the history of comedy. I appreciate the sentiment, but you can’t help me.

Why? Jessie stepped closer and Livy got the distinct impression that the other woman would wrestle her to the ground before she’d let Livy go for her meeting with destiny.

It’s complicated.

Explain it to us and it won’t be complicated anymore. Kevin grinned.

I can take you to meet with Alexy now, the blond said.

Is Alexy here? Livy asked, stupid teenie bopper excitement surfacing.

You’re not taking her anywhere until we know what’s going on. Jessie bared her teeth at the blond. It was probably supposed to be a smile, but it failed on that account.

The blond stared at Jessie for a heartbeat and then turned back to Livy. Alexy is not here. We must go through the portal.

You keep saying that word and I don’t think you know that nobody knows what it means. A giggle worked its way up Livy’s throat and died as soon as she caught sight of Kevin and Jessie’s horrified expressions. Can we go now? she asked the blond.

Yes. The blond nodded.

Gotcha. I’m sorry to cut the con short, guys, but I really have to go. She hadn’t packed the right stuff for this trip, but it was better than nothing.

It is two hours travel to the rendezvous. Then, we will have to wait for the portal to reset.

Great! We’ll all go. Two hours is plenty of time to explain what’s so complicated. Jessie put her arm through Livy’s and started for the skywalk to the hotel.

No, really. You can’t. Livy lowered her voice. You don’t want to come with me.

Is this dude threatening you? Jessie murmured. I can call the cops. Or if it’s something more touchy, I know people. Intelligence people. I can get you help.

Livy smiled to cover her panic. She should have come up with a real cover. Her mother had been okay with the overseas teaching story and her own intelligence contacts lived by need-to-know. Friends apparently needed to know everything. It’s not a bad thing.

Livy, something is up. You broke the lease on your car. You moved out of your apartment and put everything into storage. You got a passport and took that big trip to Paris last spring. Now this weird guy shows up. What’s going on?

I told you. I’m going overseas to teach English.

Where?

Guam. Hopefully Guam needed English teachers.

You know what’s on Guam? An American military base and millions of bugs. They don’t need anybody to teach them English. The grunts on the base already know how and the bugs don’t care. Besides, you have a PhD. in linguistics. Teaching English is way below your pay grade.

Damn. That had seemed like such a good story. Her mother had been thrilled and terrified by it. Then again, her mother hadn’t left her apartment in over twenty-five years so her entire field of reference was television. I’m going a little further away than Guam. A lot further away.

They stopped in front of the elevators and Jessie jabbed the button for the eighth floor. Kevin stood beside the blond with his arms folded and his eyebrows crowded in concern, or annoyance. Where?

I’m working for the government. I can’t tell you. It’s classified. I do things like that. Forensic linguistics. Livy laced her fingers together trying not to look like she was praying for this to be believed when that was exactly what she was doing.

Not with Fabio here. I know spooks and he’s no spook. Jessie pursed her lips and the elevator door opened. She stepped on first.

When they’d made plans for this trip it had seemed like a great idea for all of them to get rooms close together. Livy had wanted to spend as much time as possible with her only real friends on Earth before she left. No way was she going to be able to pack her stuff and sneak past them now though. The Resistance wasn’t supposed to pick her up until next week. Well after the con finished when Jessie and Kevin had returned to being disembodied status updates and forum comments. Alexy assured her she could keep up the illusion she was still on Earth electronically.

Livy, what’s going on? Who’s Alexy? Kevin asked when the doors closed trapping the four of them alone in the elevator.

Livy’s breath caught. No one in her life could have convinced her to do anything this crazy except Alexy. For him, she’d do anything. Literally. He’s a colleague. He needs help with some translations.

What kind of translations? Kevin asked.

Livy swallowed. If she told them the whole truth, they’d lock her up and then she’d never get to work with Alexy. He and I have been working together for years trying to find an Ur language, the source of all language on Earth. He thinks he’s found something.

For this, you have to give up your car and your apartment and tell stories about moving to Guam to teach English? Jessie shook her head. What’s the real story? We can help you. Are you sick or something?

What? What makes you think I’m sick? The elevator doors dinged open on their floor. Livy fished her keycard out of her overall pocket and headed for her room. The others followed. The blond didn’t have anywhere to go, but it was clear Jessie and Kevin wouldn’t let her out of their sight until they got the truth. Fine, they were sci fi fans. This shouldn’t be too big a stretch. The blond wouldn’t let them send for the men in the little white coats. Livy keyed open her door and walked in.

The blond sat at the desk. Kevin leaned against the window ledge. Jessie stood in the hallway as if she had to guard the exit. She must have done the math on who would land on what side and Livy doubted Alexy’s people had transporters. Though that would be cool.

Okay, you’re going to think I’m crazy. Livy sat down on the foot of her bed.

We don’t think you’re crazy. Kevin clutched the windowsill like he was forcing himself not to cross his arms in judgment.

Not yet. For the past ten years I have been working with Alexy Gromov on an Ur language. A language that every language on Earth can be traced back to.

Like a linguistic family tree, Kevin said.

Precisely. Livy held out a hand to him. Seven years ago, Alexy found compelling evidence to support the theory. We have been working together through email trying to decipher the language he found, but he’s hit a wall and now he needs me to come to him in person.

Jessie nodded, but by the look in her eye, her bullshit meter was redlining. And where is he?

It’s a planet called Venedas.

A planet? Jessie asked.

Yes. A planet. As I understand it, the people from this planet populated Earth as some kind of science experiment and then vanished leaving behind all this technology nobody can use because they can’t read the language. That’s what they need me for.

So you’re going to another planet to figure out a lost language, Jessie said.

Yes. Livy clenched her teeth. They’d whip out their phones to call the nearest psych ward in three, two….

Jessie sagged. Oh thank God. She sat down on the foot of the bed next to Livy. I thought you were suicidal or in trouble with some kind of international bad guys.

You believe me?

No, not the other planet stuff. But if you were just going away to work with some Russian dude, why didn’t you just say you were going to Moscow?

I’m going to Moscow? Livy hated the questioning way her voice rose at the end of the statement, but Jessie seemed to be okay with it.

No, you’re not, Kevin said.

She’s not? Jessie asked. What do you know about it?

Well. Kevin fidgeted. Why come up with the elaborate story about the other planet and the lost civilization if you were just headed for Russia? It doesn’t track.

Because she is go with me to Venedas, the blond said.

Thanks, buddy. You go on sounding like a Russian mobster. Why are you here early? What do you need to watch me for? Livy asked the blond in his native language of Magyar. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Jessie frown. Jessie spoke functional Arabic, but how familiar was she with other languages? Familiar enough to know Magyar sounded like nothing on Earth? Another interesting side note. Kevin didn’t appear at all surprised by the brand new language. Weird.

Alexy thought you would be afraid and not come. I was supposed to befriend you so you would be comfortable to come with me after the convention ended. He shrugged. I didn’t know you would be thrown out and assume my identity before I had the chance.

Livy ground her teeth. She hated how well Alexy knew her. What’s your name?

He straightened, puffing up. Asmund Gunnerson.

Well? Jessie demanded. What’s going on? Share with the class.

Livy licked her lips. It helped her switch languages. She hadn’t packed enough Chapstick for this trip. His name is Asmund, and he’s come to take me to Venedas.

She’s not going alone, Jessie snapped. Are you nuts?

If you were deployed and didn’t know for sure where you were going, you’d still go, wouldn’t you? Livvy asked. Of course she would. Jessie wasn’t afraid of anything. Livy on the other hand was terrified, all the time.

That’s different. The US government never talked about shipping me to another planet. If there really is one.

We could go too, Kevin said.

We could? Jessie cringed. Then she straightened. We could. We’ll go with you.

They’re only expecting me. Livy glanced at Asmund who was either disinterested or hadn’t follow the conversation. And you don’t speak the language.

Jessie stood up. I’ll learn. He speaks ours okay. I’m gonna go pack. If I’m going off world, I’m not going in a ballgown.

Me, too. Kevin tugged his vest. This is more of a convention look.

But I don’t know if they want you there. Shivers and gooseflesh crawled up her back. Going alone to this other planet had been scary even if Alexy was on the other end so having her friends along should be comforting, but this was her big adventure, not a group trip!

There is room for them, Asmund, the ever helpful, said.

Great. Meet you in the hall in ten. Jessie waltzed through the door.

But won’t people miss you? Livy hurried after Kevin who was following Jessie out. We don’t want to have some kind of manhunt going on because one of you didn’t show up for work.

I’m between contracts and my rent is autopay, Kevin said. I’m good for at least a year.

Me, too. I’ll just post on Facebook that I’m taking a social media vacay. Jessie keyed her door open with one hand and pulled out her phone with the other. No sweat.

Chapter 2

Livy walked to the center of the floor and stopped. Lining the room were pairs of white columns indistinguishable from the ones she’d just walked between except those columns didn’t have an opalescent sheet like the surface of a soap bubbled shimmering between them and, presumably, didn’t go to other worlds. Four people wearing brown tunics and pants stood around a lectern, studying the top. None of them were Alexy. Jessie stopped beside Livy and dropped her duffle. Holy shit, Batman. You were not kidding.

Did you think I was?

Jessie continued scanning the room. I didn’t think you actually meant to go to another planet. I was still pretty sure you were involved in some sort of international shadiness until we got to the portal in Indiana.

Indiana of all places, Kevin said. Why did it have to be Indiana?

Who are these people? One of the women at the lectern snarled at Asmund in Magyar as he walked through.

They would not allow her to go without them, Asmund told her, veering toward the woman. I am sorry, Earl. I thought it would be best to bring them. They can help us.

How? Earl stormed around the lectern toward Kevin who stumbled back a step.

Hey! Jessie stepped between Kevin and Earl. What’s going on?

They cannot even understand us! Earl shouted at Asmund over Jessie’s shoulder. You are a fool. I sent you for the linguist only.

They can be useful, Asmund said.

I’m the linguist. Livy held up her hand. I wanted them to come with me.

Earl turned to shout at Livy. You are here to do a job only. What right do you have to bring an entourage?

Livy’s legs wanted to liquefy, but she kept herself upright. I have every right. Where is Alexy?

Earl’s shoulders relaxed. We did not expect you so soon. He is away on a mission.

A faint hum grew behind her. She turned toward it as Earl hurried back to the lectern and saw what appeared to be a bubble popping in reverse slow motion between the two columns across from the ones they’d just come through. The iridescent shimmer started at the edges and moved to the center. Something flew through the shimmer and exploded. Then a body hurtled toward her, knocking her to the ground. The room filled with shouts in Magyar until Earl’s voice rang over them and the noise subsided.

The solid body rolled off her. Are you okay? he asked in a voice so deep it vibrated the floor under her. His gray eyes scanned her body for signs of injury.

I think so. You?

Me? He blinked.

She had a gift for asking massively stupid questions.

Fine. He stood and helped her up.

Damn, he was tall.

And then he turned away leaving her with a great view of his broad back and collar length black hair. That man was made-to-order from her most private fantasies. Livy drew a breath and turned to check on Kevin and Jessie. The room stank of ozone and sulfur. Kevin straightened from a crouch, but Jessie huddled on the floor in the fetal position with her arms over her head.

Jessie, are you okay? Livy asked. She knelt next to her friend and put a hand on her shoulder. Jess?

I’m fine. Jessie didn’t move.

Are you sure? You’re kind of in a ball, Kevin said.

Livy slapped his leg.

Livy!

Livy jumped up at the voice. Alexy, where were you? What happened?

Her mentor and crush enveloped her in a hug. So good of you to come.

Alexy, that’s what you say when somebody shows up at your birthday party. Not when someone comes across the galaxy. Her fingers itched to brush through his hair. She’d never done it before, but now that she’d come to another galaxy for him, maybe he’d take her seriously. He looked great as always. His body was as stocky and hard as she remembered, but his hair was a little grayer. He smiled, happy at least to see her.

Eh. He shrugged. What is wrong with your friend?

She’s fine. Livy shifted so she could shield Jessie, hoping that her friend would get it together and stand up soon. She should have planned for Jessie’s PSTD triggers and warned her, but who knew there would be shooting on arrival? So far, she was doing a bang up job on this big adventure. What was the shooting all about?

We needed something. We got it.

Livy scanned the room. In addition to the four people in brown who had been here when they arrived, five more including Alexy and the guy who’d knocked her down, all wearing black, had come through the portal. One of the people in black lay on the floor while a woman in brown put pressure on his wound. Earl was surrounded by the guy who’d floored her and two other men who were equally large. A soft noise behind her made Livy jump, and she whirled around to see Jessie climbing to her feet. Her friend’s eyes were like black dimes.

What happened? Jessie asked in a shaky voice.

We came in hot, as you Americans like to say. It is all right. Magyar security cannot find us here. Come, I will show you to your rooms. Alexy strode between the columns, so Livy grabbed her bag and hurried after him.

Outside the circle of columns was a wide corridor. The walls were white stone mosaicked with intricate patterns of vines and flowers. Alexy still walked fast. Livy had to scurry to keep up with him. The corridor opened into a courtyard roughly the size of a department store that was almost entirely taken up with a placid pool of water reflecting the blue sky above. On all sides, walls towered above them. Livy counted five stories, each open to the courtyard and not a soul to be seen.

Alexy veered left so Livy followed with Kevin and Jessie behind her. He stopped at a point of the wall that didn’t look any different from any other in the repeating pattern and pressed a red flower.

A door swung in to a staircase.

We have not figured out how the lights work, Alexy said, charging up the stairs like they were flat ground. They were on when we got here three months ago. I suspect they were triggered when we activated the portal. Saida agrees with me.

Who’s Saida? Jessie asked.

Hauling her suitcase up steps, Livy had to choose between breathing and talking. What super advanced culture could turn the lights on when somebody came to the door, but didn’t have elevators?

Alexy pushed through a door on the second floor. Saida, I’m sure you met her. The Earl.

I thought her name was Earl. Livy gasped.

No! Her title is Earl. Her name is Saida.

Was she the one shouting at us? Kevin asked. He wasn’t struggling either.

Livy nodded, hoping that the rooms weren’t far away. She didn’t want to pass out until she got there, but black spots crowded her vision. She had been taking the stairs to her campus office every day. This shouldn’t be kicking her butt like this.

Alexy stopped in front of a section of wall and pressed another red flower. A section slid away to reveal a keypad. He jabbed the button on the top left four times and a door popped open. Livy followed him down a short hallway and dropped onto a tan horseshoe-shaped couch with a coffee table fitted into the middle.

These doors lead to bedrooms. Alexy paced around the edge of the room gesturing to four caramel colored doors set at intervals in the wall. You have a sitting area there and a table, but no kitchen. Each bedroom has a private bath. All the living quarters are set up the same. He rounded the last corner and stood at the end of the couch like he was presenting something. I thought you would be alone, Livy.

They insisted.

What exactly is it you need her for again? Jessie asked.

To help decipher the language of the Venedae, the culture who built the portals that brought you here. With their technology, we can defeat the Magyar, and free ourselves from their rule.

Jessie raised an eyebrow. Gone native, have we?

Livy bit her lips. He was identifying with the people here.

Alexy ignored Jessie. "I need your help, Livy. You are the only one who

can

crack this language."

And that admission must be terrible for him. He was the top of their field. Or had been before he