Heart of the Valkyrie

By Tom Fallwell

In a future among the stars, the origins of mankind have all but faded into the past. Nathan and his crew aboard the Valkyrie, an extraordinary but ancient ship, enjoy the freedom of the outer systems, away from the despotic rule of the Quanios Empire. But when they suddenly find themselves saddled with an equally extraordinary teenage girl, Sybille, who is now being sought by the Empire, things take a very unexpected turn. They are thrown into a desperate race to locate the lost planet of mankind's origin.

To stop the Empire, they must solve the mystery of Sybille's past and locate Earth first, or it could mean the end of freedom for the known galaxy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Essentia Press
• Release date: Jun 22, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393087663

Tom Fallwell

Early in his life, Tom Fallwell discovered a love for the wonderful escape into realms undreamed of through books of Fantasy and Science-Fiction. Weaned on greats like J.R.R. Tolkien, Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury, Arthur C. Clarke, Robert E. Howard, Roger Zelazny, Robert A. Heinlein, and Michael Moorcock, to name a few, Tom's imagination was forever inspired by those marvelous tales.One day, he discovered a simple book of medieval battle rules called Chainmail, by Gary Gygax, and found a new love. The love of creating adventures and stories of his own for other players to experience. Chainmail evolved into Dungeons & Dragons, and Tom played consistently with friends as both a player and a dungeon master (DM). Such activities fueled his desire to create worlds and stories from his own imagination.Now retired after a long career as a software developer, Tom now writes about all the adventures and characters that constantly fill his mind, and gleefully shares them with the world.

Book preview

Dedication

During the writing of this book, I lost someone who was very dear to me. My father, Lester, whom almost everyone just called Pop. He was eighty-nine years old, and a tragic fall was the cause of his final moments in this world. My father may not have been a great man in history, but to me, he was the greatest man of all. His wisdom, love, and instruction will always be a part of me.

He was never much of a reader, especially of fiction, but when I began writing, he read every word I wrote. That was the greatest reward I could have ever received for the stories I’ve published.

I dedicate this book to my father, who now resides with my Father in Heaven, for all eternity. Someday, I am convinced, I will see him again, and find the peace he now enjoys. Thank you for being my father throughout my years, and for being my greatest inspiration.

Acknowledgments

Thanks to everyone who encouraged me along this journey into my first science-fiction novel. I was anxious to try my hand at a genre that I’ve always loved, and it was quite a different experience than writing fantasy. It took longer for me to write but was still a fun and enjoyable experience to craft this tale.

Special thanks go to a couple of readers who assisted me by patiently waiting and reading the story as I wrote the first draft. Thank you, Gus and Sandy. Your feedback was invaluable, and I am happy you provided it as the story unfolded.

Finally, a very special thank you for someone who encouraged me and believed in me enough to make this book possible. Her kindness, insight, and inspiration were instrumental in this story being told. Thank you, Melanie.

Foreword

The Quanios Empire

In the latter part of the tenth century of the Galactic Calendar, a man named Losimer Quanios gained control of several planetary systems and became the first Galactic Emperor. In 983 GC, he began a series of conquests, spreading the Empire’s influence in a time known as the Ascension Wars. During this time, the Empire came to control half the systems in the known galaxy. When Losimer died, his son Rasla assumed the throne and continued his father’s iron-handed rule of the Empire.

The Ascension Wars came to an end when the Empire ran out of the necessary resources to continue such an extended plan of conquest. Those systems that remain outside Imperial influence are simply known as the outer systems. At the time of this tale, the known galaxy comprises less than two percent of the whole.

Mankind’s ancient history has been lost, and it is taught that the beginning of life in the galaxy began on Dakke, the homeworld of the Quanios Empire. This story begins in the 1156th year of the Galactic Calendar.

Weaponry

The most common weapons of the day are Electromagnetic Coil Guns. These devices sling bullets without explosive detonations of gunpowder that we know today. These weapons can fire rounds at fantastic speeds and for great distances, making firearms and ship weapons for more formidable.

Ammunition magazines typically contain 20-50 rounds, depending on the weapon model. The most common metal used for bullets is iron. Iron slugs are relatively cheap and easily obtainable, especially in the outer systems. A powdered iron matrix made with epoxy resin and ceramics produces the most effective ammunition for EM coil guns. These are commonly referred to as mag slugs. Explosive rounds are also available.

Typical types of personal EM weapons:

Kodax 710 – Single-shot handgun using a twenty-round magazine of 5mm projectiles. Most common handgun in the outer systems.

Rapier 28 – A powerful handgun, quite expensive, that is mainly used by the nobility of the Quanios Empire. This weapon fires a 9mm projectile and can fire single shots or three-round bursts. The magazine holds thirty rounds.

Kodax 1000 – A standard automatic assault rifle most commonly used in the outer systems. The magazine holds forty 10mm rounds and can fire up to six rounds per second.

Granger 900 – This rifle weapon is used mainly within the Quanios Empire, though some have been found in the outer systems. The magazine holds fifty 12mm rounds and can auto fire ten rounds per second.

Rimfire M78 Pulse Rifle – This devastatingly powerful weapon is restricted and used solely by the Imperial military. It features a special encoded security system that allows it to only work when in the hands of an Imperial Soldier. The magazine holds one hundred 12mm rounds. It can auto fire eighteen rounds per second.

Ship weapons are generally railguns and missile launchers. EM railguns have an enormous range in space, and missiles are generally used to bring down ship shields to allow the guns to penetrate a ship’s hull. There are simple dumb-fire missiles, and sophisticated Imager missiles that can track their target in the most difficult of situations and circumstances.

The Galactic Calendar

Time is kept according to Galactic Standard Time (GST), and based on the Galactic Calendar (CG). The basis of timekeeping is kept by the second, which is the duration of 9,192,631,770 periods of the radiation corresponding to the transition between the two hyperfine levels of the ground state of the cesium-133 atom (at a temperature of 0 K). This basis is derived from our modern-day atomic clocks. Thus seconds, minutes, and hours are the same in Galactic Standard Time as they are for us today. However, since this story takes place in the far future, days, weeks, months, and years are quite different.

1 minute = 60 seconds

1 hour = 60 minutes

1 day = 22 hours

1 week = 5 days

1 month = 4 weeks (20 days)

1 year = 15 months (300 days)

The length of a day is derived from the amount of Galactic Standard Time that passes during a jump using an ERBG device. While no one remembers how the ERBG device was created, it is the basis for all space travel, opening artificial wormholes that bend space and time, allowing a ship to travel instantly to another star system.

Jumps are instantaneous to the crew of a ship. For them, not even one second passes during a jump. Yet, a full twenty-two hours have passed in the galaxy. This is due to the time dilation effect of the ERBG device.

Distance is measured using the metric system of measurements. Thus, one klick is equivalent to one kilometer. So, to say something is 100 klicks away means the same as 100 kilometers.

The speed of light is 299,792.458 kilometers/second. A light-year is 8,903,836,002,600 kilometers (over 8 trillion km). A Parsec is equal to three light-years. The known galaxy (the part that has so far been explored) consists of a roughly global area approximately 500 Parsecs in diameter. Thus, the known galaxy is less than 2% of the Milky Way as a whole. There are approximately 100 inhabited planets at the time of this story.

The average distance between habitable systems is approximately three Parsecs. ERBG travel dilates time in such a way as to increase the average lifespan of a spacer over that of a turfer (someone who does little or no space travel). The average life span of a turfer, according to the GC, is about 115-120 years (a year being equivalent to 300 GST days). A spacer who makes thousands of jumps in their lifetime could be as old as 300 years.

Travel across vast distances, while possible, is considered foolhardy. The safest form of space travel is from one system to another, where the locations of planets and stars are known and precise calculations can be made. To attempt to travel distances greater than five Parsecs with a jump introduces variables into the equation that are more difficult to predict, thus creating a greater chance of reappearing from a jump inside a cosmic body or anomaly that could destroy the ship and all aboard. To date, less than 1% of those who attempted longer jumps have survived such endeavors. The ship’s computers of the day are simply not able to handle all the variables accurately beyond the five-Parsec limit (fifteen light-years).

Chapter 1

Nathan scanned the panel in front of him, grimacing as he warily watched the rising heat-level reading for the laser torch. It was dangerously close to the safety threshold.

Ease off, Eamas, said Nathan. She’s getting too hot.

Almost done, Captain, came a deep voice over the radio. Just a little more.

Captain Nathaniel Drex glanced up from the panel to the suited figure outside the viewport of the bridge. The red glow of the laser torch created reflecting shadows on the man’s head and chest in the darkness as Eamas cut a large piece of metal.

Back off! Nathan commanded. We can’t afford any more breakdowns.

The breathy sigh of Eamas sounded more like static through the radio. Torch off. There are only a few centimeters left to cut, Captain.

Nathan’s tall, muscular frame stood stiffly on the bridge of the Valkyrie. His deep-set, steel-gray eyes remained glued to the panel of instruments in front of him, his medium-brown hair whipping wavy curls along the back of his neck as he shook his head in frustration.

Outside, the giant form of Eamas knelt on the large sheet of metal, his features hidden behind the faceplate of his form-fitting environment suit.

After a few moments, the heat level dropped a few bars. Nathan furrowed his brow, his mouth set firm. His square jaw and chiseled features accentuated his commanding presence.

All right. Take it slow and make the last cut, he ordered.

The torch glow returned as Eamas cut the final distance. The large slab of titanium dropped to the surface of the asteroid upon which the Valkyrie had touched down.

Nathan nodded to himself with satisfaction. It’d been pure luck they’d discovered this wreck and managed to get the first choice of the salvage. More titanium still remained, but their hold was nearly full. They needed to get loaded and gone before any Imperial ships came looking for the crashed scout.

A smile crossed his features as the heat levels dropped back to normal. He glanced over at Simon Lainrax, who also watched the procedure through the bridge window with a nervous expression.

Simon released a held sigh. Stout but shorter and less broad-shouldered than his Captain, his square jaw sported light stubble. His blond curly hair hung down his back and was tied into a short ponytail. He smiled at Nathan, his wire-framed glasses clinging tightly to his nose.

Thank God, said Simon. That’s the last piece.

Get it loaded and let’s get out of here, Nathan said sternly. The Empire’s not going to like one of their ships getting scuttled.

I wish we could take some of the weapons, said Simon wistfully.

No time. Besides, we need to get this haul back to Tranquility. We need the money.

Simon gave a quick nod as he left the bridge to comply, the access hatch sliding automatically aside, and then closing behind him.

Nathan turned his attention to the one other occupant on the bridge, the beautiful woman who eyed him attentively.

You want me to contact Victor once we’re back in space, Captain? she asked.

Yes. Tell him to start counting out those gold bars. Nathan dropped his gruff expression and favored her with an admiring smile. It’s a good haul.

Yiesa Lak’reen returned his smile with a wispy smirk of her own. Her dark almond-shaped eyes glinted in the light from the instrument panels that lined the bridge of the Valkyrie.

How’d she crash, I wonder? She watched the suited figures of Eamas and Jeff attaching the gravclamps to the large piece of titanium, which they then began moving toward the ramp to the cargo hold.

Nathan shrugged. I don’t know and don’t care. We got what we wanted, and that’s all that matters to me.

Yiesa grinned. I’d bet on pirates myself.

Nathan watched the panel for the light to indicate when the cargo hold door was shut. Very likely, and even more reason for us to hurry up and get out of here.

When the green light came on, Nathan flipped a switch and spoke into the intercom. "All right, Grayson. Get your can up here and get the Valkyrie back into the beyond."

Aye, aye, Captain, came the voice over the intercom.

Nathan faced Yiesa. Her golden-brown complexion and long legs made a striking image in her black leather jumpsuit. Long black, silky hair framed a gorgeous face and hung partially over one eye. A wakizashi hung from her belt, and a Kodax 710 pistol was holstered on her opposite hip.

Yiesa was a beautiful woman, a fact he was keenly aware of, though he’d never voiced such thoughts. She was an expert with both the weapons she carried and those skills he admired openly. She was one of the few people he would entrust with his life, and she held the rank of First Mate on his ship, the Valkyrie.

Get the crew strapped in for a jump and let’s get off this rock, Nathan said. Then contact Victor.

Yiesa nodded and left the bridge as Grayson Norven entered behind her. Grayson was young, but an exceptional navigator and pilot. His sandy-blond hair, dark hazel eyes, and constant boyish smile made him one the ladies noticed, though he remained fiercely loyal to his wife, Ania, the ship’s physician.

Loaded and ready, Captain, said Grayson.

Good, then get us out of here. Make for Tranquility.

Grayson took the pilot seat. He and Nathan strapped themselves in, as Grayson programmed the jump coordinates. The whine of the Valkyrie’s engines filled the ship with a low vibration as it grew to a humming crescendo and the ship slowly lifted off from the asteroid. Once aloft, she rotated around and shot swiftly out into space.

Standby for jump, announced Grayson through the ship’s intercom.

The ship began to vibrate and shake, the ERBG generator powering up. The stars outside the ship appeared to stretch, elongating into infinity. The Valkyrie stretched with them and then abruptly vanished in a bright flash of light.

Far above the atmosphere of the planet Tialiv, a sudden flash heralded the arrival of the Valkyrie, as she popped into existence. The final jump of their journey from the asteroid was now complete, and the crew prepared to land. The journey, for them, had been just under twenty hours, requiring only three jumps.

At first glance, the Valkyrie resembled some ancient wreck held together with glue and string. About fifty meters long, she was a decently sized freighter, with rust and scoring covering the hull. Her small wings helped her navigate the atmosphere as they angled down toward the planet.

We’re home, Captain, commented Grayson over the intercom. We’ll be landing in Tranquility shortly.

Nathan rose from his bunk, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. The nap had been short but welcomed. Acknowledged.

Though fatigued, he was ready to trade his cargo for some gold. After throwing on his well-worn, brown leather jacket, he grabbed his gun and holster from the table and strapped it around his waist. The custom modified Rapier 28 fit snugly against his leg. Waving a hand over the sensor on the doorframe, the access hatch to his cabin slid open. He stepped out into the passageway, where Yiesa awaited him.

Did you get ahold of Victor? he asked.

She nodded. He’s expecting us.

Good. I want to offload this titanium as quickly as possible. Nathan rubbed the stubble on his chin as they walked down the passage together. First thing I’m going to do with my share is to get a sauna bath and a shave.

Yiesa snorted. You could use a bath, Captain. If you don’t mind my saying.

He laughed, something he didn’t do often…at least, not in front of the rest of the crew. Just my luck to get a First Mate with a smart mouth.

A small glint of amusement flashed in her eyes. That’s what you pay me for.

Entering the bridge, Nathan and Yiesa found Simon sitting alongside Grayson as the Valkyrie descended toward the planet. Tranquility was the largest settlement, almost a small city, that sat on the shore of the largest sea of Tialiv.

Tialiv sat on the outer edges of the known galaxy, far away from any Imperial influence. Home to many outlaws, smugglers, and even pirates, it was their usual base of operations when not jumping across light-years of space in search of salvage or odd jobs.

The viewport began to glow orange-red as they skimmed into the atmosphere and flew toward the main continent. The ship only exhibited a few shudders, thanks to their inertial dampeners absorbing most of the vibrations. At least that part of the Valkyrie worked.

"Good morning, Valkyrie, came a crackling voice over the radio. Welcome home."

Hey, Amar, Nathan replied. How’s the weather down there?

Sunny skies and two hundred and seventy-eight kelvins. You might want to grab your coat.

Take us in, Grayson.

Sailing through the sparse clouds, the Valkyrie soared across the sky above the crowded settlement, finally coming to a halt and hovering just outside the boundaries of the spaceport.

Pad seventeen is all yours, Amar’s voice announced.

Acknowledged, said Grayson. Touchdown commencing.

The Valkyrie moved over the designated landing pad, slowly descending as her landing gear extended, before lightly touching down upon the circular, concrete pad.

"Tell the Valkyrie to do a full systems analysis, said Nathan. Maybe we can get some of her systems balanced while we're here. I expect we’ll have enough gold to patch her up some."

Will do, Captain, Grayson agreed.

Turning his gaze to Yiesa, Nathan assumed a tight-lipped expression. Let’s go see Victor.

Aye, she replied.

The portly slab of humanity that was Victor Reinberg showed a dispassionate expression. His bulk was too great to even walk, leaving him confined into a gravchair, which supported his considerable mass. His fleshy face sat under a head of red hair and upon bulbous shoulders.

I oughta blow that fat nose right off your face, Victor! shouted Nathan. That is pure titanium! You know as well as I that it’s worth a whole lot more than that!

Victor raised his chubby hands in mock surrender, feigning innocence. I’m sorry, Captain. I truly am. But you took the metal from an Imperial ship. The Empire has ways of tracking their own, you know. I’ll have to grease some palms to pawn this stuff off without curious eyes noting the transaction.

Since when? Nathan’s voice nearly cracked with anger.

Since Imperial patrol squads started appearing with alarming frequency in the outer systems. I don’t know what’s going on, but they’ve been sighted too much of late, and it’s making my connections nervous. The fact that you found that wreck is proof. How often do you see a scout so far out?

Nathan huffed. Victor was right. He’d thought it luck when they’d found that wreck; now he felt less fortunate about the whole thing.

Yiesa shot an examining gaze at the fat man. What’ve you been hearing?

Victor glanced down at the table for a moment, then faced them both with his beady dark eyes. There’s talk that the Empire may be planning another Ascension War.

That’s ridiculous! said Nathan. They don’t have enough ships to conquer the outer systems. They failed before, and the losses on both sides were heavy.

Victor motioned for Nathan to keep his voice down. That’s true, but I’ve heard rumors that they have something, maybe a new weapon. I don’t know. In any case, my buyers are on edge, and they’re afraid. Turning that titanium isn’t going to be as easy, or cheap, as it would have been a few weeks ago. I can offer no more than a thousand per ton, Captain. It’s the best I can do under these circumstances.

Nathan sighed heavily. They had twenty tons of titanium in their hold. That would only be twenty thousand gold bars. They’d run through that in less than a month, given current costs.

We haven’t much choice, Captain, said Yiesa. I doubt we could get a better price anywhere else.

A small smirk crossed Victor’s plump lips.

Nathan glared up at him. All right, Victor. I’ll have the crew dump the metal in your warehouse. Twenty thousand bars.

The smirk morphed into a self-satisfied smile. Agreed.

As they left Victor’s offices, Nathan grimaced. Guess that bath is out of the question now.

Yiesa laughed. Uh-uh, Captain. You’re not getting out of that so easily. I don’t think I can stand another day with the stench. I’ll pay for that bath myself if I must.

Nathan harrumphed dourly as they left Victor’s office. He couldn’t believe the Empire would chance another war. It’d been over a hundred years since the end of the Ascension Wars, but it didn’t seem possible they could have a fleet large enough to challenge the entire outer systems.

He knew the Empire had suffered heavy losses at the end of that war. His own father had been one of the outer systems heroes in the final engagement, the Battle of Reenta.

Something doesn’t add up, he said. If I find out that blob has cheated us… He trailed off, staring at Yiesa with a determined expression as they headed back to the spaceport.

Grand Admiral Marcus Dagora approached the golden doorway to the Lord Marshall’s chambers in the Imperial Palace. The two guards slapped their arms across their chests in salute as the double doors automatically opened to admit the expected guest.

Ignoring the saluting guards, Marcus strode through the doorway. His position as Grand Admiral required no return salute or recognition. Only two men in the Quanios Empire outranked him; the Lord Marshall Dirk Ruzona, and Emperor Rasla Quanios himself. Without a word, Marcus entered the opulent chambers.

Marcus had been here before, and was thus unphased by the enormous, elaborately decorated room. The ceiling rose to a height of several meters, sporting three giant chandeliers covered with diamonds lit from within by nanite filaments. Elegant tapestries and paintings covered the golden, filigreed walls. A large double-wide doorway stood at the far end of the room.

Marching across the soft, thick, blood-red carpets that covered the white-marbled floor, Marcus approached a huge fireplace set in one wall to the side of the room. A roaring fire burned within, enjoyed by a stately man sitting on a luxurious couch, dressed in a silver vest and black pants.

Lord Marshall Ruzona glanced up with long-lashed hazel eyes as Marcus approached. Ah, welcome, Admiral. I’ve been expecting you. May I offer you a drink?

Marcus gazed back at the Lord Marshall, his long face set sternly, and his blue eyes filled with inquisitive expectancy. Am I ordered at ease?

Dirk waved casually at him. But of course, Admiral. Please relax. This is an informal meeting. He stood, revealing his tall frame, and nodded in acknowledgment toward the Admiral. Now, about that drink?

Silver, bejeweled earrings adorned the Lord Marshall’s ears, and lavish rings adorned his long fingers. Dirk’s movements belied his cultured upbringing, graceful and poised. A wistful smile played across his lips as if permanently etched there.

Marcus relaxed his stiff stance but kept a stern and serious expression. His mustache twitched on one side as he accepted the Lord Marshall’s offer. Brandy, if you please. Thank you.

Dirk turned to a servant standing at attention at one end of the couch. A brandy for the Admiral, and bring me another Sauvignon.

The servant bowed his head, then sped off to obey as Dirk gestured to a lush cushioned chair next to the couch. Please, have a seat Admiral. I wish to discuss something with you that will affect the entire Imperial Navy, as well as the Empire.

Marcus raised an eyebrow, then took the offered seat. The soft cushions adjusted and formed around him as he sat, providing the perfect support for maximum comfort. Marcus couldn’t help noticing the contrast compared to the sturdy and rigid work chair he was afforded in his office, despite being quite accustomed to the lack of such luxury.

Reseating himself on the couch, Dirk leaned back, throwing one arm across the back and crossing his legs. I assume you are aware of the problems with the outer systems? So many rough and unwashed masses that refuse to come under the protective umbrella of the Empire?

Marcus nodded, wondering if this meeting was about the Imperial Fleet’s inability to take more planets. I am. At present, we don’t have the resources to force matters beyond our current borders. There are simply not enough ships to patrol the outer systems, and it is all we can do to protect what we now have.

The Imperial Navy had recovered sufficiently in the past hundred years to protect their own, but further conquest was out of the question at present. Marcus had served at the end of that massive conflict; he had, in fact, been a key participant in the Battle of Reenta.

Yes, yes, I’m aware of our resources, and that is the very reason for this meeting, Dirk acknowledged. Tell me, what are your feelings on the present state of the outer systems?

Marcus gave a derisive snort. A bunch of lawless cutthroats and brigands, the lot of them. The outer systems are pure chaos, without rule or order. A lawless plethora of uncivilized humanity.

Dirk smiled. "Indeed. Without law and order, there will always be chaos, and chaos serves no one. It has been the intent of the Quanios Empire to civilize the galaxy. Even more so, since the ascension of Emperor Rasla to the throne.

For the past eight years, there has been a coordinated investigative effort into newly discovered ancient records in a search for a means to bring the outer systems into the lawful dominion of true order. Our investigation has spanned multiple systems, both in Imperial space as well as the outer systems. Searching those dangerous areas these past few years hasn’t been easy, and, as you’re aware, we have lost some ships and soldiers. Regardless, this has been a necessary exercise.

Marcus raised his eyebrows questioningly. To what purpose?

Dirk gazed at the Admiral with a sardonic grin. Why, knowledge, of course. You see, quite early on, references were found that indicated we—mankind, that is—had come from a single planet in the distant past.

Marcus’ perplexing regard increased. I thought mankind originated on Dakke? Isn’t that our history? What is taught in the academy?

Dirk nodded, his expression a pained smile. "So it was believed until new information was discovered. Indications were that mankind migrated to the many worlds we now occupy due to some catastrophic event. What that event was, or where this singular world of our origin was located, has always been a mystery and that information has been a closely guarded secret.

"You see, our researchers are convinced some global calamity forced mankind to leave a different planet, a lost planet, to populate other worlds and eventually settled Dakke. At the Emperor’s request, we have been searching these records to learn more about these speculative details. The Emperor is especially interested in just what disaster could have sent