Ascent: The Relissarium Wars Space Opera Series, Book 5: The Relissarium Wars Space Opera Series, #5

By Andrew Broderick

Team Carbonari must now penetrate the very heart of the Yasta: the main monastery on their home planet. 

But, to pass as acolytes, they must endure a four day mountain climb...

On the trek, they mysteriously start dying, one by one... 

It must be an inside job, but who would murder their own in the darkness? 

Will they even make it to the summit?
 

Get the book now to find out!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Andrew Broderick
• Release date: Jul 26, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393409991

Book preview

One

Theo laid in bed, with his arms behind his head. His eyes were watching the sea creatures in their dark, underwater ballet. The Strike Force Retaliation team had been on standby while the Grand Council of Masters voted on whether or not to go forward with infiltrating the Yasta monasteries. The top of Theo’s jumpsuit was unzipped to the waist where he had tied the arms together. Absentmindedly, his fingers twirled the shard of Relissarium that he had pocketed a few days ago. It had become a sort of dark talisman for him. Touching it crystalized all his thoughts and pent up anger.

A knock on his door startled him. Theo quickly stuffed the small shard into his pocket before the door to his temporary lodgings opened up. Danthois loomed in the doorway. Bored and frustrated that the council was taking so long, Theo’s voice erupted in a more agitated tone than he intended. Yeah? What is it?

The cyborg seemed unfazed. Lord Philo would like to see you both in his office.

Both? Theo squinted, then he caught a glimpse of familiar green eyes peeking around the doorframe. He was suddenly very aware of his exposed skin. In one quick motion, he turned away from the door and quickly shoved his arms back into his jumpsuit. The sound of the zipper filled the silence.

Before he had even moved to right himself, Cierra had already closed her eyes and moved back behind the safety of the wall outside of his room. Her cheeks were bright pink. There had been a mutual avoidance between them, since the kiss. Neither of them wanted to discuss what it meant to them, just in case the other didn’t feel the same way. For the past few days, every time one of them entered the room, the other would quickly think up an excuse and dart away. Eventually, Theo had just confined himself to his quarters. It was easier than having to come up with more excuses.

Danthois seemed oblivious to the awkward tension. The two guests trailed a few steps behind him. Theo and Cierra were as far away from each other as the narrow corridor would allow. A sudden urge to hold Cierra’s hand washed over Theo. He shoved his hands deep into his pockets in an attempt to suppress the urge. From the corner of his eye, he could see her fidgeting with her fingernails. Her hands weren’t as calloused Mari’s had been, nor were they as thin and elegant as Naia’s. Cierra had capable hands—capable of pulling a trigger, of taking care of herself.

The door to Senator Philo’s office loomed ahead of them. Their cyborg escort stepped aside. The metal door hissed as it slid open. Philo was perched behind his desk with his fingertips steepled. It was his default pose, used to make himself appear more important. He waited until the door sealed shut again, before he spoke.

Thank you both for coming. His voice was flat but authoritative. It was the same tone he used to address the public during political speeches.

Theo scoffed and shifted his weight. Not like we had much choice. From his peripheral vision, he saw Cierra shoot him a reprimanding glance. He ignored her.

I understand that you have been under a lot of stress recently, but I assure you that even with that taken into consideration, insolence will not be tolerated. Philo’s eyes were daggers, daring him to smart off again. Now, if I can continue, the Grand Council of Masters has come to a decision regarding your team’s next mission and the Brotherhood’s future agenda. The attack on the Yasta home system has been approved. The two of you will be sent undercover as a married couple.

What?! The word was out of Cierra’s mouth before she could stop herself. She quickly clamped her lips shut again.

Philo raised an eyebrow. The success of this mission is vital to evening the playing field between the Yasta and the Brotherhood. Whatever is going on between you two, I need you to work it out before we have boots on the ground. The rest of your team might be willing to turn a blind eye, but I am not. Understood?

Yes, sir. Cierra’s skin was flushed with embarrassment. She avoided eye contact as much as possible.

Good. Be at the docking bay in three hours. We need to get going if we are to have all of the teams into place in time. You may leave now. Philo leaned back dismissively, and watched the two of them depart.

Danthois was already gone when the door shut behind them. He was undoubtedly off to get the next group that needed to be filled in on the assignment. Once they were alone in the hallway, Cierra immediately started speed walking away. Theo had to jog to catch up to her.

Cierra, wait. Cierra! He reached out and grabbed her elbow.

She spun on him and pulled her arm away. What?

Let’s talk about this. Theo lowered his voice to a whisper, just incase anyone walked past.

Talk about what?

You know what. The…kiss. His heart raced as he said it.

It was a mistake, okay. I was just caught up in the moment. It shouldn’t have happened. Is that what you want to hear? Can we just drop it now? She avoided looking him in the eye.

Theo felt like a knife had just been stabbed into his chest. Right. Yeah. That’s what I thought it was.

Good. Now that we have that cleared up, I’m going to go get ready to depart. You should, too.

Right.

Theo watched her walk quickly away. He felt like an idiot for letting himself make the kiss into more than it was. Still, after seeing her as possibly being more than just a comrade, it was hard to unsee her that way. His life had only gotten more complicated from the moment she had come into it, and it didn’t look like that would be stopping anytime soon.

Two

When it was time to embark,