Starship Renegades: Discovery: Starship Renegades, #8

By S.J. Bryant

Rebellion has returned to Zenith.

 

Kari is determined to see the rebellion through, but the Imperium don't fight fair. 

 

Mutants and super-soldiers are slaughtering innocents.

 

Then they take Ryker.

 

Kari will do whatever it takes to save her best friend, and stars protect anyone who gets in the way.

 

Join the crew of Ghost for their fiercest fight yet in Starship Renegades: Discovery.
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Saffron Bryant
• Release date: May 17, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393903796

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Kari took Ghost down to land with a gentle thud on a barren patch of ground that swirled with gray dust, far from any of the tunnel entrances into Zenith. In the distance, fires burned, creating red patches in the darkness. As they'd flown over, they'd seen people milling around the entrances. At this time of night—in the few hours when this part of the planet was shielded from the sun—there should have been markets and trading, instead there'd been riots, people with crowbars, and a half dozen enforcers.

I'm sure this isn't a good idea, Ryker said.

Kari killed the engines, turning everything off except shields and life support. We have to find out what's going on. This could be our chance, Ryker.

Chance for what?

She stood, meeting his gaze. To finish the revolution.

She led the way to Ghost's kitchen where the rest of the crew sat.

It looks like hell out there, Aydin said. I don't know what this place is usually like…

Not like that, Kari said.

But he has a point, Atticus said. There were enforcers, rioters. I'm not sure it's safe.

I know the dangers, Kari said. But right now I need to make contact with the rest of the rebels. This thing is like a powder keg, and if it's going to blow, I want to know about it. Besides, my contacts told me the enforcers are spread thin. They're dealing with rioters all across Zenith and won't be looking for us. We're in just as much danger as anyone else on Zenith.

That doesn't make me feel much better, Atticus said.

You could have stayed on Farcrier with Brody. Kari had been glad to get rid of the balding man. He might have been part of the revolution once, but he was no fighter now. Besides, you're staying here. Ryker, Wren, and I are going in.

Aydin stood. You're sitting me out?

You're not well yet.

Like hell I am. I could take you out right here, right now.

Kari raised an eyebrow as Aydin's legs shook, forcing him to sit.

Fine, maybe I'm not completely back to normal.

Exactly, Kari said. So the three of us will go, reconnaissance only. We'll be back here before daybreak to make a plan. All of us together. I understand that this fight doesn't belong to all of you. She took the time to meet Aydin's eyes. He'd never even been to the Raxis system before—why should he be dragged into a rebellion he knew nothing about?

And if someone comes looking for you while you're gone? Atticus said.

I've brought the ship's systems down to minimum, so hopefully any scanner that picks us up won't be interested. If you do get enforcers, try to talk them away, but if they don't leave, shoot them.

That'll put us back on their most-wanted list.

I know, so that's your last resort. Are we all clear?

Aydin and Piper grumbled but Atticus seemed happy enough to stay behind.

Good, Kari said. And if we're not back by daybreak, hold position. If you don't hear from us in two days, you should consider leaving, head to a different system.

We're not going to abandon you, Piper said.

We'll be back, Kari said, avoiding any argument. She had to hope that Atticus and Aydin would make the best decision, if the worst happened.

Kari was almost at Ghost's main door when hurried footsteps pattered behind her. She paused, turned.

Piper.

You can't come—

No. I just wanted to give you this. Piper held out a worn piece of leather with a small piece of katium hanging from it. I managed to scrape it out of the drive. I know it's not fancy but—

Kari wrapped Piper in a tight hug. Ever since the Imperium had taken her necklace during the Tournament, she'd felt like a piece of her soul was missing. Here it was, rough and covered in dirt.

Piper tied the leather around Kari's neck. Be safe.

Kari gripped Piper's arm. Always. Then she hurried out of Ghost with Ryker and Wren before anyone could see her tears.

They stepped onto the hard, barren soil of Zenith. A tingle traced up Kari's legs. How long had it been since she set foot on her home planet? It felt like years. And that whole time she'd been running.

They traipsed toward the flickering fires that marked the tunnel entrance. The sounds of fighting grew louder as they approached; shouts and yelling. Figures silhouetted by the fires brawled, scratching and clawing at each other like animals. Others huddled behind a barricade made from a billboard. One emerged from behind cover with a glass bottle, a rag trailing from it. He lit the rag and hurled the bottle at the enforcers. It flipped and danced through the air, flame growing. The bottle landed with a shatter of glass, and flames licked across the dirt, spattering the enforcers. The sparks sputtered out against the their armor.

The enforcers leveled their guns at the wooden billboard.

Kari's stomach twisted, but before she could do anything, the enforcers opened fire, reducing the billboard to splinters and shredding the flesh of everyone crouched behind it. The rioters had no armor. Their bodies tore to pieces as easily as the billboard, showering the wall behind them in red.

Kari took a half step forward, hand on gun.

No, Ryker said. You'll only get yourself killed.

They executed them.

Those rioters were being stupid, Wren said. What good did they think a Molotov cocktail would do against enforcer armor?

After the sputtering gunfire stopped, the area around the tunnel fell deathly silent. Even those few groups who'd been brawling stopped, eying the enforcers and everyone else. Tension crackled in the air, just waiting for a tiny spark to set it alight.

Kari, Ryker and Wren darted from the darkness, hugging the shadows. They had to step over the mangled remains of the billboard and the people who'd been hiding behind it before getting to the tunnel entrance and slipping inside.

Kari had used this entrance a hundred times. She knew every twist, every shop. Hell, she could probably have named every beggar on every corner. Not anymore. The first hundred feet had been turned into a bare stretch of no-man's land. Blood spatters and scorch marks stained the walls, floor, and ceiling. The stalls that usually occupied this part of the tunnel were gone.

They inched forward, hands resting on their guns but not pulling them.

It wasn't until three turns later that life returned to the tunnels. Here two burly men and a woman leaned against the wall, guns held across their chests. They eyed Kari and her companions.

What do you want? said the woman.

Just meeting some friends, Kari said.

One of the men spat, leaving a glistening patch of saliva on the ground. Weird time to be making social calls.

We don't want trouble, Kari said. Just let us pass.

You don't cause trouble down here, we won't cause trouble for you, said the woman.

Then we're agreed. Kari shouldered past.

Around the next corner, the tunnels took on the semblance of normality, with shops and stalls, but it wasn't ordinary, not really. Everyone looked up at the tiniest noise, eyes wide. They scurried from shop to shop like startled mice. The smell of sweat and desperation hung heavy in the air. A few NRG addicts lurked in the shadows, surrounded by empty cans with lightning bolts on the side.

Repent your sins! Judgement is coming, a Sister of Twilight called from within the thick fabric that covered most of her face as she ran down the corridor.

Not exactly how I remember, Ryker said.

Kari nodded, leading them through a familiar path of twisting tunnels until they got to a gray door set into what appeared to be a dead end. Carved into the top right corner, hidden in shadows, was an abstract form of the Renegades' symbol: crossed pistols with wings behind. She knocked twice, paused, knocked twice. The door swung open, revealing a warm glow that spilled into the corridor.

She hurried inside, Wren and Ryker close behind. The familiar smell of whiskey and tallow candles filled Kari's nostrils. They kept candles burning in this place, despite the cost and the black marks they left on the ceiling, because they lent the little place atmosphere. Not that it needed any help there. The Rambler had always been a second home to Kari during the revolution. Here she'd met Ryker, and a dozen other fellow rebels. Here the greatest plans to change Zenith and overthrow Albion had been made.

Kari? As I live and breathe! the bartender said.

Kari grinned. She hadn't seen Gareth in years. Others at the tables called out, lifted hands, or nodded at her and Ryker. It was busier than she'd seen it since the revolution ended. Clearly she wasn't the only one who'd come looking for information.

The usual for you two? Gareth said. And what about your friend?

We'll take three, Kari said.

Gareth grabbed a bottle of whiskey with the crossed pistols and wings of the rebellion printed on the side. Kari had only been in the back room of the place once. The man had a half dozen distilleries going. Even in times of peace, people liked his personal blend.

Wren's hand snaked out, grabbed her drink, then she spun away. Even watching, Kari had trouble following her progress through the shadows. She seemed to melt from one part of the bar to another before settling into a dark corner, invisible unless you knew to look.

Ryker took his drink and ambled to a nearby group of people. He shook their hands and sat with them as if they'd done the same thing every day for years. Kari vaguely recognized them, although she'd never had as many contacts as Ryker.

Can't believe you're still dragging him around, Gareth said, jutting his chin at Ryker. You know, if you ever want to settle down with a real man…

Kari took her drink with a wink. And what would Polly have to say about that?

Bah, Gareth said. Polly knows I've only ever had eyes for you.

The curtain behind the bar fluttered, and Polly emerged. It would bother me if I thought he had half a chance, she said. But he's delusional if he thinks he has a chance with the great Kari Nyseth .

Kari reached across the bar, squeezing Polly's arm. It's good to see you, Polly.

And you, she said, laying out a tray of clean glasses. I see you've caught the siren call of revolution.

A hunch, Kari said, glancing around the bar. A lot of familiar faces.

We're still around, Polly said. We might have laid low these last ten years, but we never went away.

You think it's happening then? Kari said.

Gareth and Polly shared a look. He wrapped his arm around Polly's waist and pulled her close. It's happening, he said. But it will be bloody.

CHAPTER 2

Kari tossed a token onto the bar for Gareth, raised her glass to him and Polly, and turned to survey the room. Lots of familiar faces glanced her way, some waved her to join them, others avoided eye contact. She couldn't blame them. While lots of former rebels had stayed in touch, kept the movement going underground, Kari had largely turned away from it. She couldn't forgive them for giving up the fight so easily last time. What if they did the same now? Still, she couldn't let old grudges stand in the way of the new rebellion.

She sauntered to a wooden table with three women and a man sat around it, all of them covered in scars and weapons. The oldest woman; a sly cat with white, wiry hair and more scars on her face than Kari had on her whole body, gestured for Kari to sit.

Been a long time since I've seen you here, she said.

Been busy. How's tricks, Trix?

The corner of Trix's mouth twitched. That one never gets old. She glanced at her companions. You guys recognize this one, from the illegal broadcasts?

Heat crept over Kari's face. Of course! Everyone on Zenith had probably watched her every move from the moment she woke up in that damned medieval tournament.

Your sword arm could use some work, the man said, grinning. Brawny muscles across his shoulders rippled when he lifted his glass.

You offering? Kari said.

Oh, I like this one, Trix, he said.

You'll like her a lot less if you ever have to spend more than a night with her.

You had me at spend the night, he said.

Put it away, Jug, I'm sure she didn't come here because of your questionable good looks. Kari, you might remember Beti and Arch from the good old days. Trix gestured to the women on either side of her.

Kari nodded to each of them in turn.

So you're back in the game? Trix said.

Kari shrugged. Even among former comrades, it was best to be careful. "At this stage I'm seeing what the game is."

This could be the big one, Trix said.

That's what we thought last time. Memories turned the sweet whiskey in Kari's mouth sour.

Last time we didn't have the whole population of Zenith in an uproar.

Thanks to that video of yours, Jug said with a wink.

You saw the rioters on the way in? Trix said.

It's a mess. Enforcers mowed down a bunch of kids.

Trix shook her head. Same thing every day. People are angry. People that were happy to sit back and wait for the lottery have suddenly had a very hard wakeup call.

And the enforcers?

Desperate. The Imperium is throwing everything they've got at Zenith to try to quell the riots before it turns into all out rebellion.

And will it?

Trix studied Kari over the top of her glass, her old eyes as keen as they had ever been. Kari had only served with Trix for a short while, not long after joining the revolution. But that woman could shoot the head off an enforcer from two miles away, and those eyes seemed to see through your very skin. Depends how many soldiers come out of the woodwork.

Something has to give soon, Jug said. With katium production as it is.

Kari frowned. What's wrong with the katium production?

"Relies on Zenith workers, doesn't it? A lot of the crystal hunters were willing to go out there and risk their lives when it meant an extra shot at the lottery.