Monolith's End: Andlios, #3

By Dave Walsh

The Empress took the galaxy for herself at the cost of her humanity.

Alva's ascent to the throne was not without its challenges, but Trella always stood by Alva's side. Until now. Cast aside for tradition and power, Trella is adrift without a tether in the galaxy. The woman she sacrificed so much for has no use for her anymore.

With a renewed sense of urgency, Trella sets out to win her lover back, but can she hold on to the humanity she worked so hard for?

Her path is intertwined with that of Jace Krios and the princess in exile, Katrijn. A vision of a fatal clash between Alva and Katrijn sends Jace to the edges of time and space to save Katrijn from herself, only to find himself more lost than ever. He must confront his greatest fear to keep humanity from unraveling.

Friendships are tested, hearts are broken and change waits for no one in the third installment of the Andlios space opera series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: DW
• Release date: Jul 14, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393473312

Dave Walsh

Dave Walsh was once the world's foremost kickboxing journalist, if that makes any sense. He's still trying to figure that one out.The thing is, he always loved writing and fiction was always his first love. He wrote 'Godslayer' in hopes of leaving the world of combat sports behind, which, as you can guess, did not exactly work. That's when a lifelong love of science fiction led him down a different path.Now he writes science fiction novels about far-off worlds, weird technology and the same damned problems that humanity has always had, just with a different setting.He does all of this while living in the high desert of Albuquerque and raising twin boys with his wife. He's still not sure which is harder: watching friends get knocked out or raising boys.Trystero Series-Broken Ascension-Fractured Sentinel-Shattered LineageThe Andlios Series-Cydonia Rising-Ganymede's Gate-Monolith's End

Book preview

One

Trella

Watching the woman, not just the one she loved, but the one who also played an integral role in her emotional awakening, descend further into madness had broken Trella more than she had ever imagined another person could. She sat staring coldly at the room where she had met Alva and forged what she thought was an unbreakable bond between the two women.

Her father stood silent in the doorway, observing Trella like she was a specimen in a lab, the isolated sound of his rebreather pumping air in and out of his mask to set the tone for the otherwise still room. There were newer models he could use, ones that made no noise and offered the same coverage with less of the theatrics. Still, he refused to swap it out, citing efficiency and rejecting any shred of sentimentality as Trella suggested.

Eventually you must accept this reality, Trallex buzzed. The cold, sterile room, devoid of the personal touches Alva had given it previously, reflected Trella’s inner conflict centered upon Alva—now Empress Alva Hedlund—growing distant and bitter in the cycles since assuming the throne. Our position within the Republic is for the best of our people.

You say that now, she said, staring wistfully at the neatly made, undisturbed bed with its white sheets. But you don’t understand what she wants me to do.

I’m well aware of the mission at hand.

She wants me to kill O’Neil.

She wants you to end the insurgency, to remove the doubts. We’ve both seen the reports and know that Freeman has returned.

So what of it? She left here a friend. We all fought side by side to make this happen. Together with O’Neil and his forces, we were we able to defeat the Ministry fleets.

War makes for complicated alliances, he said. The war is over and still, he clings to the old ways.

He clings to his promises.

Promises made to a dead man who couldn’t keep his house in order. Empress Hedlund has granted the Cydonian people more freedom than I’ve seen in my many cycles of existence.

Trella paused, remembering back to the moment her heart had broken. Alva had asked for the living relatives of Emperor Freeman to be brought to the palace, citing safety concerns and the lingering memory of Cronus and his crimes. Alva had been complicit, helping to hunt them down, promising them compassion and safety. When Trella pressed Alva on their location, wanting to check in on them, her response was cold and calculating.

Oh sweet Trella, she had said. There’s so much you don’t understand about ruling an empire.

The word empire had lodged itself in her head, impossible to shake free. Cronus was a monster and had done his best to undermine the senate, but he had at least upheld the illusion of the values set by his father. Alva, no longer bound to them, instead remained intent on consolidating her power.

She was what you wanted all along, Trella broke the silence. You just wanted one of us there, on that throne.

What I want is immaterial, he said, voice measured and calm. I wish you’d reactivate your link. I grow weary of communicating like this.

And I’m weary of your intentions.

I’m finishing what Am’ranth couldn’t finish…

Trella remained quiet, knowing her father and his sense for the theatric was awaiting her cue to elaborate. His mask buzzed and clicked before he sighed.

…the acceptance of the Cydonian way. The evolution of humanity. These things don’t happen overnight.

So you never cared for her, then?

I’m not sure what you mean.

Alva. You never cared for her. You just took her in and made her part Cydonian as a part of some plan.

There was a promise to an old friend first. It’s more complicated than you claim it to be.

So you’re no different from O’Neil, then. Why should he lose his life and not you?

I have no qualms with O’Neil. He’s alive thanks to me.

Yet you want me to kill him.

I never said that. Princ— he caught himself, Empress Hedlund asked that you take care of the threat to her power.

We both know what that meant. Just like Cronus’ cousins.

What you do is outside of my control, he chided. That much is clear. Come find me when you’re done feeling sorry for yourself.

With that he left, leaving Trella again alone inside the compact room. The room was full of memories, some that still made her feel like she was flying, others too painful to dwell on for too long. She picked herself up, foregoing the usual illusion of floating up from the chair. There was no value in most of the Cydonian tricks used to strike fear in the hearts of the Krigans and other humans, especially not when she was alone, drowning in her thoughts. All of it felt trite, meaningless in the face of her world crumbling around her.

She tore herself away from the room, flicking her wrist to close the door behind her. The Cyngen night air was cool, or at least what the readout on her suit told her was cool. A lifetime inside her suit made her immune system delicate, vulnerable to outside infection. There was this lingering, nagging voice in her head telling her that Alva couldn’t love someone she couldn’t touch or be intimate with, at least not without taking precautions. She leaned out over the balustrade overlooking the bustling city. Not much had changed in the cycles since Alva’s coronation, at least not on Cyngen. The rocky planet of Cyngen remained in isolation by proxy, and while they welcomed humans, the average human still met cold indifference upon arrival. Then again, Cyngen was the Cydonian escape from generations of war and distrust with the Krigans.

She accessed her internal comm and sent the message to the control station, getting clearance for her ship’s departure. It tore her heart apart, but Trella had no plan other than just getting away. O’Neil trusted her and had trusted her father. It felt perverse to find him and not be truthful about everything that had happened since they last met.

Trella. O’Neil ignored her outstretched hand after she stepped through the airlock and immediately moved in for a powerful embrace. At first she fought it, but the human touch was more than she’d felt in months, and easily found herself squeezing him back. The strength of his bionic arm was still uncertain to him, and he used a bit too much pressure.

Oof, she exhaled.

Oh, right, he pulled back. Sorry about that. This thing still takes me by surprise sometimes.

I understand, she said.

It’s great to see you, Trella.

Yes, she replied, unsure of how to handle what she knew.

It’s been a while. I was surprised to get your message. I won’t lie, I was apprehensive, considering how close you are to Alva and all.

I understand, she said.

We’re friends, Trella. Regardless of who’s on that throne, there’s more to life than that.

I know she’s back.

I figured you did, O’Neil said, his voice familiar but with the added mechanical whir from Cydonian tech. The usual warm smile she knew hid behind his faceplate, just the cold reflection of her own self in the visor of his mask. So this isn’t a friendly visit, then?

I’m sorry, Peter, she said. It’s not like that.

I figured she’d know Kat came back. I even figured they’d send someone for us; I just didn’t think it would be you.

I may be Alva’s envoy, but I’m also a friend.

I know, he said. Don’t worry. I just didn’t think she’d send you.

How do you know she sent me?

We’re the only threat to her power right now, which is a joke.

He led her down the hall of the Freeman toward the bridge, Hideo and Jack whispering to each other and stopping at the sight of her. An awkward silence hung in the air. Trella sheepishly waved to them, Jack nodding and Hideo smiling back warmly.

Still the same crew, she said.

I don’t know what I’d do without Jack and Hideo, honestly. Your father helped me out, obviously, and I’m forever grateful to him, but without Jack, Hideo, and Kara, well…

Loyalty is important, she said.

Loyalty? Hideo laughed. Foolishness is more like it.

Friendship is more like it, Jack said, stepping forward and offering his hand to her. She returned the handshake, making sure to not squeeze too hard. It’s great to see you again, Trella. Although…

I’m not spying on you, don’t worry, she said.

I’m sure she asked you to.

Yes, Trella admitted, feeling the weight lift from her shoulders at the revelation. She asked me to take advantage of our friendship.

Figured, Jack fumed. That girl, I swear…err, sorry, Trella, I know she’s important to you.

I’m not sure what to think anymore. I’ve known her for so long, and we just…

It’s okay, O’Neil said, resting his human hand on her shoulder. Nothing is ever easy, especially being human. I’m starting to understand, at least as best I can, how you all exist and the trade-offs you make…I just, I’m not sure how to explain all this, I suppose. I’m just telling you, I can understand how your people have shut out emotions and embraced this technological existence. So this has to be hard for you, I know it is because it’s hard for all of us already, and you’re still new to this.

Thank you, she said.

Look at me, a broken down old husk of a man with only a makeshift family. I’m not complaining, though…Jack, Hideo, and Kara are all I have left. I can say the same for Katrijn, although I know she’s causing some problems for you.

Not for me. For Alva.

Same difference, right? I hope you don’t mind that she’s not here right now. It’s just Jack, Hideo, and myself. Just a precaution is all.

From me, she said. There was a strange understanding that this visit could go better and that it wasn’t the fault of anyone in this ship. These were people who she trusted with her life.

I’m sorry, Trella, O’Neil said after a pregnant pause. It’s not that we don’t trust you, it’s that…

I know. She considers you a threat to her sovereignty. Not just you, but Katrijn. More so Katrijn, although Captain Peter O’Neil is not a name taken lightly on Andlios. Everyone knows your roles in our shared history.

So you consider me a threat, then.

I didn’t say that.

Then Alva does.

Well…

O’Neil paced around the bridge of the ship. Trella’s pulse had increased to a more rapid 140 and her suit was working overtime to cool her down and keep her calm. There were only three of them, all older. They were her friends, yes, but Alva had sent her there for a reason. With her combat training she could take them all out in a matter of moments without taking a single hit herself, especially with no weapons visible. Out of curiosity she ran a quick scan of the bridge, finding the signatures of a few blasters tucked under the consoles, perhaps in reach of Hideo or Jack. Not that it would matter.

I was sent here to kill you, she said finally. Jack and Hideo turned to her. She noted Hideo’s hand moving toward his console and Jack gently shoving him, stopping him in place. Peter stood motionless for a long moment, the tension palpable, her heart rate climbing up even further. O’Neil turned to her after the interminable silence and burst into laughter.

Of course you are, he said. And I know that if you wanted to, you could kill all of us without even breaking a sweat.

Yet you’re laughing.

Because you haven’t done it yet and I don’t believe that you will.

What makes you think that? she asked, her entire body quaking. Her thoughts raced between the fondness—dare she say love for Alva and her moral compass—and her sense of duty to these people who had taken her in and embraced her like one of their own.

That isn’t who you are, Trella.

You don’t know that, she said. You don’t know what I’ve done for Alva already.

I know exactly who you are, Trella. I know how you are, how you think. We’re a lot alike, you and I. There’s no malice in your heart, Trella.

You don’t understand, she said, tears streaming down her cheek, her mask fighting to keep her dry. You don’t know what I’ve done, what happened to Cronus’ cousins and…

Trella, he said, moving forward swiftly. In a heartbeat his arms were around her again, pulling her in close, cradling her head against his shoulder. It’s not your fault. That’s not who you are. Whatever happened, I don’t know, but it’s not you.

I…just…

Shh, he said. It’s all right.

I don’t know what she will do, she said, trying to collect herself. If I fail at this, I just…

You’re with friends here, Jack said. He approached and stroked her back. We can protect you, as long as you want us to.

I don’t know, she said. I feel like I’m putting you all in danger by even being here. My father is the prime minister, and Alva…

Jack’s right, O’Neil said, releasing her from his firm grip. You’ve always been a friend to us. We don’t have much of an army to speak of, it’s just a few ships, a few of the loyalists from Jonah’s time. We’re all old and washed up, but we’re here for Katrijn and the people of Andlios if they want us. We’re no genuine threat to her.

As long as you’re both alive, I’m afraid she won’t understand that. She’s grown so paranoid, she’ll barely even listen to me anymore. The people around her are just as loyal to her as you are to Katrijn.

Oystein still kicking around?

Of course, she said. It’s my father, Oystein, and Zun’thir as her advisors, representing the original Andliosian tribes.

Then why not bring one of us in to represent the Omegeans? What if we tried to cool things over? Jack asked.

We all know better than that, O’Neil said. We’re a part of the problem in her eyes, no matter her connection with Jonah. I’ve sent out feelers to her before but never heard back.

They never reached her ears, Trella said. Each of the tribes have their own agenda, their own people they’re worried about. Those old conflicts remain a scar on the galaxy, no matter how far we’ve reached out into the stars.

I’ll admit I never knew Alva too well, but do you really think she’s unreachable?

I…I don’t know anymore. I thought we had something special together…but now? I don’t know what she’s thinking. She’s so clouded by hatred and power. Her honor.

It’s decided, then, O’Neil said.

What is? she asked.

Peter? Jack turned to him. Peter, what is? What’s decided? What are you planning?

XO?

Sir?

Good friend, he said, turning back to Jack. I’m gonna need you to take care of things for a while. I’ll be back.

Where are you going? What are you talking about? he asked.

I’m not clear, either, Trella said. Where are you going?

I’m going with you, he said. You’re going to take me to see Alva.

Sir, Jack protested. I don’t think—

Jack, my friend, I know you’re worried. Just take care of Kara and Katrijn for me, can you? At least until I’m back.

Peter, this is a terrible—

Trust me, alright?

I agree with Jack, Hideo said. Sir, we need you here.

And you, Trella? He turned to her.

I don’t know, she said. Alva is so different now, but there has to be something left in her that’s willing to listen.

Then it’s decided. We’re returning to Andlios.

Two

Jace

Stripping down out of his encounter suit, Jace stretched his arms out in the airlock, waiting for it to finish cycling. They’d hunkered down on that rock moon for months, the glint from the gate out in space the only anchor outside of the rocky planet they were orbiting, Kurdos. They’d hauled in a good deal of scrap that day, collecting the fallen remnants from the battle nearby.

Production on the new warship was slow, the small factory on Kurdos unable to handle production of more than one ship at a time. Everyone took turns either gathering up scrap on the moon, planetside, or out in space. The larger panels were being repurposed and retrofit onto the ships themselves, while the rest was melted down and reforged into new parts. The airlock hissed after the light blinked green and Katrijn tugged the door open, smiling at Jace.

Get anything good? she asked.

Nah, it’s just scrap at this point, he said, shrugging off the last of his gear and slinking into the ship. I’m pretty sure we’ve collected most of the larger parts here and tapped most of it out. We should consider moving on, I think.

There’s still scrap, though.

Yeah, well, I guess so. It’s just a pain in the ass.

Every bit of scrap is something we can use, we both know that.

Yeah, I’m just getting antsy is all. Plus, these headaches won’t quit, he said, massaging his temples.

We’ve been back for months already. We’re nowhere near Europa. I don’t get it. Won’t you please talk to someone about it?

We’re talking about it.

I’m not a doctor, she said. You know what I mean.

I guess. There aren’t exactly many people to talk to out here, though. We’re fugitives no matter where we go, hiding out, building a fleet one-by-one that we don’t have people to crew. Just feels like we’re killing time.

Now isn’t the time to act. We both know it.

Yeah, well, I’m thinking that time will never come. We’re just in an unfamiliar place now, doing the same stuff we were doing before.

Sorry if life with an exiled princess gets boring, she chided.

No, stop, he said. It isn’t you, you know that. I’m sorry, Kat, I’m just…jumbled up right now. I want these headaches to go away and for stuff to make sense.

I know, she said, rubbing his arm with her palm. You’ve been so patient through all this, so understanding. I promise you this isn’t for nothing.

Hey, he whispered, trying to hide how tired he was. I don’t think it’s for nothing, okay?

I know, I just want you to know that.

I do. I believe in you, otherwise I wouldn’t be here, I wouldn’t have followed you to another galaxy and back. Neither would the rest of them.

We’re a rather ragtag group, you’ve gotta admit.

So what? That’s never stopped us before.

Most of their conversations dealt with the mounting insecurities that Kat was experiencing. She was a leader, but a leader of what? There were a few dozen people at and around Kurdos who were loyal to the Freeman family or O’Neil. No matter how frustrated or tired Jace was, how the ghost of the Shoggoth haunted him, there was still a part of him that pushed it all aside to make sure that Kat could hold on just a bit longer. Jace pulled her in closer, kissing her on the top of the head before sauntering into the shower to clean himself up. Those suits were gross if you stayed in them for as long as they did, especially doing manual labor. In no way did he ever expect to find himself in the remote fringes of Andliosian space, engaged to the rightful heir to the throne and hiding from someone they thought was a friend. All while something—what he still didn’t quite understand—wormed its way through his mind and cast ominous shadows over his every waking moment.

Jace dried himself off after the unsatisfying shower. There was only so much water to go around on the Pequod, especially on a rocky husk of a planetary system like Kurdos, so the shower continually recycled the water, shooting out a burst of water, then the water would worm its way through the reclamation system before blasting out again, meaning short, intermittent blasts of warm water that felt more jarring than refreshing.

Tossing the wet towel aside into the laundry and pulling on a fresh set of ragged old clothes, Jace fumbled around with his holoscanner, picking up where he left off on an old book from the Zarr’nid oral history of the monoliths. Most of it was bullshit, but other times there were stories of people who had out-of-body experiences while in close proximity to them, or even animals that bonded strongly with the people and having a profound, lasting impact on them.

That was what interested him.

A message popped up on the periphery of the projection, and when he tugged at it he