Captain Hudson and the Red Ghosts

By Sean Clarke

In a world of hidden perils, Captain Zach Hudson, a seasoned mercenary, is about to confront his darkest and most treacherous challenge yet.

 

When a mysterious businessman presents him with an offer too enticing to resist, Hudson and his loyal team embark on a high-stakes mission that will push their limits to the brink. A monstrous underground threat lies in wait, threatening not only their lives but the fate of the entire world.

 

Haunted by his own mortality and the weight of years gone by, Hudson must tap into his age-honed skills and battle against time itself. Will he overcome the shadows of his past and emerge triumphant, or will this mission be the end for the man who lived his entire life on the edge.

 

Captain Hudson and the Red Ghosts is a pulse-pounding science fiction adventure that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Action-packed battles and heart-pounding suspense make this a must-read for fans of futuristic action adventure stories. Dive into the captivating world of Captain Hudson and the Red Ghosts today and prepare for an unforgettable sci-fi adventure!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sean Clarke
• Release date: Apr 18, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393539438

Sean Clarke

Sean Clarke is a fantasy author who lives in Saltcoats, Ayrshire.

Book preview

Captain Hudson and the Red Ghosts

This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely co-incidental.

Copyright 2021 Sean Clarke

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or used in any manner without written permission from the copyright owner except for the use of quotations in a book review.

First Released, 2021

www.seanclarkeauthor.com

Table of Contents

The Meeting

The Raven

The Revolver

The Arrival

The Horror

The Whirlpool

The Walkway

The Future

A Message from Sean

About the Author

Other Books by Sean Clarke

The Meeting

Zach Hudson stood at the entrance to Fagan’s bar, puffing on his cigar, and listening to the raised voices and excited chatter emanating from inside. Usually, he would be in amongst the ruckus, knocking back jugs of beer and indulging in typically laddish behaviour with the other mercs from Viper’s Fist, but tonight was different. Tonight, he had something far more important on his mind – a meeting with a Gogglo named Ulric Raven.

He dropped the cigar on the wet ground, swept it away with a scuffed black boot and then turned to the figure behind him. It was Magnus Gilda, captain of the Rad Veteran and leader of the Fists. He was stood in the alleyway beside the pub, but the poor street lighting had cast him in shadow, so Hudson could only make out the white feather on his black fedora.

He’s late. Gilda stated in his usual gruff tone.

Nothing new there, Hudson replied. Raven’s about as reliable as the long-range navigation system on the Rad Veteran.

Gilda chuckled. What’s wrong with the navigation system? It’s how we used to sail in the old days.

We did a lot of things in the old days, but it don’t mean they was convenient. Can’t we get one of those modern systems? Ye know, the ones that tell the ship where to go right off the bat.

Never heard of that before. Gilda replied, Who told ye about them?

Bry mentioned it. Sounds exactly what we need.

I was never one for embracing modern ways, Gilda said, his tone becoming more serious. Old habits die hard.

Yer never too old to change. Hudson replied with a devilish grin.

Trust me, I am.

Hudson sighed. The ageing captain was once a giant of a man who possessed what seemed like a sixth sense for sniffing out the best jobs. Gilda had transformed the Fists from a two-bit operation to the most feared mercenaries in the world of Lozaro. His infectious enthusiasm for improvement, rubbed off on everyone, none more so than Hudson, who was promoted to first mate a few years ago. A proud moment for sure, but lately, Gilda’s decision making had cost the gang a lot of money. His obsession with working for Raven had prevented him from taking on more suitable jobs and blinded him to the businessman's excuses about unreliable pay. As a result, some of the crew had privately expressed their concerns about Gilda's leadership.

Where the hell’s he got to? Gilda suddenly barked.

Maybe he’s not coming. Hudson replied, pulling another cigar from the breast pocket of his funnel-necked grey overcoat. Wouldn’t be the first time he’s let us down.

You still don’t trust him, do ye?

Hudson raised an eyebrow at his direct superior. He hasn’t given us a reason to. Anyway, ye know the old saying, never trust a Gogglo.

They’re just the same as us. They bleed red, don’t they? Raven’s given us plenty of work since we came here. Far more than anyone else has. Vala’s been slim pickings since the cybernetic army started patrolling the streets.

The last two jobs were a mess. Hudson shot back. Half our pay on each one. The men won’t stand for it much longer, captain.

They got the full whack on the last one, did they not?

Because we paid them out of our share. I don’t like losing cash any more than they do.

"It’s no longer an issue. Raven assures me the next