Nightwalker: The Galaxy Sentinel Series

By Gary T Brideau

Through advanced technology: a sinister, half man, half wolf is created and set
loose, on the Planetary Alliance to destroy the government through chaos. The only
way to end the bloody rampage, is to find the inventor of the nightmarish creature.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Oct 29, 2014
• ISBN: 9781503511316

Gary T Brideau

I was born in a small house in Brooklyn, Nova Scotia, Canada in 1947 and moved to Bridgeport, Connecticut as a small boy. I met Lauren, the love of my life in1985 and were married years later and moved to Bristol, Connecticut. One night, I had a vivid dream that caught my attention, that spurred me to write it down, and sent it to my sister T. Jene Brideau, for an interpretation who also is a writer. She wrote and told me that the story was good. I took her encouragement and my imagination went to work. That’s when I discovered my God-given talent to write great space adventures stories. From then on, I have written over fifty stories of which only seven of them have been published with great reviews.

Book preview

Copyright © 2014 by Gary T. Brideau.

ISBN:      Softcover      978-1-5035-1132-3

                eBook           978-1-5035-1131-6

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

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

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 10/28/2014

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Contents

Chapter 1 In the Shadows

Chapter 2 The Will-o-the-wisp’s downfall

Chapter 3 Unknown Reality

Chapter 4 Doubles

Chapter 5 Terror at the hot springs

Chapter 6 Shattered Security

Chapter 7 Stacy and Thor

Chapter 8 Albert, dead or alive.

Chapter 9 I made no such promise

Chapter 10 Deadly Shadows

Chapter 11 She Devil

Chapter 12 Out of hiding

Chapter 13 Loose cannon

Chapter 14 Transfer

Chapter 15 Lacy

Chapter 16 This is so cool

Chapter 17 Abbie

Chapter 18 Close to home

Chapter 19 Just deserts

Chapter 20 Left alone

Chapter 21 Sela’s defense

Epilogue

WHITE CLOUD

Champion of the Indian Nation

Chapter 1 Lester, The loser

Chapter 2 A Change of Heart

Chapter 3 White Cloud

Chapter 4 The Mass Exodus

Chapter 5 The Final Battle

Chapter 6 Enter, Blue Thunder

Chapter 7 Blue Thunder to the Rescue

Chapter 8 Look, who’s missing

Epilogue

My thanks to my sister, T. Jene Brideau,

who started me writing, and kept me going.

Thanks to my wife, Lauren, who supports me, and edits my stories.

Chapter 1

In the Shadows

Moe, was dressed in her Mysterious Stranger garb, which was a long, black cloak and a black, broad brimmed hat and she was hiding in the shadows, of Crystal City, on the planet, Dicapl, observing the movements of a tall thin, man, with a gaunt face, as he intently studied a jewelry store at ten o'clock at night. Her old friend, Alex, happened by, spotted the shadowy figure, rushed up to her, and greeted her loudly, Moe, I'd know you anywhere. What are you doing, hiding in this alley?

Knowing, her cover was blown, she growled, Do you have mush, for brains? Can't you see, I had that man over there, under surveillance? Thanks, a lot.

Not realizing, the gravity of the situation, Alex smiled, and commented, That would explain, why you are wearing the long, black cloak, and broad brimmed, hat. But, do you have the sword? Alex lifted Moe's cloak to take a peek, when the tall, thin, man quickly spun around, pulled an energy pistol out, and fired. Moe wrapped her cape around Alex, then, dove for the asphalt, as the blast of red energy skimmed her side.

Ah, this isn’t the place to get affectionate, Moe

Will you be quiet, you're gonna get us both killed, whispered Moe, as she put her hand over Alex's mouth. He grabbed her arm, yanked her hand off his mouth, and asked, Will you please, get off me.

Moe sighed, then, landed a hard, right cross to Alex's jaw, knocking him out. She then, sprang to her feet, with her broad sword drawn, slowly scanned the alley, searching for the shadows, thin man.

Looking for me? whispered a sinister voice, from behind her. Moe quickly spun around, and sliced the air, with her sword, in hopes of striking a deadly blow, to her opponent. Show, yourself, screamed Moe, as her eyes darted about the shadows, in search of the thin man. Suddenly, a blast of red energy slammed into Moe's cape, disintegrating most of it. Moe yanked off the cloak, and slashed the air, on the right side of her, and hollered, Where are you?

Right here, replied the thin man's voice, behind Moe. He quickly twisted the sword, out of her hand, pushed her against a brick wall, and placed his left arm across her throat.

Leave her, alone! demanded Alex, as he struck a fighting stance.

This doesn't concern you. bellowed the thin man, as he took a wild swing, at Alex, with the sword, leaving a deep gash in his thigh.

The man placed the point of the sword, against Moe's chest, and stated, You should know better, than to challenge the Nightwalker. Now, you die.

Alex staggered to his feet, approached the man, and shouted, "In the name of Jesus, and landed a blow, to the Nightwalker's neck. The man released his grip on Moe, reared back, and let out a hideous howl, and slashed Moe across the chest, then, turned to attack Alex.

Suddenly, a loud shriek split, the night, Tippy, swooped down, and plowed into the Nightwalker head first, sending the creature flying backwards, landing, on his back. Tippy took a fighting stance, and taunted, Come on, Ugly. How about picking on someone your own size, like me.

The Nightwalker's lightning fast, reflexes were no match for the young Wisp. He grabbed Tippy by her arm, and whipped her into the garbage cans. She sprang to her feet, and charged forward to him, then, landed a powerful blow, to his face, dropped down, and landed blow to his stomach, with her knee. Badly wounded, Moe picked up her sword, and came down, across the Nightwalker's back. He let out a howl, then, backhanded her, sending her to the ground, out cold.

Tippy jumped up, clenched her fist, and furiously hammered at the Nightwalker's face. He casually shook it off, grabbed Tippy by her legs and arm, and threw her, against the brick wall. Then, he vanished into the night. Moe touched her computer watch, and groaned, Help, then passed out.

Hours later, Moe opened her eyes in the Institute's infirmary, and whimpered. Doc, can you give me something, for the pain?

Ah, you are awake. Thor is mighty ticked off, at you, for blowing the mission.

It wasn't my fault. snapped Moe.

Thor slowly approached Moe's bed, and growled, All, you were to do, was wait till the Nightwalker was in position, then, spring the trap. The Institute's, two foot tall, Gideon Bear, could have done a better job.

But, Sir.

No buts, about it! screamed Thor, We spent weeks going over, every detail, on this mission. Now, that thing is, on the loose, who knows what it will transform into, thanks to you!

Tippy, hobbled up to her father, and explained, "Dad. Moe didn't blow the mission. She was about to spring the trap, and was interrupted by Alex, who blew her cover, alerting the Nightwalker.

Thor questioned, Is it the same Alex, we had trouble with, when, we had to deal with Victoria?

Yup. replied Tippy, quickly.

Thor walked into the next room, stared at Alex, for a minute then, inquired, What were you thinking, when you approached a Mysterious Stranger, Moe, last night?

Alex innocently replied, I was happy, to see an old friend, that's all."

Didn't you know, that she was, on duty.

Well, yeah, why else would she be wearing, that strange getup.

How, pray tell, did you recognize her? Moe was in the shadows, at night, with her long cloak, and hat on. The only thing, you could possibly see, were her eyes.

Alex smiled, as he stated, Moe has a certain way of standing, that sets her apart from, other women. Then, when, I got close to her, and noticed, that her left eyebrow was slightly higher, than the other, I knew, who it was.

Trying to remain clam, Thor questioned, Do you realize, what you've done, by interrupting Moe, while she was, on duty?

Outside of almost being killed by, that Wing Nut, no.

That Wing Nut, as you call him, is a sadistic killer called, the Nightwalker, who Moe was about to capture, when, you blundered in, and almost got yourself, and Moe killed, allowing him to escape. From now on, when you see a Mysterious Stranger, don't bother them. Because, if you do, they will put you in the hospital, for a long time.

Alex stuck up his finger, and asked, When, can I go home? I left my camper parked, in a parking lot.

Thor turned to leave, and replied, When you work off, your eleven hundred hours of community service. Your camper is parked, on, Smile Lake beach.

You can't, do this, to me! screamed Alex, I know my rights! A judgment like that, has to come from the court, or, the Galaxy Sentinel.

Stopping at the door, Thor, turned, and asked, Who, do you think, I am?

Alex slid down in the bed, and muttered, Oh, crap. I am so, dead.

Belinda found her father, in the cafeteria, enjoying a cup of coffee, approached him, and said, I'm going, to call it, a night.

Are you sure, you are not going to attend the celebration, of the completion, of the housing project? There’s gonna be plenty of food, music, and entertainment."

Thanks Dad, but, no thanks. I've been staying up late, all this week, doing research, on the legendary Nightwalker, and have come up, empty.

I'll bring you back, a party plate, okay?

Thanks, Dad. See you, in the morning,

The last bit of daylight, was slowly fading, from the sky, as Belinda casually strolled down the mountain path. Part way down, she stopped abruptly, and quickly searched the dark jungle, but, found nothing. Belinda had only, taken a few steps when a hideous howl, silenced the night creatures. She screamed, as the Nightwalker jumped, on her back, knocking her, to the ground, savagely tearing at her body. Determined not to let this thing, get the best of her, she summoned all of her strength to fight him off but, it was useless. The Nightwalker rolled Belinda on her back, and brutally beat her chest, and face, screaming at the top of his lungs. Feeling herself begin, to slip into unconsciousness, she muttered, No, it's not going to happen, and managed to escape, only to have him catch her, a few steps later, he picked her up, and hurled her into a tree. Belinda lay on the ground bleeding, and wincing in pain, with the Nightwalker glaring down at her, with his fierce, red eyes. She then, heard a thunderous roar, reverberate through the jungle. General, the Institute's fourteen hundred pound, male lion, tore through the jungle, sprang over Belinda, knocking the Nightwalker to the ground, tearing at his flesh, with his razor sharp claws. The Nightwalker let out another howl, grabbed General by his head, to twist it off, but, lost his balance, and fell to the ground, with the General's jaw clamped on his arm.

Belinda whimpered, as she tried to stand, and General immediately stood in front of her, and let out one roar, after another, warning the Nightwalker to stay away. He made an attempt for Belinda, but, a powerful blow, from the ferocious cat's massive paw, sent him charging, into the jungle.

Ragged and bloody, Belinda crawled on, top of General, and rode him back, to the house, where she fell off, and crawled to the front veranda, praying, that someone would find her. General lay by her side, purring and making sure, no one was going to hurt her.

An hour later, Pixy, flew down to check on Belinda. When she saw a grotesque body, lying on the ground. She cried, Belinda, no. hold on, I'll call for help. Pixy quickly morphed into a red, Will-o-the-wisp, cradled Belinda in her arms, and let out a loud, mournful shriek. In seconds, four red, Will-o-the-wisp appeared, Tara approached Pixy, and asked, What happened?"

I don't know, Thor sent me to check up, on Belinda, and I found her, like this.

Tara turned, and ordered, Bring that stretcher, over here, and cover her, with that blanket of healing flowers. Tara slowly lifted her head, and gasped, as she saw the Nightwalker tearing across the beach towards her, and prayed for help. General sprang to his feet, and let out a roar, ready to charge the oncoming creature, when, a powerful charge of electricity slammed into the Nightwalker's body, causing him to falter. He let out a hideous shriek, quickly spun around, to face Patrick, who let out another charge of electricity, infuriating the thing. Patrick shouted, Open a portal, so, we can get rid, of the thing!

Two Will-o-the-wisp clasped, hands, above their heads, and began to beat, their wings faster, and faster, until they created, a deafening roar, and opened a portal. Patrick discharged one bolt of electricity, after another, backing the thing through the portal.

Patrick rushed to Belinda's side, and inquired, Hold on, girl, you'll pull through.

Tara, interrupted Patrick, and said, If you will excuse me, I have to get her to the trauma unit, right away. Patrick took Tara to one side, and inquired softly, Not to sound negative, but, Why is she alive?

She is linked to the Will-o-the-wisp community, which is the only thing, that's sustaining her. Now, will you please let me go, so, I can get, that poor girl, to the hospital.

Thor and Sam charged, on the beach, followed by, most of the Institute's staff.

Cherry rushed to the disfigured Belinda, on the stretcher, and cried, while Patrick approached Thor, and reported, I'm sorry, Boss, if I was more on the ball, this wouldn't have happened. The Nightwalker attacked her twice, The Wisps were able to open a portal so, I could push him through.

Thank you, Patrick, I owe you one. Thor comforted his wife, saying, She'll be okay. Now, let Tara do her thing. Thor turned to Tara, and demanded, Send Prince Blue here, as soon, as possible. We have got to stop, this thing, from killing, more people.

Once Belinda was on her way, to the trauma center, in Willow city, Thor instructed. "No one is to be outside, at night. If it is necessary, a security guard will accompany you. Side arms are to be warn, at all times, and please, use the buddy system. One last thing; he is called the Nightwalker, because, he stalks his prey, at night.

Chapter 2

The Will-o-the-wisp’s downfall

Charcoal grey clouds quickly gathered, as bolts of lightning shot out of the clouds in, all directions. Seconds later, a tall, stately blue figure, with transparent wings casually walked out, approached Thor, and questioned, What is so, important, that you had to disturb my family picnic?

I suppose you are aware of the thing, called, the Nightwalker, that's been terrorizing everyone, this past month?

I've heard about it.

We need to combine our efforts to stop, thing. Are you, with me, or, not?

Feeling smug, Blue replied, I don't think, I want my people involved in this. After all, it's a human problem.

Thor took a deep breath, and stated forcefully, Hello; News flash, Blue. You are already involved. It attacked Tippy, and Belinda."

Remember, Tippy has pledged her strength to the humans, and abandoned the Will-o-the-wisp community. As for Belinda, she is a human, that is being protected by some of the Wisp in the community. Besides, that thing would not dare attack a real Wisp. We would make Hamburger, out of him, in minutes.

So, that's your decision, not to dirty your hands, in this matter.

You've got it. Now, if you will excuse me, There is a picnic waiting, for me.

Steaming mad, Sam landed a hard, right cross to Blue's face, sending Blue reeling, from the blow. The Will-o-the-wisp prince, took a deep breath, turned to walk away. Sam shouted, What's the matter, Blue? Are you afraid, that I'll kick your sorry hide, all over this planetoid, you arrogant piece of garbage.

Blue spun around, let out a loud screech, then, went to grab Sam, by the throat. Sam dropped down, and landed a blow to Blue's lower abdomen, then, sprang to his feet again, ready to put the prince's lights out.

Blue silently turned, and walked away, with his head down, and vanished in a white mist.

Whoa, that was weird, commented Thor.

Do you suppose, there is something going on, with the Wisp, that has him depressed. suggested Cherry.

Tippy walked up, to her father, and explained, Blue is dealing with, Wisps thinking, about their own well being, instead of the community. When, Blue heard, that some of the community accepted Belinda as an honorary Wisp, and was lending their strength to her, he went ballistic. Now, the Will-o-the-wisp community in Willow City has split up, into about a dozen factions, instead of, one, unified whole.

A loud scream, followed by a splash, diverted everybody's attention, as Mary Bell crawled out of the water muttering Dang it, missed it, again.

Trying to keep from laughing, Thor asked, What now, more night flying?

I've been practicing fast landings, on the beach but, I keep winding up, in the water.

Have you ever thought, about trying it, in the day time? inquired Thor.

Why would I want, to do that?

Duh! So, you can see, what you are doing.

Oh, yeah. I never thought about, that. Thanks, Sir. Oh, I almost forgot, Woody is acting up again, and security needs you, to help settle him down.

Thor kissed his wife, and headed for the Institute, to take care of the matter. Later, standing in front of Woody's cell room, Thor questioned, the guard, How long has this, been going on?

"Sir. Since day one, he gets up, has his morning meal,