Terran Recruits Trilogy - Second Edition: Paladin Shadows Trilogies, #2

By Aidan Red

This trilogy is a collection of the previously published second three books of the Paladin Shadows Sci-fi Series, books 4, 5 and 6; known as Terran Recruits, parts 1, 2 and 3.

 

Shara's new life awakens to new joys and new terrors...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Aidan Red
• Release date: Nov 5, 2021
• ISBN: 9781946039583

Book preview

Prologue

Sunday, October 23

Z:\Y - Notes and Background Data\eBook Break Images\EW Books\Blank Space Character - Isolated.png

In the early morning hours, Shara and Greg’s attack on the Traders’ secret launch facility, Point Obscure, raged on. Shara had led Bill Woods, Doug McIntire, and Rosalee Mitchell through the maze of corridors and unidentified chambers in search of Jill Thomas, and as many other captives as they could find.

Greg and Nick Jordan cautiously worked their way deep into the core of the complex, planting explosives to create distractions for Shara’s search and to interrupt the imminent launch of a Traders’ Union freighter and a Kyddellan diplomatic frigate.

In the siege on the launch control room, Stran came face to face with his half-brother Hew, known locally as Howard, whose complete focus and intent was to kill anyone trying to stop the launches. Their ensuing laser exchange left Hew dead, the control system in ruins, and unknowingly broke the back-door link, disabling the space station QuickSilver and instantly releasing it from the ominous fate that hung before it: the possibility of tumbling out of orbit with no means of escape.

Unaware of the fortuitous deed, Greg pressed on, destroying the navigation guidance center and then taking his fight into the launch bay as Shara led her group and the few captives she found up the stairs and balconies on the south launch bay wall, toward the potential safety of the surrounding forest just beyond.

Realizing the freighter was preparing to launch without the support of the facility, Greg climbed up into the forward landing strut well and dropped a series six canister into the equipment bay just forward; he dropped to the bay floor and barely made it to cover before freighter began to lift. The explosion of the canister interrupted the departure and the ship succumbed to gravity, crashing heavily onto the bay floor.

Greg dismissed the scene and turned his attention to the diplomatic frigate, but his heart sank when he saw Jill being forced aboard. He knew her only hope was for him to get on board himself, find her and find a way out before they could launch.

Z:\Y - Notes and Background Data\eBook Break Images\EW Books\Blank Space Character - Isolated.png

C.3482.315

Z:\Y - Notes and Background Data\eBook Break Images\EW Books\Blank Space Character - Isolated.png

Commander, the communications officer called in Galactic Standard as the wing commander entered the escort cruiser’s Bridge. The communications officer summoned the escort commander at the first signs of irregular happenings at the Traders’ secret Terran launch facility, Point Obscure.

What do you have? the commander asked.

Sir, the communications officer explained, five centipars past, Point Obscure’s cloaking failed and we can see the illumination of the open launch portal. We have tried to contact them to find out what trouble they are experiencing, but they have not acknowledged our calls.

It is still full dark there. Can the local planet satellites detect them? the commander asked, and stared at the navigational situations officer.

From our data on the planet’s capabilities, the navigation officer replied, the next pass for a data-collection satellite will not be for another par and twelve centipars. The manned space station will not pass over Point Obscure for another three planetary orbits, five pars.

Maybe they can get their condition corrected by then, the wing commander suggested, and turned to his command chair.

As the commander sat down and studied the image on his sensor screen beside his chair, he wondered how the emissary’s mission was progressing. Before the emissary began her descent from their synchronized position in orbit above the planet Terra, she had told him they were there to collect and return to Kyddel with a bride for the prince’s surprise wedding—a woman of special empathic talents, it was rumored—to aid His Majesty in spying on the Galactic Peace Force. He smiled, knowing that if the prince could determine what the Peace Force knew or where they were at a given time, the prince’s transportation of humanoid slaves would become much easier.

But there were also rumors that the Traders were having troubles building and keeping their launch facilities secret and undetected on Terra. Intelligence had noted four changes in Terran launch facilities in the past four Terran years, and Point Obscure was the most recent. Operational for only two hundred turns, it was still experiencing infancy pains.

Commander, the communications officer continued, his voice tense. The emissary’s frigate just alerted us there is a disturbance within Point Obscure and the emissary is moving their launch time up. Estimated in twenty centipars.

Focus the scanners for a visual, overhead view, the wing commander directed. What is the nature of the disturbance?

They were told Point Obscure is experiencing a prisoner break in the detention chambers. A small group of prisoners apparently overpowered their guards and managed to get their weapons. It is an attempted escape. Point Obscure’s chief officer, a Brian Woods, claims they will have order restored quickly, but the emissary feels it is best if they leave earlier than planned.

The wing commander studied the scanner’s image, wishing they could enhance the image more. The local planet-side weather was not helping their surveillance; the scanner’s images were infrared, and the atmosphere made the visual enhancements wavy and unfocused. They could not get a clear view of the facility.

Contact the other three escort cruisers, the wing commander ordered. Tell them to power up and be ready to follow us to an intercept with the emissary’s frigate once it launches.

Yes, sir. The communications officer turned to his console.

Fifteen centipars passed, then communications announced, They are launching. Reporting significant weapons fire exchanged in and around the launch bay and immediately outside the portal. The emissary and the prize are on board.

Calculate their departure path and set up our intercept, the commander said to navigation without turning his head. Contact the fleet we are preparing to move.

They are heading one hundred and ninety degrees south, local global coordinates, the navigation officer announced.

They are slowing, the communications officer muttered in disbelief, then in a normal voice, continued, The crew is saying they are being recalled to the facility and the guidance system is not answering the helm. They are being forced to return.

The commander swiveled his command chair to face the communications station.

Sir—the communications officer looked up from his console and stared at the commander—they have initiated an autodestruct command.

Forty

Sunday, October 23

Z:\Y - Notes and Background Data\eBook Break Images\EW Books\Blank Space Character - Isolated.png

I do not know what has happened, Harry, an irritated Judge Bernice Reeds admitted, her fingers rapping on the dining room table in her sprawling mansion in the hills southeast of Grants. She watched the Eastern Rim Mountains brighten in anticipation of the coming dawn through the wide, second-story bay window. I have told you what Brian said as he was leaving Obscure. He felt the complex was severely damaged and they could no longer hold the attackers off.

Yesterday it seemed like everything was proceeding as planned, Elder Malcolm Clotter noted. His frustration reflected the mood of the meeting.

Yes, yesterday! Judge Bernice snapped. Yesterday we had the freighter loaded and ready for departure and we had Prince Kiese’s bride ready for delivery. Then, late evening, Brian called and said Obscure was under attack. He said there was weapons fire in the detention area and the central navigation facility had been destroyed by multiple strong explosions, and launch control was under siege.

That sounds like the work of more than one traitor, Harry speculated. Did Brian say how many were attacking?

No. But however many there were, he or they seemed to know the layout of the complex. He thought Security was destroyed first, greatly reducing Obscure’s ability to defend itself.

What did you say Brian said about the launches? one of the Elders asked.

When he and Kdeen were leaving Obscure by the shuttle to Clay, about two hours after midnight, he said that both launches had failed. I do not know if they were aborted or if the attack disabled them, Bernice explained as she sank back in her chair. When the ground shook and the shuttle tunnel filled with dust and thunder from an explosion, I knew the tunnel had collapsed. Brian and Kdeen did not arrive in Clay.

And without him and the information he was bringing, Elder Malcolm’s brother Charley remarked, we have no idea of the extent of the damage or the outcome of the attack.

Yes! We have to send someone up there to quietly take a look around, Bernice demanded as she stared at the view to the northeast through the window.

In unison, all of the Elders nodded in agreement.

Harry—her head snapped around to look at him—who is available to send?

Z:\Y - Notes and Background Data\eBook Break Images\PS Books\PS Scene Break Character - Isolated.png

DAWN FINALLY BROKE as Galactic Peace Force Lieutenant Cheral Haak stood on the southern lip of Point Obscure’s dark, gaping launch bay portal, more than six hundred feet in diameter and four stories deep. Secreted in the north central portion of the forested Riggs Valley, Point Obscure was the slave traders’ only operational launch facility remaining on Earth, until last night. Cheral stared down at the half-destroyed hulk of the Stellar Merchants’ Guild’s inter-galactic freighter, its dark, golden brown hull nearly hidden in the deep shadows of the open launch bay, its forward section collapsed on the body-strewn floor, a stark reminder of the surprise attack and ensuing battle to capture the facility, only hours finished and, amazingly, won.

Without actually seeing him do it, Cheral recognized the major’s handiwork: complete simplicity, one medium canister—probably a Series Five or Six—precisely placed at the very nerve center of the ship and their escape and communications were strategically blocked. The rest of the freighter remained relatively undamaged and the captives in their sealed envirocubes, unharmed by the explosion.

Concerned that the Traders might drop reinforcements or a counterstrike at any moment, she rechecked the hilt indicator of her father’s old Kaaspr 88 hand laser weapon as she scanned the far side of the open portal and noted Q-Ship Q-KKLC14’s pilot and commander, Major Kooich, and his mate and nav-com, Lieutenant Leeana Kooich, as they slowly searched the wooded areas west of the portal. Dropping the fully discharged `88 back in its pouch on her right hip, she checked the hilt indicator of the current issue Kaaspr 106 that she held ready; ten percent remaining, five shots left before it too was completely discharged.

She glanced at the clearing sky, trying to stay vigilant; enemy fighters might sneak in close and materialize without warning. She quickly chided herself for the thought, since they had KKLC14 watching for any signs of approaching ships, and turned away from the portal. She walked around the lip to the east, surveying the staggering results of their efforts. Bodies of the Traders’ fallen troopers seemed to be everywhere. She forced herself to stay alert, objective, to not focus on how they had died or how many of them there were. She reminded herself that just a few hours earlier, each one of them was trying to kill her and the rest of her major’s squad. She bent down and picked up a stray Greymn hand weapon, obviously dropped and no longer needed by one of the defending troopers in the skirmish. She absently checked its charge state, and with a quarter of its energy remaining, she decided she liked having a backup.

She inhaled deeply and started forward, prodding each body as she came to it, one by one, as she joined the loggers assigned the onerous task of searching for any that might still be alive. At least, she consoled herself, I don’t have to bag them.

Cheral did not count the fallen as she made her way slowly around to the east side of the launch portal and stopped when the number of bodies sharply dwindled. With none in sight further north, she turned and started back, glancing at the bony skeleton of the emissary’s frigate in the clearing south of the open launch portal. Nothing of the ship remained to identify it as a space-going vessel, much less any kind of vessel. It was just the broken ribcage of some huge, dead metallic beast. The wide clearing was the result of its death.

She remembered the fear she felt when Shara had told her that her major and Jill Thomas were on the frigate as it launched. She remembered how, after a tense few moments, that fear had suddenly turned into rejoicing when the frigate was forced to return, and how that was cut short when they realized the crew had initiated an autodestruct command, unwilling to be brought back and held accountable for their slave-trading activities; the frigate had begun to disintegrate before their eyes, and crashed.

She remembered the long, tense minutes after her cousin Shara had disappeared before they could stop her, going into the burning wreckage to find the major and Jill. Then the frigate exploded! Dazed by the blast, fearing the worst, they slowly realized they had escaped with mere seconds to spare, protected under the lip of a rock ledge beneath the ship.

Cheral paused and took a deep breath remembering the roller-coaster moments, distracting herself from the memories by checking the slavers’ fallen troopers farther from the portal. She circled back to the south lip, certain more than a hundred bodies littered the forest floor around the southern quarter of the open portal. All in all, they had all been very lucky. None of their group had died, and only a few were injured.

Once the fighting was over and the efforts begun to release the captives aboard the freighter, the major and Shara held a briefing on the rocks west of the facility and assisted in getting Gary Woods’ wounded loggers and Nick Jordan back to town for necessary medical treatment. Then the major left the site under her control, along with Gary Woods and his loggers to begin cleanup until their own reinforcements arrived.

At the sound of voices coming from the hatchway beside the gaping portal, she looked up. Gary Woods and Jack Thomas climbed the corridor of steps and came out of the open hatchway; she hurried to meet them.

Gary was one of two brothers of Brain Woods, who ran the Woods Lumber and Mill in the town of Riggin. Jack was the mill’s financial officer and Jill’s father. Gary and Jack were both local allies who secretly helped when the major’s undercover investigation turned its focus to the valley. They waved as she neared, and together they turned toward the south, hearing the soft whine of an unseen ship landing—a friendly ship, she reassured herself, since KKLC14 had not sounded an alert—the mechanical sounds of hatches opening and a loading ramp extending. From an area on the west side of the new clearing, men in the unmistakable camouflaged Peace Force Marine uniforms and flop hats seemed to materialize out of thin air as they trotted through the transport’s cloaking veil and into the clearing.

Recognizing Kiile in the lead of his squad of thirty, Cheral felt her heart skip. She smiled and dropped the Kaaspr back into its pouch and the Greymn into a utility pouch on her belt, and remembered the major saying Kiile and his marines would be there in about an hour.

It was nearly a year before when she was shot, when she had almost died, that Kiile began visiting her as often as their mission allowed. Nearly eight months later, Cheral was finally back on her feet and reassigned to the major, once again posted as Q-Ship Q-STSX1’s nav-com officer. Functional but not completely combat ready, she joined the major in his dogged investigation in Riggs Valley, taking a job as a waitress at Hap’s in Riggin, the local college hangout, a month before the fall semester had started.

Cheral patiently stood ‘At Rest’ as the marine squad stopped a man’s length in front of them. Upper Squad Leader Kiile smiled, nodding at Gary, and then saluted her. Cheral returned the salute.

Squad Leader Kiile at your service. Good to see you again, Lieutenant, and to see you’re in good condition—unharmed, that is. The major tells me you may need some help with the...uh, debris—he gestured to the bodies strewn about them—left after this morning’s skirmish.

Good to see you also, Kiile, Cheral greeted, hoping she had not blushed at his comment. We certainly could’ve used your help last night.

We came as quickly as we could, Kiile explained. But the major did not alert me until the fighting was already finished.

Gary looked puzzled. The major? Then he remembered Jack’s introductions. Ah, yes, the major. He did indeed say you were coming to give us some assistance. Gary smiled and extended his hand in greeting. Good to have you here, Kiile.

Kiile returned the gesture, greeting Jack similarly, and then turned to better assess the number of bodies.

Looks like you had your hands full. Kiile smiled at Cheral as he turned, placing her on his left. He motioned to the marine nearest and passed him an order. The marine ran back to the veiled transport, and Kiile turned to Gary. We have a suitable number of body bags in the transport. They’ll be here in a few moments.

Yes, they did have their hands full, Gary admitted. We got here just in time, according to Meg. Their weapons were almost depleted.

Cheral smiled at his use of her undercover, local identity.

The major said you only had a few wounded and no casualties, Kiile remarked, still studying the area around them.

Seven loggers, the Jordan boy, and Lieutenant Woods were wounded, Cheral noted. Lieutenant Woods is in KKLC14’s Medical unit, she added quickly. He was hit in the arm and looks like he’ll mend quickly.

Kiile smiled and nodded at her.

When he responded to the good news, Cheral went on. You haven’t met Nick Jordan, but he is a friend of the major’s and was hit numerous times. He spent a few hours in Medical, but they took him to the hospital in town.

Thank you, Lieutenant. Kiile smiled again as he held her eyes a moment longer than necessary. Then he changed the subject and asked, looking over the hillock to the northeast and the forest above the complex, Has anyone checked the perimeter?

Not yet, Gary replied. My loggers are starting to collect bodies from around the east and west sides of the complex, but we haven’t really set up a perimeter to keep anyone in or out.

We’ll set up the perimeter watch immediately.

Lieutenant Woods is worried about satellites seeing the open portal, Gary added, thinking it will look like a large dark spot in the forest. Do you have any way we can close the portal iris?

Kiile walked over to the lip, and took the opportunity to stand beside Cheral as he studied the opening. Then to Gary, he said, I’ll have my field technician look at the controls and power circuits. He can also look at setting up lights inside.

Very good, Gary responded. I can show you what we know when you’re ready to go in.

Thanks. Kiile turned to his squad, deployed half to set up a one-mile perimeter and to let him know if anyone tried to cross it.

When his men turned and spread out to execute his commands, Kiile glanced at Cheral with a comforting smile and a wink. After you, Lieutenant. Then he turned to Gary and gestured for him to lead the way. Kiile, Cheral, and the remainder of the squad followed them through the portal hatchway and into the complex.

Z:\Y - Notes and Background Data\eBook Break Images\PS Books\PS Scene Break Character - Isolated.png

SHARA STEPPED OUT OF the galley, through Q-STSX1’s central chamber as she blew into the cup of warm soup. She walked back to the wide Medical couch and stopped in the wide aisle. Greg waited, and she inhaled the sight of him, his lean and fit form sculptured by both his heavy-world genetics and his active life in the Force. He was stretched out against the back wall with their thin blanket still draped over his legs, his smile widening as he returned her gaze. His eyes took her in in one look, yet slowly followed her shape from her head to her toes. She knew she was blushing all over from the way he devoured every detail of her body. Suddenly she felt self-conscious and glanced at their clothes, haphazardly tossed together with their Blues in a disorderly pile on the opposite couch.

Oooh, I’ve seen that look before. She smiled at him and shook her head as she remembered the blur of their passion-filled day. Or was it a day and a night? She had lost track of time. Only their ‘now’ mattered. You’re the only one I like seeing it from.

I’m very glad to hear that—he patted the couch in front of him—especially since I can’t stop looking at you. I hope you haven’t given many so much to look at.

Shara chuckled. Nope. This’s just for you, but I think we’re way past looking. She sat down and curled her legs so she could face him. He reached for her, his hand gently covering her nearest knee, sending tingles through her body again.

I still like looking.

She sighed happily, pleased that Kiile had agreed to meet Cheral at her place in town, leaving STSX available for her and Greg. Though she knew their purpose was not what STSX was designed for, but the wide Medical couches of the fighting Q-Ship were completely suitable for their needs. Much better than the narrower, single bunks stacked in the sleeping portion of the compartment. She was also very pleased that STSX had remained quiet since they had returned from the battlefield around Point Obscure.

You know, she continued, I can’t believe it’s only been three days since I woke up here, scared out of my mind.

Shara looked around STSX’s very functional chamber and smiled, remembering waking up, alone in the strange confines of this medical and sleeping chamber, afraid that she had been captured again while she was unconscious and taken to the vile place her wicked great-aunt Bernice had called the ‘Chambers.’ But the surroundings, the soft robe and her washed and folded clothes laid out for her, belied her assumption and her confusion only made her fears greater.

I know, Greg agreed. Three days ago I was simply relieved that you were still alive. When Medical discovered you were only half human, I was so afraid Medical and STSX wouldn’t have what they needed to save you from Bernice’s poison. And now...

Did last night really happen? she asked rhetorically. Did we actually shut down and capture the slavers’ launch facility? I still can’t believe six of us actually pulled it off.

The key is ‘we,’ Greg replied, and he gently rubbed her knee, his fingers inching up onto her thigh, and the answer is yes, we did. Of course, we did get a little help from Gary’s loggers. We have blocked the Traders’ ability to ship captives off the planet. We stopped the Reeds’ Family campaign, at least for a while. And you were unbelievable.

Shara smiled timidly and looked away. "Thanks, but I don’t feel ‘unbelievable.’ I was very surprised I could do what you needed me to do. She stared at the second Medical couch. I think it’s because I’m with you that I do things I’d never do on my own."

Bren, he interjected. She liked it when he called her by the nickname he had given her. We couldn’t have succeeded without you being a part of the ‘we.’ I am flattered that you feel being with me gives you confidence and strengthens your courage, but the truth is, your true strength and courage come from within you. I’m certain your strength of character and talent come from the combination of your Apache and Hawkins bloodlines. Besides the noble and talented blood of Rygon, you’re a descendant of the Fighting People. You are a quick and determined student. And I appreciate your very quick thinking and ability to act.

"Thanks, but the comfort of hearing you when I have questions or fears, or when I simply need a quick decision, doesn’t hurt. Shara leaned forward, reaching over him, and set the empty soup cup on the shelf at the top of Medical’s couch. Then she bent down and kissed him. And I think we make a very strong team."

His arm found its way around her waist and she let him pull her to him. Eagerly, she flipped the blanket off his legs and stretched out beside him, giving in again to his loving embrace and caressing touches.

On that, Bren, I heartily agree.

Z:\Y - Notes and Background Data\eBook Break Images\EW Books\Blank Space Character - Isolated.png

Monday, October 24

Z:\Y - Notes and Background Data\eBook Break Images\EW Books\Blank Space Character - Isolated.png

Shara was surprised at the lack of activity around the ranch. They stopped at the edge of the woods beside the stone fence that stretched along the ranch’s southern boundary and studied the main house over a quarter mile away.

The ranch, averaging more than three hundred square miles, reached deep into the foothills of the Western Rim Mountains and had been her home for all of her twenty-eight years. When her mother, a Hawkins-Reeds mix, married her father, Henry Smallwood, a full-blood Apache working for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, they had settled on the ranch, a small section sliced off the south edge of her great-uncle Paul’s much larger Rockin’ H ranch.

Today, she almost felt like a stranger as she looked at the distant main house. It was ten days ago when she had left and hidden at Greg’s secreted apartment, and now, after everything that had happened to her, it seemed much longer. She couldn’t remember ever being away from the ranch that long before.

They stepped from Remote Three’s extended stirrups and studied the closed-up look of the main house and the old bunkhouse where her apartment and two guest rooms were.

Looks like everyone has locked up and left, she commented, then listened more intently to the surroundings. I don’t see anyone.

Sure does, Greg agreed. But there’s someone here. Let’s get a little closer.

Remounting Three, they followed the stone fence east toward the main drive, stopping near the western end of the main house.

They dismounted, and Greg formed a message in his mind. ‘STSX, send Remote Three around the perimeter of the buildings and scan for any activity. Relay any images of activity to both of us.’

Shara smiled at the inclusion as Greg hopped over the waist-high fence and then helped her over. They watched the hovering spherical remote retract the extended stirrups and drift toward the apartments as she took her place on his left and he wrapped his arm protectively around her shoulders. She slipped her arm around his waist and looked up as he gestured they go around the large, stacked native-stone and timber house in the opposite direction from Remote Three.

‘All of the drapes are drawn,’ she told him silently as she checked the back door nearest the west end of the house. ‘This one goes in through the mud room where all of the help’s work clothes and jackets are stored, and then into the kitchen.’

She fingered the keypad adjacent to the latch and slowly pushed the door open. Inside, she stopped and listened for anything unusual. Sensing no one, they passed the kitchen pantry room and ventured into the kitchen. The lighting was dim through the closed drapes and the northerly exposed roof windows.

Shara glanced around the room. Everything was in order, nothing sitting out on the counters or where it should not be. She led Greg into the dining and the living rooms.

‘That’s odd. The girls have everything cleaned up, but the house was shut and locked up,’ Shara noted as she glanced around the rooms. Her hand caressed the throw on the back of the fur-covered love seat as she headed toward the hallway to the bedrooms. ‘It feels empty—no one else in the house and there’s no sign of Mother or Norman.’

‘Norman?’ Greg asked.

She smiled, noticing his look up at the vaulted, timber-supported ceiling and roof, connecting the dining room and the living room into one wide, wedge-shaped great room that extended from the front to the back of the house. She remembered he had never been inside the main house.

‘Mother’s house man—her butler.’

‘Ah, yes. I met him the night I came out looking for you. He answered the door, and had a terribly nosy mind.’

‘STSX, does Three have anything?’ she asked as she checked the bedrooms and the office.

‘THERE SEEMS TO BE SOMEONE IN THE LONG STRUCTURE BY THE ANIMAL ENCLOSURE.’

‘They’re called a bunkhouse and a barn,’ Greg corrected.

Okay, Shara whispered out loud. Let’s go out and see if that’s Hank or some of the hands in the bunkhouse.

They went out through the heavy back door in the coat room off the dining room and cut across the yard to the bunkhouse. As they stepped up on the wooden porch, the door swung open halfway through Hank’s loud Who’s there?

Hi, Hank, Shara greeted the surprised foreman.

Hank smiled and quickly glanced at Greg, and then flicked a look around the open yard. Miss Shara! Where’n Heaven’s name’ve you been? No one’s seen you since, what? More’n a week now, I think.

It’s a long story, Hank, she admitted, smiling at him. Can we sit and catch up? It looks like a lot has happened since I went into hiding. Morning. She nodded at two of the hands as they reached the door and stood behind Hank. They looked happy to see her back. Let’s the three of us go to the main house. With another nod, she stepped off the porch.

Z:\Y - Notes and Background Data\eBook Break Images\PS Books\PS POV Break Character - Isolated.png

THE HOUSE WAS MORE comfortable with the drapes pulled and tied open, the heat turned up to a normal level, and a fire burning in the living room fireplace. Settled at the long dining room table with Greg next to her and Hank across from them, Shara recounted how she had been captured over a week before by the Traders and the Elders and how Judge Bernice, in a fit of rage, had personally ordered her to be tortured and killed because she had not died in the wreck of her sportster. She explained she had been poisoned yet managed to get out of the complex, how Greg had found her unconscious and had gotten her medical help. Greg added a few details concerning her medical battle while an antidote was found, though he did not mention the details of how or of Shara’s surprising bloodline.

Shara resumed explaining the Elders’ involvement in a black-market slavery operation and Jill Thomas’ abduction. She mentioned their meeting with Jim Woods, Nick Jordan, Rosalee Mitchell, and Doug McIntire, but seriously downplayed their role in the attack on the slavers’ stronghold and Jill’s rescue. She was careful to not mention the stronghold’s purpose or the two space-going ships they had stopped, though she did mention the sheriff’s death and the information they had found on his body, implicating him and many others in the slavery operations.

We had unexpected help from a lot of Gary’s loggers and some of Greg’s friends. Uncle Paul led them out to help, she continued as Hank tried to absorb all that she was explaining. I invited Greg’s friends to stay here while the cleanup is in progress. So we’ll probably be having two or three guests for a while.

My, my, Hank muttered when she paused. We know’d they thought you’d died in the car wreck, but then that biddy wanted to kill you because you hadn’t? He shook his head in disbelief.

Yeah. No pleasin’ some folks, I guess. She smiled ruefully.

I guess, Hank agreed softly. It was Monday night last when your mama and Norman locked up and left. They didn’t say anythin’ to anyone, just left. The girls and the cook had the night off, and when they showed up the next morning, they didn’t find anyone here. I tol’ `em things was a mess and your mama had gone. We didn’t know where you were, or how long you’d be gone, so they settled in for the wait. I tol’ ’em to take a few days off and I tol’ `em I’d let `em know when I found somethin’ out. He looked at her and then glanced at Greg. I figgered that was the right thing to do, and when your uncle stopped by yesterday early and tol’ me to take charge till you got back, I figgered I’d done right anyway.

Shara nodded with a huge smile. I knew you’d take charge, Hank, but I wasn’t sure how long it would be before I got back. She glanced at Greg and winked.

Anyways, Hank continued, since today’s Monday and you wasn’t back yet, I let `em have another day off. They went into town early this mornin’, but I’m guessin’ with your bein’ back now and expectin’ house guests, you’ll be wantin’ the girls and the cook back out? Hank cocked his head, waiting for a confirmation. The hands sure are missin’ Annie’s cookin’.

Yes, I do. But don’t tell them you’ve seen me yet, just that they need to come back early. We’ll explain what needs telling when they get here. Also, I think I’ll need your help in more ways than usual, Hank. Could you call my uncle and have him come over as well? She let her eyes drop to the table for a moment before she looked back at him. If Bernice’s threats were anywhere near real, I don’t think Mother will be back to run things. And I need to stay out of sight for a while, so you’ll be the one everyone thinks is running things.

Okay, but first thin’s first. Hank nodded as he pushed back from the table. I’ll call the help and your uncle and start gettin’ thin’s back in order. Then we’ll take care of what you need next and to take care of the ranch. Be back shortly. Hank smiled, stepped out, and headed across the yard.

Bren, Greg asked softly. She noticed he was watching her closely. What were Bernice’s threats?

Shara looked back at him and held his eyes for a long moment. She wanted Mother’s head, literally. She let a faint smile cross her lips. She wanted mine too, but you kept her from getting it.

Well... He smiled, taking her hand. I couldn’t let her have any part of you.

"I haven’t heard Mother or felt her since I woke up last Thursday on board STSX, she admitted. Uncle Paul figured I was hearing someone else’s thoughts when I saw the explosion of Grandmother Katherine’s car. Then I found out I was hearing Mother’s memories. She killed her own mother, my grandmother, because she’d rebelled against the Family. And now I think she’s also gone."

Shara shook herself vigorously. Enough, she whispered softly to herself. Then to Greg she said, These days are ours! And I know there won’t be enough of them! I must put all of these changes in perspective, and deal with them when and if I have to. She hesitated, smiling sheepishly at Greg, and then asked, Do you think it’s safe to go into town and see Jill and Nick? I know it’s a risk of being seen, but—

I think we should, Greg agreed, and pulled her up from the table.

Forty-One

Z:\Y - Notes and Background Data\eBook Break Images\EW Books\Blank Space Character - Isolated.png

Still concerned that people might recognize Greg from the wanted posters the sheriff had distributed, or recognize herself, Shara decided to park on a side street to the east, rather than in the hospital’s main lot. When they reached the main lobby, she checked an interactive admissions information console and got Nick’s room number without talking to any of the staff. She started up the corridor to the elevators and Greg followed slightly behind, watching and listening to the other people in the waiting areas and pacing in the hallways.

Jill was sitting close beside the bed, quietly talking with Nick. She turned at the sound of the door and footsteps, her shoulder-length red hair swirling behind her movement. Jill sprang from her chair and threw her arms around Shara. God, I’m glad to see you! Then, more restrained, looking down at Shara, she continued, I know I saw you yesterday, but you have developed a bad habit of disappearing unexpectedly now and then. Both of you.

Shara chuckled, knowing Jill was referring to her hiding out after the car wreck, and her capture after the Traders’ meeting at the old mill, but she also knew she was beginning to mimic Greg’s mannerisms.

Jill turned and gave Greg a hug. I don’t mean I’m not glad to see you, brother. She stepped back and looked up at him. It’s so strange to all of a sudden have a brother, you know?

Greg nodded. I’m sure it is. A little like discovering I have a sister. Then he turned and stepped up to the bed. And how’re you doing?

Nick’s broad smile was a good answer. A lot better than yesterday morning. Then he continued softly, But I think it has more to do with what you guys did to me than what these guys are doing.

Don’t know what you’re talking about, Nick, Greg answered, and winked at Shara. We’re not doctors. What could we have done?

No, but that incubator thing you stuck me in must be.

Greg looked blankly at Nick, then motioned Jill closer. When no one’s looking—he glanced around the room for the visual sensor as he pulled a small jar from his student back pack and, turning to block the sensor’s view, slipped it to Jill—rub this on his arms and legs where the burns are most noticeable. They’ll probably bring their ointments in, but get them to let you apply them, then use this instead.

Nick quietly watched the exchange. Not doctors, huh?

Shara smiled as Greg nodded at Nick. Three or four applications and another visit to the ‘incubator.’ A full night there, and you’ll only be sore.

That quick? Nick asked, a little skeptical.

Yeah, firsthand experience, Greg admitted. Cheral tells me I test it too often.

What? Shara stared at him. How many times have you needed Medical, Mr. Malone? I only know of one.

Not that many. He held his hands up to fend her off. But a few times over the years.

I’m not sure you’re being completely truthful, she conceded, but let it go for the moment as she pulled a chair up beside Jill’s.

Greg collected a chair from the next room and the three huddled beside Nick’s bed.

Jill, has anyone questioned your being here? Shara asked when they were settled.

No. Why? What’s up?

Just thinking. She realized Greg was watching her closely again. We don’t know who here in town might know what has happened, but everyone in the Family, Bernice, the Elders, and anyone in the launch facility associated with the diplomatic frigate’s launch knows you were on that ship when it launched, and therefore you were on it when it crashed and exploded.

Jill cupped her hand over her mouth. "Now I’m the one that’s supposed to be dead."

Yeah, well, both of us actually. We haven’t had time to talk, but I was poisoned. And if the wrong people see you or me, and want to know how either of us escaped, it might be hard to explain. She looked at Nick, then at Greg. And if they realize you or I aren’t dead, it could change whatever the Family’s planning to do next.

It isn’t over, is it? Nick realized.

No, it isn’t. Greg shook his head slowly and turned to Jill. Have you seen your dad since you got back into town?

No. I think he stayed out there with the cleanup crews, hunting for more survivors.

Greg. Shara looked at him, her brow wrinkled with concern. If we use the remotes to watch for eavesdroppers, we might be able to keep people away from the ranch and keep the ruse going long enough to see what they’re going to do. If Jill stays here in town with Nick, I’m sure she’ll be noticed.

I think you’re right. Jill can probably use one of your guest rooms, and once Nick’s mobile he can bunk with Hank and the hands.

Shara nodded and then her eyes lost focus as she formed a message in her mind. ‘STSX, have you been listening?’

‘YES.’

‘Good. Please have KKLC14 tell Major Kooich and Leeana to bring Jack Thomas with them to the ranch before he comes into town. We need to make some plans. Is One or Two free?’

Knowing he had heard her, Shara watched Greg’s calm acceptance of her conversation with STSX. Reassured by his smile, she knew he was pleased that she had accepted her new environment, the new challenges and the new tools he had made available to her. She was not sure he liked how STSX had completely accepted her, though.

‘KKLC14 REPLIES THEY WILL BE AT THE RANCH BY MID-AFTERNOON. THE MAJOR WAS ON BOARD AND HEARD THE REQUEST. THEY WILL BRING PERSON JACK THOMAS AS REQUESTED. BOTH.’

‘Good. Have One find Jim Woods and Kiile and have them come to the ranch also.’

‘ONE IS DISPATCHED.’

‘Thanks.’

Are you all right? Jill was asking when Shara returned her attention to the group.

Yeah. Just thinking. She turned to Greg. Three’s at the Ranch. Should we bring Two into town to monitor the comings and goings?

He smiled and brushed her cheek with his finger. You’re on a roll. Don’t let me get in the way.

She smiled back at him, then turned her attention to her thoughts again. ‘STSX, have Two move around town today and tonight, monitoring the current activity. We need to see what response, if any, there is to the attack and collapse of the facility.’

‘TWO IS DISPATCHED.’

‘Thanks, again.’

Bren, Greg called softly as she returned her attention to a confused Nick and Jill. I think we need a change of plans for Nick as well. He turned to Nick. Can you walk?

Surprised, Nick smiled, and catching the meaning behind the question, he glanced at Jill. Will you please close the door.

Z:\Y - Notes and Background Data\eBook Break Images\PS Books\PS POV Break Character - Isolated.png

THE TRIP DOWN THE HALL and elevator without being obvious to anyone was more difficult than they had expected. Nick was not as spry on his rubbery legs as he wanted to be, but he was determined.

Shara arrived with the sedan at the back entrance just as the three stepped out. Jill slipped in the back seat and pulled Nick as Greg pushed and slipped in beside him. Greg and Jill held him upright between them as Shara quickly drove out of the lot and headed south through the neighborhoods.

They were long out of sight before the nurse checked and found Nick’s room empty.

Z:\Y - Notes and Background Data\eBook Break Images\PS Books\PS Scene Break Character - Isolated.png

HANK? MATTI ASKED, curiosity coloring her voice as she followed him past the bunkhouse and into the trash disposal building’s collection room. She set the box of Norman’s discards with the other boxes they had already filled from cleaning out the bedroom Mrs. Smallwood’s butler had used.

What’s on your mind, Matti? Hank asked as he turned and looked at the new head house girl.

He remembered when the petite girl had come to the ranch looking for a job a year or so after she had graduated from high school. Shara said she had known of Matti’s hard times growing up and respected the girl for her honesty in the face of many opportunities where embellishments would have likely bettered her position in life, but she never sold herself as being anything but what she was: a decent, hard-working girl that would do almost any kind of honest work. She had also said the girl was very private and never tended toward gossip.

He remembered Shara saying she had seen Matti in town one day, in her usual depression caused by the townsfolk’s continued condescension, their unwillingness to hire her, even for the most menial tasks. Shara had asked her to consider coming out and interviewing for a house girl position, even if it turned out to be temporary. Matti did, and got the job.

Hank smiled. He was proud of the girl. After six years of putting up with Clea Smallwood’s pointed biases and shortcomings, and now that Shara was running the ranch and her mother gone, Shara had asked Matti to step up to the position of head house girl and take responsibility for the domestic services, planning, purchasing, and all of the other duties associated with being Shara’s right-hand girl. With Norman gone, Shara had further decided the two house girls should no longer have to share a room, and by cleaning out Norman’s old room, they could each have their own.

I was wonderin’ `bout Mr. Malone. She had stopped by the door before they started back for another load. Who is he, anyway? I know Miss Shara likes him, but I haven’t seen him around before and now he’s moving in with her?

Matti, do you `member when we foun’ Miss Shara in her ’partment after the car wreck? he asked.

She nodded.

Mr. Malone is the one she let use her car. He’s the one she thought’d died in the wreck.

He’s the one she liked before all of that bad stuff started?

Yup. She didn’t tell you this mornin’, but she was captured and poisoned by Judge Bernice the same night that Jill was taken.

Poisoned? By her own great-aunt? Matti was stunned, her mouth hung open.

Yup, and Mr. Malone’s the one that found her and somehow got her the medical `tention she needed. Hank watched Matti a moment. That was last week sometime. Between some believing she died in the car wreck and some knowing she had been poisoned, everyone supposes she’s dead.

That’s what she said, Matti agreed, rethinking Hank’s words. But Hank? Who is Mr. Malone? Where’d he come from? I heard rumors last week that he’s wanted by the law, Back East.

I don’t know `bout no rumors, Matti, Hank continued, studying the floor, but I think he’s good. Strange `n different, but good. He’s taken care of our Miss Shara and his sister Jill, tho’ he does have a habit of poppin’ in and out when you don’t `spect it.

Well, us girls’ll keep a watch on him, Matti promised with a determined edge in her voice. If he’s up to something or not on the up-and-up with our Miss Shara, he’ll find his life a little uncomfortable.

Hank laughed and gestured Matti back toward the house.

Just pay `tention to how Miss Shara sees `im, and how she reacts to his oddities. You kin watch, but you won’t see everything.

Z:\Y - Notes and Background Data\eBook Break Images\PS Books\PS Scene Break Character - Isolated.png

USL15, THE VOICE CALLED in Kiile’s earbud. Twelve here. We have spotted that person in the forest again. He is working his way closer and most likely is trying to see what has happened here.

Has he seen you or any of the others?

I cannot be sure. I have checked with Seven and Fourteen. They see him but do not think he has seen them. Orders?

Is he within visual range of the complex?

Negative. Still a mile south.

If he gets within a half, he will need to sleep for a while. Then we will relocate him. Are there others?

Understood. No others seen at this time. Twelve out.

Z:\Y - Notes and Background Data\eBook Break Images\PS Books\PS POV Break Character - Isolated.png

KIILE CAUGHT UP WITH Gary and Bill Woods as they were about to re-enter the hatchway leading back into the complex.

Sirs, I have been summoned to a meeting at the Smallwood Ranch and I will be leaving shortly. It appears KKLC14 is requested also, and I expect one or both of you to be called. I have fifteen of my marines watching the southern perimeter. They have spotted one interloper about a mile south and will stop him before he comes close enough to see anything. I also have five more stationed across the northern perimeter, but all is quiet there.

Thanks for the warning. Bill smiled, then more somber, gestured to the fallen that had been collected, bagged, and laid in the field near the south portal lip, he asked, Do you have a plan for handling these bodies? We seem to have a lot to take care of, and they shouldn’t be seen.

Yes. We have logged the ones we have found by their name tags and personal IDs, and we will start dispersal after dark. I have a troop carrier cloaked in orbit above us to receive the bodies visible outside, and I will be back to keep it organized. We will transfer those from inside once we have them recovered and identified.

Thanks. We will be listening for a call. Gary nodded before Kiile formally turned and started back to his veiled transport.

Z:\Y - Notes and Background Data\eBook Break Images\PS Books\PS Scene Break Character - Isolated.png

THANKS FOR SWAPPING my bedroom furniture and stuff, Hank, Shara was saying as Gary Woods entered the massive front double door of the ranch’s main house. Seated on a stool near the dormant fireplace, she turned at his arrival. Glad you were able to get away, Gary.

Standing beside her, Greg motioned to the overstuffed chair near the entry. We saved you the best one.

Jim Woods noted the aura of the pair, Greg’s tall, fit stature lending a serious, regal air as he stood beside his seated queen, preparing to address the lieutenants looking to them for guidance.

Thanks. Gary allowed his weariness to ebb into his voice. I’m surprised I had enough strength to ride one of those remote things.

Everyone chuckled or smiled.

Major Kooich, Leeana, I heard one of the girls has shown you to a guest apartment, Shara remarked in question, then winked at Leeana, knowing it had been a long time since they had any ground time. I hope our country style is acceptable.

Yes, thank you, Shara, Leeana admitted happily. It’s quite different from what we are used to, and very acceptable.

Meg. She turned and looked at Cheral. Sorry, I should be calling you Cheral now. I guess you’ll be staying at your place in town, so I won’t need to put you up. She looked at Jill. Jill, you’ll have the guest apartment next to Major Kooich and Leeana, and Meg—ah, Cheral, you’re welcome to stay with her if, or when, you wish to stay here at the ranch.

We got a place for Nick, Hank added with a smile. Till he gits back on `is feet.

Shara glanced around the room and did a mental check, knowing already that everyone needed was present. Gary and Kiile represented the cleanup operations, though Gary also represented the local interests. Jim, Greg, Meg, Nick, and she herself represented the primary group, though she left Rose and Doug off the list simply because Doug was not available for the meeting. Major Kooich and Leeana represented the Galactic Peace Force and the support of the Shadows, as they called themselves. She smiled to herself, realizing how aptly the name also suited Greg and Cheral in their investigations.

Hank and her uncle Paul represented the two big ranches, and Jack Thomas and Jill were included because of their family connections and importance to the perceptions they needed to foster for the near future.

Well, she finally commented, I guess some background is in order, though some of you already know most of it.

She started with an explanation of the happenings, beginning with the car wreck, her capture, poisoning, and rescue. Again, she was careful to keep the details of her recovery out of the conversation.

Greg filled in with Jill’s kidnapping and the sordid details of the slavery operation, highlighting the need to keep their helpers’ off-planet origins in strict secrecy.

Together, Shara and Greg explained the various aspects of the attack on the complex in an attempt to release as many hostages as possible and to rescue Jill from the slaver’s hands.

As you may know, people think Shara and Jill are dead, Greg continued to explain. When they died is a little confusing and depends on who’s figuring. It is generally known that Jill is missing, but only the Traders and the Family know she was on the emissary’s frigate when it departed, and therefore on it when it turned around, crashed, and exploded. So, except for some at the hospital and those of us in confidence, Jill died early Sunday morning. But to the world at large, she has been missing since a week ago last Saturday.

Jack was somber and Shara realized the part he would have to play.

"For Shara, it’s just as complicated. First was the car wreck, but when she was captured the Family knew she was not dead, so Judge Bernice had her poisoned. That was also a week ago last Saturday, the last time she was seen alive by anyone besides us, the same day Jill was captured.

But again, for those around town that do not know of her capture and poisoning, they most likely still think she died in the car wreck, which was Tuesday, over two weeks ago.

He waited, studying the somber faces.

And now we believe Shara’s mother was taken a week ago and most likely has also been terminated. We are not sure, but that’s what we think.

What about the hospital people? Nick asked the hushed room.

Greg smiled. If all goes well, we’ll have the room and admissions surveillance videos and logs later this afternoon. The personnel themselves will be paid a personal visit to help them, ah, forget that you were there and that Jill visited.

Shara saw a smile flit across his face, only to be quickly replaced by his serious expression.

Hank, Uncle Paul, Shara began again. Have we had any visitors in the past two weeks?

Just your sisters the night your mama left, Hank replied.

My sisters? Shara inhaled sharply, realizing the import as she turned and looked at Greg. ‘Then Bernice did take Mother. My sisters are fully obedient to her and the Family ways.’

Yes’m, Hank confirmed. They were only here fifteen or twenty minutes at the most.

Thanks, Hank. She sighed, holding a tight rein on her countenance, knowing Bernice would have unleashed her full anger on her mother. I would like the gate down at the cattle guard closed, chained, and locked for the time being. With the hill, the curve of the drive, and the nearby stand of trees, the ranch buildings are not visible from there. Maybe you can put up a sign asking anyone that happens by to respect the ranch’s time of loss and to come again later. Something like that.

We can do that, Hank replied, but that’ll mean comin’s `n goin’s will have to use the old cutoff road near Paul’s place.

That’s true, Hank. I plan on keeping the ranch a little more isolated and under surveillance, including both roads. I don’t want any unexpected visitors. And since I’m dead, there should not be a lot of traffic, except for us. Jill and I will exile ourselves here. Nick will stay until he is improved, then he can decide what he wants to do.

I’ll get word to Rosalee and Doug, Greg added. No one knows whether I’m actually dead or alive.

Someone chuckled, and he thought it sounded like Major Kooich.

Gary, Jim. Greg turned to them. Have we found out anything at Bernice’s place in Clay?

The walk-through noted that she left in a hurry and that her butlers—manservants or whatever—left about daylight Sunday in the limo, Jim answered.

She wasn’t with the limo, Cheral commented. The remote didn’t see her leave, but it did get a good ID on the limo, plates and its route south out of Clay.

Probably heading for Grants, Nick added offhandedly.

Besides the road going that way, Jim asked, why Grants?

The Elders have homes and meeting places in both Hawthorne and in Grants, Nick explained. I figured Hawthorne would be too close if they were expecting to be followed.

How would Bernice get there if she didn’t leave with the limo? Gary pressed.

Tunnels! Major Kooich said in a loud whisper. He looked up at the subtle sounds of people shifting their position to look at him. Major, you said they probably used a back door to escape from the complex. How long has this facility been in operation?

Under construction for a number of years, Cheral responded, if I remember the conversations we recorded in Pitcarthy. Cloaking was not available at that time. Maybe only as recent as the last six or eight months.

Were there any signs or disturbances while it was being constructed? the major asked.

No. Not that anyone could see, Gary admitted. It appears no one outside a few in the Family knew about it at all.

Then it has to be tunnels, Kiile stated in support of the idea.

They knew our satellite schedules, Jim added, and they would know when one of them would over-fly this area. Those over-flights are often enough they would spot any overland traffic in and out of the area.

I will dispatch a couple of my sentries to search for possible entrances in the complex, Kiile conceded, and someone should go back to this Bernice’s place and look there. He tapped his ear, muttered something softly, and then tapped his ear again.

Thanks, Kiile, Jim replied, and Greg nodded.

Kiile, Major Kooich added, mulling over a thought. If you don’t find anything obvious, now that we don’t have to worry about the complex detecting us, we can do a sub-surface mapping of the area. Something might show up. Let me know what you need.

Kiile nodded his thanks.

All right, Gary. Greg changed the point of the conversation. What have you found out down in the complex?

Gary rearranged himself in the overstuffed chair and pulled a digital notepad from his jacket pocket. This list doesn’t include the seventy captives we freed from the freighter. Outside of the complex, we have found a hundred and seventy-four deceased in the attack. We’re still looking for more. Seven loggers were injured, but all are alive. Gary looked up at Jim and then at Nick. I didn’t count you or Nick in the injured. Inside the complex, we started in the launch bay where we found twenty-three deceased and twelve alive. In the first open access, which looked like a pre-departure assembly area, we found two alive. These live ones may be able to help you with your search for the back door.

He nodded at Kiile and continued scrolling down his list. Most of the various sections we encountered I don’t have names for. The first was a room with a wide window looking out over the launch bay. An explosion destroyed a large portion of the console in front of the window—

Gary heard a snicker and looked up to see Greg and Nick exchanging broad smiles.

"Yeah, that console