The Yellow Rover: Aviatrix: The Rover Series Universe, #4

By C.E. Whitaker III

True evil comes not from the weakening of the body, but through the indifference of the soul.

The crew of the Yellow Rover has definitely seen better days. Captain Sanhueza's decision to split the team has turned out to be quite frankly, an unmitigated disaster. This dangerous new world, coupled with its relentless inhabitants, have made their arrival a living nightmare for the Alpha and Bravo teams.

Lieutenant Biancuzzo seizes command, enlisting his top technicians to help him devise an exfiltration plan. The two techs work non-stop, decrypting the data found on the mysterious moon base that was built by an ancient alien civilization known as the Conesans.

With practically no time to execute this daring rescue, Biancuzzo and company spring into action—invading the planet. The surviving members of the Alpha and Bravo teams are eventually brought safely back on board for a debrief, but not before enduring another ferocious battle for their lives.

The events of this failed colonization are not lost on the crew as it remains unclear as to what their next move should be. Press forward further into the star system or return home to the Rover Base Alpha [and admit defeat].

With a familiar face emerging from the shadows, no one on the Yellow Rover is safe. Burdened by a relentless desire to heed the cull, it is only in death that the living can truly be free.

***For fans of the Red Rover, please note that this is not a YA novel. It was written to appeal to an adult audience.***

• Language: English
• Publisher: Darn Pretty Books
• Release date: Sep 29, 2021
• ISBN: 9781955476089

C.E. Whitaker III

A writer/director/producer based out of Los Angeles, C.E. is the author and architect of the sci-fi, action-adventure, space opera book series, THE ROVER SERIES UNIVERSE. In 2021, he was a finalist in the PGA Create Producing Intensive sponsored by the Producer’s Guild of America. In 2016, C.E. was selected as a finalist in the Warner Bros Emerging Film Director's Workshop. In 2019, he worked in London on the Guy Ritchie-directed feature, THE GENTLEMEN, for Miramax/STX and the Sir Kenneth Branagh-directed fantasy adventure, ARTEMIS FOWL; 2018, saw him work on the Jessica Chastain led-feature, AVA, directed by Tate Taylor in Boston; 2017 was busier with the Dan Gilroy-directed film ROMAN J. ISRAEL, ESQ., the Chicago-based feature, WIDOWS, directed by Steven McQueen, and the live-action re-imagining of Disney's DUMBO directed by Tim Burton in London. Follow him on Instagram: @mrwhitaker3

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

The galley door slid closed behind Hartwell. He took a few steps towards the counter and paused—having realized that his appetite was lacking. A worrying sense was needling the back of his mind. The lieutenant was about to do something he might soon regret. Hartwell about-faced and re-entered the corridor. He ran back to the men’s habitation chamber. Right as he reached the entrance a loud thud stopped him in his tracks. That sound was coming from inside the chamber.

No way.

There was simply no way Biancuzzo could have done the unthinkable. A few moments of silence passed as he waited for the door to open. The lieutenant exited, with a sidearm tethered to each hip. He seemed to be somewhat startled by Hartwell’s presence.

What happened?

What had to be done. The lieutenant answered.

The two men stood almost chest to chest. Emotions were boiling over. Biancuzzo sighed.

Come on, we still have work to do.

He walked back towards the cabin simulator as Hartwell slid his hand over the control panel. His curiosity was getting the best of him. Lying on the floor in a pool of his own blood was Sanhueza. The lieutenant had done it.

Bloody hell.

I can’t believe he did that.

He waved his hand back over the control panel to close the chamber door and followed after Biancuzzo. He entered the cabin simulator to see that the lieutenant was almost halfway to the mission control.

Lieutenant.

He came to a stop. His back still facing Hartwell.

Are we really not gonna talk about what just happened? About what you did?

Biancuzzo turned around. He looked somewhat irritated, almost as if he couldn’t believe that Hartwell would dare to question his judgment.

You think I should’ve let him live? Even after what he’s done?

His tone was calmer than Hartwell had anticipated. He sighed. The questions Biancuzzo had posed weren’t exactly the easiest to answer. There was no doubt that the deceased, former captain had erred in judgment—and his mistake may have potentially cost the lives of two-thirds of their team. With that being said, that still didn’t give Biancuzzo the right to be the sole judge, jury and executioner. Wearing that many hats would only make him just as likely to make the same mistakes Sanhueza did.

It was true that Biancuzzo commanded their respect, but even in their current circumstances, it was also true that it would take Sarker and Yuliya’s ingenuity to figure out how to rescue their mates. Like Hartwell, Ono and the androids, the lieutenant would be pressed into the role of spectator, while the technicians did their thing.

I think... He took a deep breath. Maybe that should have been a group discussion. That’s all.

Biancuzzo broke eye contact with him, lowering his head.

If you’re gonna be the one to lead us, then you of all people should be of sound mind, don’t you think? Hartwell went on. Especially, if we’re all going to be expected to lay down our lives, if necessary.

Biancuzzo exhaled and shook his head. His eye contact returned. There was some coldness behind those dark brown eyes. Hartwell gulped as the lieutenant approached. The last thing he ever wanted was to have a go with the old dog. They were not enemies.

You know what, Quin? You’re exactly right. Biancuzzo pointed. You’re exactly right.

The lieutenant turned around and resumed walking to the mission control. Hartwell breathed a sigh of relief before following after him. He entered to find Yuliya at the tactical command post searching for answers, while Ono hovered over her. He found a spot to lean against while the lieutenant approached them.

How we doing in here? Any progress? Biancuzzo said.

It’s looking good so far. The data transfer from the moon base to the Yellow Rover’s computer is nearly complete. Yuliya said.

Good news. Can Kalene still hear us?

I can. Loud and clear. Sarker chimed in.

Biancuzzo sighed. He looked at Yuliya and Ono, who were giving him their undivided attention. He turned back to Hartwell, who gave him an approving nod. Telling them what he had done was the honorable thing to do.

Captain Sanhueza’s dead.

The room fell silent. Neither Yuliya nor Ono displayed a physical reaction to this news, which somewhat surprised Hartwell.

I killed him. In cold blood.

Yuliya and Ono glanced at one another for a moment. It seemed the realization of what he had told them was finally hitting them.

I understand that—that was a decision that should have been made collectively—and I took that decision away from you all.

The lieutenant rubbed the back of his balding head.

This mission is never gonna work if we can’t rely on one another. So with that being said—I’m willing to relinquish my rank for dereliction of my duty. Thoughts?

Yuliya and Ono looked at one another again.

Yeah. Ono smirked. Can I see the body? I mean, at least before we shitcan it into the ethos, like we do the rest of our waste.

Ono started laughing as Yuliya snorted, covering her mouth to hide. Sarker could also be heard chuckling via the communication channel. Was this simply a guy thing? How was it that Hartwell was the only one who seemed the least bit bothered by what had happened?

None of you are mad. Kalene? The lieutenant asked.

No sir. Sarker answered. I believe you wouldn’t have done it, if you didn’t think you were making the right decision anyway. Besides, what’s the value of a captain, who no longer has the trust of his command?

Ain’t that the truth. Ono co-signed.

Amen. Yuliya said.

Biancuzzo’s shoulders relaxed as he looked around the room. If neither Yuliya, Ono or Sarker had an issue with what the lieutenant had done, Hartwell wouldn’t either.

Okay. Carry on.

The lieutenant turned to exit, but immediately stopped in his tracks.

Oh and just so we’re clear, this doesn’t make me the new captain. He went on.

I don’t know. Those two sidearms you got there, say differently, Cap. Ono remarked.

Biancuzzo looked at her. One thing that could be said for Ono, she had a unique way of seeing the world. Funny ass bird.

Heavy is the head that wears the crown.

She shrugged as Biancuzzo scoffed. Although, she did have a point. His decision to kill Sanhueza meant that he would have to take command, even if the thought of it was overwhelming. He turned to Hartwell.

I’m gonna take a shower. Wash this stink off me. Keep me posted?

You got it.

Biancuzzo tapped him on the shoulder on his way back to the cabin simulator. The door slid closed as Hartwell turned back to Yuliya and Ono, who were both staring at him.

What?

Did you see it? Ono asked.

He scoffed. It was obvious what she was talking about.

Yeah, I saw it.

Man, I can’t believe he actually went through with it. Remind me never to get on his bad side.

Well, if Yuliya and Kalene can’t figure out how to decrypt this alien info, you won’t have to worry about that. He said.

Hey. I resent that remark. Yuliya said.

Ditto. Sarker agreed.

I’m just saying ladies. The clock’s ticking.

CHAPTER TWO

A calm had fallen over the nation of Xelexia. The night sky was as vibrant as the oceanic façade that encircled the mainland. A Xelexian tradesman by the name of Notari, advanced at a deliberate stride, bypassing several modest habitats on his way towards the nation’s epicenter.

Ahead of him was the pristine Sanctum of Canovis, also known as the Xelexian palace of worship. The generational achievements of the nation were on full display—only for those who possessed the Xelexian genetic phenotype. Entry was forbidden to anyone else who lacked it.

He stared at the reflective ampoule under his right arm.

Remember your cause Notari. This is your opportunity to a better way. Without Sehnack. Without the suffering. You can do this.

Notari respired before recommencing his approach. The peripheral of the sanctum was spherical in its dimensions. A pillared composite with an alabaster pallor. It was complete in every detail. A gilded effervescence radiated from the sanctum’s archway—that stood at the crest of its landing.

He stopped at its base, taking precaution that none of the nation’s ferocious slayers were nearby. An extreme situation would’ve arisen if he were to have been spotted. He climbed the landing. Upon reaching its crest, he shielded his eyes before disappearing through the archway.

The sanctum’s magnificent effervescence brought Notari to a standstill. The ambience of his collared breathing filled his auricles as he couldn’t believe what he was seeing. Before him was a passage filled with golden effigies of the bygone Xelexian sovereigns and slayers. Enmity and dominion were integral foundations of the Xelexian nation since its nascence.

Across aeras, the Xelexians engaged in many skirmishes with both the Lodricans to the south and the Inkarotians to the north. The boundaries within their mainland were ever-changing as the ocean rose around them. However, since the emergence of the cosmic skydwellers, their thirst for combat had diminished.

The agrarian gifts the skydwellers had bestowed upon them allowed the nation to experience unexpected bounty, enough for everyone to share. For the very first time, peace would now be the way forward for the Sehnackian nations.

Notari pressed ahead towards the radiance. He entered the obeisance chamber. There couldn’t have been less than fifty identical fabric spreads—symmetrically placed all over the smoothed-mineral surface. A magnificent canvas of their cosmic assembly covered the ceiling in its entirety. He stood in awe—admiring the genius and texture that it must have taken to create such a mosaic.

A stiff draft entered the chamber as the chills transported him back to his purpose. He looked back and listened with a renewed focus. There didn’t appear to be anyone else in here with him. He set his eyes ahead of the worship spreads to an alabaster pedestal. On its crest was a flushed glowing crystal known as the AccuHomi. For as long as he could remember, the AccuHomi was considered to be the foundation of the Xelexian dominion.

It was stated that only those of sovereign blood would ever be able to harness the perverted quintessence that was created by the crystal. The ancient legends would not deter him, however, as he sustained his approach towards the pedestal. As he moved closer, he noticed the crystal glowing around its periphery. Notari was undeterred, persisting until he was almost touching the pedestal. He saw his reflection in the AccuHomi and was becoming lost in its effervescence.

So beautiful.

Notari grinned. Nothing he had ever felt over his entire existence could compare to what he was feeling right now. It was almost as if something greater than him was touching him all over. For a brief moment he felt adaptable—like he could feel the air he breathed—as it traveled throughout his body. Almost as if he could control it.

The AccuHomi darkened as he shook his head, trying to regain his purpose. There was something hypnotic about the crystal that he just couldn’t figure out. Notari lowered the ampoule to the base of the pedestal and opened it. Inside it was an opaque cloth—not too dissimilar to the symmetrical spreads all around the chamber. He unfurled the cloth in his hands, covering them with it as touching the AccuHomi with his bare hands would not have been a good idea.

He rose from the base. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath before grasping the AccuHomi with both hands. He held it momentarily, the effervescence he had seen and felt earlier was gone. It was trapped within this cloth. And just like that, Notari was aware of his surroundings once more. Whatever the AccuHomi had bestowed upon him, had left him just as quickly.

Notari lowered the cloth into the ampoule, taking his time to make certain that all of it had been tucked inside. He closed the ampoule and tightened his right arm around it. He rose to an upright position and began heading back towards the main archway. The time had come for his departure.

The heightened awareness of what he had done was now starting to aggravate him. He hesitated upon hearing voices outside of the sanctum. He concealed himself behind one of the pillars and waited for the voices to diminish. The rhythm of his own heart was the only thing he could hear now.

Notari peeked out of the archway, surveying the nation for Xelexian slayers. There wasn’t one in sight. He glided down the landing and took off, disappearing in the darkness with the pilfered crystal underneath his arm.

CHAPTER THREE

Regna stood against the Sehnackian shoreline admiring the stillness of the marine before her. The Conesan spacecraft, the Recondor, was moored nearby.

Regna.

She pivoted to discover her main collaborator, Theriac, standing just outside the opened hangar bay of the vessel, with his dynamic saber in hand. Ahead of him were Sonza and Callear, the remaining two of their notorious foursome. They were also holding sabers of their own. The entirety of this entire operation had been the brainchild of Theriac and Kannas. They believed the Xelexians to be veiling a great power—the AccuHomi. In his eyes, such a primitive species would never be able to fully appreciate the potential of such a power—thus Theriac was determined to relieve them of it.

Regna approached her collaborators.

A new day will soon be upon us my etangoc. He said. That is of course, if the Lodrican can deliver what he has promised.

The Lodrican will be here Theriac. Trust, I have vetted him myself.

He sneered in a mocking tone.

It is not you that I worry about Regna. These malignant croths on the other hand—well—that I’m afraid would be a different discussion altogether.

He was not wholly inaccurate in his assessment of their present condition. The Lodricans were not only the weakest of the Sehnackian nations, but they also had the most to lose. Unlike the Xelexians and the Inkarotians, they were nomadic and thus seen as disposable to the Conesan cause.

Rustling could be heard in the wetlands heading towards Xelexia as they turned their sabers in that direction. Theriac raised his left hand, closing it into a fist. Regna, Sonza and Callear dispersed without saying another word, moving into a defensive formation. Theriac dropped his saber to the surface below, disarming himself. His cosmic regalia was formidable enough to shield him against most Sehnackian sabers, so he was able to stand there with no fear of what was to reveal itself.

Revealing himself from within the wetlands was Notari, the Lodrican of whom they had been speaking of. He looked like he was on the verge of losing perception, yet sustained his approach towards the Recondor. Theriac observed the ampoule under his right arm as Notari came further into the light. This Lodrican was more clever than he had anticipated. His complexion was that of a Xelexian.

Have you retrieved it?

Yes. I did as you requested. The Lodrican answered.

He was nearly a foot shorter than Theriac was. Unlike the Conesans, his stature was nowhere near as elegant. None of the Sehnackian nations were. Aside from the dearth of mane across their physiques, they also lacked the sybaritic feeler that protruded from their Conesan backsides. The emotions those feelers bestowed upon them were their greatest gift from the creator.

Notari took the ampoule from under his arm and held it out with both hands. He took another step towards Theriac.

Stop.

He complied with Theriac’s decree.

Show me first.

The Lodrican glanced around. He knew that Conesans would never travel here alone. But Regna, Sonza and Callear were too canny to let this Lodrican detect their whereabouts. Notari crouched to the surface and opened the ampoule as Theriac’s eyes enlarged. He began pulling back the opaque cloth, which had been specifically designed to obstruct the influences of the artifact. Within the cloth was everything he could have ever hoped for. It was the Xelexian AccuHomi.

Theriac moved closer, looking down at the colorful raindrop crystal. It had a soft glow to it that even the darkness around them could not diminish.

It is more beautiful than the first time I set my eyes upon it. Theriac said.

Now I understand why you wanted it in the first place. I was always told that non-Xelexians were forbidden from even seeing it. I suppose the rules are different for you skydwellers.

Theriac’s focus narrowed. This Lodrican was pushing his fortune—speaking to him in such a tone. Notari rose back to a standing position.

I’ve upheld my portion of our arrangement. Now you must grant me my escape.

Theriac looked at the AccuHomi again before bringing his vision back upon the Lodrican. The courage it took for him to complete this operation was laudable, considering the repercussions his actions would have over the entire mainland—especially for his erstwhile brothers and sisters.

Yes. You have earned your apportion and then some. I should have never doubted you.

He observed the Lodrican relax his shoulders.

Regna!

Regna, Sonza and Callear re-emerged from their hidden positions, each with their sabers armed and ready. Agitation grew within Notari immediately as he pivoted from side to side. Did he really trust that Theriac would meet him alone?

Theriac unfurled his rechargeable tether and wrapped it around the Lodrican’s collar. Notari attempted to remove it, but the tether only tightened further, making the attempt futile.

Struggling only makes the tether stronger.

Notari refused to heed his warning. He sustained trying to obstruct the influences of the tether. He fell to his knees and then onto his side. The Lodrican’s cries were falling on deaf ears. Theriac squatted. He recovered the AccuHomi and closed the ampoule. He took it with him as he rose.

The four Conesans watched Notari squirm until he no longer could. Theriac recalled his tether and turned back to the opened hangar bay.

Should we take him to Cirix? Regna asked.

Theriac stopped and turned back.

That won’t be necessary. We have more than enough basis from this world. He caressed the ampoule. This may have taken more time than we anticipated, but in the end, we received what we came here for. We’ll allow the Xelexians to dispose of this one. It’s only fair.

Understood.

Regna signaled to Callear and Sonza to board the craft as Theriac followed them. He waited as Regna picked up the saber he had left on the surface. Once inside, she closed the hangar bay. The time had come for them to return to their Conesan settlement on one of the dual Sehnackian orbiters.

⧖

Theriac sat comfortably with the reflective ampoule in his lap. The Recondor’s departure from Sehnack was a rousing success. He was energized to explore the mysteries of the Xelexian artifact.

Cirix awaits. Callear stated.

His collaborator was positioned in the navigator’s seat, while Sonza sat across from him. The Conesan settlement had been built into the foundation of the Sehnackian orbiter, Cirix. The Recondor descended against the settlement as its safeguards raised from beneath the surface to protect them.

They exited the transport and walked to the entrance of the settlement. Regna disengaged the access as they entered. More of their Conesan collaborators were spread throughout the settlement as one of their geneticists, Kannas, greeted them. He wore an ornate imperial regalia with a hexangular cluster over his left breast. This was their standard garb when not on the Recondor.

Did you get it?

Theriac held the ampoule out for him to receive. Kannas accepted his motion.

Ah, I knew you wouldn’t disappoint. And what of the Lodrican? Is he also here?

Theriac left him behind for the Xelexians. Regna stated.

Kannas grinned, revealing his jagged fangs.

Ah, now I’m beginning to regret not going with you. It would have been nice to see that world one last time.

We could always return you, if that is your preference. Theriac grinned.

No. I’m comfortable with this.

Kannas caressed the ampoule with a sense of glee.

This is more than enough for me.

CHAPTER FOUR

A vehement throng of Xelexians had gathered not far from the Sanctum of Canovis. Their pristine palace of worship had been defiled by the traitorous skydwellers and their morose minions, the nomadic Lodricans.

Zoulek, the acting Xelexian sovereign, stood below the hanging Lodrican malefactor with his amplified lacing in his right hand. A farewell taunt from the skydwellers. Zoulek raised his lacing and cracked it as his Xelexians roared even louder.

"The Lodricans have abused our benevolence for