Space Frontiers: The Devil's Playground

By Michael D'Ambrosio

The war with the Weevil takes on epic proportions as Will and his crew attempt to stave off a major alien offensive when three new and formidable opponents surface abroad and at home. Will's diplomatic skills fail him and drive him to be the aggressor. Re-united with Shanna and their daughter, Will has more to fight for than ever. The delicate b

• Language: English
• Publisher: Quantum Discovery
• Release date: Dec 20, 2022
• ISBN: 9781959314936

Book preview

9781959314936-cover.jpg

MICHAEL D’AMBROSIO

Space Frontiers: The Devil’s Playground

Copyright © 2022 by Michael D’Ambrosio

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law.

ISBN

978-1-959314-92-9 (Paperback)

978-1-959314-93-6 (eBook)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I: Blindsided

II: Caught in the Act

III: Changes

IV: Turning the Tide

V: Baited

VI: Conspiracy

VII: Major Strike

VIII: The Nephi

IX: Revenge

X: Crossroads

XI: The Hunter

XII: Despair and Danger

XIII: Fate and Destiny

I

BLINDSIDED

Two alliance cruisers, the Dreadnought and the Daedalus, approached the edge of the fourteenth sector. There hadn’t been a ship within range of their sensors for quite some time and both crews were anxious to return to Yord for a break from duty.

A bright, luminous cloud suddenly formed near the ships. A squadron of bullet-shaped, Weevil fighters, accompanied by a command ship, appeared and swarmed the two cruisers. The fighters quickly engaged the Dreadnought and inflicted severe damage on her. The Dreadnought exploded into a fiery mass and vanished. The fighters targeted the engines on the Daedalus and crippled the cruiser.

Saphoro, the lithe, oriental commander of the Daedalus, barged onto the flight deck. The co-pilot, a young man in his early twenties, looked up nervously.

Someone’s got a lock on us. They’re boarding! he exclaimed.

Send an SOS to headquarters immediately, Saphoro ordered. Tell them we’ve been ambushed by Weevil craft from an unknown portal.

Right away, ma’am.

Saphoro exited the cabin and slammed the door. The co-pilot became wide-eyed with fear when he heard her desperate scream in the stairwell, then silence.

Two months passed and rumors of the Weevil returning led to concern among the alliance leaders. Yord peacefully rebuilt itself into a viable economic location. The alien alliance as a whole was in disarray since Will and his friends disrupted the fragile alien union, pitting its members against each other. Once weakened, they either joined Will’s own alliance or fled to other quadrants. All, but the Weevil.

On Yord, Will and Shanna sat in the lush garden inside the palace walls with their young daughter, Marina. They wore regal, white robes with gold trim, a crown and a tiara. Will’s dark hair was shoulder length and he sported a mustache with a goatee. Shanna’s golden, blonde hair lay down across her shoulders. Her robe draped seductively low across her breasts. She held Marina, her tiny daughter, in one arm across her lap.

Keira, a former priestess from the temple of Icarus joined them. She wore a long, red robe and a golden amulet hung from her neck. Her fair skin belied the fact that she was in her middle forties in Earth years. Her dark, brown hair was tied back in a ponytail.

It’s so nice to enjoy life for a change without chasing our enemies all over the universe, Shanna commented.

Will recalled the thrills they had while outwitting the Boromians and Attradeans. Things were exciting back then for him.

I never thought I’d hear that from you, Keira teased Shanna.

Let’s hope our good fortune continues. She glanced at Will and noticed his far away gaze. She knew he wasn’t happy living in a palace with civic duties, instead of daring adventures. In some ways, neither was she.

A family of four walked past the palace gates and waved to them. Shanna waved back and Will acknowledged them with a smile. Then things changed in a hurry. Celine rushed into the courtyard and distracted them from their conversation.

Uh-oh! Something’s wrong, commented Shanna, concerned.

Will stood up attentively as Celine breathed heavily. What’s wrong, Celine?

"The Daedalus and the Dreadnought have been ambushed! The Dreadnought’s gone and we lost contact with the Daedalus."

But they’re out at the fourteenth sector. Nothing’s happened out there since the Attradeans and the Boromians were ousted from the area.

"The last message we received from the Daedalus mentioned an armada of Weevil."

Will paced back and forth, pondering the incident. Where’s Maya right now? he asked.

"She’s on board the Dark Mistress. I’m sure she’s on her way already to investigate what happened."

An ambush; a squadron of Weevil fighters; and not a damn thing on the sensors to indicate their presence.

What are you thinking? asked Shanna.

There’s something very wrong about this.

Perhaps we should meet up with Maya and discuss what’s going on, suggested Celine.

"I’m going out there on the Phantom. I’ll need Jack and Bastille as well."

What about me? Don’t I have a say in this? demanded Shanna.

Not right now, you don’t.

You’re being self-centered, Will.

Will paused at the glass double-doors and replied sternly, I’m not in the mood to argue, Shanna. We’ll talk about it when I get back.

We’ll talk about it now! she demanded angrily and glared at him.

If this is a trap, I don’t want to risk all of our lives.

"Why not bring out the Leviathan and take all of us with you?" suggested Celine.

I’m considering that.

Bastille entered the garden, carrying a hat-sized box. He wore a brown kilt with a loose-fitting white shirt. His head was shaved and his mustache was trimmed neatly.

Bastille! exclaimed Will. Just the man I’m looking for.

I’m looking for you, too. This package was delivered a short while ago. One of your Gallian friends said it came under very suspicious circumstances. They scanned it for explosives but none were detected.

Bastille handed the box to Will and watched curiously as he unwrapped it. Maybe it’s a bottle with a genie in it. I could use three wishes.

I just received word from one of Rethus’ commanders that a squadron of Weevil fighters has taken position near the Gallian Shipping Station. He’s awaiting your instructions.

Will opened the box and looked mortified. Inside was the head of Saphoro, the commander of the Daedalus.

What is it, Will? Shanna asked as she handed the baby to Keira.

Will set the box down on the table and looked away disgustedly. His eyes filled with tears. You don’t want to see this, Shanna, he said sadly.

Celine and Shanna peeked inside the box and were horrified when they saw their friend’s head. Bastille picked up the box and examined the head. Saphoro’s bangs were matted against her face by dried blood. A note was stuffed inside her mouth.

It was her first command, Will commented somberly.

"There must have been a host ship for the Weevil to board the Daedalus, suggested Celine. They couldn’t execute an attack like that with only fighters."

Bastille removed the note from her mouth and opened it. He read it first and then gave it to Will. There’s your answer. Will reached nervously for the note and read it slowly.

What’s it say? asked Shanna.

It’s from Thorus. He says ‘Let the games begin’.

All of them were frightened as they recalled how Thorus ruthlessly destroyed the Luna C with Mynx and Neva on board.

Celine, tell Maya to stay away from the area, ordered Will. This is my problem.

I’m going with you, declared Shanna. "Take care of Marina for us, Keira.

Will kissed Marina’s forehead. Joined by Shanna, Bastille and Celine, they entered the palace.

"Bastille, get Jack and meet us on board the Phantom. We’ll discuss our strategy there," instructed Will.

"Are we taking the Leviathan out?"

Yes, I think it’s time to give Thorus a taste of his own medicine.

Understood. We’ll be ready.

Will and Shanna hurried up the stairs. Shanna noticed the tears on Will’s face. Are you alright? she asked, concerned.

No. I was sure that we killed Thorus.

We’ll take care of him this time.

Will stopped and glared at her. And what about Saphoro? he shouted. It’s too late for her. They resumed walking briskly down the golden-carpeted hallway.

Sometimes shit happens, Will! Shanna replied emphatically.

I’m tired of losing friends to assholes like Thorus, so I’d really prefer you stay here.

When they entered their bedroom, Shanna grabbed Will by the arms and faced him. I’m going with you so get over it, she said adamantly.

No, you’re not. This is personal.

So was your business with Tenemon. You think everything is your business. I’m part of this, too.

"Then you’ll go on the Leviathan."

Why can’t I go with you?

Because I need you to watch my back, Will stated with determination. I need you to make the right decisions if something goes wrong. Shanna’s head dropped sadly. She walked to the window and stared at the people in the streets. It did little to calm her.

Will tossed his crown and robe on the bed. He dressed in black pants and a loose-fitting, cream-colored shirt. He opened an oak chest and removed his sword and scabbard. He secured them around his waist.

Will noticed that Shanna stood silently by the window. Aren’t you changing? he asked.

Into what?

We’re going to war. What do you usually wear?

Why do you care?

Will approached Shanna from behind. Come on, Shanna. I need you. I can’t do this alone.

Sure, you can. You can do everything alone.

Will turned Shanna around and hugged her. No, I can’t. I need you, he replied humbly and kissed her on the cheek.

Is that it – a kiss on the cheek?

We have work to do. Maybe later.

That’s brilliant, Will. I never thought you could make me feel so disappointed in you.

Look, Shanna, I have to get out there and see what’s going on. He kissed her again and exited the room. Shanna bit her lip angrily and stormed after him.

An hour later, Will sat in the main quarters of the Phantom. How in the world could they surprise two cruisers like that? he questioned himself, again and again.

Jack, Shanna, Bastille and Celine boarded the ship. When they joined him, Jack said somberly, We’re sorry about Saphoro. That really sucks.

Will looked up with cold eyes and a stoic expression. "Here’s the plan: Bastille takes the Leviathan and pursues the Weevil fighter group in the fourteenth sector. Jack, you and I will take the Phantom and investigate the Daedalus. Shanna and Celine, you’ll assist Bastille on the Leviathan. Any questions?"

I think we should stay together on one ship, Shanna suggested stubbornly.

Who’s going to back us up if we get into trouble.

Can’t Rethos handle the fighters? inquired Jack.

I suppose, but what if he can’t? A squadron is a lot of fighters.

We also know there’s a command ship somewhere nearby, added Bastille.

What if we have Rethos hold them in check - no battle? Just wait them out until we return, suggested Will.

That would work, assuming we don’t get ambushed ourselves, countered Jack.

Celine, contact Maya and tell her we’re on our way to investigate. Have her coordinate with Rethos to stalemate the fighter unit. Celine left the table and ascended the stairs.

Shanna glared at Will until he acknowledged her. Alright, Shanna, you’ll go with us. Now will you give it a rest, already? Shanna smirked at him.

"Bastille, see if you can find Kahlin. He and Celine will accompany you on the Leviathan. Can you operate with three people?" Will asked.

With the automatic firing system, I think we’ll be fine. I can get a few of Kahlin’s men to join us for support as well.

Jack, you check the ship out and get her ready for departure, Will instructed.

Roger. Jack left the table and ascended the stairs to the second-level comm/nav section.

What do you expect to find out there? inquired Bastille.

You really want to know? countered Will.

I like to anticipate what kind of opposition we’re up against, unlike our Boromian experiences of the past. Hit me.

I’m afraid we’re going to find a hidden portal, answered Will. And on the other side of that portal is the Weevil invasion force that Asheroff warned us about. I fear this is the onset of the attack.

I thought we stalled their invasion.

Obviously not long enough, replied Will grimly.

Well, at least you’re honest with me this time. Good luck.

When Bastille departed, Will covered his face and mumbled, Why me? My life wasn’t supposed to be like this.

You wanted it; you got it, chided Shanna.

You don’t quit, do you? Will replied irately and left the table.

Where are you going? she asked.

The deck is yours. You run the show.

As Will left the main quarters, Shanna shouted, Don’t walk away from me, Will. We’re in this together.

Shanna stamped her foot and uttered, You arrogant son-of-a-bitch!

Celine descended the stairs and asked, Where’d Will go?

To hell, I hope! What’s the word from Maya?

She’s really pissed off about Saphoro.

What’s she doing about it?

"She’s insistent on taking the Dark Mistress to the fourteenth sector to find out what happened."

"I’ll inform his royal pain-in-the-ass. You head over to the Leviathan. We’ll contact you later."

I’ve got a bad feeling about this, warned Celine.

I’m getting used to bad feelings.

Celine exited the ship. Jack descended the stairs and searched the main quarters. Hey, Shanna, where’s Will?

I wish everyone would stop asking me that, she shouted.

Jack cringed, sensing the discord between the two. He informed her, The coordinates are programmed. I’ll do a once over on our supply situation and then we’ll be ready.

We’ll pull out as soon as possible.

Before you go, Shanna, can I ask you something?

Of course.

Are you and Will alright? Things seem pretty strained lately.

Shanna’s eyes filled with tears. Jack hugged her and said, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked.

Jack, he’s moving further away from me every day.

Maybe it’s the responsibility. Perhaps he needs to delegate more of it.

He won’t. He has to do everything.

I’ll talk to him about it.

Thanks, Jack, but I have to deal with this myself. Shanna wiped the tears from her eyes and went to Will’s cabin. She knocked lightly on the door.

Will, I want to talk.

Shanna waited but got no answer. She became angry and shouted, Will, if this is how it’s gonna be, then I think we need to talk about ending this relationship! Her eyes filled with tears again. She knocked harder but still got no response. She hung her head and walked away.

The Leviathan and the Phantom departed Yord. Bastille’s face appeared on one of the flight deck monitors of the Phantom. Jack turned up the volume and asked, How are you doing, Bastille?

So far, so good.

Did you get the coordinates for the portals?

Sure did. First one’s coming up.

Good. How about your firing system?

"I programmed both our ships and the Dark Mistress’ signatures into the computer. Anything else will automatically be targeted."

I hope so, replied Jack. If we run into another Weevil fighter unit, we’re grossly outnumbered.

Both ships can cloak now. That’s a blessing we couldn’t be without.

You got that right, quipped Jack. Stay in touch, buddy.

Will do. Jack’s monitor went blank.

Shanna entered the flight deck and sat in the co-pilot’s seat. Jack glanced over and felt pity for her. She was only nineteen; married with a child, and queen of a world she knew little of.

Is there anything I can do to help? he asked.

No. Will’s a jackass and nothing will ever change that.

There’s a lot of pressure being in your shoes and his. I think he takes it personally that people are dying under his charge.

I feel for those people, too. I look at it as the lesser of the evils. Some will die so that many more can live.

Why do you say that? queried Jack.

Some people are born to make that sacrifice. Others are born to benefit from it.

Jack considered what she said for a moment. What do you think about us? he inquired.

I think we were born for the sacrifice, but it doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy life along the way.

You know, Shanna, for a young girl, you’re pretty sharp.

Unfortunately, I’m not very good at love, she complained.

Don’t say that. Will cares about you and I know you care about him.

That’s what makes this whole mess so hard to handle, she complained. He doesn’t show it anymore.

Just give me a chance to speak with him.

How do you deal with Maya when she risks her life on another ship while you’re stuck here? Shanna asked.

It’s something I had to accept. She prefers military life versus the renegade style that I like.

So, you’re good with this relationship? Shanna challenged.

It makes me appreciate her that much more when I see her.

"When we get close enough to the Dark Mistress, can you transport me over?" she requested.

Sure. Any particular reason? asked Jack.

I’d like to talk to Maya. You’ve been very helpful, but I’d like to hear her point of view, too. Thank you so much.

Jack received three beeps indicating a transmission. He pressed the ‘receive’ switch and Mariel’s face appeared on the monitor. Jack, what’s going on? I heard about Saphoro.

The Weevil moved a squadron within striking distance of Yord.

The Eye shows some very disturbing images. I need to speak with Shanna.

Shanna leaned in front of the monitor and answered, I’m here, Mariel.

Did you recognize any images from the Eye?

I wasn’t concentrating on it.

Mariel looked distressed and asked, Why not?

Because I’m having problems with Will.

Is he alright?

Oh, he’s just fine, as usual.

Young lady, you need to scan the Eye regularly. You’re wasting a valuable asset.

What’s the problem, Mariel? Jack intervened.

The Eye shows three ships. One of them is swallowed up and another is badly damaged during a battle with numerous enemy ships.

What of the third one?

The image was incomplete. I can’t say for sure.

Thanks, Mariel. I’ll pass that on to Will. The monitor went blank.

Why is it that she never calls with good news? remarked Shanna cynically.

I think because there’s never any to speak of. Why don’t you try Will again? Tell him what Mariel said.

I will but I still want to meet with Maya when we get close to her ship. Shanna dejectedly exited the flight deck.

Will slept soundly in his cabin when Shanna knocked on the door. Will, it would be nice if you answered one of these times.

There was no response. Shanna became annoyed and returned to the main quarters. She opened a cabinet on the wall and took out a key. We’ll put an end to this game once and for all.

She returned to Will’s door and placed the key in a hole at the top right corner of the door. The keypad blinked three times and the door slid open. Shanna entered the room and found Will sleeping.

Gee, I’m so glad he can sleep well through all this, she thought sarcastically. Shanna tossed the key on the dresser and knelt by the bed. When she gazed at Will, he looked so peaceful and happy. Shanna blew in his ear several times. Will rubbed it subconsciously each time. Hey, this is like training a dog, she thought amusingly.

Will opened an eye and asked, What dog?

You, you goofball, she joked.

Will slid back toward the wall. There’s room. Come join me, he requested.

Not so fast, Romeo, she replied.

We could spend a little time together under the sheets.

You’d like that, wouldn’t you?

Will propped his head up with his arm. Of course, I would. What better way to make up?

Shanna disrobed in front of him. Her silken white robe dropped to the floor. You want some of this, don’t you? she teased.

Of course, I do.

Beg.

Shanna, why do you do this to me? Come here.

I’m not convinced that you want me bad enough.

Will crawled toward the edge of the bed and reached for her. She backed away, grinning deviously.

I want you bad - real bad, pleaded Will. Shanna picked up her robe and dressed. What are you doing? he asked. I thought you wanted to play.

I guess you didn’t want me bad enough. Shanna left the cabin, beaming from ear to ear.

Will sat up, completely frustrated and muttered, What the hell ails that woman? He put his boots on and exited his quarters.

Maya sat in the co-pilot’s seat and redirected the long-range scanners. Next to her was a young male cadet, Ivan, who piloted the Dark Mistress.

Notice anything peculiar, Ivan?

No, ma’am. All’s quiet.

Well, stay alert for anything unusual, and I mean anything.

I can’t imagine that two ships could get ambushed in a wide-open area like sector fourteen. It’s almost like the Weevil fighters were invisible.

"You’d be surprised what’s happened out here through the use of portal technology. My former ship, the Luna C, was destroyed by a new weapon that struck from the other side of a portal."

So, you think there’s a portal out here somewhere?

I sure do. I also know that the Weevil have been amassing for an invasion for quite some time. We’ve been fortunate enough to set them back each time by disrupting their plans.

But why don’t our sensors pick up the portals?

Because they only activate when a ship draws within close proximity. As soon as the ship passes through, it shrinks down to a small energy form.

How come we don’t hunt the Weevil down?

They’re in a very distant part of the universe –sector two. That’s why it’s been so difficult for them to get here.

And this could be another attempt?

Yes. I think our cruisers got too close and activated the portal. I don’t think their armada is in position yet to strike or they would have done so, already.

If they’re already on the other side, what are they waiting for?

Their ships have to travel through at least twelve portals to get here. They also have to travel in small groups and allow for each group to reach the selected destination first. If not, two things could happen: first, they could collide with each other. Secondly, ships can only handle so much stress in a given time interval before they become brittle. The bigger the portal, the more stress they endure.

I never thought of it that way.

"How long before we reach the Daedalus?"

Not much longer, ma’am.

Good. If you see any Weevil scout ships, target the bitches and fire. I want them to know we’re not playing.

Yes, ma’am. The transmitter beeped three times. Ivan pressed the ‘receive’ button and Jack’s face appeared on the monitor.

Is Maya available? Jack inquired.

She’s right here, sir.

Maya leaned in front of the monitor. Hi, Sweetheart. How are you doing?

So far, so good.

I know you didn’t call for mindless chatter.

No, Honey. I miss your sexy, black leather uniform. It does wonders for your shapely body.

Kindly keep it somewhat professional. We have company, Maya chastised, blushing.

What’s the kid’s name?

Ivan, sir, the young cadet replied.

Watch out for her, Ivan, Jack warned. She’s been known to dish out a good spanking on occasion. Ivan looked up at Maya in surprise.

Don’t listen to him, Ivan.

"I can show you the welts.