Grays of Novart

By J. A. Collie

On the technologically advanced planet Novart, Warrior cadet Trinity Knight suddenly loses her invincibility. The indestructible dakkie cladding her gray skin is rendered useless, and the supercomputer implanted in her head becomes dysfunctional. At the same time, things go awry for the prized Esra10 miss

• Language: English
• Publisher: Koehler Books
• Release date: Mar 28, 2023
• ISBN: 9781646639151

J. A. Collie

J. A. Collie is an emerging author in the science fiction and romantic suspense genres. She has authored Staking the Claim and The Corporation: Call Me Anytime. Collie writes stories that reflect her successful information technology career and love of suspense. Grays of Novart is her debut science fiction novel and the first book of the series. She lives and works in The Bahamas.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Training Ground

The sun had fallen beneath the horizon in Sector 95 of Novart’s Outer Ring, and faint glows of gray skies faded into a cold, dark night. The planet’s moons refused to shine, intensifying the bitter chill and amplifying the doomy blackness.

Echoes of windswept songs soon ended the quiet stillness. They raced through the canyons, erupted in eerie howls, and disappeared again. The wind dance came early and brought the vast desert to life.

Trinity jumped the wide gorge and floated to the ground in a graceful landing. She stood at the cliff’s edge, balancing with her toes, trailing the rocky plateau’s deep extended riff with her eyes.

A strong gust took flight, sending clouds of choking dust and musky odors to swirl and fuse with salty smells soaring past the jagged surface under her feet. The formation had long ago escaped the ocean below and raced for the heavens with towering heights accentuating beneath the dark cope of night. Trinity drew a deep breath. Wow.

Images of light making the water shimmer flashed into her head. Day training had ended months earlier, and she missed it. A shallowed sigh escaped her throat.

Focus! She’d tracked the android for the past hour. Trinity lowered her eyes and peered deeper into the abyss.

The optic link of her technology-laden dakkie zeroed in on water as it smashed against the rock face. She turned up her audio modulator, and the crashing waves boomed. They drowned out the desert sounds and sent her mind wandering to her upcoming mission—far away from the android she chased.

Enough! She pushed the thoughts aside. Capturing the android meant she would move closer to her goal of racing off to Tarrium’s blue light and leaving the gray world of Novart behind.

With a breath hitching in her throat, Trinity folded her arms tight across her chest. She could be moments away from trapping her prey, and that made her head spin with options. She considered jumping to the narrow ledge below . . . inches above the water . . . inches away from crashing to the ocean’s surface. That seemed reasonable.

I see it, she telepathically told the supercomputer implanted in her head.

A tingling appeared in her hands and amplified as more of the android came into view. It’s tucked in a crack near the bottom.

He’s luring you in, Phoenix replied. He wants you in the water.

Trinity waited, her throat constricting as fear and excitement rushed through her light-charcoal body.

I know what you’re thinking, Phoenix said.

Ignoring her supercomputer, she locked in on the android’s position, ready to pounce but couldn’t move.

Phoenix?

You’re not going down there. You’ll hit the water and float. Your dakkie will only need a quick moment to recover, but he’ll be on you in a flash.

Vexed because of Phoenix’s restraint, she released a breath fill with annoyance. I can do this . . . if someone lets me.

The android left the ledge in a blaze and shot upward with blistering speed. His fiery eyes glowed as they swished by, a whisker’s breadth from her face. Trinity’s thoughts propelled the movement array of her dakkie. She twisted her torso and threw out her arms but caught only the cold night air.

He’s fast. Trinity accepted he could be better than her. . . that she might never get to the end of the training. . . never get to leave Novart. She spewed a heavy groan.

The thought still in her head, she caught a flash of light from the corners of her eyes. It jolted her optic link to maximum velocity, leaving them burning from the infrared glow of her invisible mask. She didn’t like that side effect of her rare mutation.

We’re on, she told her supercomputer.

I’ve spotted him. Sending coordinates.

Trinity vanished and reappeared at the narrow entrance of a cave on a neighboring cliff face. Are you sure he’s in there?

Phoenix didn’t answer.

Trinity wiggled through the small opening, tiptoeing on the thin layer of loose pebbles covering the sediment of the cave floor. I need an advantage.

My job is to track him. Yours is to catch him. Phoenix’s response lacked the supercomputer’s usual concern.

Trinity retracted her dakkie, believing the absence of technology would shield her presence from the android. That left her defenseless. Her skin prickled with dread. She eased in farther, meticulous weaving taking her deeper into the ancient labyrinth.

Her wide sapphire eyes pierced the darkness while her heart did the slow climb to her throat, the beats pounding in her ears.

An intersection is up ahead, Phoenix said.

We should go left, Trinity said.

Trinity hadn’t expected her supercomputer to agree, and Phoenix’s non-objection sent her brows racing upward. Why didn’t I hear an explosive Go right blasting through my head instead? Nonetheless, she liked that the supercomputer followed her lead.

She turned the corner and hit a wall, her path compressing into a crawl space. Trinity dropped to her knees, and brute force carried her under bedrock. Her fingers pained as they scraped the rocky dirt, but turning back would be futile. Trinity dug in with her toes, engaging her legs in fierce thrusts. Her body dragged along the damp cave floor, and her fingers found new dirt—deeper, coarser, cold, and waxy. She shivered with worry that the chamber might be flooded.

Fear of a blitz attack rushed into her head, unleashing a whirlwind of frightful thoughts, and Trinity stopped in her tracks. She closed her eyes, pondering her decision and the silence of her supercomputer.

Keep moving, Phoenix said. You’ve made your choice. Now follow through.

She gritted her teeth in annoyance, her apprehension dissipating as she inched forward.

Having hauled herself to dry land, Trinity sprung to her feet and spotted the android nestled in a crevasse on the far wall. A flutter of excitement rushed to her stomach. At last.

The soft glow from the android’s eyes amplified, and hers adjusted in time for her to dodge the ancient spirals hanging from the cave’s canopy. The faint hiss of android machinery cut through the sounds of moving water. A drop fell from the ceiling onto her nose, and she looked up to shimmering droplets trickling down.

Careful! Phoenix said.

I see it. Trinity gazed at the deep pool sprawled between the android and her, and she realized he’d planned to stay in the wedge, waiting for her to make the first move—to make a mistake.

I’ve extrapolated we have a ninety percent chance of an ambush in there, Phoenix said.

Now you tell me, Trinity snapped. I’ll use my dakkie and camouflage. She’d convinced herself she had the upper hand and that Phoenix could be wrong.

You’ve just lost again, her supercomputer said. The android has lured you somewhere else you won’t have the advantage.

You’re wrong. I intend to stand here and trap him. She unfurled her dakkie.

What do you mean? He would knock you into the water and rush out before you capture him.

But if I stay here, it’s just fine.

So, how do you intend to capture the android?

I can’t. It’s a stalemate. He’s hunched on that rock over there and won’t move. I’m blocking his path out of here and won’t move either.

Trinity, your assignment is to capture the android.

He’s pinned down and can’t call for help, thanks to you for blocking his signals. He’s trapped.

I’ve extrapolated you’re right. Phoenix’s announcement left Trinity giddy with excitement. She had the advantage over that android, and her supercomputer agreed. She inhaled, delighted by her success.

But moments later, Phoenix seemed unsure. You won’t get away with that on Tarrium. Intelligent beings on other worlds will be smarter than that training android.

Trinity mulled over those words. Warrior cadets joining her mission also trained, and she would have plenty of help. Something’s up with Phoenix.

She left the cave reflecting on her efforts and smiling inside. I’ve done well tonight.

Phoenix ignored her.

The silence of her supercomputer amplified a subtle beat of the wind dance. She bathed in the whispers, but distant cries of desert creatures intruded and brought the sense arrays in her dakkie alive. The slightest movements made her eyes flicker, the tiniest touch tingled her skin, and her taste buds burst with flavors of the dusty air.

I can stay out all night, she said.

Her supercomputer stayed silent, appearing unusually busy.

Just then, an object she hadn’t identified streaked by and hit the water with a thunderous roar, sending droplets high in the sky that fell like rain on the desert floor. She shuddered in that moment but had seen it before—many times.

A shooting star? she asked. Did you scan it, by any chance?

It’s not. Phoenix’s tone had a strange abruptness.

The terse response made Trinity contemplate her ridiculous question. Similar events had occurred in Sector 95 since her first assignment many years ago. And each time, she asked the same questions. She figured it came from her fascination with the universe. Will I ever get to see one?

With only quiet from her supercomputer, Trinity took matters into her own hands and aimed for the edge of the cliff. A sudden jolt shook her body, and her dakkie stayed put.

She shrugged. Not again. Phoenix?

I’ve interfered.

I think you like this, she mumbled and made a long face.

I’m not sure what you mean.

You do—stopping me from investigating.

It’s for your good, but your observation is correct. I’ve taken control of the coordinates in your dakkie.

Why? I’m a Warrior cadet. Protecting the planet is my job. You should let me do it.

Your fixation on the universe fits your role, Trinity. But tonight is just mundane—like most of your training runs.

Trinity believed her supercomputer spewed canned responses and may have suffered a broken circuit, misinterpreting the glorious night. What are you saying?

Except that you’ve cornered the android, Phoenix said.

Not caring about Phoenix’s thoughts, Trinity took flight and landed on the tallest peak on the plateau. She retracted her dakkie, and it curled into the cuff on her left arm. Her jet-black hair brushed her shoulders and flirted with a gust. She brushed it aside.

Ignoring the night’s chill, Trinity considered Phoenix’s behavior and the new programming restrictions. Like chosen Warrior cadets, for her, the destiny of leaving Novart one day loomed, and Central Command had prepared her for scenarios a mission could confront. She contemplated from her perch: shooting star encounter—highly unlikely.

It’s time to leave, Phoenix said.

Trinity wallowed in silent objection. She’d long passed her teenage years, but Central Command controlled her life. While she’d rather stay and rehash the plan for Esra10, a mission to the Novart-like planet millions of light-years away, her commanders called the shots and determined her every move.

She gazed at the night skies, ignoring Phoenix’s request. The pitch blackness and backdrop of glittering stars brought out the curiosity and wonderment of the child lurking behind her Warrior façade. She recited Black Holes in her head. Her father had taught her the old poem before she’d become the property of Central Command. He’d told her it came from the dead planet, Etha. A queasy feeling erupted in her stomach as Etha’s demise dominated her thoughts.

Looking at the stars has me thinking about Etha’s story, she said.

You’re always thinking about that planet. Phoenix seemed brusque.

You don’t like anything about Etha.

I’ve extrapolated that the beings who populated that planet were primitive and had only a rudimentary knowledge of the universe and its vast powers, Phoenix replied.

Do you believe their story?

The facts in my databank say it’s true.

Trinity had learned that a diverse colony of Etha citizens had left in massive ships to establish a similar civilization. She hoped Novart citizens would do the same one day.

I believe the Etha ships encountered a black hole, she informed Phoenix. The trip should have taken five hundred years, but Etha lost communication with the fleet after only a decade.

Your idea is plausible, Trinity. Perhaps we can discuss this with Dr. Hampton at the debriefing.

A moment later, Phoenix barked in a tone Trinity had never heard, sending echoes through her head. Either we leave now, or you get a reprimand.

Trinity tensed. Why are you always siding with Central Command? You’re my supercomputer. Your loyalty should be to me.

She freed a deep breath, understanding that Phoenix would ignore her useless comment. They both belonged to Central Command, and knowing she had stayed out longer than she should have, she softly said, We’re leaving.

Her dakkie unfurled from its cuff and covered her body like a second skin, taking her thousands of miles to the safety of her military base in mere seconds.

CHAPTER TWO

You Belong to Me

Trinity made a rough landing near the main square in the courtyard. A hasty recovery followed, and she scanned the zone for prying eyes. The strange ensuing quietness confirmed she stood alone in the dark, and she pondered the meaning while scurrying for the entrance.

A rush of disturbing thoughts popped into her head, flying away as fast as they had arrived—a Warrior of her caliber had nothing to fear.

Believing she and Phoenix were the first to return from training, she galloped off to meet her mentor, Dr. Aden Hampton.

Awestruck and filled with pride, Trinity gazed at the majestic building soaring above the ground, Central Command in bright lights over the transom. She burst into a frenzied smile as she shoved through the massive metal door.

A cadet and low-ranking elite Warrior, Trinity flourished under the guidance of Central Command. The institution directed law and order and, by extension, space exploration.

Isn’t it great that we protect the planet? she asked her supercomputer.

Each class has a critical part to play, Phoenix replied.

Trinity hoisted one shoulder. Then why are some of us classless?

That doesn’t mean they’re less than others. It means they have choices. There’s also the Academic Class and the Regime.

Novart’s Academic Class acquired all the knowledge and technology to ensure it survived for eons, and regular citizens who choose their own path in life made up the classless. The Regime oversaw all classes.

Do you still believe Novart should be divided into classes? she asked.

The Regime does, and that’s all that matters, Phoenix snapped.

Concerned with that sharpness, Trinity pacified herself. Glad I have Central Command.

She often questioned Dr. Hampton on the structure of Novart’s society, but like Phoenix, he never provided a direct answer. He would only remind her that their civilization had survived for countless years. Trinity pushed out a long sigh, understanding that neither he nor Phoenix would give an answer.

Your questions are very pointed. Phoenix’s comment came unexpectedly, suggesting Trinity might get a clear answer. Her hope faded when her supercomputer said, The Academic Class has the Academic Congress—and the classless, the Civil Order. The Regime has ultimate authority over everyone.

That’s common knowledge. Spurred on by something unknown, Trinity asked, Why does the Civil Order have no power? They’re only the voice of dissent.

Phoenix remained silent, and Trinity mumbled beneath her breath, But we’re all umens—grays of Novart.

Once beyond the lobby of the sprawling building, Trinity sped through the wide corridors, bumping a pair of guards as she turned the last corner.

Sorry, she whispered but hurried off in her eagerness to reach Hampton’s office.

Phoenix interrupted her thoughts. Things are amiss. My databank has no records of the guards on duty tonight.

They’re always changing them out, she said, a tinge of annoyance in her voice. There’s probably a delay in your download from the central databank. Trinity chuckled softly. Phoenix, there are millions of us in the Warrior Class.

I’m sure of it. Phoenix’s tone pitched. Something is wrong with this arrangement. I must run another analysis.

Trinity forced air from her lungs as she balled a fist, not caring about Phoenix’s insistence, certain she would be wrong. Whatever you need to do is fine with me. You’re always doing things without my knowledge anyway.

She shoved Phoenix’s words from her mind and occupied it with what she and Dr. Hampton would discuss about the upcoming mission and the Etha story. Trinity remained hopeful he would get his hands on some new Etha poems. She spread her lips into a broad smile.

Why do they call them Etha poems? she wondered. Trinity wasn’t sure, but it had become gospel on Novart that many artifacts and writing in the science museum had originated on Etha. But the mystery of their arrival remained unsolved.

Phoenix jolted Trinity’s thoughts away once more. I’m sorry, Trinity. I’ve been hacked. This is not Central Command. It’s a replica, which I’ve only just detected.

Trinity stopped short of opening the door, squinting as she gasped. She whipped her head around, catching sight of a stranger racing toward her. A flood of rampant heartbeats left her chest, but nothing happened. The dakkie should have understood and taken her away but wouldn’t unfurl.

She held on as air pushed against her ribs and her soaring pulse rushed blood to her head. But somehow, she convinced herself that it could be a drill and the approaching male would confirm that.

Hauling in a calm breath, she waited.

He’d reached a few arm lengths from where she stood, when the walls along the corridor came alive. She shook with terror as stones morphed into glass. And behind one, a crowd of wide-eyed onlookers scorched her with their gazes.

Trinity’s lungs exploded against her chest as she fought for breaths. Her shivers intensifying with the thunderous roar drumming in her ears, she pushed against the wall for stability.

She winced, expecting a nasty weapon to spear her body and leave her bleeding out on the floor. A tight knot rushed to her throat, and vibrations shot through her middle, making her arms twitch uncontrollably. She clasped her hands, but her dakkie still wouldn’t unfurl.

Phoenix, what’s happening? she cried. I’m afraid, and my dakkie is not protecting me.

The hackers are using me to interfere. I’m fighting hard to stop them, but their malicious software is attacking my operating system.

Trinity’s nostrils flared as labored breaths spewed out. Profuse sweating left her palms sticky, and green welts materialized on her gray skin, growing in prominence as the moments ticked away.

Her captors drew their faces into relaxed smirks, and Trinity’s stomach coiled as she reeled. Those strangers understood. No warrior could hide the signs of uncontrollable fear on the umen body. She heaved a desperate sigh.

I’m afraid. Phoenix! Please, I need help. What am I supposed to do? My dakkie has always protected me. Phoenix!

The supercomputer finally responded. I have a backup system that the hackers can’t exploit, but to activate it, I’ll have to go offline.

You can’t go offline. You can’t. I need you, Phoenix. I can’t save myself.

Be brave, Trinity, and use your knowledge to stay alive. We’ll be together soon.

Phoenix left her, and Trinity braced for what awaited her.

The stranger grabbed Trinity by one shoulder and jerked it violently. Trinity wiggled free. She kicked him in the groin then punched him in the chin. He hardly budged. Trinity kicked him again, this time in the shin. She clawed his face and bit down hard on his arm. But he seemed unconcerned. Making an all-out effort, she mustered every ounce of energy and courage then pushed him to the ground. She sprung into Z-1 position, executed a swift cartwheel, then landed a knee to his abdomen.

The stranger laughed, and Trinity realized her combat tactics were futile without her dakkie. Worst of all, the big, strong fighter cartwheeled and landed perfectly upright at her feet. She opened her mouth in frightful awe. He seemed well versed in elite Warrior fighting moves, and an unarmed cadet without a dakkie was no match for his skills.

He pinned her against the wall. Two other males entered the corridor. One looked on while the other plunged a syringe into her neck. She screamed and fell into silent blackness.

• • •

Trinity’s eyes fluttered open as she woke.

Phoenix remained offline, and she lay on a tiny bed in a small stuffy room. Her eyes roamed her prison at a fever pitch as her mind raced to figure out an escape. She shifted her shoulder, attempting to roll over, but found her arm chained to the bed frame. Where are you, Phoenix? It’s time we destroy them all.

Trinity looked for a makeshift weapon, but only a bare metal table and an empty chair made up the furnishings. Both were out of reach.

She closed her eyes, wondering what to make of her predicament. She had hardly opened them when one of the males from the corridor entered the room and pulled up the chair. She recognized him as the one who’d plunged the needle into her neck. The thought made her burn inside.

Shorter than the average male, his deep sapphire eyes dominated his aging face, and his wide mouth made his nose appear too small. It seemed that a fierceness lay beneath his hardened look, and the grimace he wore made it clear he got whatever he wanted.

Suppressing the shallow heaving in her chest and willing the sweat to stay away, Trinity gave him a cutting glare. He returned a satisfied grin.

His eyes swept her face in a curious gape, then he smiled. Hello, Trinity Knight. I see you’ve awakened. Did you sleep well?

Who are you? she yelled. Taken aback by the frailty in her voice, she cut him with a squinted glare, concealing the surprise she didn’t want to show. Assuming it a side effect of the powerful elixirs the stranger had given her, Trinity met his harsh gaze with one of her own.

It will soon wear off, he said.

Who are you? she repeated a moment later. And what do you want from me?

Her captor stood. He stepped behind the chair and leaned against it. He eyed her, spread a contented smile, then sat again. The stranger leaned back on the chair and crossed his legs.

She pegged him a skillful intimidator—an outright bully. Undeterred, she hissed, I’ve asked you a question. Are you going to answer me?

He continued staring, and the quiet smirk returned to his face.

I see you know my name. Confidence found her voice. Then you should know I’m a Warrior cadet. Once my supercomputer repairs my dakkie, I’ll use my Z-1 moves and destroy you.

He laughed before becoming solemn. I’m Dr. Wolfgang Sharon, and I already have what I want from you. But I intend to keep you as my prisoner.

You won’t get away with that, I promise. Central Command will not allow it. Dr. Sharon, or whoever you are, if I were you, I would stop this now and return me to my base.

I must say, Trinity, you’re so engaging. I’d thought I needed only your dakkie, but that might not be the case. They have brainwashed you into believing you are untouchable. Perhaps I’ll add studying your brain to my project.

Why would you think my supercomputer would allow that? I told you before—I’m a Warrior cadet. You know exactly what that means.

I know who you are. In fact, that’s why you’re here. You’re my means to observe the Warrior Class up close and understand its inner workings—to dismantle it.

The thought that he might succeed scared her even more than her situation. That had never crossed her mind before, but for some reason, it felt plausible. After all, he had hacked her supercomputer and kidnapped her.

Trinity couldn’t imagine Novart without its Warrior Class. Dr. Sharon’s words left her speechless, realizing her troubles were deeper than she’d earlier believed.

Dr. Sharon interrupted her thoughts. "My hackers have control of your supercomputer. Phoenix can’t help you. If you’re a good little Warrior cadet, I’ll make this easy. Otherwise, you won’t like it."

She eyed him, falling quiet and adjusting to her plight. He had the advantage, and she lay at his mercy. Warding him off until Phoenix resurfaced became her primary goal. Trinity looked away, hoping she appeared calm while fighting the frenzied panic swelling in her head. She searched for options, praying for Phoenix’s immediate return.

Trinity glanced back at Sharon, and his long, happy smile left her shaking inside.

You must really hate the Warrior Class.

That’s only the half of it. He made a hard swallow. There must be balance in our society. Why should you be in charge of everybody else?

The Regime is in charge.

He smiled then shook his head.

I didn’t choose to be a Warrior. It’s my birthright, she offered.

My point exactly. Spewing distain from his eyes, he asked, What about the rest of us? Why should we live under your thumb? Our fate determined by your rules.

What do you mean? We don’t set the rules. The Regime does. Furthermore, the Academic Class has more privilege. You have to be invited to join it.

And what about the classless? Dr. Sharon gritted his teeth, making a thunderous exhale and giving Trinity evidence his heart ran over with hate. You Warriors have a way of seeing things from your own perspective.

That didn’t make sense to Trinity, as each class saw truth from its own point of view. You’re biased.

Dr. Sharon’s cutting eyes made it known they wouldn’t be having a reasonable discussion, but that didn’t stop her from pushing her point.

That’s the problem. She uttered a soft exhale. Everyone thinks he’s been wronged by somebody else. Warriors don’t even bother the other classes. We just carry out our law-and-order duties.

Sharon laughed and mocked, You spy on us, arrest us for no reason, and throw us in your prisons.

It’s our job. Furthermore, we don’t own any prisons. She bared her teeth in a struggle to hide the angry fire igniting inside. We don’t do it for fun! We get our orders from the Regime.

Really? The Warriors and the Regime are two of a kind. Dr. Sharon huffed. Not only are you at the pinnacle of our society, your power is unchecked. He then lowered his tone. Now you’re heading off to conquer another world, putting the whole planet at risk. Dr. Sharon shook his head. Not happening.

Trinity’s gaze fell to the table as she pondered unfolding events at Central Command that would leave her in the hands of a madman and stop her mission. She tossed a frustrating sigh. It’s like you’re in an alien world. Calm down.

You’ve mellowed, Sharon said a few moments later. She forced a timid smile, trying to show submission, that she had come to his way of thinking, so he could leave her alone.

I’m glad it didn’t take too long to get you to your senses. Sharon half-smiled and checked his time piece, reminding Trinity that she’d lost all sense of time.

How long have I slept?

Long enough. Well, for my purposes, you have. We need to interview you. He got up and stood over her. Will you continue your good behavior when I unshackle you from the bed?

She hadn’t felt the chain on her ankle until that moment and