Kartega 2.0: A Star Reborn: Kartega Chronicles, #2

By A.N. Sage

Letting her escape was their biggest mistake.

After barely escaping Kartega with their lives, Sid and her friends find themselves hiding on the Arcturus in an endless loop of counted days. Between fixing the rust bucket of a ship they live in, struggling to contain the numbing magic of the keys implanted in her neck and fighting her growing feelings for the brooding warrior on board — Sid has her days full. As days turn into weeks, Sid grapples with the possibility of returning back to the star, the place she'd like to one day call her home.

But how could she ever find her way back without jeopardizing everything they've fought so valiantly to achieve?

While Sid tumbles through space, the vicious and blood-thirsty queen takes control of Kartega once more. As the domes fall under attack, no one is safe from the queens wrath. With supplies running low and time running out, Sid must decide if she will stay in hiding or risk everything to return to Kartega and save the domes from destruction.

What began as a rescue mission becomes a fight for freedom and Sid finds herself, yet again, in the center of an epic battle for control of the star.

Unfortunately for Sid, sometimes when you wish to find where you belong, you get exactly what you wish for…


***

What reviewers are saying about the series:

★★★★★ "This story is an edge of the seat, a hair-raising adventure that you won't want to miss reading!"
- Amazon Reviewer

★★★★★ "I am in awe of Sid...she's innovative, inquisitive, and heartfelt. She discovers an inner strength to grapple with her new surroundings and an understanding of historical betrayal. Her journey is harsh at times, but she picks herself up and moves forward. In the end, is she a warrior or an imposter? Stakes are high, with a (her) people on the brink of extinction. The ancient magic is interwoven in a thought-provoking way. I'm a diehard scifi/fantasy fan and enjoy reading fresh voices. Highly recommend for your TBR list!"
- Amazon Reviewer

★★★★★ "The main character is intriguing, the world building amazing, and the writing completely flows. I found this to be an easy book to get through in a couple of days and it only left me wanting more by this author. I am so glad I was given a chance to read this."
- Amazon Reviewer

From the author of the exceptionally received Kartega, comes the second book in an epic new series about a quirky recluse who must overcome her own fears to save an entire star from a power-hungry evil queen.

Get sucked into this page-turning sci fi/ fantasy mashup today! Perfect for fans of Aurora Rising and Skyward.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Oliver-Heber Books
• Release date: Jul 7, 2020
• ISBN: 9798223847359

Book preview

ONE

The Arcturus groaned and moaned as Sid tightened the bolts of the panel back into place. She wiped the sweat off her brow with the back of her suit sleeve, leaving a black line of soot across her forehead. It had been weeks since they docked the original ship that aided in their escape from the star; weeks she’d spent patching up the old rusty ship as they orbited Kartega without concrete plans in place. Sid found it ironic that the failing ship that forced her to go down to the star in the first place was now her only refuge; like starting from the beginning again.

She let out a deep breath and let her gaze drift over the grated ceiling of the engine room. Even from where she was sitting, Sid could see rust form and spread across the metal, reaching its diseased fingers through the skin of her ship. Not far from her, lights flickered which Sid wrote off as yet another problem to add to her list of growing concerns.

Since their arrival on the Arcturus, Sid had managed to repair the faulty oxygen supply valve with parts from the original ship, though she didn’t stop there. The human ship was a treasure trove of parts, each one finding a useful place in the mechanics of the Arcturus until her old ship was ten times better than when she left it. Sure, it still creaked and clacked from time to time — causing Sid nothing but worry — but it worked just fine for what they needed at the moment. Better than fine, if Sid had to wager, she’d guess they could stay aboard for eternity, if it wasn’t for the limited reserves the ship provided.

The supplies on the Arcturus were growing thin, and Sid’s patience grew thin with them. How many more weeks until they ran out of food? How many days?

Sid ran the numbers daily, each time trying to find a loophole to keep them on the ship for longer. To keep them away from Kartega and Leona’s wrath. But as the days turned to nights and more time passed, Sid could find nothing even close to a solution. While the rest of the crew spent their time finding things to entertain themselves with, Sid stayed away, choosing instead to concentrate on the Arcturus and its many problems. No matter how much she tried to fit in with her friends, to joke and laugh with the rest of them, her mind was never with them at the end. It was her fault they were up here in the first place, her fault they had to leave their home behind, and the guilt of forcing them to sacrifice themselves for her was eating her alive.

Everyone was nice enough, giving her the space she needed to process the situation but it still didn’t feel like enough. Sid had grown used to be alone on the Arcturus, having spent most of her life roaming its halls uninterrupted, and having a gaggle of friends in tow made the place she once called home feel foreign and cold. She hated that she stayed distanced from the rest of the crew — especially Ashlan — but having them here only reminded her of everything they left behind and despite knowing better, Sid resented every minute of it.

Sid gripped the sides of the large pipe she was under and pulled herself to standing. Rusty, run a test on the engine core, please!

Filling her mouth with air, Sid puffed her cheeks and waited eagerly for the ship to respond.

THE PREVIOUS ALERT IN THE CORES ENGINE IS DISENGAGED. ALL SYSTEMS OPERATIONAL.

Sid breathed out, patting the cool metal casing of the wall next to her. Good, that’s good, Rusty! We’re back in business!

Her voice echoed down the corridor, and Sid wondered what other secrets the ship had swallowed whole since they docked. Had it heard her scream in the night when she woke up breathless and covered in sweat? Had it heard her cry when she was alone in her sleeping quarters? It had been weeks since she let herself relax, and as far as Sid could tell, there was no end in sight for the building anxiety in her gut. To make matters worse, the keys implanted in her neck were nothing but a constant reminder of the people she left behind; the people trapped on the star with a vicious queen set on their destruction. At least while Sid was out of Leona’s reach, the keys were safe, and there was no chance of the Circulum System getting reinstated. A small victory in an otherwise bleak outlook for the future.

Still there? A gruff voice sounded from the end of the corridor, and Sid turned to see Dalrak make his way toward her. The overhead lights blinked on and off, their electricity drawn to Dalrak’s magic like a magnet.

The warrior's leg muscles bulged with each booming step as he neared her, and Sid had to avert her eyes as they trailed up his exposed thighs. Would it kill you to put a suit on? She grimaced, knowing full well that no suit could stretch enough to cover the warrior's massive body. The fully defined muscles that ran along Dalrak’s arms and legs were almost unfair, and Sid often found herself having to look away before her face flushed as her gaze met his dark, glistening skin. It was as if he was purposefully trying to distract her from what she had to do.

Where else would I be? She asked, rubbing the dirt off her forehead before the warrior took notice. She wasn’t sure why it mattered, he’d seen her in worse condition; he was the only one she let in when the terrors of her dreams haunted her in the night. Still, there was no point looking entirely disheveled if she could help it, not that Dalrak would mind. He was completely oblivious to all things filthy from what Sid could gather, though maybe that was just wishful thinking on her part. Any news?

The warrior grunted something under his breath, pausing to lean against the wall just centimeters away from her. Sid could feel the magic drip off his body, reaching for the rushing energy of the keys in her neck. It had been this way for days now; the magic in her amplifying when he was around. She chalked it up to the power in the keys, and their pull on her but sometimes Sid wasn’t so sure. Sometimes she wished for it to be something more.

Dalrak’s arms wrapped around his mid-section and while Sid was grateful for less of his naked skin to be catching her eye, she knew the residual pain from his injury on the star during their battle in the towers was still bothering him. The nanite bandages they applied to his wound for days on end had done wonders in healing the injury, but she could tell it still troubled him at times. Sid could understand that; she could still feel the pain under the scar that ran along the back of her neck like it had happened yesterday.

Carefully, she reached for his hand, applying just enough pressure to get his attention. Kil seta? She asked in almost perfect Kartegan. You all right?

The older human wants you upstairs, Dalrak said, brushing her off.

Abbot? Sid asked. He has a name, Dee. Geez.

Yes, that one, the warrior grumbled. Upstairs.

Now what? She asked, but her question fell on deaf ears. Dalrak had already spun on his heels and was halfway down the corridor.

Sid lifted her goggles off her eyes, using them to secure the unruly mess of hair off her face and took off after him. This should be good, she thought as she watched the warrior’s wide back retreat. Maybe Abbot has a plan.

Abbot did not have a plan. In fact, he had the opposite of a plan. A knot formed in the pit of Sid’s stomach as she watched the telescreens the general pulled up in the ship’s observatory. Her eyes focused and unfocused like the broken lens of a heat sensor, jumping from one horror to another. The star that she so desperately tried to save was in chaos.

Bodies of dead Domers lined the streets of Tower City, and the once serene gardens were nothing more than a graveyard. Sid’s gaze traced the piles of limbs that lay stacked over trampled foliage and choked back the sob that had been trapped in her throat for what felt like forever. She could almost smell the destruction and death, could almost taste the iron that likely filled the climate-controlled air of the city.

The telescreen jerked, switching to a recording of armed Starblades at the entrance of the bridge that connected the domes to the city. There were hundreds of them, standing tall and proud as they pointed their blades at attention. Sid knew the weapons were no longer powered by the magic the humans siphoned from the Domers through the ring, but that didn’t make them any less volatile. Magic or not, a blade was still a blade as far as she was concerned. It could still kill if needed.

What is this? Sid finally asked, wiping the tears that ran down her face. Why are we watching this?

She’s been replaying this on a loop, Abbot tensed at her side, his blue eyes narrowed in concentration. As a warning to the rest, I assume.

Leave it to the general to find rationality where there otherwise was none. After Colton’s death, Sid never thought she’d find anyone else quite as collected as the man she loved like a father. But she had to admit, Abbot came pretty close. Somehow, he always knew just what to say make Sid see reason. Or just what to say to push her buttons until she felt like she could explode. It was always one or the other with Abbot.

A warning of what? They don’t even have enough energy to run their stardamned city anymore!

That doesn’t mean Leona will stop until she’s gotten what she wants.

And what does she want? Sid asked, though she already knew the answer.

The only thing the queen ever wanted was power and control. Without the keys, without Sid, her grip on the star lessened but Abbot was right — that was not going to stop her. Leona wouldn’t rest until she either had the keys back or she killed every last Domer left on the star. Sid’s heart felt like it had frozen in her chest, a lump of ice that could do nothing but melt until it was gone entirely.

Abbot shifted his weight, turning to face her. These aren’t isolated instances, Sid. She’s planning something.

You think? She scoffed. Isn’t she always planning something? But she can’t do anything. If you’ve forgotten, I have the keys. No keys, no ring. She’s a stardamned fool!

Not necessarily, Abbot nodded.

What? She asked, eyes widening. From behind her, she could hear Dalrak lean in to listen, and she was relieved to know she wasn’t the only one confused at that moment.

Leona has the numbers. Trained Starblades and guards, enough to take down every Domer that steps foot in the city. Not counting the Magistras.

Why would they bother leaving the domes? If she’s playing this on a loop they can see the danger they’re in. Why would they even try to get inside the city?

Dalrak’s shoulder brushed her side, and she turned to see the warrior frown beside her. Anger.

He’s right, Abbot nodded in agreement, she’s doing this to get them upset enough to do something foolish. Don’t forget, they have their magic back now so they likely think they have a shot at winning this thing.

Starspit!

Sid faced the general, her hand cocked on her hip. Do they? I mean, you said it yourself, they have magic now. She has, what? Useless weapons?

My people, Abbot paused, and she could hear the disdain for the words on the general's lips, have taken the star before when Kartegans had magic. They’ll do it again if they have to. Don’t underestimate Leona, unlike her mother, she has no boundaries when it comes to getting what she wants.

Sid’s gaze shifted to the large panes of the observation deck, landing on the star. It wasn’t that long ago that she sat here, staring slack-jawed in wonderment of the mass of land below. Not that long ago that she wished for nothing more than to walk amongst its people, to be with the humans, to meet the queen. Now, Sid’s priorities had altered so much she could barely recognize the girl she was. She had lost so much, grieved for so many dead. Colton’s face flashed before her eyes, and she looked away, refusing to let the memories of the human who saved her when she was a child cloud her judgments. Never again would Sid let herself get fooled by the falsehood of the queen and the humans on the star. She would never step foot on the star again; nothing could convince her otherwise.

TWO

Sid had been lost in thought for hours. After a while, even Dalrak, who was the most patient person she’d ever met, left the observation deck in search of something else to do. She heard him hiss something through his teeth before he treaded off, but she couldn’t quite make out the words. It was likely a snarky comment aimed at her attention span, so she was glad to have not heard it. Her eyes narrowed past the control panel to the curved panes that lined the deck and far beyond her ship, landing directly on the ball of a star they orbited. Through the grit and dirt of the panes, Sid could barely make out its shape, but she didn’t need to see it to feel its presence. Sid could feel Kartega even when she slept, digging up her memories like a power driver in reverse. Her heart skipped a beat when she thought of all those they left behind in their escape. Though if it was up to Sid, they never would have left. Somewhere deep down, she resented her friends for forcing the decision down her throat and yet despite that, she still needed to save them. It was her job to figure out a way out of the impending doom they were facing; she was the captain of this ship and captains led by example. Sid had been playing out ways to get more supplies on the ship for so long that she had forgotten that Abbot was still there. It wasn’t until the observation chair creaked as Abbot rearranged himself in its cushioned grasp that Sid tore her attention away from the star and turned to face him.

Penny for your thoughts? Abbot asked grinning.

What’s a penny? Sid asked, her brows kissing in confusion.

Abbot laughed heartily, and the deep creases on his forehead tightened on his skin leaving red lines for moments even after his brow relaxed. Just something they used to say back on my home planet.

What’s it mean?

Nothing clever, I suppose. I was simply wondering what you’ve been thinking this entire time.

Oh, Sid frowned, just calculating our chances of lasting longer than a few weeks up here.

The general lowered his gaze, fumbling with his fingers before looking at her again. So your plan is to stay here indefinitely?

I mean, it's a good plan! Or it will be when I figure it out.

And you haven’t been thinking of what we just saw on the telescreens?

Her stomach tightened. and she could feel her shoulders rise as they tensed. Of course she was thinking of the telescreen recordings; she’d be seeing those bodies in her dreams for the rest of her days. She wanted to tell Abbot just that, to confide in him as she once would have done with Colton but something was holding her back. Abbot wasn’t Colton and no matter how hard the general tried, nothing would bring him back. What about them? She asked instead, averting her gaze.

I was wondering how they affected you, the general said.

How do you think? She’s a monster. We left the Domers with a monster.

Abbot narrowed his eyes in her direction, not just the Domers.

You mean the Citizens? Muck them! They’re the reason we’re in this mess! Sid exclaimed, tightening her hands into fists. Look, Abbot, I know you’re one of them, but you can’t expect me to care about the humans right now. Not after everything they’ve done.

Actually, Abbot sighed, that’s exactly what I expect.

Her hands shook as she pressed her nails into the fatty flesh of her palms. Was Abbot expecting her to want to save the very people that enslaved an entire population of Kartegans? Sid couldn’t believe it. He was the one that went against the queen’s orders and helped them in their escape. She was only alive right now because of the original ship he led them to, so why was he pressing for her to side with those monsters? He couldn’t actually believe she’d want to help them, not after everything they’d done to the star.

Taking a deep breath, Sid relaxed her fists, rubbing the half-moons her nails dug into the flesh. Why would you think I’d want to help them? She asked, genuinely intrigued.

The general sighed deeply, tightening his grip on the chair's arms to rise. He took slow, definitive steps in her direction until he was towering over her small frame. Even in his old age, Abbot was at least a head taller than her, and Sid could tell that the years of training and combat lent well to his physique. The limbs of what should have been an older man in his sixties were taut enough to belong to someone half his age. If it wasn’t for Abbot’s lack of hair and pockmarked skin, Sid never would have guessed that he was old enough to be her father, grandfather even. She supposed it was easier to age well when you belong to the upper classes of Tower City. The frivolity of status and unlimited resources did wonders to slow down the clock it seemed.

Abbot rested a hand on her shoulder, and she fought the urge to brush it off, choosing instead to concentrate on the small shape of the star through the glass. It was really hard to stay mad at the general most days but Sid wanted Abbot to know how she felt, even if she couldn’t bring herself to say it.

You know, when Colton saved you, I thought he was a madman, the general said with a smile, but I think the old fool knew exactly what he was doing.

What do you mean?

Well, the way I see it, Abbot said, you’re the only one of your kind.

My kind? If you’ve forgotten, my kind has been enslaved by your stardamned queen for years.

A Domer, he paused, a Kartegan, I mean, is not all you are.

"Abbot, you sound crazy. I am Kartegan," Sid objected, pointing to her large cat eyes.

The general chuckled, waving her off. Those don’t define you, Sid. Thanks to Colton, you’re a bit of both. The eyes and magic of a Kartegan but the heart of a human. The only of your kind.

Sid could barely contain her rage. She had dreamt of the day when she would finally feel like she belonged with the Citizens, thought of it so many times that the idea had ingrained itself in her psyche like soybean paste on a rice cake. But that was before she saw what humans were capable of and before she found out who she truly was. For Abbot to say these words now meant nothing – they meant less than nothing; they meant she had failed her people. How could someone that acted like he had her best interests at heart not understand her at all?

If being human means being like Leona, I want nothing to do with it! Sid roared and shook his hand away. I will never be like them!

The general’s gaze found hers, and Sid expected him to argue with her, but instead, he simply shrugged and turned away. His stoic back flexed for a moment before he walked away, leaving her to her wild thoughts in the silence of the observation deck.

Sid blinked tears from her eyes, roughly shoving her hands into her suit pockets. She hated being this far away from the star, hated being so weak. Sid had spent her entire life hiding; a shadow in her own life. For a short time when she was on the star, she actually felt like she belonged; like she had a home. Now, she was nothing but darkness again. A speck of existence in an otherwise dreadful universe.

The energy of the keys stirred in her body, and she rubbed the back of her neck hoping the pressure would ease the discomfort. She felt full to the brim with magic and energy, a crackle of electricity fighting to be free of the prison her body provided.

Sid’s gaze found the star again, and she traced its circumference on the glass with her finger. How could something so small cause so much grief and death? Sid’s gaze shifted to the twin planets peeking out from behind the star. Cyon and Aria sat calmly in the dark abyss of space, taunting her with their presence. Two uninhabitable planets that were as useless as Sid felt herself. Sid wished they could simply dock on one of them and call it a day, spend their lives in blissful hiding on one of the planets. But it was a waste of thought, the dream of a child and Sid haven’t felt like a kid in ages. There was a reason Cyon and Aria were left alone by the humans, nothing could survive their atmospheres and since Sid could barely manage to keep the Arcturus afloat most days, she very much doubted she could solve a problem the human scientists could not.

From where she stood, it was impossible to make out the form of the ring that once rotated around the star like clockwork. The same ring Sid, herself, shut down using the keys that now weighed heavily on her. What a fool she was to think the ring was anything but a death machine. Despite the constant struggle she now faced from having the keys implanted in her body, Sid was glad she decided to turn off