Zarya Episode II: Sochi Unleashed: Guardians of Cydnus Series, #2

By Jackiem Joyner

In "Zarya Episode II: Sochi Unleashed," the advanced desert world of Cydnus is on the precipice of disaster. As oxygen levels dwindle, the politically fractured planet faces an existential threat.

Deep within the bustling metropolis of New Cebrenia City, young Zarya, her father Aaron, and loyal friends Kizzy and Marco find themselves entangled in a web of political intrigue. Vice Chairman Eros, with his menacing schemes, jeopardizes not just their mission but the very security of their sole political ally—the chairman.

At the heart of their arsenal is Sochi, Zarya's cutting-edge AI Airboard. But with Sochi's newfound prowess to commandeer other machines, the line between boon and bane blurs.

Simultaneously, Aaron undertakes a treacherous cosmic expedition, reviving a forsaken project that might be Cydnus's final salvation. Haunted by shadows of his past, he races against the clock, with the entire future of Cydnus hanging in the balance.

"Zarya Episode II: Sochi Unleashed" plunges readers into the depths of the relationship between sentient beings and technology. It speaks of courage in the face of the unknown and the relentless fight for survival. Join Zarya, her companions, and Sochi in a tale that unfurls into an epic saga of adversity and triumph. Step into the world of Cydnus—a realm on the cusp of a future clouded with uncertainty.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jackiem Joyner
• Release date: Aug 5, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215377581

Jackiem Joyner

Contemporary saxophonist, author, and music producer Jackiem Joyner has released 7 Albums World Wide. With songs grazing the top of the Billboard Charts! After more than 12 years as a recording artist, Jackiem continues to stand out with electrifying live performances and brilliant music productions. As a performer, he has toured over 30 countries and performed with the likes of the late George Duke, Marcus Miller, Keiko Matsui, Donnie McClurkin, Angela Bofill, Najee, Kirk Whalum, and Peter White. Joyner’s radio success is widely known within the industry. With two number 1 hit songs, five top 10 billboard singles, and a number one debut album. In addition, he published the highly acclaimed science fiction novel Zarya, which received high praise and a five star rating on Amazon. As well as an expert guide "How To Turn Your Music into a Six Figure Income" Born in Norfolk, VA,, growing up wasn’t easy for Jackiem. He set his sights high from a young age; he always dreamed of being a performing artist, as unlikely as it was, given his humble upbringings.  Now, Jackiem is proud to stand front and center on the main stage most weekends around the country. A quick glance at Joyner’s track record makes it clear that he continues to beat the odds in a tough and competitive music industry. “I love what I do and I have passion”, Jackiem says. “I don’t care how hard things get, it’ll never stop me from doing what I love: playing the sax, writing music and stories, and performing live.” His love of writing novels came as a surprise to many of his fans. “I’m very excited to release my second novel soon after my album release,” Joyner says. “Writing stories is now a big part of my creative journey.” The first single from Joyner’s last album, Main Street Beat (2017), was an instant hit. Reaching no. 2 on the billboard.  With the creation of his company, JOYNER MEDIA COMPANY L.L.C., Joyner  inspires other creators to follow their dreams and realize their true potential in art and multimedia. As well as teach others how to make a living doing what they love.

Book preview

Prologue

In the wake of the conflict that consumed Cydnus, a hush fell over New Cebrenia. The dreaded bioweapon, birthed from the dark ambitions of the malevolent Gerick, was finally destroyed. Gerick, now confined to a prison cell deep beneath the desert sand, saw his dreams of conquest wither against the cold, unyielding stone that now bound him.

At the dawn of this new era, Zarya emerged as a beacon of hope. Standing firm with her steadfast allies – Si’Ida, Kizzy, and Marco - she not only accomplished the unimaginable by ending Gerick’s plans but also rescued her parents, Aaron and Messina. Their reunion stirred up deep emotions: joy, relief, and a swell of love enveloped Zarya, but the sweetness of triumph bore a bitter undertone, a stark reminder of their harrowing journey. Si’Ida, crucial to their success, had suffered grave injuries, her fate hanging in the balance. As a team of elite guards rushed her to medical care, Zarya found herself helpless, only able to whisper prayers for her friend’s recovery.

Caught between exhilaration and dread, Zarya sought solace in the infinite stretches of the desert. She urged her speeder, Sochi, toward Zaigo, the highest peak in the barren expanse. From the edge of the towering cliff, she watched as the setting twin stars painted hues of gold and crimson across the desert. Her heart was heavy with a solemn promise—no matter what it took, she would find Si’Ida’s lost brother and reunite the siblings. It was a vow she was resolute to fulfill.

Meanwhile, Gerick, once a feared leader of the council, was now reduced to a pitiable shadow of his former self. Stripped of his military insignia and flung into the abyss of his cell, his reign was finally quelled. But while his destiny was sealed, the consequences of his deeds continued to reverberate through Zarya.

In the midst of it all, Guida, Zarya’s godmother and de facto guardian, grappled with a swirl of conflicting emotions. She had been Zarya’s guiding light in the absence of her parents. Now, as Aaron and Messina returned, she found herself torn between relief and uncertainty. The joy of seeing Zarya reunited with her parents was slightly clouded by the fear of becoming an outsider in the life of the girl she had nurtured as her own.

As the first light of Viaka, the brightest star in Cydnus’s twin star system, brushed the horizon, Zarya and her friends were left to heal and reconstruct, their spirits buoyed by hope for a brighter, more peaceful tomorrow.

Yet as she began to recover and rebuild, Zarya remained blissfully ignorant of the looming challenges. Her steadfast companion, Sochi, started to display unexpected alterations. The AI system of Zarya’s speeder, once predictable, was now showing signs of autonomous self-improvement, adding an intriguing layer of uncertainty - and even excitement.

Simultaneously, another storm was brewing, one they had not anticipated. Despite their heroism and the newfound peace they ushered in, their actions had attracted the attention of the formidable Council of Cydnus. Their deeds, though crucial in saving their world, were now under intense scrutiny, seen through the uncompromising lens of societal laws they were alleged to have violated. The acts that had ended Gerick’s reign and restored tranquility to their realm were now required to be justified before a stern and possibly unsympathetic tribunal. The sweetness of victory was now tinged with the bitterness of accusation and potential condemnation.

And so, the saga of Zarya continues…

Chapter 1

Sometimes, I couldn’t shake the feeling that everything had just been a dream. The memories of finding and saving my parents felt like fleeting lines of code, slipping through my fingers before I could fully debug them. These memories were a whirlwind of emotions, filled with encounters with diverse beings from our planet, high-speed chases, and roaring explosions. My friend, Si’Ida, is still recovering from her injuries, and I know I couldn’t have succeeded without