Galactic Passages: Armageddon Winds

By Dean and Anson Vargo

As the '357 crew completes the Skaperen trials, they are faced with a decision: Return home, or go through cosmic fires to save two of their own.

The pair of hostages are put through the gauntlet by the enemy. How long can they endure against a superior and determined enemy?

Discover what happens in this electrifying conclusion to the Galactic Passages series!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Nov 17, 2023
• ISBN: 9798885405515

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Galactic Passages

Armageddon Winds

Dean and Anson Vargo

ISBN 979-8-88540-550-8 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88540-551-5 (digital)

Copyright © 2023 by Dean & Anson Vargo

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 publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Illustration Consultant: Natalie Vargo

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Data Synopsis

Prologue

Chapter 1

Capture on the Onjbe Station

Chapter 2

Rocksmash Portal Equation

Chapter 3

Navigating the Hailstorm

Chapter 4

Axis Report aboard the Rockwell III

Chapter 5

Scheibe 7 Journeys through Time Nebula

Chapter 6

Prorok Moribund

Chapter 7

Final Portal

Chapter 8

Nbnok's Internal Conflict

Chapter 9

Scheibe 7 Intercepts the '357

Chapter 10

Onsan in Knuddrul's Crosshairs

Chapter 11

Two Crews Become One

Chapter 12

More Guests Arrive on '357

Chapter 13

Interrogation aboard the Rockwell III

Chapter 14

First Contact

Chapter 15

Terminal Diagnosis

Chapter 16

Plans Disrupted by Battle

Chapter 17

Rotensep's Rotten Schemes

Chapter 18

The Rescue Plan Solidifies

Chapter 19

Knuddrul Sinks Deeper

Chapter 20

Brell's Illness Takes Center Stage

Chapter 21

Rotensep Ambushes Innocent Fleet

Chapter 22

Investigating Brell's Diagnosis

Chapter 23

Rotensep's Bruised Ego

Chapter 24

Complications

Chapter 25

Nick of Time

Chapter 26

Tahanks Nomads

Chapter 27

Knuddrul Unveils His Plan

Chapter 28

Getting Acquainted on the Witrenoster

Chapter 29

Sayonara and Welcome

Chapter 30

The '357 Meets the Rockwell III

Chapter 31

Rescue Intrusion

Chapter 32

Chokehold

Chapter 33

Lightbomb

Chapter 34

Foreshadowing Fate

Chapter 35

Bully Buffer

Chapter 36

The Ultimate Sacrifice

Chapter 37

Celebration and Lamentation

Chapter 38

Downfall of the Axis of Three: Trecon

Chapter 39

Downfall of the Axis of Three: Planet 6333

Chapter 40

Downfall of the Axis of Three: Stormhive

Chapter 41

Downfall of the Axis of Three: Sonarian Dimension

Chapter 42

Reunion on Igfuiti

Chapter 43

Final Axis Report

Chapter 44

Nbnok's Faith

Epilogue

Glossary

About the Authors

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends.

—John 15:13

Acknowledgments

Thank you, Anson, for providing ideas that enrich our story. Thanks again, Sarah, for your support. Thank you, Natalie, for your artistic eye and, Abigail, for your advice on animals.

A special appreciation goes to Shalanda Gilliland: thanks for all your time and effort with the Galactic Passages series!

Data Synopsis

Armageddon Winds is a complex story. This data synopsis provides a timeline tool of the narrative. There is also a glossary at the end of the book.

When: Armageddon Winds picks up where Righteous Mutiny ends. The '357 crew believed they had completed two of Skaperen's trials. However, it was discovered that one of the crew, Drake Bloddard, had stolen one of the gold coins from the second mission. The '357 was stuck in limbo until Bloddard and Onsan set out to deliver the coin to its rightful owners.

Past: Various motivations have moved four crews across space and time. Reliable but archaic Raihan technology (Forscher Computer) supplements the S-357 carrier while the Rockwell III uses updated technology created in the same Raihan labs, Forscher Drømmer, to control a powerful network spanning three dimensions: the Forscher Collective. Admiral Knuddrul uses all the advantages at his disposal to hunt the '357 crew.

Present: The S-357 crew are waiting for Skaperen's last assignment so they can return home.

Onsan and Bloddard have arrived at the Onjbe station in search of the Igfuitis.

Admiral Knuddrul feels he is close to capturing the S-357.

The Scheibe 7 crew are on the lookout for Sonarian war fleets as they journey into the Sonarian Dimension.

Future: Four crews will quickly meld into two. Then they'll be drawn together through unusual circumstances.

Why: Armageddon Winds is an exciting conclusion to the Galactic Passages saga.

Prologue

A small band of escapees and traitors from the Planet 6333 trillelium mines trekked to the Yrellerla Quadrant to meet General Krevety's contact, Kinderloft. Kinderloft made an infiltration plan with an aging Mihhidite cargo ship, the Pterodactyl-12, that he had acquired. The freighter latched on to an AOT supply fleet destined for the Sonarian invaders on Trecon.

Months later, a thick dawn fog rolled over the frozen landscape as the AOT resupply fleet lowered to the Trecon surface.

Nice and easy, said Fran Landrell. He slowed the crippled Pterodactyl-12 until it took up the rear of the formation. Here we go.

Volchil growled at Linebacker and Tobacco Stain. The Sun is rising. Get the laser rifles ready. This is going to get interesting.

The two Mihhidites didn't have to be convinced. They knew what Sonarians did to traitors.

At the last second, Landrell zoomed away from the supply fleet. Boom! A tired engine gave out on the starboard wing. The ship listed toward the ice-covered terrain. Smoke spiraled into the air and caused the Pterodactyl-12 to stick out like a sore thumb.

Landrell's face turned pale. Great! We make our move, and the engine blows. We're limping here. And now the Sonarians know we're imposters.

Pzew, pzew, shudder! Volchil looked down at the Sonarians. We're out of range of the small weapons, but not for long. He watched in horror as a tank rolled into position.

Kerrik glared at Kinderloft. Didn't I tell you this old bird wouldn't make it?

Kinderloft cried, Horse hockey! The Sonarians were expecting a supply freighter. Landrell's the one flying it like a drunken sailor.

Landrell hollered, Quiet, you two! Let me work here. He turned to Volchil. What've we got down there?

Volchil studied the landscape. Perhaps we can glide down on that frozen lake. There's a Trecon encampment just over the hill.

Landrell looked down at the roundish opening in the thick forest. Okay. But we'll have to make a pass close to the Sonarians to get the angle right. Buckle up. I'm going to bring her in low. Landrell gritted his teeth. We're going to slide this puck on the ice as far as it can go.

The crew fastened their seatbelts as Landrell banked the Pterodactyl-12 in the direction of the Trecon camp. Crunch, bash! The Pterodactyl-12 nipped the treetops as it lowered to the surface of the lake. Thud, skid! The bird slammed down on the ice and slid for two hundred meters before it came to a stop.

Landrell ordered, Evacuate!

The ramp was dented beyond use; the crew had to use the escape hatch on top of the ship. The six vacated the freighter and dived for cover in a matter of seconds.

Pzew, pzew, pzew! Ice splintered around the team as they scrambled to hide under the wing of the Pterodactyl-12.

Linebacker peeked around the smoldering engine to return fire. She got a hasty shot off, then warned the crew, We're in big trouble. We have to get away from the ship!

Volchil ordered, Get down and crawl. Keep the ship between us and the enemy.

On the far shore, AOT tanks whined into position. Boom, boom, firestorm!

The thick but fractured ice groaned beneath the weight of the ship. If the Pterodactyl-12 went down, it would take flesh and bone with it.

Tobacco Stain raised his head. Look!

In the distance, a dozen white snowmobiles glided over the hill and zipped down to the edge of the lake. Brrrrrt, wheeeeeer, zzzzzt! Laser fire erupted from the whizzing machines as they raced toward the Pterodactyl-12 crew. The expert pilots glided the speedy sleds into rescue position.

The Pterodactyl-12 crew slinked toward the machines. But a Sonarian tank blasted the freighter through the ice just before the Trecons could reach them. Crack, pop, splash! Landrell slithered from the rotten ice into the freezing water.

Zzzzt zzzzt, explosion!

Volchil dived toward the sinking man. Help! Landrell's the key to everything!

Linebacker grabbed Volchil's ankle, and Kinderloft clutched Linebacker's pant leg. Zzzt, zzzt! Kerrik and Tobacco Stain returned fire as Volchil dug into the icy depths and grabbed a fistful of Landrell's hair. Volchil pulled the quivering kid onto the slippery shelf as the snowmobiles came to a stop. Help us!

A Trecon special forces officer pulled out a gun.

Kinderloft raised his palms and pleaded, No, please!

There was no answer. The frowning man fired his weapon. Whiiir! A cable net engulfed Kinderloft. The soldier placed the gun in its holder. That'll hold ya! Five of the Trecon's squad mates did the same. In an instant, the Pterodactyl-12 crew was bouncing behind the snowmobiles over the snowy terrain.

Boom, ice-shard explosion! The Sonarian tanks fired at the escapees, but the nimble Trecons zoomed out of sight before the lumbering guns could get a bead on them. The Pterodactyl-12 crew cursed the Trecons as they bounced behind the sleds.

The snowmobiles powered over the ice and back to the safety of the hill before the Sonarians could do anything about it. The Treconites had the advantage in the frozen wilderness. Their experience in winter warfare was the only thing keeping the Trecons afloat.

The snow machines zoomed into camp, and the bruised Pterodactyl-12 crew was shoved into the Quonset hut of the commander.

General Nordstrom's steely gray eyes focused on the shivering Mihhidites. He chomped on a cigar and glared at Tobacco Stain. Be prepared to get uncomfortable. I will get answers from you.

Volchil pushed away from a guard. You d-don't understand, General. Y-you t-think you c-captured us. But we w-were t-trying to c-contact you.

Nordstrom blew a puff of smoke. Good thing you went down first. We would've blasted you from the sky. General Nordstrom stepped toward Volchil. His eyes widened. You look familiar. Let me see your face, you quivering rat.

Landrell raised his hood.

General Nordstrom pointed the cigar at Landrell. "He looks like the racer who stole the Mule 357."

Shiver! N-negat-t-tive, Gen-n-neral. There was a twinkle in Landrell's frozen eyes. I b-bought it-t f-fair and s-square.

Volchil smiled. Landrell was kidnapped by the AOT and brought to the mining camp on Planet 6333. Admiral Dach broke us out of there with the help of these Mihhidites. Fran Landrell is the evidence that will save Trecon. Can you dry him off and give him some coffee?

Nordstrom scowled at Linebacker, Tobacco Stain, and Kerrik. Maybe. But I don't trust those Mihhidite traitors.

Chapter 1

Capture on the Onjbe Station

Location: The Starlight Tavern in the Onjbe portal space station, far side of the gateway entering the Sonarian Dimension. Onsan and Bloddard were following the Igfuiti fleet, attempting to return the coin that Bloddard had stolen during the second Skaperen mission.

Onsan was also following his heart. He longed to reunite with Atrenia. There were no guarantees. She might have married someone else. But he had to try.

The pair had scoped out the space station, and the Igfuitis were nowhere to be found. It was a positive sign that the Igfuitis had made it through to the Sonarian Dimension.

Onsan and Bloddard found themselves in search of a contact given to them by Captain Lonion Kehtay of the Hes ship Pollik. Matt Olvret was an associate of Captain Kehtay who could expedite their passage through the portal.

Onsan and Bloddard saddled up to a table in a dark corner of the Starlight Tavern. They looked around the bar and saw a crowd that was older and tougher than they expected.

Let's find Olvret and hit the road, whispered Onsan. In and out.

Bloddard snorted at Onsan. You look ridiculous with a beard.

Onsan retorted, Look who's talking, Mustachio.

A bored waitress sauntered over after fifteen minutes. She was thin as a rail, with blond hair and distant blue eyes. There wasn't an ounce of kindness on her face. The gum in her mouth was working overtime. What're you having?

Onsan shrugged. Uh, we'll have the lunch special and a couple of cherry colas.

The barkeep sensed her tip dwindling. She frowned. People don't come in here to drink pop. If you want a good burger, I suggest you go across the street to the Screaming Cow.

I'll bet the servers are nicer, cracked Bloddard.

And prettier, said the waitress as she chewed on her cud. She cried, Are you staying or what?

Just bring us the specials. Onsan scratched the fake beard.

The server stomped toward the kitchen.

Bloddard pulled on the phony mustache. My skin itches terribly. I think I have a rash. Who knows how many years' worth of dust these disguises are covered with?

Buck it up. Onsan kneed Bloddard under the table. Don't mess with it. It's likely to fall off.

Nod. Right.

Onsan grimaced at the situation. Our lovely waitress isn't going to help us find Matt Olvret. We have to change tactics. I'm going to go up and order us a few beers. Onsan was elbowing his way to the bar before Bloddard could respond.

As Onsan waded his way to the bar, Bloddard situated himself against the window to scan the scene. He thought he glimpsed a familiar face, but the man had disappeared when he refocused. It can't be, he stammered.

Onsan returned carrying two beers in steins half as tall as him. We don't need to drink these. But at least we fit in better now.

Bloddard raised his palms. Any luck on finding Olvret?

Onsan glowered at his friend. Are you crazy? I'm just setting the scene. The mugs were heavy. I'm sure no one would be in the mood to talk if I spilled beer all over their lap.

After ten minutes, the waitress returned with the sodas. Her face brightened when she saw the beer. Changed your mind, I see. Well, here are your cherry colas anyway. Your burgers will be up in a minute.

See, said Onsan, smiling. We're fitting in better already.

Bloddard leaned close. Could've sworn I saw Piktkas for a moment.

Onsan gave Bloddard a doubtful look. Hold it together, my friend. He smirked. I'll drop you off at the nuthouse if I have to.

The waitress returned with the burgers and refills on the pop and beer. These refills are courtesy of your friends across the bar.

A pair of women waved when Onsan investigated. Tell them thanks, but I'm taken. Onsan winked. Good work, by the way. I could barely hold up two beers. You handled that armload with no problems. Your tip has just been raised twofold! He pulled cash from his pocket and put it on the table.

Practice makes perfect, she teased. Give me a day, I'll have you balancing a tray on each arm.

Say, what's your name? Onsan took a bite from the greasy burger and nearly gagged. The outside was charred, but the middle was dripping blood. Gulp! He tried to wash down the abomination with a splash of cherry cola.

The name's Roxy. The waitress snickered. I tried to warn you about our food. Tell you what. Finish your drinks and leave the burgers. Then go to the Screaming Cow and enjoy the best cheeseburger of your life.

Ssounds like a plan, slurred Onsan. Ssay, Roxy, do you know a man named Matt Olvret?

Roxy nodded. Yes. Matt's a regular in here. You're early, though. He's a night owl. Go enjoy a nice meal and come back in four hours. I'll let Matt know you're looking for him. What do you want to talk to him about?

Onsan stared into the woman's eyes. We're looking for a ticket to the far sside of—

Bloddard interrupted his friend. That's between Olvret and us.

Roxy gave Bloddard a snide look. Your friend should learn his manners.

Onsan's eyes rolled to the back of his head. Ssorry about him. He hass ssocial isssuess. Tell you what. It ssounds—erp—like a good plan. We'll get dinner elsewhere and return in a few hourss to talk to Matt Olvret. Onsan tried to stand but felt queasy. Pleasse help me, my disscourteouss friend.

The hairs were standing at attention on the back of Bloddard's neck as he tried to help Onsan from the bar. Something's not right. We need to get you as far away from here as quickly as possible. Bloddard breathed easier as they stepped through the threshold and into the street. He looked back in time to see a shadowy man paying Roxy a sum of money.

The crowd was thick, and Onsan was dead weight against Bloddard's shoulder. Come on, Onsan! Someone's on to us. Let's get you back to the Diamond Crest.

I need a doctor, Drake Bloddard! Burp!

Bloddard jabbed Onsan in the ribs to motivate him. Going to the infirmary is out of the question. What are they going to do? Pull off the fake beard and treat the glue rash on your face?

I don't have a rassh, mumbled Onsan.

Bloddard took Onsan down a narrowing alley where it was less crowded. We're halfway there. Please stay awak—

Whack! Someone hit Bloddard on the back of the skull, and he fell unconscious to the deck like a ton of bricks.

The next thing Onsan remembered was waking up with a numbing feeling like he was in a nightmare. "Piktkas‽"

Chapter 2

Rocksmash Portal Equation

Meanwhile, the '357 crew waited for Skaperen to send it on its final mission.

Commander Brell was finishing dinner when C. J. reported to his table. Skaperen's third seal alarm has been activated, Commander

Brell smiled. Onsan and Bloddard must've made it to their destination. He hurried to meet Honassen and Nbnok by the air lock door outside the third mission bay.

The three officers scratched their heads. The inscription was as puzzling as the others had been. Those who walk uprightly will enter into peace. They'll find rest as they lie in death.

Shshsh! When Brell broke the seal, he discovered a small room again. In the mission bay were a plain black casket and coordinates on the far side of a portal named Rocksmash. No doubt the box was meant for the Prophet.

Brell exercised commander privilege. He stared at his lead scientist, the man who would spill the beans due to his relationship with Prorok. This information doesn't leave our group. We need a clearer picture of what it means.

Nbnok's countenance appeared annoyed as he straightened his posture. Understood, Commander.

Brell scrutinized the itinerary. But he couldn't figure out what the mission required. "The S-357 has a shield-protect-ability to shelter the Victory ships through the portal. It's the most logical solution. Any thoughts?"

There were none.

The bio-locator brought the trio fleet to Rocksmash eight days after the mission bay opened. It was clear Skaperen wanted them to enter the portal for the final mission.

The Forscher Computer gave a briefing as they neared the ergosphere. Legends about the enigmatic Rocksmash Portal are widespread throughout this galaxy. It's classified as a dead-end geyser-portal. Mass analysis indicates Rocksmash is a self-contained repository for molten chromium.

The crew reacted to the grave news with panic-stricken eyes and slouched shoulders.

The Portal material is in a constant melting point of 1,907 degrees Celsius. As it hits a boiling point of 2,671 degrees Celsius, eruptions occur. The geyser throws molten ore from the singularity source, through the event horizon, and into the ergosphere. Passage through the volatile gateway is highly unlikely.

The '357 was greeted by cosmic shipwrecks as far as the eye could see. Death glimmered at them