Galactic Passages: Longshadow Mysteries

By Dean and Anson Vargo

Battered and broken, the V-357 gets an upgrade. In return, the crew are given three trials that must be completed before they can return home.

The missions will test every ounce of faith they have in their vessel, and in each other.

When everything looks impossible, they're forced to look inward to find the courage. Some answers are found in science--others require faith.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Nov 17, 2023
• ISBN: 9798885405539

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Galactic Passages

Longshadow Mysteries

Dean and Anson Vargo

ISBN 979-8-88540-552-2 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88540-553-9 (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

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Data Synopsis

Prologue

Chapter 1

Reparatur Skylark

Chapter 2

Seeker Refugees Welcomed Aboard

Chapter 3

Gritty Sonarians Reemerge

Chapter 4

Destinies Reached

Chapter 5

Canopy of Panic

Chapter 6

The Ship Shows Age

Chapter 7

Ethereal Mechanics

Chapter 8

Systematic Changes

Chapter 9

Hologram Enigma

Chapter 10

Mayday, Mayday, Mayday

Chapter 11

Asteroid Rescue

Chapter 12

Hike to Crash Site

Chapter 13

Vector Crew

Chapter 14

Lost in Dark Maze Caves

Chapter 15

Wheeler's Midspace Rescue Account

Chapter 16

Meals with Elders

Chapter 17

Amader's Dream

Chapter 18

Ailment and Infection

Chapter 19

Remptet's Inquiry

Chapter 20

Port City of Goft

Chapter 21

The Rings of Maltazak

Chapter 22

Exclusion

Chapter 23

Detour of Mercy

Chapter 24

Beehive

Chapter 25

Friugbif Oasis Resort

Chapter 26

Facing Giants

Chapter 27

Cuubov's Story

Chapter 28

Beehive Assault Mission

Chapter 29

Tom Thumb Diaries

Chapter 30

Gambling on Misery

Chapter 31

Beehive Base Escape

Chapter 32

Escaping Friugbif

Chapter 33

Mosquito Space Battle

Chapter 34

Special Delivery

Chapter 35

Cerijo

Chapter 36

Conspiracy

Chapter 37

Boneyard

Chapter 38

Infiltration

Chapter 39

The Market Crowd

Chapter 40

Return to the Boneyard

Chapter 41

The Green Gate

Chapter 42

The Secret Meeting

Chapter 43

Grandmother

Chapter 44

Sandstorm

Chapter 45

Farewell to the Igfuitis

Chapter 46

One Little Coin

Chapter 47

Free Will Revisited

Chapter 48

Redemption

Chapter 49

Friends in Strange Places

Epilogue

Glossary

Appendix: Pigpen Cryptogram Interpretations from Chapter 32

Pigpen Cryptogram Interpretations from Chapter 32

About the Authors

Acknowledgments

I'd like to thank the team for their help on this project, both big and small. Sarah, Anson, Natalie, and Abigail, I'm grateful for your love and support. Thanks, Dianne Anderson, for your grammatical eyes. And Mike Muellerleile. Thanks again, Shalanda Gilliland, for your support during the project.

This book looks into the past, present, and future to examine the meaning of faith. Where did we come from, where are we going? The questions are woven into the fabric of science and spiritual faith. The two need not be at odds like some would have you believe.

Where do we go from here? I think we do our best to build up, not tear down.

Illustration Consultant: Natalie Vargo

Data Synopsis

Longshadow Mysteries 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: Longshadow Mysteries follows the '357 crew where Requisite Bandits ends. Some of the events in Longshadow Mysteries share a timeline with the previous book, Stormhive Rising; and the next book in the Galactic Passages series, Righteous Mutiny.

Past: The '357 was hunted as the Portal Destroyers in the Sonarian Dimension. The crew suffered catastrophic losses as it battled its way through the Onjbe Portal. Thus, the crew lived up to its moniker of the Portal Destroyers.

Present: The '357 has a target on its back, because it wreaked havoc to get through the Onjbe gateway into the new dimension. The crew must figure a way forward under the watchful eyes of the bloodthirsty Onjbes.

Future: The future is harrowing as Commander Brell guides the crew forward in search of a powerful entity called Skaperen.

Why: The '357 must forge ahead through mysterious frontiers to find the way home, despite powerful hunters bent on dealing it death and destruction.

Prologue

Meroow! Chase was elated to see Abbsnate.

She reached down and rubbed the cat behind the ears. How're you doing, Chase?

The lynx stepped on his tiptoes as he rubbed against her leg. Purr!

Piloting the Trinity warship through a gauntlet of hornets had exhausted Abbsnate to the bone. Her tired mind tried to sort through the melee, but there was no sense to be made. She wandered through the corridors of the V-357, past a thinning herd of pilots heading to their dorms. Her destination was chosen by a broken heart.

The mechanics in the maintenance bay were hard at work, trying to patch the fighters together for the next round of fighting.

Zzzziiiip, pshshsh! Strider peered out from under a wing. He pointed and hollered, Etan's working on the Trinity over there, Abbsnate.

Etan was on a ladder, patching a nick on the fuselage. Grind! Golden sparks reflected off Etan's welding mask and showered the floor between them. It took a moment to notice the girl. Etan barked, Glad you're safe, Abbsnate. Not the best timing, though. If I don't patch the burns, shield energy will drain the power rather than protect her.

Strider offered to finish the solder. I can run that for a minute. Milerous taught me.

The panicked look on Etan's face told the story. There was a pack of hungry wolves outside the door, and the clock was ticking to repair the ship's defenses. He was noticeably irritated. Etan raised his goggles. This is different than some probe, Strider. The bond has to be perfect, or the pilot will die. He snapped at Abbsnate, I'm in the zone here. What do you need?

Abbsnate couldn't respond. Emotion welled inside like a raging flood that couldn't be stopped. I-I love—cry!—you, Etan.

Etan's indifferent response surprised everyone. Abbsnate had spent years pushing him away. Etan wouldn't make himself vulnerable to be hurt again, particularly in front of his friends. I really have to finish this job, he said, shrugging.

Oil-smeared faces watched and waited for the inevitable fireworks.

Abbsnate didn't display the temper she was famous for. She simply turned and dejectedly walked toward the exit. She had nothing left.

Hiss! Chase gave a final word as he pranced after Abbsnate.

Abbsnate stepped into the passage and looked both directions. She was lost in rejection. She put her head in her hands and wailed. Suddenly, the warmth of a hand on her shoulder pulled her from the depths of despair. She turned to see Etan.

The warmth of his embrace put a charge into her soul. I love you too, Abbsnate.

Chapter 1

Reparatur Skylark

Four ships approached the V-357 through the chaos of the Onjbe Portal battle scene.

Grrett, grrett, blue glow! A midsized vessel was being fired upon by three mercenaries. But the victim ship was determined to make it to the safety of the '357's shadow.

Commander Brell stared determinedly through the bridge shield. We can't let them die on our doorstep. Provide cover when they get in range.

Yes, Commander, said Honassen. They're closing in on two hundred fifty kilometers. The pursuers are twenty kilometers out from that.

The targets will be in range in thirty seconds, advised Forscher Computer.

C. J. blurted, Watch 'em closely. It could be a trap.

Brell scratched his chin. He appreciated the perspective. Copy that, C. J. Establish communication with the ship ASAP. If there's anything fishy, we'll destroy them.

Grrett, explosion! The runaway craft shuddered against the blasts.

The pursuing targets are in range, Commander.

Fire!

Boom-boom-boom, crumble! The V-357 cannoneers fired upon the aggressors, disabling the lead ship. The remaining pair turned tail and zoomed from the range of the carrier.

"This is Reparatur Skylark. Your assistance is very much appreciated. You are my assignment. May I land in your bay?"

Brell ordered, "Hold firm, Skylark." Perhaps it is a trap, he thought. Forscher Computer, scan that ship.

After a few minutes, Forscher spat out data. The Reparatur Skylark has no life forms aboard her, Commander. It's a repair vessel. Due to its purpose, its chambers are devoid of life-support systems and supplies for human consumption.

Brell's eyebrows furled as he faced the navigator. C. J., I believe you're right. It's a trap. The Onjbes want to play our bomb game. The ship has a false database. Forscher Computer, initiate the Tether Com Directive and scan the ship for detonators.

Will do, Commander Brell.

Brell spat into the mic, "Reparatur Skylark, hold your position. One meter closer, and we'll end you."

There's no need to fear, Commander Brell. I'm here to help you. Your computer is free to interface with us.

Lights flashed on the bridge screens, allowing the officers to see the data as the two ships communicated. An inventory of the Reparatur Skylark proved just what the '357 needed.

Reparatur Skylark Inventory:

One powerpack

Four exterior mending bots

Two interior mending bots

Patching materials

Three mission crates

Food and water stores

After ten minutes, Forscher Computer made an announcement. Everything checks out. Tether Com scoured every corner of that vessel. The Reparatur Skylark is being honest with us.

Commander Brell was dumbfounded. Okay, he said, shrugging. "It appears we have friends we didn't know about. Prepare to receive the Reparatur Skylark. Call Onal and Prorok to the bridge. I want to get to the bottom of this."

A few minutes later, the pair arrived. Prorok the prophet had no trouble stating his opinion. Can't you see? Skaperen has sent the goods to save us.

Brell's stare pierced into Prorok's soul. All the supplies in the universe won't do us any good. Do you see those fleets in the distance? After a short while, they'll attack again.

If Skaperen wanted to help, He could've sent us an armada, quipped C. J.

Forscher Computer corrected the men. According to Reparatur Skylark's database, someone from the Sonarian dimension sent it to our coordinates.

Brell put the pieces together. The Onjbes approved the order because someone paid a fortune. I presume the clerk didn't know it was bound for us.

Onal pulled at his dark mustache. Negative, Commander. The Onjbes don't allow repair ships to be deployed during battle.

Brell grunted impatiently. We've got to get to the bottom of this. Tobor and Honassen, come with me. He turned to C. J. Have Nbnok meet us in the receiving bay. You've got the bridge. Keep an eye on the enemy.

Aye, Commander.

Minutes later, The Reparatur Skylark eased onto the deck with the perfection of a precision guidance system. It had a double-wing configuration, small scimitars under the cockpit, and full wings alongside the cargo hold.

Shshshew, brrrt, clank! As the ramp lowered onto the deck, a small crowd gathered to take in the spectacle.

What emerged from the Skylark was beyond everyone's expectations. A clunky box rolled on tank tracks, flanked by two floating automatons. A screen flashed on the charging unit. The face of a man appeared. Greetings, I am Dos Chrìlosa. I will sync the power pack with your ship when the time is right. At that time, repairs will begin. Powering down. Blank screen!

The hovering robots landed nearby and deenergized.

Nbnok was skeptical. Figures. What good is a sleeping power unit?

Think about it, said Honassen. "We have to get to a safe distance first. The Onjbes won't let us call a time-out from the battle while we fix the '357."

Brell nodded in agreement. "Right. The Reparatur Skylark is a good resource. But our systems are coming online adequately for escape. As for now, there are more pressing issues."

Chapter 2

Seeker Refugees Welcomed Aboard

The ether was littered with Onjbe warships and allies, foaming at the mouth to get a piece of the '357 and its partner. Brell feared the limitations of the Seeker ship. We need to evacuate your ship soon, Demloc. As long as they believe we can detonate a bomb, they'll hold back. Soon, all bets will be off. Crawling along at your best available speed is a death sentence.

Evacuation wasn't embraced by Demloc. Ferrying back and forth under the watchful eyes of the Onjbes meant total reliance on Commander Brell's hunch. I'm not so sure, said Demloc. They'll obliterate us as soon as we start the evacuation.

Brell slammed the arm of his hover chair. I understand your concern, Demloc. But the Onjbes didn't make a move during the first evacuation. It proves my point. Think of it the other way. Say we pass their line in the sand with both ships. When they decide to attack, we'll be safe in the carrier. But I can't say the same for you.

You'd abandon us?

Of course not. But we can only protect you so much. You're an anchor for our speedboat. Your refusal puts my crew in danger. Brell was in no mood to negotiate.

I see your point. But we're going to be sitting ducks out there.

Brell quelled the irritation in his voice. If they advance while you're unloading, we'll see them coming. Our fighters are on standby. The evacuation operation must be swift. Our engines are reaching full capacity again. Once you're loaded, we can outrun any ship they send our way.

Very well, Commander. I'll prepare my crew to vacate the ship immediately.

Demloc's crew quickly prepared to abandon the ship. The Seekers offered a small spacecraft to help the transfer, the Oсёл. It could squeeze just six, but six at a time was better than zero.

Torridge Tobor burst out in excitement, "Oсёл has great significance that relates to us and the heritage of our ship."

Commander Brell looked at him. Yeah, what is it?

Tobor wagged his spectacles at Brell. "Oсёл means ‘donkey' or ‘mule.'"

You're obviously not a military man, thought Brell. Brell contacted Demloc again. "The Bus-2 and Buainteoir are fired up and ready. I'll deploy a fighter squadron to guard the operation."

We're green to go, said Demloc with trepidation dripping from his voice.

The Onjbe horde held fast when the mission started. The three shuttles transferred passengers like a well-oiled machine, increasing efficiency as they got into the groove of the mission. The first transports took fifteen minutes, but they were down to seven by the end. The progression of humanity into the receiving bays was magnificent.

The Seekers were loaded onto the '357 efficiently, providing more workers as they arrived. Soon all the people, food stores, and supplies were loaded onto the carrier. Hard work brought the new crew together. As they worked side by side, the two groups felt each other out.

The most peculiar pairing were the prophet and the scientist. Prorok had been handed off several times. The old man's joyous proclamations about Skaperen turned many off. He was eventually funneled to the science lab.

Nbnok appreciated an extra set of hands to hand him tools and flip switches, but the endless jabbering was annoying. He snapped, I'm trying to concentrate. I wish you'd keep your opinions to yourself.

Prorok smiled. There's no need for this equipment. Skaperen will guide us. Technology is useless where they were going.

Just because you're wrinkled, doesn't mean you're wise, thought Nbnok. He wanted to send Prorok off to bother someone else. To request another helper would be wasting valuable time. I'm already in the doghouse with Commander Brell for requesting repairs during the battle. I'll suck it up.

♩♫♬♪ Prorok hummed a strange tune as he watched Nbnok work. The old man had thinning gray hair and a bent frame that made Nbnok's sore back hurt more just by looking at it. But Prorok had lively brown eyes under the cataracts. He wore rags but pranced around like he was in the finest robes fit for a king. The prophet's hands worked just fine, so dealing with his mouth was a necessary evil.

In the engine room, Sjlegen gave the gauges a final inspection. He cried, Commander Brell, we're ready to go!

Brell turned to C. J. with relief in his voice. Full speed ahead.

Yes, Commander. C. J. throttled up the ship.

Rumble, ssshhheeeww! Everyone felt the thrust of forward momentum rock the '357 as she lurched from her slumber.

The Onjbes took the abandoned Seeker ship as a trap. So they held fast. The head start was more than enough for the powerful carrier to exit the quadrant ahead of the Onjbe fleet.

Luck or divine intervention shone on them. The '357 crew members claimed good fortune, and the Seekers declared a higher power. The most extreme opinions clashed in the lab.

Prorok grinned smugly. When we reach Skaperen, you'll have to admit that He saved us.

Nbnok arched his back. Crack! I'm glad to be on the move again, regardless of the source of good fortune.

Chapter 3

Gritty Sonarians Reemerge

The V-357 moved at top speed for a week, then slowed to let the engines rest.

After two days in the quiet system, they faced the reality of being hunted again. The Klaxon sounded to alert them of danger.

Bleeeaat, bleeeaat, bleeeaat! Forscher identified the ships. Red alert, Sonarian battle fleet approaching at ten thousand kilometers.

Commander Brell gritted his teeth. Sonarians?

Honassen nodded gravely. It's true, Commander. Essence scout ships have followed our signal. They'll be on us soon. It appears we're carrying an Onjbe tracking device of some sort.

Brell growled, No wonder the Onjbes let us go. Scour this ship and find the culprit.

Forscher relayed the answer right away. The foreign signal is emanating from the miniature Onjbe Portal escort spacecraft parked within our hull.

The answer was like a slap in the face. Brell ground a fist into his palm. The follow-me ship! It's registered with the Onjbes. We've willingly swallowed a poisoned pill that left a breadcrumb trail for them to track us. Like we did to Rotensep. Nbnok, why didn't Forscher warn us?

Nbnok scratched his head. We took in the ship intentionally. When we synchronized with the Seeker ships to extend our shield protection to them, Forscher accepted the stowaway as one of our own.

Brell cursed the shortsighted logic of the computer. Why didn't we notice the homing signal!

Nbnok knew the answer. It isn't sending a distress signal, only an insignificant positioning code. The device wasn't made for spying but to keep an orderly flow at the Onjbe Portal gateway. The follow-me craft is sending a simple binary encryption. It's so trivial, Forscher didn't consider it dangerous. Unfortunately, they've always had the ability to track us.

Brell looked into the starfield. C. J., initiate full speed ahead. We'll outrun them.

Nbnok offered grave news. They have a lock on us. We'll never outrun the scout ships, Commander. If we engage full throttle, they'll simply follow the thermal signal of our thrusters.

Brell searched the faces of his crew. Any suggestions?

Onsan offered an outside-the-box suggestion. We could send them on a rabbit trail after the follow-me craft, and use concealment mode until they're out of the sector.

Commander Brell replied with conviction. I won't send any pilot on a one-way mission. What other options do we have?

Willstreak spoke up. Securing the follow-me circuit board transmitter to an Expanse IX probe should work.

Brell pointed toward the exit. Get on it!

An hour later, the team had transferred the follow-me transistor onto the main circuit board of an Expanse IX probe.

Nbnok's update chirped through the bridge speakers. We're ready to launch the Expanse IX, Commander. Strider spliced the Onjbe circuit board into the Expanse IX system. The process was easy. There were no safeguards on the follow-me unit, because it was the furthest thing from a military ship.

The color returned to Brell's face. Do a final diagnostic test on the unit. We need to get this right the first time.

A minute later, Nbnok called back. The advanced system checks are completed, Commander. Forscher confirms triangulation to our exact location will be impossible after the Expanse IX is expelled.

Commander Brell pumped a fist into the air. Execute the launch to the aft port beam.

Copy, Commander. Launching the probe.

Shshshshshsh! Nbnok sent the probe spiraling through the cosmos on a mission of no-return.

Brell ordered, Proceed dead ahead at idle thrust. We don't want to leave a thermal trail for the Sonarians to follow.

The probe spiraled from the carrier. After ten minutes, the Sonarians took the bait. The red-faced Colonel Tallik reported, The Docker fleet is following the Expanse signal, sir.

Brell's experience taught him to take good news cautiously. Stay alert. It's too early to celebrate.

It didn't take long for C. J.'s face to drop. The stress returned; his brown eyes turned black. Hold it. The fleet's breaking up. Half stayed on course for this sector, Commander. They're headed straight to the location of directional change. The fleet will be on us within the hour.

Brell prepared a plan B. Let's have a debris field ready for them to sift through when they arrive. Release the follow-me ship and three midrange Expanse probes. Dump what we can live without, to clutter the scene. Set the probes off in straight-line coordinates as they approach. Move forward of the starboard beam to two hundred fifty kilometers and initiate concealment mode. Kill the engines and com systems. With any luck, they'll follow the thermal trails of the probes.

Even in the circumstances, Nbnok wasn't happy to use his precious scientific equipment for warfare. A shaky voice gave him away. Y-yes. Cough! Yes, Commander. We'll set the launch timers for thirty minutes.

C. J. interjected, "The '357 hasn't fully recovered yet. Using the energy to stay veiled for hours means we'll have to divert power from other vital systems. It might even affect our shields."

Nbnok piped in from the lab. I agree. Concealment mode at minimum range is a risky plan, but also our best option. If we use idle thrust and stay close, our thermal signature will die out by the time we send off the satellites. Any remnants from our path will be distorted when we launch the three probes. Hopefully, they'll move on before we revert to reserve power.

Brell furled his brow. How long can we stay concealed?

Forscher Computer answered, That is indeterminable in our condition, Commander.

It'll be like holding our breath in a lake when they come searching for us in a boat. We could dive deep, but we can't stay down forever. We'll have to come up for air at some point.

Brell appreciated Nbnok's attempt at layman's terms. I understand. We'll man the battle stations in case they detect us.

Minutes later, the '357 crawled from the debris field. Time ticked by slowly as they counted down and waited