Critical Position: Void Incursion, #2

By MJ Blehart

The infiltrators from the void between galaxies are increasing their attacks. Striking with weapons and force never before seen, they are devastating - and determined to leave no witnesses. More and more races across the galaxy are being attacked by this threat – but why?

 

Former military starfighter pilot Jeck Murtsharn and the diverse crew of the starship Dawnstrider; DDI Hectir and agents of the Cosmic Security Agency; Shi'tra and the pirate crew of the Ravusqan Raider; and merchant and information broker Avra Pii K'tark'ah all find themselves to be unwitting pieces on an immense chessboard.

 

They are, by no means, alone. Two very different soldiers become the first survivors and witnesses to the attacks; Alvon Gargarm finds hope and purpose - despite his enslavement far from home; and deposed queen Ashira Aeshar joins the Dawnstrider crew while continuing to seek out who conspired against her and her late spouse.

 

Each of the players takes a critical position against the void incursion - knowingly and otherwise.

 

But who are these invaders and why are they attacking?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Argent Hedgehog Press
• Release date: Jan 23, 2024
• ISBN: 9798223832331

MJ Blehart

MJ BLEHART has been writing stories of high fantasy and sci-fi/space opera throughout his life - the first when he was nine years old. Star Wars and Star Trek were some major influences in his youth. He is a history aficionado. MJ has been a member of the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA - a medieval re-enactment society) for over 30 years. In the SCA, he studies and teaches 16th century rapier combat (fencing) and court heraldry, enjoys archery, social interactions with people from all over the world, and spending time with friends. MJ blogs regularly, exploring mindfulness, conscious reality creation, positivity, the writing process/business, and creating an amazing life. He's a prolific reader as well. MJ currently resides in south New Jersey with his wife and two feline overlords (cats).

Book preview

Chapter 1

She was safe.

For the first time in what felt like far too long she was somewhere safe, not having to hide, nor on the run.

The problem was, she was still uncertain about what her next move should be.

Ashira Aeshar was in the engine room of the Dawnstrider, listening to the thrum, hum, buzz, whir, and various other mechanical sounds of the Dawnstrider in hyperspace. The ancient transport was a solid ship, and its captain was a decent mechanic for maintaining systems. Ashira, however, could strip the systems down and rebuild or replace them at will.

The Dawnstrider had been without a proper engineer for some time. The crew had managed over the years to do a decent job with upkeep, but having a full time, dedicated mechanic would extend the vessel’s life for decades and seriously reduce repair costs.

Ashira had been out of the military for over fifteen years, but she had always been mechanically skilled. As a child, she had taken a lot of pleasure in breaking down and rebuilding mechanical items. She had taken apart her first personal datapad and upgraded its memory systems when she was only six.

Despite her noble upbringing, Ashira had always insisted on holding down some sort of job. Even when it was just assisting with household maintenance, Ashira had always taken pleasure in her work.

At the age of seven, she had begun coding with computer systems. In fact, she had helped her parents to avert a financial tragedy when she hacked a hacker who was stealing information and attempting to evade further security.

Ashira’s father would have preferred that his daughter be more interested in gentler arts, but it was quickly evident that that was not to be. Ashira took far too much joy in working with computers and mechanical systems to give them up for dance, music, and the arts.

She still had an appreciation for those things and studied several martial arts. But the mysteries of electronic systems and their workings was far too alluring to dismiss.

Ashira had entered the service and immediately chosen to specialize in engineering. With her aptitude, she quickly rose through the ranks, learning more as she did so. Even though she came from a noble family, she received no special treatment. Fortunately, the Comear family were not as well-known as the Aeshar family.

Ashira had also taken a secondary specialty in infantry. She was adept with firearms as well as being an accomplished martial artist. She had been a high-ranked martial artist in primary school, so the ever-athletic young lady more than held her own when she joined the military.

Ashira could handle ground-effect vehicles, but as soon as she had to take flight more than fifteen feet off the ground, she was less comfortable. She had qualified to fly high-altitude atmospheric craft, but she was not a fan of it. So, she did not enter the special forces, and she worked mostly as a mechanic or engineer.

It made her proud to realize that she was still more than capable. In the weeks since losing her spouse, Ashira had proven to herself that she was still an able computer programmer and hacker, as well as a fully adept mechanic.

Ashira had finally had some time to grieve for her loss. She had spent the first trip between Protelnaun and Arnico V in her cabin, keeping mostly to herself and remembering Petra. Further, she was looking at photos of Lii and mourning that she could not know when, if ever, she would see him again.

Ashira had opted to remain with the Dawnstrider when they made planetfall at Arnico V. She did not want to be seen and was debating how to further disguise herself in the future. She did not want to have to go everywhere in a wig and heavy make-up.

The android, Lu, offered some helpful suggestions and made some purchases for her.

The Dawnstrider may have been an older starship, but she was still quite impressive. Though well cared for, Ashira still had made a list of systems to work on overhauling when the opportunity presented itself. She chose to make adjustments to the anti-grav drives on Arnico V while the rest of the crew went to the Consumer Premier show.

Working helped to ease Ashira’s pain. Keeping busy kept her from over-thinking about all that had happened to her, and it allowed her to move past her grief and consider her options.

The biggest issue facing her was what to do next.

Ashira had some data about who was involved in her betrayal. Unfortunately, it was incomplete. She had gained some information when she penetrated the data banks of the citadel of the Raja, but she possessed more information which she’d downloaded to still go over.

Even if she managed to get the entirety of the conspiracy exposed, Ashira had no idea what to do with that information. There was really nowhere that she could turn where she would not endanger herself, her son, or her new crewmates.

What pained Ashira most was thoughts of Lii. Her son believed both his mothers were dead, and now he was being raised by one of the people who had betrayed them. She wanted more than anything to assure her son that she had not left him.

Yet every avenue Ashira could think of to make contact with anyone from the Kingdom of Shardaelia would endanger her. If Lkahn Am thought her alive, he most certainly would be eavesdropping on the communications of anyone she might reach out to.

There were only two people in the Kingdom of Shardaelia Ashira thought she could trust. The first was her father, but she had no doubt in her mind that her enemies were watching him far too closely. Baron Gord Comaer would be under close observation because none of the conspirators were fools.

The other person was Ashira’s older brother, Lon. However, Lon’s whereabouts were hard to pinpoint given his line of work.

Lon Comaer was an ambassador. He was seven years Ashira’s senior, and he had entered into the Shardaelian Ambassadorial Corps before finishing primary school. He had gotten a college education in diplomacy, a law degree, and served the foreign service before Ashira had entered the military.

Lon had insisted that his status not be changed when his sister became the queen, even going so far as to turn down the rightful title of Sir and not accepting a knighthood. He was still afforded that respect his ranked counterparts received, but he had preferred to not take on a title.

As a member of the foreign service of Shardaelia, Lon also stood a good chance of one day replacing his father as baron and the governor of Baelgaar. Ashira had no idea if that was something he had any desire to do, though.

Ashira had not spoken to her brother since just after Lii’s birth. She and Lon had never been particularly close, due to the gender and age difference. Where Ashira was always fairly social, Lon was reserved. They never traveled in the same circles, and to some degree, Lon kept some distance from his sister so he would never be perceived as currying any favor from the queen.

Ashira thought she could trust her brother, but she had no doubt that he, too, was being well observed. Further, as a part of the foreign service, he served under Aneera Golmar, whom Ashira now believed was a part of the conspiracy.

Her family, Ashira felt, was as much at risk as she was if she revealed herself. For the safety of her father, brother, and son, Ashira knew she had to lay low.

Fortunately, the crew of the Dawnstrider had immediately taken to Ashira and she to them. Which was why, for the first time since her life had been completely unraveled, she felt safe.

Ervik had been right about the Consumer Premier show. He and Deven had found and acquired a rather impressive haul of electronics. Memory cards that were cross-compatible with several non-Human datapads as well as datapads that could be configured to accommodate righties, lefties, Humans, and non-Humans. Ashira was impressed.

Once they had gotten their cargo loaded, they set out for non-Human territories. Deven and Jeck had plotted a course that would put them between Ravusq and Luranai space.

Ashira was impressed by the willingness on the part of the Dawnstrider crew to venture so deep into non-Human space. It was a rare thing, and Ashira actually found that it excited her. Further, going deep into alien territories would make it difficult for the Raja’s, and his conspirators’ agents to track her.

Just after jumping into hyperspace for the nearly week-long flight, Lu had shared with Ashira what she’d bought her. The android never ceased to amaze Ashira, as she didn’t cover herself in synth skin to look Human - yet still acted very Human.

Lu seemed to understand Ashira and her needs. The android had purchased a hair dye that was utterly different from Ashira’s natural color and offered a number of different hair styles for Ashira to change her look to. Lu, even though she was an android, had some skill as a stylist.

To further disguise Ashira without the need for heavy makeup and wigs, Lu had acquired glasses for her to wear. These were equipped with scanning and infrared capabilities, so they were not just aesthetic. Further, they could be tied to a datapad and used to record information.

After dying her hair and donning the glasses, Ashira noted that she looked very different. On close inspection, someone might be able to identify her, but if they managed to get that close to her, odds were she had other issues.

Ashira passed the polished metal of a power coupling and saw her reflection. For a moment, she hardly recognized herself.

She considered that on a deeper level. Ashira Aeshar was, as far as the galaxy was concerned, dead. The woman whose reflection she hardly recognized would be called Ashir Comaer, and in this guise, she was the engineer aboard an old starship called the Dawnstrider.

Someone cleared their throat, and Ashira turned to see Jeck.

How are you doing? Jeck asked.

Ashira found that besides Lu, she was most comfortable around the former soldier. I am well, thank you.

Jeck gestured. I love the new look.

Thanks.

Jeck stepped closer. I know you’ve been through a lot. If you ever need space to yourself, don’t hesitate to say so. Feel free to tell me to go away.

Ashira nodded. I appreciate that. I have been on my own for long enough, though. I think I am ready to interact with everyone again.

Jeck grinned. Good to know. Can I ask you a semi-personal question?

Sure, Ashira replied.

Do you intend to further investigate who set you up? Jeck asked. Do you plan to dig further into who did this to you?

Ashira considered the question. Why would he want to know? She had decided rather immediately that Jeck was trustworthy, though, so she replied, Yes.

Okay, Jeck told her. He withdrew a card from a pocket in his pants and presented it to her.

Ashira took it and immediately she recognized it for what it was. She looked at Jeck. Military ID?

You may be digging through networks that prove to be rather problematic, Jeck said. He tapped the card in her hand. This is an active ID, and it can be used to open a lot of closed doors.

Ashira was impressed. Certainly, she had the skill to hack a system where a military ID could prove useful, but that didn’t lessen Jeck’s gesture. Ashira passed him back his card. Thank you.

You’re welcome, Jeck replied.

Ashira had her own question. So, Jeck Murtsharn, why do you still possess an active military ID?

Jeck sighed. Though not so tragic as your situation, let me tell you a story.

Jeck proceeded to tell Ashira the details of his maneuver, the pirates he had stopped, and his subsequent discharge following his breach of protocol. She couldn’t help but laugh when Jeck explained that it was all due to upsetting the Prime Minister of B’bornatt and his mistress.

I am sorry, Ashira said, still chuckling. It is just so completely inane.

Jeck began to chuckle. I suppose when you look at it abstractly, it is kind of funny.

Ashira shook her head. Bureaucrats.

So, Jeck concluded, my former commanding officer let me keep the ID. I think it was a consolation prize, he figured, given the nature of my discharge.

You were what rank? Ashira asked.

Major, Jeck replied. Would’ve served until they forced me to fly a desk, really.

Ashira nodded at that. I think, had I not met Petra, I might have served longer myself.

Not everyone gets to become a queen, Jeck pointed out.

Ashira laughed. True. I suppose it does not hurt that I was raised a noble, to begin with, but it was still an adjustment.

On top of everything else, it must be hard to be here, Jeck commented.

Ashira looked about the engine room. "Actually...less so than I might have thought. It might be the ship, it might be the crew, but...Dawnstrider feels like home to me."

I’m glad, Jeck said. I felt that way right at the start myself. It helps to soften the blow.

Lu appeared now. Jeck? Ashira? Everyone is getting ready for supper.

For the first time in several days, Ashira felt hungry. I think that would be most agreeable.

Chapter 2

She could not recall what had happened, and it was some time before she realized she was not awake - but rather dreaming.

From the dream state, waking was slow and immediately filled with discomfort.

As she forced her eyes to open, the light of the space she was in was almost unbearable. All she could see was swimming images, nothing clear. As she blinked, slowly, she came to realize that part of the distortion was from the mask covering her face.

Where was she? What was happening? Then, another question - who was she?

She tried to take a deep breath, and it ached, it burned, it hurt. She was so weak, she could not cry out - she could only moan.

Ah, you are awake, a voice said, muffled as though it was not from someone near. We did not know if you would return to us. Give it time.

Her head was now beginning to pound, and her mouth was so very, very dry. Why did she feel so completely spent; why was she feeling so worked over?

Slowly, too slowly, awareness was starting to come to her. The first thing with any real clarity to come to her was her name.

She was Mek Muv Meq.

Something had happened, but what? She had been through a traumatic experience, but what had it been? What had happened to her?

Mek Muv Meq felt truly awful. What had she experienced?

She felt the mask change, and though it was not removed, the amount of air passing through to her had shifted. She felt lighter, and some of the pain eased. Her lungs didn’t burn anymore.

Now she was starting to remember. Her gunner’s nest. She’d ejected from her starship. She had gotten clear and floated among the debris.

Then she saw the attackers obliterating everything. They left nothing behind, vaporizing it all.

She had seen the ship coming. She knew it was a terrible choice, but at the last possible second, she’d ejected from the nest.

Mek Muv Meq had not been in a full vacuum suit. Zathru skin was tough, though, and so time in the cold of the vacuum would trigger hibernation.

Given how little oxygen Mek Muv Meq had, hibernation was her best option for survival.

It must have worked. They must not have noticed her ejection - because she was alive.

It did not feel good at all to be alive. She was clearly hurt.

What? she tried to say, but her voice was barely a raspy whisper, and it really hurt to try to talk.

We estimate you were exposed for about thirty hours, the person attending her stated. The voice still sounded too faint, too far away, but he continued. It’s a wonder you are alive at all, given how badly injured you are.

Mek Muv Meq did not recall being physically hurt when she’d ejected from her gunner’s nest, but after firing the bolts to eject her seat from the nest she had no memory.

This is probably going to be a shock, but, again, we did not expect you to wake, the person attending her said. You suffered severe oxygen deprivation, which is why breathing hurts. But you also have severe frostbite over a large portion of your body. And I am sorry to say that’s not the worst of it.

Mek Muv Meq was starting to worry. How much worse could it be?

Your legs are gone from mid-thigh down, the speaker said with no further preamble. Whatever the weapon was that hit you, it cauterized the wound instantly, which sealed your torso, and probably helped spare your life. Still...I’m sorry.

Mek Muv Meq could not react. She could not cry, she could only lie there, trying to catch her breath. She really had cut her ejection close.

Please don’t be offended, but we are going to sedate you, the speaker said. I promise you will awaken again.

Mek Muv Meq didn’t resist. After those shocks, she looked forward to returning to a dream state.

<—>

When Mek Muv Meq next awoke, the full-face mask was gone, and her lungs didn’t burn anymore. Her body was completely numb, which she suspected may have been done to her on the part of her healers. She still felt positively awful, but she was less disoriented.

A Zathru physician appeared before her. Her vision was still not quite right, but she could see him.

I am Dok Duv Deq, he told her. His voice was still not at the volume she would expect from someone directly before her, but it was better than last time. Try, softly, to speak. What is your name?

Mek Muv Meq, she replied. Her voice was horridly weak, but while it was still uncomfortable to speak, it no longer hurt.

The physician made a note on a datapad. Very good. How are you feeling?

Awful, she replied honestly.

Dok Duv Deq shook his head. I’m sorry, Mek Muv Meq. We are doing all we can to make you comfortable. Can you remember what happened?

Attack, Mek Muv Meq replied. Unknown forces. Disintegration rays.

Dok Duv Deq was making notes. Very good. Thank you, Mek Muv Meq. We’re going to leave you awake for a little while longer, but then we want to sedate you again. We don’t want to overtax your system, but we want you better so you can tell us more about what happened.

Yes, Mek Muv Meq replied. She didn’t want to speak further. Now her throat was raw again and speaking was starting to hurt. She tried to lift her head to look at herself, but the effort completely exhausted her, and she again drifted into unconsciousness.

<—>

When she came around again, Mek Muv Meq noticed immediately that her vision seemed more normal. Her skin was not numb this time. It felt scaly and uncomfortable, unusual, and a bit disturbing. The oxygen was no longer being continuously pumped into her.

She tried to move, and that sent lancing pain across her body. Mek Muv Meq was certainly still not well.

I should have warned you about that, Dok Duv Deq said, stepping into her vision. He still sounded too far away. "The frostbite destroyed a lot of the nerve endings. Further, you may be experiencing neuro-muscular pain from prolonged vacuum exposure. Do I sound muffled or