Galactic Mandate: Trail of Destruction

By MR Richardson

Mato, Taryn, Jay settle into their new life in the capital of the galaxy, thinking they've finally found peace after defeating the sinister Scream. But evil has a way of coming back - and this time it's personal. The Scream is hot on their heels, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Can our heroes outrun the darkness or will they be consumed by it? Join the adventure to find out

• Language: English
• Publisher: MR Richardson
• Release date: Jul 17, 2024
• ISBN: 9781949568103

MR Richardson

M.R. Richardson with a clear mastery of world-building creates compelling wild, cutthroat novels. Balancing vivid action, with personal reflection, existential dilemmas, and richly detailed worlds, his space operas are far more complex than first meets the eye. Combining war, politics, and intrigue, his first novel Galactic Mandate: A Radical Cause is an epic debut

Book preview

Galactic Mandate

Trail of Destruction

M.R. Richardson

Room 10 Publishing

Copyright © 2024 by M.R. Richardson

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, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law. For permission requests, contact M.R. Richardson.

The story, all names, characters, and incidents portrayed in this production are fictitious. No identification with actual persons (living or deceased), places, buildings, and products is intended or should be inferred.

Book Cover by Erik J Andersen

ISBN 978-1-949568-10-3

001 edition 2024

Contents

1.Chapter 1

2.Chapter 2

3.Chapter 3

4.Chapter 4

5.Chapter 5

6.Chapter 6

7.Chapter 7

8.Chapter 8

9.Chapter 9

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Chapter one

Chapter 1

Jay's boots echoed against the polished metallic floors of League One, a symphony of solitude in the bustling heart of the Galactic Planetary League's central hub. The corridors, usually a hive of activity, were quieter now, the hour stretching into the late watches of the night cycle. He had left the austere confines of the Death's Witness salesroom, his temporary abode, and navigated the labyrinthine passageways with a familiarity born of countless missions and memorized blueprints.

The door to Taryn's quarters stood before him, a threshold to a life he had never dreamed of. Jay's hand hovered over the access panel, a moment's hesitation betraying the warrior's usual confidence. He had faced enemy fleets and infiltrated impenetrable fortresses, but the prospect of planning a wedding with Taryn was uncharted territory, a mission unlike any other.

He initiated the entry sequence, the door sliding open with a whisper of technology. Taryn was there, her presence a balm to the sterile environment of League One. Her skin shimmered in a play of light and shadow, a testament to her Scream heritage, though her ability to hear set her apart from her kin. She turned to face him, her eyes lighting up in a way that made the vastness of space seem insignificant.

You're late, she signed, her hands weaving a graceful dance in the air between them. Her laughter was a visual melody, her body shaking with the silent reverberations of her amusement.

Jay stepped inside, the door closing behind him with a soft hiss. The galaxy waits for no one, he replied, his voice a low rumble that seemed to resonate with the very walls of the station.

Together, they sat at the small table in Taryn's living area, a holographic display of potential wedding venues floating above the surface. They spoke of flowers that bloomed on distant moons, music that could be felt rather than heard, and a future that was theirs to shape.

I want a day without missions or artifacts, Taryn said, her hands moving with deliberate precision. A day that's just ours.

Jay nodded, captivated by the vision she painted. A day that's just about us, he agreed, his hand finding hers across the table.

Their conversation meandered through the night, a river of dreams and shared laughter. They discussed guest lists that spanned star systems, menus that included delicacies from a hundred worlds, and a security detail that would make the most paranoid dictator envious.

As artificial dawn crept through the viewport, casting a pale glow over Taryn's features, Jay realized that this was the life he had been fighting for—not the chaos of battle, not the thrill of the chase, but the quiet moments of peace with the woman he loved.

Taryn's quarters, once just another room in the sprawling complex of League One, had become a sanctuary, a place where two souls from different ends of the galaxy could dream of a future together. As they continued to plan their union, the space station bore silent witness to the unfolding of a new chapter, one that promised a life beyond the shadows of their pasts.

As the artificial dawn brightened into a simulated morning, Jay and Taryn stirred from their shared slumber, their bodies intertwined in a tangle of sheets and dreams. The worries of the galaxy seemed distant, a fading echo in the sanctuary of Taryn's quarters.

Jay's eyes fluttered open, his gaze falling upon Taryn's sleeping form. In these moments, she was not the head scientist of the Galactic Planetary League, burdened by the weight of her responsibilities. She was simply Taryn, the woman he loved, her features softened by the gentle light filtering through the viewport.

Taryn's eyes opened, and she met Jay's gaze with a sleepy smile. Good morning, she signed, her hands moving languidly, still heavy with the remnants of sleep.

Good morning, Jay replied, his voice a low murmur in the room's quiet. He leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, a silent affirmation of their bond.

They lay there momentarily, savoring the peace of the morning, the warmth of each other's presence. But the tranquility was short-lived, shattered by the insistent chime of Taryn's communicator.

Taryn reached for the device, furrowing her brow as she read the message. The Galactic Council, she signed, her movements sharp with urgency. They've summoned me."

Jay sat up, the soldier in him snapping to attention. What's happened? he asked, his mind racing with possibilities.

Taryn shook her head, her expression troubled. They didn't say, she replied, her hands moving with confusion and concern. But it must be urgent if they're summoning me this early.

She rose from the bed, swift and purposeful in her movements as she began to dress. Jay followed suit, the intimacy of the morning giving way to the demands of duty.

As Taryn fastened the last of her uniform's clasps, she turned to Jay, her eyes searching his face. I have a feeling this is about the artifacts, she signed, her hands moving with a hesitancy that betrayed her unease. I thought I had made it clear that the project was too dangerous to continue.

Jay nodded, his expression grim. Whatever it is, we'll face it together, he said, his hand finding hers, a silent promise of support.

Taryn squeezed his hand, drawing strength from his presence. Together, they stepped out of her quarters and into the bustling corridors of League One, ready to face whatever challenges the Galactic Council had in store.

Taryn strode through the grand corridors of League One, her boots echoing against the polished floors. Jay kept pace beside her, their strides matching in silent solidarity. As they neared the Council chambers, the murmur of heated voices filtered through the towering doors.

Taryn paused, her hand hovering over the entry panel. She glanced at Jay, her eyes betraying a flicker of uncertainty. He gave her a reassuring nod, and they stepped into the chamber together.

The cavernous space was alive with tension, the air thick with the weight of the discussion unfolding before them. The Council members sat in their elevated positions, their faces etched with concern and determination. In the center of the room stood the Representative of the Acolytes, his voice booming with defiance.

...we will not stand idly by while you grant protections to these abominations, he thundered, his finger jabbing toward the holographic display of the clone reservations. The Acolytes have fought against such perversions, and we will not be swayed by your misguided sympathies.

The council members exchanged uneasy glances as their voices rose in a cacophony of dissent and argument. Taryn watched the Representative's face flush angrily, his fists clenching at his sides, as the tension in the chamber reached a palpable peak.

If you choose to protect these monstrosities, he spat, his words cutting through the din like a knife, then the Acolytes will have no choice but to withdraw our support from the League. His threat hung in the air, casting a shadow of fear over the Council members.

A hush fell over the chamber as the Representative, his robes swirling around him, turned on his heel. With a dramatic sweep of his arm, he motioned for his delegation to follow, their footsteps echoing like a death knell.

As the Acolytes filed out, their expressions a mix of defiance and unease, their unwavering commitment to their cause was evident. Taryn caught a glimpse of the holographic display. Images of clone reservations flickered across the screen, their inhabitants frozen in limbo, their faces a tapestry of fear and uncertainty.

The Council members exchanged weighted glances, their voices hushed and grave. Taryn and Jay stood motionless, observers of a drama that threatened to unravel the delicate balance of power within the League.

The council chamber teetered on the edge of chaos as the Acolyte delegation stormed out, their boots thundering against the floor. Taryn watched in stunned silence, the weight of their ultimatum hanging heavy in the air.

They're leaving! A panicked voice rang out, cutting through the clamor. The Acolyte ships are powering up and preparing to depart! The urgency in the voice mirrored the sudden tension that gripped the chamber.

Taryn whipped her head toward the vast viewports that lined the chamber, her eyes widening at the sight unfolding before them. Streams of sleek warships streaked through the inky blackness, their engines flaring to life as they broke formation from League One's defensive perimeter.

The council members leaped to their feet, their voices rising in a cacophony of shouts and accusations. Taryn felt Jay tense beside her, his hand instinctively moving toward the blaster at his hip.

Order! Order in the chamber! The Chancellor's voice boomed, silencing the pandemonium. We cannot allow emotion to cloud our judgment in this critical hour.

The council members slowly retook their seats, their faces etched with fear and resolve. Taryn's gaze darted from one councilor to the next, her mind racing to comprehend the implications of the Acolytes' departure.

The council chamber fell into a tense hush as the last of the Acolyte ships vanished into the inky void. Taryn's gaze flickered between the viewports and the council members, her heart pounding in her chest.

The Chancellor rose to his feet, his weathered face etched with determination. My esteemed colleagues, he began, his voice carrying a weight that belied his age. The Acolytes have made their stance clear. They would see our brothers and sisters in the clone reservations subjected to untold horrors, all in the name of their twisted ideology.

A murmur of agreement rippled through the chamber, the councilors nodding solemnly.

But we cannot allow fear to dictate our actions, the Chancellor continued. The League was founded on the principles of equality and justice for all. To abandon those values would be to betray the very ideals we swore to uphold.

Taryn felt a swell of pride in her chest, her eyes meeting Jay's in a silent exchange of solidarity.

Therefore, I move that we grant immediate military protection to the clone reservations, the Chancellor declared, his voice ringing with conviction. Let us stand united against those who would seek to oppress and subjugate our brothers and sisters.

A chorus of ayes echoed through the chamber, the councilors raising their hands in a show of unanimous support. Taryn watched as the Chancellor's shoulders seemed to sag with relief, a small smile tugging at the corners of his weathered lips.

With a flick of his wrist, the holographic display flickered to life, revealing a tactical map of the galaxy. Taryn leaned forward, her brow furrowing as she studied the glowing dots that represented the clone reservations scattered across the stars.

Mobilize our forces, the Chancellor commanded, carrying a steely edge. We will not allow the Acolytes or any other faction to threaten the sanctity of life.

The council members sprang into action, their fingers dancing across their consoles as they relayed orders to the League's vast military might. Taryn felt a surge of pride and determination coursing through her veins, her eyes meeting Jay's in a silent vow.

They would protect the clone reservations, no matter the cost.

As the council chamber buzzed with activity, Taryn couldn't help but feel a sense of hope amidst the chaos. The League had chosen to stand on the side of justice, defying the Acolytes' oppressive demands. With the council's unanimous vote, the clone reservations would finally receive the desperately needed protection.

The council chamber slowly settled into a tense calm, the councilors' frantic movements giving way to a more focused determination. Taryn watched as the Chancellor conferred with his advisers, their hushed voices barely audible over the hum of the holographic displays.

Suddenly, the Chancellor turned toward Taryn,