The Outer World Chronicles: Books 1, 2, 3 Read online

  Copyright: © 2017 by Arwen Chandler all rights reserved

  Published in The United States of America

  By Arwen Chandler, Beeville, TX

  Manufactured in The United States of America

  First edition published 2017

  Cover art and jacket design © 2017 Susan Elliott

  The Outer World Chronicles: Books 1-3

  Arwen Chandler

  Thanks for believing in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself. You are the light of my world, and keep my dreams alive. I love you, Lars.

  Contents

  Book One: The Militarian Job

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Book Two: The Louvre Still Stands

  Book Three: Beneath The Metreskan Sands

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  A Special Thank You

  More Books by

  Arwen Chandler

  About the Author

  Book One: The Militarian Job

  Chapter One

  Gwyndalaria lowered her starship onto the platform. Raygus Prime sprawled out before her view screen. Its steel Militarian buildings littered the landscape, cold, utilitarian.

  Gwyn shuddered. “I hate this place.” She pressed the com button. “Gwyndalaria Casteliano of the Starship Pleiades, requesting an audience with Admiral Spearman.”

  The communicator crackled. “Admiral Spearman is expecting you. Kill your engines. Lieutenant Commander Adrik will meet you shortly.”

  Gwyn turned off the ignition switch, set the security lock, and waited.

  Across the platform, a tall man sauntered toward her ship.

  Gwyn laughed. “Everything a woman wants, and he knows it.” She switched off the view screen and met him at the cargo bay door.

  As the Lieutenant Commander raised his hand to knock, the door opened.

  “I’m here to collect Gwyndalaria Casteliano.” His face was blank but warm.

  Gwyn wiped her hand on her jumpsuit before extending it. “That’s me. Call me Gwyn.”

  Adrik stared at her briefly and turned to go. “Come on. You don’t keep Admiral Spearman waiting.”

  She followed at a jog-walk pace, only pausing when they reached the bottom of a massive staircase.

  Adrik motioned toward the fifth floor. “That’s our destination.”

  She sighed. “Guess you Militarian types don’t use elevators, huh?”

  Adrik shook his head. “Never.”

  Gwyn frowned. “Well, let’s go.”

  She climbed behind him, trying to keep up with his pace.

  When they reached the top Adrik pressed the intercom button. “Sir, I’ve the girl.”

  The door slid open.

  “Come on.” Adrik ushered her into the suite.

  Star charts, maps and computer screens lined three walls of the room. The fourth wall was glass. Down below Raygus Prime hummed and whirled with machinery. Militarian soldiers marched in formation across the yard. Off to the east, an ornate capitol building topped with a large domed portico stood in stark contrast with the utilitarian landscape surrounding it. Gwyn studied its opulence. “Remarkable.”

  “It is, isn’t it?” Admiral Spearman motioned for Gwyn to come closer to the window. “It’s the only thing of true elegance here on Raygus Prime. As you know, the Militarian live a functional life. Our capitol building was built to remind us of why we sacrifice. What we are protecting in our system.”

  Gwyn shivered. “A beautiful reminder, of course. And, does someone live there?”

  “No, our councils meet in the building. Everything, that is important for this planet, and our system is decided there.” Spearman turned away.

  “Adrik, bring up the computer. Let’s get down to business.”

  Gwyn crossed her arms. “Ok. I must admit I was intrigued by your call. What does the Militarian want with a spacer starship pilot? I’m no great thing. I’m sure there are more qualified Militarian who can do whatever you want.”

  “Ah, Ms. Casteliano, don’t be so humble. I’ve been watching you for some time. In fact, I know all about you.” He picked up a file folder on his desk and thumbed through it. “Raised on Tortuga by an ailing grandmother. You learned to fly by crop dusting cotton for extra cash and then turned your attentions to starship racing. In fact, you’re pretty good at it, right?”

  Gwyn shrugged. “Fair, at best.”

  “So modest. You were the Tortuga Flying Aces world champion four years running.” He showed her a picture of her in the winner’s circle, holding a large gold trophy.

  Memories swarmed her mind. The last day Momma and Poppi saw me race. She looked out the window, fighting back tears.

  The Admiral continued, “Until you suddenly stopped racing. Isn’t that so?”

  Gwyn narrowed her eyes. “Got bored with it.”

  “Bored? I think you found a more lucrative source of income.”

  Gwyn breathed calmly. “And?”

  “I know you’re a smuggler, Ms. Casteliano. In fact, I know you’re the best smuggler this side of Alpha Gaius. That’s why you’re here. I have a job for you.”

  “Smuggling is illegal Commander Spearman.” Gwyn took a step back.

  He tossed her file on his desk. “And, so is the job you’re going to do.”

  “And if I refuse?” Gwyn crossed her arms over her chest, so the hidden dagger in her coat was in easy reach.

  “Your grandmother won’t survive her next bout of pneumonia.”

  Gwyn felt the knife within her fingers but didn’t close her hand around it. She surveyed her options. I’m trapped. She relaxed and dropped her hands to her side.

  Commander Spearman placed a hand on Gwyn’s shoulder. “Look, you do this job. You and your grandmother will be set for life, and I will lose all the reports on your smuggling activity in this sector. There’s no reason for hostilities.”

  Gwyn sighed. “What’s the job?”

  “Let’s show Ms. Casteliano what she’ll be doing for us Lieutenant Commander.”

  Adrik turned on the computer screen. The deep space image of a huge rock projected onto the wall. “This is the Regalian Asteroid. It’s currently located thirty light years from Theta Nu, deep in Cardike Territory. We’ve received deep space readings that there are large deposits of crystalline energy underneath its surface. More than enough energy to power Raygus Prime for at least a hundred years. I suppose you can imagine what this means.”

  He studied Gwyn’s face. “With these crystals, we would have the power to supply even the poorest areas of our sector for generations to come. Unfortunately, per the peace treaty of Old Earth, we can’t come within ten parsecs of their territory.” Admiral Spearman motioned to the asteroid on the screen. “I won’t ignore it. So, you and Lieutenant Commander Adrik are going to steal it. This operation is completely illegal, and if you’re caught, unauthorized. But, if you succeed. You’ll be rewarded.” Spearman’s steel colored eyes bored into her skin.

  “Looks like I have no choice then.”

  “No one has a choice. We do what we’re told. Adrik, have the supplies sent to Ms. Casteliano’s ship. You’re leaving at first light.”


  Gwyn slapped the top of her alarm. “Stupid alarm.” She rubbed the sleep from her eyes and ran her fingers through her long hair before pulling it up into a loose knot. She slipped her jumpsuit back on, laced her boots, and headed to the galley.

  She plopped down at the table, pushed a button on the synthesizer unit, and yawned. “Coffee, strong, extra cream. And add chocolate” The unit whirred and whistled before producing a piping hot cup of coffee. “Thank you.” She inhaled its rich aroma and smiled. If you were here Gran, you’d think this the best coffee ever. Gwyn took a small sip of the concoction, and the buzzer rang.” Gwyn peaked at the view screen. Lieutenant Commander Adrik, waited. He was dressed in regulation blues. She took a deep breath and licked her lips. Just what I need, a little eye-candy in my ship.

  She turned on the communicator. “My aren’t you punctual, Lieutenant Commander Adrik. Give me a second. I just got my coffee. Would you like some?”

  His voice crackled across the com, “Sure.”

  “How do you take it? Black and strong, I’d guess.”

  Laughter floated across the com. “You’d think, but how about strong with lots of cream and sugar.”

  “Really?” Gwyn chuckled.

  “Hey don’t judge.” A smile crossed his lips, and fine lines formed around his eyes.

  “No judgement here. I just thought all you Militarian types were essential only kind of people.” Gwyn pushed the button on the synthesizer. “Coffee, strong, extra cream and sugar.” The unit whirred, whistled and produced a light-colored cup of coffee in a bright pink cup with yellow daisies. Gwyn snorted. “Ok, I have your coffee. I’ll meet you at the cargo bay door.”

  Gwyn handed Adrik the mug. He lifted his eyebrow. “Pink with yellow flowers? Is this some kind of joke, Ms Casteliano?”

  “Well, no, but it is funny. My synthesizer recalls personal preferences. I think the last person to ask for coffee with extra cream and sugar was my Gran. So, you get her cup.” Gwyn smiled and motioned him toward the cockpit. “My ship isn’t as big as you’re probably used to, but that’s part of her charm.” Gwyn patted the doorway. “The Pleiades is maneuverable and fast. She’ll hold four comfortably in the cockpit. Pilot, co-pilot and two passengers. There’s my chair.” She pointed to the chair on her left, and you can sit there.” Gwyn motioned to the brown leather chair adjacent to hers. “Since you’re on for the ride, you’re going to learn to co-pilot her. Just in case. I want you fully trained before we enter Cardike territory.”

  Adrik climbed behind the navigation station and settled down into his chair. “Not much leg room, huh?”

  Gwynn glanced at his long legs. “Well, it’s adjustable, and since it’s just the two of us, you can slide that lever at the bottom and move it back at least a foot. There should be plenty of leg room for you then. Lieutenant Commander.”

  Adrik pulled the lever towards him, and the chair sprung back several inches. “That should just about do it.” He surveyed the cockpit. The area was small, but with the chair moved, it was manageable. “This space kind of reminds me of Commander Spearman’s old auto collection. He has a large half-ton pickup truck. Ever seen one of those?”

  Gwynn smiled and shook her head. “Not in person. Only people on Tortuga with old gassers have way more money than I do.”

  Lights blinked and whirled across the dashboard. The com buzzed.

  Gwynn pushed the com button. “Yes.”

  A voice crackled through the cabin. “We have a delivery for Lieutenant Commander Adrik.”

  “He’ll be right with you.” Gwyn motioned to the com button in front of Adrik’s chair. “That button right there answers the communicator. Every function a pilot needs is duplicated on your side. I’ll show you the ropes after we unload the cargo.”

  Adrik nodded. “Speaking of cargo, is there a good place to hide the storage containers and pulse cutters? Shouldn’t need too much room. Just don’t want them to fall into the wrong hands.”

  “There are a couple of cubby holes in the cargo bay that should work fine, if you forget that you’ve seen them once this mission is over.”

  “I think I can do that.” Adrik grinned and followed Gwyn to the cargo bay.

  Gwyndalaria removed a panel in the cargo bay wall. “This area over here should be just about big enough.”

  Adrik pushed the button and opened the cargo bay door. He motioned to his men. “Stack the supplies in there, and let me know when you’re done.”

  One of the men grunted, “Yes, sir.”

  Adrik grabbed his bag from atop the stack of containers. “So, Ms. Casteliano, where are my quarters?”

  “Follow me.” She motioned to the rear of the ship and showed him to the small room nearest the engine compartment. “It’s not much, but I tried to fix it up for you. There are a communal bathroom and shower down the hall to the right. If you need it, there’s an extra shelf in there too for some of your personal things. I like to shower every night before I sleep, it just helps me rest better. So, you can shower before or after I do. I don’t much care. Just don’t be in there when I am.

  Also, I only eat twice a day. You’re welcome to synthesize yourself breakfast, but I only drink a couple of cups of coffee in the morning, and on the rare occasion, I eat a chocolate croissant. Lunch is whenever we get a chance to eat, and supper is always about 6 o’clock. There’s a menu in the galley next to the synthesizer. It’s not fancy, but it’s pretty good food. Mostly old family recipes.” Gwyn paused, “Have I forgotten anything?”

  “Sounds like you got the bases pretty well covered.” He tossed his bag onto the bed.

  Adrik’s com badge beeped. “Sir, we’re done storing the containers. Do you need anything else?”

  “No, head on out and report to Sergeant Ragents for your duty assignments while I’m gone.”

  The badge beeped again. “Understood.”

  Adrik gave the room another once over.

  Gwyn leaned into the doorjamb. “Well, I need to secure the cargo doors, and I guess we can take off. You have everything?”

  “Looks that way. Let me help you with those doors.”

  ***

  “I’m picking up chatter on the sub band space frequency.” Adrik pulled the headset from its port so the noise broadcast through the cockpit. “Sounds like Cardikes. Listen.”

  “Elio Raptoriu, systems are good. Sector sweeping now. Picking up nothing. All clear. Sensor sweep again in thirty minutes.”

  “Definitely, Cardikes. So far, our shields are holding up. I paid a lot for that refurbished neutralizer on the hull. Let’s hope it does the trick and keeps our ship hidden.” Gwyn stared at the monitor. A large starcruiser was located less than five hundred miles from their current position. “If that ship goes the other direction, we shouldn’t have any problems. Adrik, how long until we reach the Regalian Asteroid?”

  He monitored the computer and calculated the distance. “I believe we’ll be there in an hour or so.”

  “Good. I’m ready to get out of this open space. It makes me nervous. There’s barely a rock to hide behind out here.”

  Adrik started to replace the headset into the port.

  “Just leave it out. It’s as dull as space dust out here, at least with it out I can hear some chatter now and again.” Gwyn double checked Adrik’s calculations and reconfirmed the course to the Regalian Asteroid. “Have you given any thought about where to land on this thing?”

  Adrik scrolled through his tablet. “The intelligence we received said that there’s a crater on the dark side. You should be able to set it down there.” He studied his tablet. “Looks like there’s a small cave three hundred yards due west of it, and that’s where the deposit is.”

  Gwyn entered the course for the crater and set the Pleiades to intersect it.

  “Do you see this?” Adrik pointed at the monitor, as alarm bells shouted. “Looks like three more Cardike vessels have appeared from nowhere. Are our shields still holding?”

  Gwyn studied the scr
een and checked the shield readings. “Shields are at ninety percent and holding. The neutralizer…” A loud pop echoed through the cabin, above the sound of the alarms. “Caracho! The neutralizer just went out. We’re visible.”

  They watched the monitor as the four Cardike vessels changed course in their direction. “We’ve been spotted, Gwyn.”

  “Really?” Gwyn huffed. “How far are we from that asteroid?”

  “About five minutes out. Can you out run them?”

  “I can, but they’ll know where we are. Let’s just hope that energy reading will mask our signature once we land. I’m going to fly in fast. So, buckle up and hold on.”

  Adrik strapped into his seat, as the asteroid came into view. “Look at the size of that thing.” The asteroid shimmered an incandescent green and covered most of the view screen.

  “How far are the Cardikes from us?”

  Adrik checked the monitor. “They’re closing in, but we can make it.”

  “Looks like the crater’s behind that mountain over there. Hold on. This rock’s going to have its own gravity. As fast as we’re coming in, it’s going to be shaky.” Gwyn’s white knuckled hands forced the throttle down.

  Adrik braced himself against the seat, as the ship bounced and shimmied through the asteroid’s atmosphere. “How much can this ship take?”

  Gwyn smiled. “She’s got a lot more to give. Don’t worry. Come on, baby. You can do it.” The Pleiades shook and sputtered, leaving a trail of flame behind her as she burned through the atmosphere. “Look, Adrik. There’s the crater.” Gwyn hit the brake, jarring the ship backward as she flew inside the crater, and slowed considerably. She studied the navscreen. “There. The cave. Looks large enough for us to hide her in.” Gwyn flew the ship inside. She cut her speed again, and traveled the dark, but stopped as soon as she felt she was out of sight. She set the Pleiades down on the cave floor.

  Adrik watched the ships on the screen as the Cardike vessels neared the Regalian Asteroid. “They know we’re here, but looks like they can’t see us. You were right the energy signal is blocking our ship.” Adrik unbuckled his seat belt and stretched his long legs.