Ruins of the Galaxy Box Set: Books 1-6

by Chaney, J. N.

  “Yeah, that’s it.”

  But that wasn’t it. There was so much more. Feelings of anger, betrayal, and of deep regret that Magnus hadn’t buried a blaster round in Nos Kil’s head when he had the chance. Then there was the hate he had for Kane, the man—no, the creature who’d stooped to incinerating a room full of people just to incite a war that satisfied his bloodlust. Magnus’s conversations with Longo had opened his eyes to so much… all of which he hoped to share in this briefing.

  Just then, the war room’s doors opened and in walked the rest of the essential leadership team. Alpha Platoon’s leaders consisted of Dutch, Sootriman, Ezo, and Valerie, while Bravo Platoon’s were Abimbola and Berouth. Titus and Zoll represented Charlie Platoon, and Rohoar and Saladin represented Delta Platoon. Awen and Saasarr were last with Echo Platoon. They each took a seat around the enormous black stone table, while Magnus stood at the end. TO-96 and Azelon brought up the rear and came to stand on either side of Magnus.

  “Good to see you all,” Magnus said. “Let’s get started.”

  He waved a hand and the lights lowered. The walls changed from their bright white luster and depicted a view of the void filled with countless stars and swirling patches of purple and white mist. Then part of the holo behind Magnus displayed the beginnings of an itemized list of topics. Next to it appeared an image of Worru, along with topographical maps of the city, narrowing as they went until the last image showed a cross section of the Grand Arielina. Another window listed Granther Company’s current roster, as well as submenu tabs for resource management. The last item of note was a time keeping window that had several actions listed beneath its main clock function.

  “Today’s goal is to construct a battle plan for our assault on Worru. Given each of our various backgrounds and skill sets, I feel it’s important you each speak up as you have items worth noting. No single one of us will be able to see it all. And, as we all know, the entire plan will come under serious strain as we encounter the enemy. So the more we create this together, the more we’ll be able to make modifications on the fly that serve the goals and not one platoon’s own needs. Copy?”

  “La-raah,” everyone replied in an even tone.

  “Good. Let’s start with what we know, and then I want to cover the new intel I’ve gleaned from my sessions with the Talon pilot.”

  “He’s been co-operative?” Dutch asked.

  “Surprisingly so,” Magnus replied.

  Abimbola chuckled. “That is because you almost killed him with the Jujari’s living blood horish, isn’t it.”

  “That’s not how it works,” Rohoar replied, the hackles on his neck standing up. “And you know it.”

  “I’m just saying…”

  “Easy boys,” Magnus replied. He glanced at Awen. “I haven’t raised a finger against him. In fact, I haven’t needed to. It seems there’s unrest in the Navy, enough that Longo wants to be of use, at least for the time being. More on that in a while.”

  Magnus turned to highlight his first point on the list, entitled Objectives.

  “The way I see it, we have several objectives in front of us. The first is the rescue of Awen’s mentor and friend, Willowood. We not only believe she is being held hostage by So-Elku, but she is crucial in rallying any Luma not in league with So-Elku. Awen, any comments on this?”

  Awen looked around the table. “Yes. As many of you know, Willowood was my mentor during observances as well as my patron upon becoming an emissary. She is loyal to the true causes of peace in the galaxy and not whatever devious agendas Master So-Elku has devised. Additionally, her skills within the Unity are unparalleled… at least they were up until recently. As Magnus said, I believe she will be a valuable asset to the Gladio Umbra in the event of her rescue. Not to mention the fact that she is Valerie’s mother and Piper’s grandmother.”

  For those who had not been let in on this substantial point of fact, the news seemed electric. Murmurs broke out around the table as disbelief was met with ardent nods and emphatic agreement.

  “I can vouch for Awen’s testimony about my mother,” Valerie added. “She is, in fact, one of the most powerful Luma among the order. So her prowess will only be an added strength to our team.”

  “And yours?” Abimbola asked, clearly unhindered by the clear social and emotional lines he was crossing in asking the question.

  Valerie blushed, then swallowed. “Let’s just say that the true blood powers skipped a generation.”

  “But surely there must be—”

  “It’s not relevant to the conversation,” Magnus interjected, trying to spare the woman further inquiry. He imagined the stigma was something Valerie had tried to overcome for years—possibly even her whole life. It was, perhaps, much like the shadow of expectations he’d walked under with his grandfather. “The point is, we need to rescue her.”

  Awen nodded. “As Magnus has said, Willowood will be instrumental in gathering other Luma to our cause.”

  A hand went up. It was Berouth, Abimbola’s assistant. When Magnus nodded at him, he asked, “Is there any indication that the Luma will, in fact, join us?”

  “Awen?” Magnus said, looking at her.

  “I think there’s a high likelihood of alignment with our cause, yes. I am confident that many will at least consider the idea diligently. They may be reticent to leave the order given its long history, but I suspect that So-Elku’s behavior has already made many highly suspicious of the order’s current trajectory.”

  “May I also add,” TO-96 said, raising his hand, “that if longevity is a corollary of integrity, those Luma in search of new allegiance should find the Gladio Umbra of far more value given its millennium’s long history.”

  “Hadn’t thought about that,” Magnus said, stroking his beard. “But while it’s certainly a good point, we have to remember that no one knows about the Novian history, let alone the Gladio Umbra’s.”

  Heads nodded at this assertion, and even TO-96 seemed to reassess his statement with a slow dip of his head.

  “So we want to rescue Willowood and any other Luma held captive,” Abimbola said. “What else?”

  Awen raised her hand before Magnus could continue. “Go ahead,” he said.

  “Is there any value in letting the rest of the Luma not held captive by So-Elku know about us?”

  “I think it’s too risky,” Titus said, tapping the table with a finger. “Let’s say we could think of a way to recruit them even in the midst of the battle. How do we vet them? How do we parse between those who genuinely want to join us and who are plants?”

  “In a sense, you’re suggesting the fact that they were not taken prisoner is evidence enough of their compliance to So-Elku’s leadership,” Magnus said.

  Titus nodded. “I mean, that’s the way I see it anyway.”

  “Anyone else?” Magnus asked.

  “I agree with him,” Awen replied. “So-Elku wouldn’t have restrained anyone unless he saw them as an imminent threat. If they’re coming out with Willowood, they can be trusted. Everyone else is suspect until proven innocent. Plus, I imagine that Willowood will be able to tell us more about the situation… assuming she’s…”

  “She’s alive, Awen,” Magnus said, willing the woman to accept his ardent assertion for herself.

  “And who’s to say we couldn’t go back,” Sootriman said. “Or at least get word to them that the Gladio Umbra are recruiting.”

  “I like it.” Magnus looked at Awen. “Any estimates on how many prisoners we’re talking about or where they might be? It will directly affect how many shuttles we need to prep for exfil.”

  “I really can’t say in terms of numbers. But since Willowood was able to communicate with you, I suspect they’re holding her somewhere close to Elders Hall.”

  “If I may, sir, I think I have some helpful information on that point,” TO-96 said.

  “By all means.” Magnus gestured for TO-96 to address the table.

  A three-dimensional image of the Grand Arie
lina took over the main holo display. The bot didn’t turn to look at it as he spoke.

  “Here we have the main corridor leading to the temple dome known as Elders Hall.” The user view flew through a long hallway bordered on both sides by tall columns that Magnus instantly recognized. He’d defended his unit’s retreat down this corridor when he, Abimbola, and Rohoar had first met with So-Elku. A wide set of stairs led up to massive double doors that emerged into the circular room where the elders met. “Beneath this level, however, my records indicate there are several additional floors.”

  “The catacombs,” Awen said, seemingly more to herself than any else.

  “An apt name,” the bot replied. “My guess, if I am permitted such latitude in this manner, would be that So-Elku would keep the prisoners as close to himself as he could while maintaining secrecy. Thus, this seems a likely place.”

  “That’s where they are.” Awen looked tense.

  “How can you be sure?” Magnus asked.

  “I can’t. Not entirely. But I feel it. And unless So-Elku has done something to conceal their location, I will be able to confirm it once we get in orbit.”

  “Excellent,” Magnus said.

  “What is that next objective on your list?” Abimbola asked. “What does Novia Codex mean?”

  Magnus let Awen field this one, gesturing to her with a nod.

  “It is the Novia’s book of summary findings of the Unity dating to antiquity. So-Elku stole it during our first encounter on Ithnor Ithelia.”

  Abimbola frowned. “And retrieving it is important because…?”

  “Because, from what Azelon tells me, it contains previously unknown information about accessing realms of the Unity that allow the user unprecedented power to manipulate space, time, and matter. Additionally, the codex contains an abridged history of the Novia Minoosh up until their consummation with the singularity.”

  “I don’t understand why this is on our list if So-Elku has already had it in his possession,” Titus said. “Couldn’t he have read it all by now? Or at least copied it?”

  “May I respond to this?” Azelon asked, looking at Awen.

  “Of course.”

  “While the codex is indeed an ancient manuscript, fashioned in the old way of binding pages to form a book—as you might call them—the volume is no less mystical than the Unity itself.”

  Ezo bopped his head as if in rhythm to some unheard song. “So you’re saying it takes someone gifted in the unity to read it… to decipher it.”

  “In part, yes.” Azelon looked around the table as she spoke. “Though the codex is less about the information it contains and more about the path it takes the reader down. Think of it like a map, something that must be referenced continually if it is to be used efficiently.

  “As to copying the volume, that is quite impossible. The very premise of its inception renders it unique in every way, and any attempts to duplicate it would only result in producing a powerless tome devoid of the codex’s nature.”

  “And why’s that?” Ezo asked, his brow wrinkled in curiosity.

  “Because it took all of us to create it.”

  “All of you, as in the Novia Minoosh?”

  “Yes, Ezo. It was our last creation upon entering the singularity. You might say it was the guide back to our point of origin, and our last will and testament to all that we created in the natural realm. I have endeavored to provide Awen a similar history, but she has the benefit of direct access to the Novian singularity, whereas any reader of the codex might not be so fortunate.”

  “So on a scale of one to ten,” Dutch said, “how important is it that we get this codex back from So-Elku?”

  “Ten,” Azelon said. “That, or we destroy it.”

  “We’d be fools to think he hasn’t already begun to decipher it,” Awen said. “So-Elku is powerful, to be sure.”

  “But not powerful enough to have journeyed into the vast landscape of our inheritance,” Azelon added. “At least not yet. Doing so would take him a lifetime, if not more.”

  “Then what’s the rush?” Titus asked.

  “The rush?” replied Azelon.

  Awen steepled her fingers and rested her chin on them. “Why the need for urgency.”

  Azelon’s eyes warmed in recognition. “I see. Firstly, even a cursory indulgence of the codex’s contents yields more knowledge than any practitioner of the Unity in your native universe has ever come by. Based upon Awen’s explanation of this, Master So-Elku, it is safe to assume he has made such excursions already and most likely gleaned much. Since the nature of the codex is to invite its users deeper into our story, and our discoveries, it has no doubt created a lust within him to delve further into its contents.”

  “But I thought you said it would take a lifetime,” Titus added.

  “I did. But Awen tells me So-Elku is not working alone.”

  “Splick,” Ezo said. “So you’re telling Ezo that more Luma can work together to uncover the mysteries of the cosmos faster?”

  “Precisely.” Azelon tilted her head. “Though, on a separate line of inquiry, I am still uncertain why Ezo continues to speak about himself using his own proper noun.” She looked at Sootriman. “Is there something wrong with him? Has he been struck violently in the cerebrum?”

  “It does leave one to wonder, doesn’t it,” Sootriman replied, giving Ezo a sly grin.

  “Ezo’s brain is just fine, if that’s what you’re insinuating,” the man said, leaning back in his chair. His tone was a mix of confidence and self-defense.

  “I would like to scan you at some point in the future if you do not perish in the coming conflict,” Azelon said.

  Ezo’s eyebrows went up in surprise. “Ezo is not a lab rat. And of course he’s going to survive the coming conflict. Why would you even say that?”

  “Let’s get back to the mission,” Magnus said.

  Rohoar sniffed the air. “So we need to rescue Willowood, the prisoners, and the codex.”

  “Any ideas on where he might be keeping it?” Sootriman asked Awen.

  “Again, I can’t be sure, but my guess would be his private chambers. That’s where I’d put it at least.”

  “And can you tell us more upon entering orbit?” Magnus asked her.

  Awen bobbed her head. “I sure hope so, yes.”

  “That will have to do.” Magnus highlighted the last objective by pointing at it. “And then we come to something that is personal to me. It’s not something I feel is worth risking our time with unless the team is in unanimous agreement.”

  “Who’s Colonel Caldwell?” Abimbola asked.

  “Guy’s a legend,” Dutch replied. “He’s seen more action than any Marine alive. He’s also the one who first assigned us to Magnus here.”

  “So…” Abimbola looked at Magnus. “You saying he’s on Worru then.”

  Magnus pursed his lips and nodded. “I am. He opted to stay active and not retire by taking a station there about a year ago.”

  “What’s this have to do with the mission?” Titus asked.

  There was a moment’s silence as all eyes turned back to Magnus. “I want to try and recruit him.”

  Another silence filled the war room before Dutch laughed. “You serious, LT? You… you wanna try and get the Colonel to join Granther Company?”

  Magnus couldn’t tell if the room was more unsettled by his initial statement or by Dutch’s response. But he nodded at her all the same. “I do. For several reasons.”

  “We’re listening,” Valerie said, leaning in on her elbows. Unlike Dutch, Valerie didn’t seem surprised in the least. Her apparent faith in Magnus gave him a sense of renewed purpose, which he was grateful for; her background as a Marine, doctor, and former senator’s wife, as well as the daughter of a Luma Elder, had a way of swaying people in her direction. Not to mention she was Piper’s mother. Magnus guessed everyone else took her interest as a sign of the idea’s legitimacy—so long as I can convince them, he thought.

  “First
, the colonel commands all the Republic forces currently stationed on Worru. If they’re called in to defend the Luma, which I’m guessing So-Elku will be sure to do, then he’ll be the one to make the call.”

  “Garner his support and the Republic stays out of the fight,” Dutch said more somberly, probably trying to earn her way back from her out-of-character outburst.

  Magnus nodded. “At least for a little while. Resisting So-Elku’s call for help, however, will get him court-martialed. So it’s a risk he’s going to have to weigh. I’d simply be giving him an alternative to being arrested.”

  “Seems like a gamble if you ask me,” Abimbola said, flipping a poker chip and catching it. “You really think he’s going to risk his career for some buckethead who is wanted by the Republic?”

  Magnus took a deep breath, feeling his heavy shoulders rise and fall. “I do. That is, if we have the time to tell him what we’ve uncovered. And that I have the man who killed his son.”

  “What?” Dutch asked, leaning forward. “Who killed the colonel’s son?”

  “Nos Kil,” Awen replied, her eyes staring past the table.

  “The one and only.” Magnus took another deep breath. “The story is not worth telling now. But the colonel will want to see our prisoner. And he’ll want to know more about Moldark.”

  Magnus felt everyone’s attention intensify.

  “I’m sorry,” Valerie said, looking around the table as if she’d been left out of some important information meeting. “Who did you say?”

  “So this gets us to the other part—”

  “Of what you’ve learned from Commander Longo,” Awen said, knowing full well that Magnus had been speaking with the prisoner but had not shared any of his findings. Until now.

  “Correct.” Magnus dipped his head toward TO-96. A new image appeared on the main holo display, one of a baldheaded man with black eyes. His skin was pock-marked, and his lips were curled in a subtle but no less malevolent sneer.

  “Mystics…” Sootriman said. “That is the man who killed my people and took me prisoner.”

  Before she could say anything more, Saasarr was on his feet and hissing toward the front of the room. “Foul wretch,” he yelled, and sprung onto the table. Those seated slid back as the Reptalon advanced on all fours, teeth and talons glimmering in the projected starlight. “I will end him! I will rip his throat from—”