As We Rise: Rogue (As We Rise Saga Book 1)

by Donnielle Tyner

  The Kismet set down without a vibration, and if they hadn’t been in desperate trouble, Jo would have commended her pilot on an exceptional landing. Instead, she turned to Sky, whose face was crumpled in melancholy while her eyes shone wistfully at the holoscreen.

  Jo realized that Sky was looking at her home planet for the first time in many cycles. She didn’t know when Sky left her planet, but it must have been at least three cycles since she first boarded the Kismet.

  “Don’t exit your ship,” a heavily accented voice instructed through the comm.

  “I’m getting tired of other people telling me what to do,” Jo grumbled as she stood and joined Sky at her console. Her holoscreen display was split between the striker and the cargo hatch. A group of ten soldiers exited the vessel, their weapons drawn. “Was that the GC or your people?”

  “My people.”

  “What do you think they are planning?” Jo wondered out loud. Sky pointed to the forest edge as a group of men and women seemed to melt away from the shadows. Jo shuddered at the familiar movement. If she hadn’t guessed that Sky was born on Kore, she would know by the similarities in which they moved.

  The group approached the Kismet, arriving at the same time as the GC soldiers. Jo watched the exchange, cursing the fact that the assembly would be too far away to listen through the comm outside the hatch.

  “Look.” Raiden pointed to the striker, where another smaller band of the Erskin clan slipped through the open hatch. Light flashed somewhere from inside the ship. Chaos erupted on the ground. The soldiers fired on the clan while simultaneously trying to find cover. None of the shots hit their marks; instead they bounced off an invisible barrier surrounding each clan warrior. Jo raised an eyebrow at the unusual tech. The rumors of the savage moon clans possessing unheard of technology were true. Jo risked a quick glance at Sky, who was watching the chaos on the surface with pursed lips, and tried to remember if Sky used any invisible shields since coming aboard the Kismet. She shook her head, nothing coming to mind.

  Jo reluctantly turned back to the screen, accepting that Sky would share her clan secrets when she was ready. Soldiers fell while the rest disappeared from screen. The clan followed close behind. Sky cycled through the external cameras before locating the battle.

  A lone soldier stood pressed against the hull of the Kismet. He held his hands above his head in surrender. An older man stepped out of the crowd and approached him. Jo couldn’t get a decent look at his face, but something about him seemed familiar. Sky tensed next to her and Jo wondered if she knew the man.

  His lips moved for a moment before slipping into a menacing sneer. Then he lifted his weapon and fired.

  Rana squeaked behind Jo in shock. “That man was unarmed,” she whimpered.

  “It doesn’t matter. They are the enemy,” Sky robotically recited like it was something she heard a million times before turning her sad, understanding gaze upon Rana. “You will have to be stronger than that while living amongst the clans.”

  Rana jerkily nodded before schooling her features.

  “You may exit your vessel,” the voice announced.

  Jo turned to Sky. “Let’s go meet the family.”

  Twenty-Eight

  The hatch creaked open with nerve-racking slowness. Jo wanted nothing more than to get this meeting over with. As it was, they would have to proceed directly to the local GCM base for inspection and report the attack on GC men. Luckily, Sky had the foresight to record the attack. With the vids and recordings of their willingness to comply with the striker, Jo should be able to use the evidence to clear the Kismet of any involvement of the attack.

  Without Rana on board, they should be cleared by the military corporation and hopefully would be able to begin their contract with the CCI. Jo itched to get back to mundane work. Hauling cargo for the insurgence wouldn’t be less dangerous than hiding and transporting the galaxy’s most wanted woman, but at least the danger would comparable to before they accepted Advisor Eltanin’s contract.

  Jo marched down the ramp, surrounded by her crew, with Sky and Raiden taking positions next to her. It was intimidating approaching a group of armed strangers. Jo studied their expressions as she approached; they ranged from curious to distrustful. All the former were directed at Sky. Jo acquired a scowl from every clan member. What did she do to deserve their ire?

  As they drew closer, the faces of the clan members revealed many of advanced age. The Elitians’ lack of presence on the twin moons was evident. Jo smiled at the thought of the corporations trying to sneak one of these elderly warriors off in the middle of the night. She imagined it would be their deaths.

  The man who shot the soldier stepped out of his group as they drew near. His impassive gaze swept over Jo’s crew, pausing for a moment on Rana before landing on Sky. An unidentified emotion flashed behind his eyes, but it was gone before Jo could figure out what it meant.

  Sky stepped forward and bent at the waist with both arms crossed. “Greetings, Titus.” Jo and the rest of the crew mimicked Sky’s bow.

  “Greetings, Sky.” He didn’t return the bow, but instead tipped his head forward in a respectful nod before turning to address Raiden. “We are not in the habit of inviting outsiders to our world, so there will not be a welcoming feast for your crew.”

  “We are honored, but the crew is not mine,” Raiden replied with a smile. He slipped his hand into Jo’s and intertwined their fingers. “This is my captain.”

  Titus studied Jo. His gaze lingered on her cybernetic leg, but he showed no insight to his thoughts. “My apologies, Captain. We understand that women are not allowed leadership roles under the Galactic Consulate.”

  “That law is relegated to the core planets. The rigorousness with which the law is kept varies in the edge worlds,” Jo replied. She glanced at Sky, worried about saying something offensive, but Sky nodded encouragingly. “I happen to be space born and fall outside of the law.”

  A conspiratorial smile curled Titus’ lips. “Yes. We also fall outside of their law.”

  “It’s a good place to be.” Jo returned his smile.

  “I see why my daughter speaks so highly of you.” Jo glanced at Sky in shock. She was the elder’s daughter. That was surprising and yet, she could see the similarity. One day Jo would demand the complete story from her security chief. “When you return for her, perhaps I can convince the rest of the elders to let your people visit. Our people should intermingle with other noble warriors.”

  “You would honor us.”

  A man leaned forward and whispered in the chief’s ear. He nodded and turned to Jo with a smirk. “Jas has requested that you join him at the first meal of your return. It would be a great honor for you to accept.”

  Jo’s eyes widened at the request. She had no clue what a first meal was or what it would mean to join someone during one. She turned to Sky and pleaded with her eyes for her to speak for Jo like they discussed on the ship, but Sky shook her head in defeat. Was there nothing Sky could do for her? Why didn’t she speak up? Was there some custom preventing her from coming to Jo’s aid?

  She squeezed Raiden’s hand and opened her mouth to answer when Raiden spoke instead. “She would be honored to join your warrior for her first meal, but she belongs to me and will be sitting at my side at every meal.”

  Jo tightened her grip on Raiden, letting him know exactly how much that statement pissed her off. She didn’t belong to him—or anyone, for that matter—and she was about to tell him as much, when she caught Sky’s smile. It caught Jo off guard and she deflated. Whatever he said must have been the right thing. The rest of the chief’s people were nodding as if that information was a revelation.

  “I’m sure many of my men will be disappointed,” Titus stated. With a respectful dip of his head he turned to Rana. “Be welcome, friend of Sky and honored guest of the Erskin clan. May your time here be enlightening.”

  Rana smiled at the chief. “I am honored to live among your people.”

  With
the formalities over, a large section of warriors left the clearing while the remaining stood guard around their elder. None offered to help Sky and Rana remove their personal effects, but, then again, the women didn’t need their assistance, for the rest of crew stalked back to the ship and began unloading the women’s meager belongings. Sky wasn’t one to acquire possessions, and Rana wasn’t aboard long enough to gather more than a single case of clothing.

  Jo stood next to the ramp as the crew said their goodbyes and left to return to the ship until only Raiden and Jo remained. Sky approached the captain with a wide, mischievous grin that was eerily like her father’s.

  “Congratulations are in order,” Sky announced as she gripped Jo’s arm and pulled her in for a backbreaking hug.

  “What? Why?” Jo stuttered, unaccustomed to affectionate displays from the stoic woman. Rana looked just as confused as Raiden released a throaty laugh.

  “Someone explain. Now,” Jo seethed.

  “By Raiden proclaiming that you belonged to him and you not denying his claim, you announced to my people that you have made formal a union.”

  “What?” Jo screeched as she turned to Raiden. “This isn’t official. You can’t trick me into a union with you.”

  “I know,” Raiden chuckled. “But they don’t know that, and when we return, you won’t have to worry about navigating the convoluted courting rituals of the clans.”

  “How did you know what to say?” Sky asked.

  “I was assigned to a research vessel appointed to the twin moons shortly after the GC annexed them and happened to acquire knowledge of a few customs. I heard a few unusual stories before transferring.” Raiden shot Sky a pointed look.

  Sky nodded at his explanation, her face empty of emotion, before stepping back to allow Rana room to move forward.

  “Captain, thank you…for everything.”

  “Don’t make me regret it,” Jo answered. She hoped, like the insurgence, Rana would be the lynchpin in remaking the galaxy. Rana smiled and nodded at Raiden before backing away.

  Jo watched Sky and Rana melt into the forest before walking back up the ramp. She swiped her UAB over the lock panel. The hatch groaned closed and the engines rumbled underneath her feet as the ship rose from the planet.

  Warm arms enveloped her waist, and Jo leaned into Raiden. She felt the twist of insecurity as she thought about their future.

  “Did you mean it? What you said down there.”

  Raiden turned her in his arms so she faced him. He smiled lovingly at her and Jo grinned in return.

  “I’ve always belonged to you.”

  Epilogue

  Sky stood at the edge of the clearing and watched the Kismet rise out of the atmosphere until all that was left was a trail of exhaust blurring with the wind. Serving under Captain Apollo and living among the crew of the Kismet had been the first time she truly understood what it meant to feel at home. Unlike this moon on which she was born or with these people who were supposed to be her clan.

  Her protectors.

  Her family.

  The ones who left her to a fate worse than death and then shunned her when she needed them most. Those faces who looked upon her with loathing, distrust, and fear. Sky understood their trepidation. She was the first Erskin to be marked with a celestial brand. The brand of retribution and balance. If they knew the horrors she had faced, they might understand Sky’s acceptance of her sacred mission.

  When she left Kore at sixteen, Sky never imagined a scenario where she would willingly return to this life. But the scales of justice intertwined with the very fabric of her soul would not allow Sky to leave someone such as Rana in the clutches of the Consulate. Not even the absolute terror ripping at her insides would surpass the need for balance and justice. The moment Sky laid eyes on the sleeping woman, she had known Rana was someone of great significance to the fate of the system. These meaningful impressions were not something she could explain to herself or the new captain.

  She just knew.

  Rana was critical to bringing stability to the galaxy, and it was Sky’s mission to guide her. Of this Sky was certain. The brand on her shoulder pulsed with soothing warmth as if it agreed with her thoughts. Sky lifted her cowl and smiled at comforting embrace of her patron goddess, Luz.

  “Sky,” Rana’s soft voice accompanied the gentle touch of her hand on Sky’s shoulder. “Your clan is waiting.”

  The warmth from Rana’s touch radiated through her skin, and Sky sighed at the peace she felt with her decision. Come what may, Sky would guard Rana until it was time for her to walk her own path, and then Sky would return to her post among the crew of the Kismet.

  This was her mantra as she turned to face Rana. Unlike the captain, Rana’s and Sky’s strength lay in their silence and at this moment, Rana appeared to be indomitable force. She hid her panic well, clasping her shaking hands beneath the folds of her dress. If Sky were not attuned to Rana, she wouldn’t have noticed the nervous habit.

  “Let them wait. The first thing you should learn about my people is that they admire strength of character above all else.” Sky glanced over her shoulder at the Kismet’s fading wake. “My heart does not belong to this moon. It soars among the stars.”

  When Sky turned back to Rana, her father was standing behind the woman. All pretense of welcome was gone when he looked at his prodigal daughter. Sky didn’t allow the crushing disappointment to show but ignored his glowering presence and stepped next to her friend. Rana tilted her head and considered the chief, her brow crinkled in worried confusion.

  “I apologize that we kept you waiting.” Rana’s voice projected strength that make Sky want to puff her chest out in pride. Elder Titus was an intimidating force of nature, and many strong men had trembled under his scowl.

  Titus smiled at Rana. “You have nothing to apologize for. While you are a guest, you will not be subjected to the scrutiny of clan law. Your champion, however…” He narrowed his gaze at Sky.

  “We are ready to follow,” Sky announced. There were matters she needed to discuss with Rana before she discovered why the clan allowed her sanctuary.

  Sky’s father turned without acknowledging her. He led the remaining clansmen through the thick foliage. Sky and Rana followed a few meters behind. Familiarity wrapped around Sky, bringing with it a sense of comfort and a healthy dose of apprehension. Beyond the veil of virescent flora, she felt the faint touch of evil. Her mark itched with warning.

  Something was stirring in the forest, and it wanted Sky back.

  Need to know Sky’s story? Click the link below and sign up for my mailing list to receive exclusive information regarding the rest of the As We Rise saga.

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  Also by Donnielle Tyner

  The As We Rise Saga

  Rogue

  Savage

  Heretic - Coming early 2018

  The Caelian Cycle

  Lost

  Bound

  Redeem: A Caelian Cycle Novella

  Shift

  Acknowledgments

  There are so many people involved in creating a book. While my inspiration typically comes from within or from an external source–news, Facebook, random conversations–I have many people to thank for being contributing muses.

  The husband – for the military advice

  The children – I took your names, jacked up the spelling, and threw them back into the story.

  The brother – you know what you did

  Beta Readers – I am nothing without you. Thanks Brittney Miller and Daphne Muniz.

  Then I have Najla Qamber who created Rogue’s beautiful cover and Jessica Nelson, my goddess of an editor - without these lovely ladi
es… well, this book would not be pretty.

  Finally, but not least in any way, I want to thank Johanna Diaz–Jo. She was an amazing friend, the absolute best person, and especially helpful when I needed someone to bounce ideas off of. It was her excitement about the As We Rise world (when it was hardly an idea) that had me completely change course after she passed away. I had spent months creating another world–one that I will visit later–when I just couldn’t shake the feeling that I needed to write As We Rise and create a freighter captain that would make my Jo proud.

  I think I accomplished that. One day I hope to ask her.

  About the Author

  Hello! I’m Donnielle Tyner, writer of Science Fiction for young and new adults, reader of just about anything that catches my interests – mainly books with science fiction, paranormal/ fantasy, and romantic themes, and lover of science, tabletop games, anime, comic books, and crude humor.

  I grew up in north Texas on a cattle ranch and although I have travelled extensively, I cannot seem to find myself living more than an hour away from where I was raised. Growing up, I was always the weird girl in school and luckily, I never lost my ability to always be the strangest one in the room. You will always find me making inappropriate jokes and gigglesnorting at every double entendre.

  The Caelian Cycle is my debut series and if you enjoy spunky YA heroines, check out Sadie and her friends in Lost for free or pick up the Boxed Set at a discounted price.

  Look for the third installment of the As We Rise saga early 2018.

  For more information

  www.donnielletyner.com