Formation: Age of Expansion - A Kurtherian Gambit Series (The Ghost Squadron Book 1)

by Sarah Noffke

  I was pleasantly surprised when he showed an interest, several months later. He proposed a set of stories that would feature multiple fan favorites, including both General Lance Reynolds and the ArchAngel. Michael wanted to explore another side of the Federation and bring back some familiar faces, which he felt deserved additional stories. He also wanted to create something with a ton of action sequences for fans who had been asking for it. I was totally on board, having just written my first Renegade Star book (another action-packed space opera).

  Sarah Noffke was also busy working on her Soul Stone series in the Oriceran universe, so when we asked her to participate, she was eager to flex her creative muscles and try something new. Together, we worked in conjunction with Michael and his team to put together a story that the fans could enjoy (or so we hope!).

  There are several new characters in this series that have never appeared in the Kurtherian stories before, including our leading man Eddie. His personality is based on the optimistic rogues of golden age scifi, like Captain Kirk—someone who always believed in future and believed what they were doing was right and just. As for Lars and Hatch, those two were surprises. We had never intended to include two alien teammates so early in the story. After reviewing the initial outline, Michael suggested a squid-like mechanic who could help the team, and I decided that was a fantastic idea. As for Lars, I simply wrote him in at random, finding a thread of thought and pulling on the string until it took me where I needed to go. It’s funny how stories come together sometimes.

  After all this time, I’m thrilled to see this book become a reality. The Kurtherian readers I’ve met have been some of the best. The warmth and willingness to help have been remarkable and encouraging.

  Being allowed to play in this sandbox has been a dream come true. Here’s hoping it’s only the beginning.

  Acknowledgements

  Sarah Noffke and J.N. Chaney

  Thank you to Michael Anderle for taking our calls and allowing us to play in this universe. It’s been a blast since the beginning.

  Thank you to Craig Martelle for cheering for us. We’ve learned so much working with you. This wild ride just keeps going and going.

  From Sarah: Thank you to my coauthor and friend, Jeff Chaney. You push me as a writer in ways I never dream about. I try to keep you grounded, but I honestly think you’re the one who keeps me from floating off the Earth.

  Thank you to Jen, Tim, Steve, Andrew and Jeff for all the work on the books, covers and championing so much of the publishing.

  Thank you to our beta team. We can’t believe how fast you all can turn around books. The JIT team sometimes scares me, but usually just with how impressively knowledgeable they are.

  Thank you to our amazing readers. We asked ourselves a question the other day and it had a strange answer. We asked if we would still write if trapped on a desert island and no one would ever read the books. The answer was yes, but the feeling connected to it was different. It wouldn’t be as much fun to write if there wasn’t awesome readers to share it with. Thank you.

  Thank you to our friends and family for all the support and love.

  Author Notes - Michael Anderle

  Written November 13, 2017

  First, let me say THANK YOU for not only reading all the way to the end of the story, but reading these author notes as well!

  For you romantics, I hope you caught the hints in the author notes.

  It’s 3:32 AM and I’m now back at home in Las Vegas after a conference on Sunday in Austin, Texas. We went to go eat at Chin-Chin in the NY NY Hotel and found out Chin-Chin closed at 12:00 at night.

  That was a complete bummer.

  I had some rather so-so pizza at the pizza place, and my wife and I listened to music coming out of the piano bar place. Afterwards, we might have stopped to play a couple of machines before heading back to the car to come back home.

  I get ready to take a shower (get rid of that smoke) and think to myself “is anything coming out tomorrow?”

  I check on SLACK and Steve lets me know this book is to be released in the morning and he needs my author notes.

  At the aforementioned 3:32AM in the morning.

  Screw my life.

  I could have written them earlier, but I had been working all day speaking with a small handful of people in Austin and didn’t check Slack, so didn’t know about the notes needing to be done in about one hour from now.

 

  Jeff (JN) mentioned starting this collaboration project together and I remember our first conversation working on the characters, and setting up how the members of the military must feel at this point in the Federation negotiations.

  It feels VERY nice to be releasing this book, so many months after those first conversations.

  ANOTHER BABY IS BORN!

  On my side, I’m just now writing the book that will be feeding into this series (Capture Death). A bit out of order – but I hope it will all make sense when I finish book 20 and 21 in the very near future.

  In six months, none of these missed books will mean anything as we seal up the holes in the timelines and answer the questions that you, the readers, have been asking.

  In a few hours, I will change the pricing on TKG 01 / 02 and Leira Chronicles 01 and 02 back to their regular pricing and our first weekend collector’s sale will be over. It has been a successful and appreciated effort and we (the authors) appreciate you supporting us as we work to bring you stories that will entertain you for years to come.

  I’m sorry these author notes are so short – but my head is dropping down to my chest and Stephen Campbell needs me to finish these up and get them to him.

  For those who are wondering, I have the beats for Capture Death completed, and the first 1,000 words written (and the last 1,000 for that matter) in the book.

  I’m super happy to have both Sarah Noffke and JN (Jeff) Chaney working with us in the Universe. They make a great collaboration team and it will be interesting to see what happens going forward when she replaces wands with laser pistols ;-)

  I’m sure Jeff will keep her on the straight and narrow road of sci-fi and if not him, then Craig ;-)

  Ad Aeternitatem,

  Michael

  Sneak Peek of Exploration

  (Book 2)

  Prologue

  General Lance Reynolds’ Office, Onyx Station, Paladin System.

  “Chief? You there?” asked General Reynolds.

  “I’m here. Comms out here aren’t secure, but I don’t have to tell you that,” said Chief Jack Renfro.

  “I’ll keep it brief,” said General Reynolds. He stubbed his stogie out, a slight smile on his face. He’d taken to Jack early on. There were very few you could trust when everyone was out to serve themselves or have the Federation serve them. However, Jack Renfro didn’t do something to get something. He’d passed up many promotions because they didn’t make sense for his real ambition. This was a man who wanted to serve in the right position, not the one that got him a better title and more money. At the core, he had always been a servant to the cause.

  “I’ve got a job for you,” said Lance.

  “When and where do I need to be?” asked Jack.

  “You haven’t even heard the details yet.” Lance laughed.

  “When did that ever matter between the two of us? If you need my help, then I’m there.”

  “I wouldn’t normally ask, but I have a squadron that needs some oversight. I was taking care of it, but I’ve been pulled away for more…pressing matters. I’m sure you know why and by whom,” said Lance.

  “I believe I do,” responded Jack.

  The cloud of smoke Lance blew out filled his office, making it appear gray. “Anyway, I wouldn’t trust anyone but you to handle this group. They have an incredibly important mission, and I’ve handpicked them myself. I’m sending over the details of the team right now, along with their previous mission assignments. You’ll find that they’ve been quite busy.”

  “The report i
s just coming through. Give me a sec,” said Jack, a shuffling sounding over the comms. “Holy shit, Lance. You can’t be serious?”

  Lance chuckled. “I’m completely serious. See, I thought you’d have fun with this.”

  “Those two working together?” he asked. “I’m impressed, boss.”

  A familiar pride filled Lance’s chest. “I’m glad you think so.”

  “And you’ve given them the ArchAngel?” asked Jack.

  “They have an important mission,” said Lance.

  “Damn, and you even brought back Hatcherick, I see. Damn impressive, sir. Haven’t seen a team like this since…well, you know. It’s been a long time.”

  “Just wait and see who else I have lined up for this crew,” said Lance.

  “Don’t leave me hanging, boss. Send over the report.”

  “Does that mean you’ll oversee them?” asked Lance.

  “I already told you I was committed, and that was before you gave me the details,” said Jack.

  “I knew I could count on you, Chief,” said Lance. “Sending you the rest of the report now. Good luck, Jack.”

  “Thank you, sir,” said Chief Jack Renfro. “It’s always an honor to serve.”

  Chapter One

  Harbor District. Trinidad City, Axiom 03, Axiom System.

  The warehouse was filled with dust and age, the scent of industry still lingering in the air. That was the case with many of the old buildings in this city, ever since the Alegro Corporation packed up its bags and left the system for better financial opportunities. Less money meant less security, which meant more opportunity for criminals.

  Captain Edward Teach stood quietly in the middle of the warehouse, waiting for the Trids to unload the merchandise.

  “Here you are,” said the Trid named Doka. He set a crate down in front of Eddie and stepped back.

  Eddie looked to his left at Lars Maldeen, a massive Kezzin in full body armor. “Check it.”

  Lars nodded, bending down to the crate and popping the lock. He opened it, revealing a set of rifles, and took one out to examine it. “Looks good.”

  “What about the grenades?” asked Eddie, glancing back at Doka.

  “All here, all here,” Doka assured him. He waved at his associates, who brought three smaller boxes.

  Lars checked those, too, and gave Eddie the clear.

  “Good,” said Eddie. “Mind if I ask where you got these?”

  “What do you care?” asked the Trid.

  “I just like to know where my guns come from.”

  “From me. That’s all you need to know.”

  “Is it?” asked Eddie. “Because you’re the middle man, last I checked.”

  Doka tapped the small device on his hip, a piece of tech that kept his body hydrated. Trids evolved on an ocean planet and required a very specific chemical to prevent them from drying out. If they went too long without it, they’d die. The device was essential for this reason, as it monitored their vitals and injected the chemical whenever it was needed. “You insult me,” Doka finally said. “That isn’t wise.”

  Eddie chuckled. “Maybe you’re right. Sorry, I was just messing around.”

  “Are you satisfied with these weapons?” asked Doka, who was ready to end this meeting and move on.

  “Just about,” said Eddie, looking around. “My associate should be here soon to help me square this.”

  “Your associate?” asked Doka. “You never mentioned—”

  “I know, I know. I thought she’d be here by now. I don’t know what’s taking her so long.”

  “Maybe she was held up,” suggested Lars.

  Eddie nodded. “Could be. I guess I could call.”

  Doka looked at both of them. “What are you talking about? Which one of you has the money?”

  Eddie ignored him. “You know, she always does this. I bet she and Hatch are at a bar right now. Probably forgot all about this job.”

  “I don’t think she’d do that,” said Lars. “But Hatch might.”

  “Hey!” barked Doka. “Are you even listening to me?”

  Eddie felt his stomach growl. “Speaking of bars, remind me after we’re done here to stop and get some grub. I’m fucking starving.”

  “Me too. I could use a good slab of meat,” said Lars, almost drooling at the thought.

  Zoka snarled, taking a step closer to Eddie. “If you don’t tell me right this second what exactly is going on, I’m going to kill both of you and strap your guts to the side of my fucking ship! Are you listening to—”

  The door in the back of the warehouse flung open, and an athletic-looking brunette walked in carrying what could only be described as a big fucking gun. She hoisted it up, cocking the rifle, which must have been half her size, with little effort. “Afternoon, boys. What did I miss?”

  Don’t Miss Book 2 in the Ghost Squadron Series!

  About Sarah Noffke

  Sarah Noffke, an Amazon Best Seller, writes YA and NA sci-fi fantasy, paranormal and urban fantasy. She is the author of the Lucidites, Reverians, Ren, Vagabond Circus, Olento Research and Soul Stone Mage series. Noffke holds a Masters of Management and teaches college business courses. Most of her students have no idea that she toils away her hours crafting fictional characters. Noffke's books are top rated and best-sellers on Kindle. Currently, she has eighteen novels published. Her books are available in paperback, audio and in Spanish, Portuguese and Italian. http://www.sarahnoffke.com

  Check out other work by this author here.

  The Soul Stone Mage Series:

  House of Enchanted #1:

  The Kingdom of Virgo has lived in peace for thousands of years…until now.

  The humans from Terran have always been real assholes to the witches of Virgo. Now a silent war is brewing, and the timing couldn’t be worse. Princess Azure will soon be crowned queen of the Kingdom of Virgo.

  In the Dark Forest a powerful potion-maker has been murdered.

  Charmsgood was the only wizard who could stop a deadly virus plaguing Virgo. He also knew about the devastation the people from Terran had done to the forest.

  Azure must protect her people. Mend the Dark Forest. Create alliances with savage beasts. No biggie, right?

  But on coronation day everything changes. Princess Azure isn’t who she thought she was and that’s a big freaking problem.

  Welcome to The Revelations of Oriceran. Check out the entire series here.

  The Lucidites Series:

  Awoken, #1:

  Around the world humans are hallucinating after sleepless nights.

  In a sterile, underground institute the forecasters keep reporting the same events.

  And in the backwoods of Texas, a sixteen-year-old girl is about to be caught up in a fierce, ethereal battle.

  Meet Roya Stark. She drowns every night in her dreams, spends her hours reading classic literature to avoid her family’s ridicule, and is prone to premonitions—which are becoming more frequent. And now her dreams are filled with strangers offering to reveal what she has always wanted to know: Who is she? That’s the question that haunts her, and she’s about to find out. But will Roya live to regret learning the truth?

  Stunned, #2

  Revived, #3

  The Reverians Series:

  Defects, #1:

  In the happy, clean community of Austin Valley, everything appears to be perfect. Seventeen-year-old Em Fuller, however, fears something is askew. Em is one of the new generation of Dream Travelers. For some reason, the gods have not seen fit to gift all of them with their expected special abilities. Em is a Defect—one of the unfortunate Dream Travelers not gifted with a psychic power. Desperate to do whatever it takes to earn her gift, she endures painful daily injections along with commands from her overbearing, loveless father. One of the few bright spots in her life is the return of a friend she had thought dead—but with his return comes the knowledge of a shocking, unforgivable truth. The society Em thought was protecting her has actually been betraying he
r, but she has no idea how to break away from its authority without hurting everyone she loves.

  Rebels, #2

  Warriors, #3

  Vagabond Circus Series:

  Suspended, #1:

  When a stranger joins the cast of Vagabond Circus—a circus that is run by Dream Travelers and features real magic—mysterious events start happening. The once orderly grounds of the circus become riddled with hidden threats. And the ringmaster realizes not only are his circus and its magic at risk, but also his very life.

  Vagabond Circus caters to the skeptics. Without skeptics, it would close its doors. This is because Vagabond Circus runs for two reasons and only two reasons: first and foremost to provide the lost and lonely Dream Travelers a place to be illustrious. And secondly, to show the nonbelievers that there’s still magic in the world. If they believe, then they care, and if they care, then they don’t destroy. They stop the small abuse that day-by-day breaks down humanity’s spirit. If Vagabond Circus makes one skeptic believe in magic, then they halt the cycle, just a little bit. They allow a little more love into this world. That’s Dr. Dave Raydon’s mission. And that’s why this ringmaster recruits. That’s why he directs. That’s why he puts on a show that makes people question their beliefs. He wants the world to believe in magic once again.

  Paralyzed, #2

  Released, #3

  Ren Series:

  Ren: The Man Behind the Monster, #1:

  Born with the power to control minds, hypnotize others, and read thoughts, Ren Lewis, is certain of one thing: God made a mistake. No one should be born with so much power. A monster awoke in him the same year he received his gifts. At ten years old. A prepubescent boy with the ability to control others might merely abuse his powers, but Ren allowed it to corrupt him. And since he can have and do anything he wants, Ren should be happy. However, his journey teaches him that harboring so much power doesn’t bring happiness, it steals it. Once this realization sets in, Ren makes up his mind to do the one thing that can bring his tortured soul some peace. He must kill the monster.