Lost in Barbarian Space

by Anna Hackett

  Lost in Barbarian Space

  Anna Hackett

  Lost in Barbarian Space

  Published by Anna Hackett

  Copyright 2016 by Anna Hackett

  Cover by Crocro Designs

  Edits by Tanya Saari

  ISBN: 978-0-9945572-2-3

  This book is a work of fiction. All names, characters, places and incidents are only for dpg either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, events or places is coincidental. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form.

  Table of Contents

  ~ Official Document ~

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Preview – Hell Squad: Marcus

  Also by Anna Hackett

  About the Author

  What readers are saying about Anna’s Science Fiction Romance

  At Star’s End – One of Library Journal's Best E-Original Romances for 2014

  Return to Dark Earth – One of Library Journal's Best E-Original Books for 2015 and two-time SFR Galaxy Awards winner

  The Phoenix Adventures – SFR Galaxy Award Winner for Most Fun New Series and “Why Isn’t This a Movie?” Series

  Beneath a Trojan Moon – SFR Galaxy Award Winner and RWAus Ella Award Winner

  Hell Squad – Amazon Bestselling Science Fiction Romance Series and SFR Galaxy Award for best Post-Apocalypse for Readers who don’t like Post-Apocalypse

  The Anomaly Series – #1 Amazon Action Adventure Romance Bestseller

  "Like Indiana Jones meets Star Wars. A treasure hunt with a steamy romance." – SFF Dragon, review of Among Galactic Ruins

  "Strap in, enjoy the heat of romance and the daring of this group of space travellers!" – Di, Top 500 Amazon Reviewer, review of At Star’s End

  “High action and adventure surrounding an impossible treasure hunt kept me reading until late in the night.” – Jen, That’s What I’m Talking About, review of Beyond Galaxy’s Edge

  “Action, danger, aliens, romance – yup, it’s another great book from Anna Hackett!” – Book Gannet Reviews, review of Hell Squad: Marcus

  Sign up for my VIP mailing list and get your free box set containing three action-packed romances.

  Click here to get started: www.annahackettbooks.com

  ~ Official Document ~

  Galactic Institute of Historical Preservation

  Private Memo from Director Niklas Phoenix to Head of Security Nera Darc

  Subject: Sensitive information re: Markarian Expedition

  Nera,

  I’ve finished reviewing the old Earth archives you…acquired for me. I’ve discovered something fantastic but incredibly sensitive to our expedition to Markaria. It directly relates to the starship, Excalibur, that crash-landed on Markaria and founded their culture.

  I won’t divulge the information in this memo. Please find me when you finish training with your security team and we can discuss the matter in private. We cannot afford for this information to get out before we reach the planet.

  The Magellan is ready to depart and I suggest we start our expedition as soon as possible. My astro-archeologists are ready and I’m certain your team shakes in their boots whenever you speak to them, so I’m sure they won’t complain if we move the launch date up a few days.

  Sincerely,

  Niklas

  P.S. I may have neglected to mention that we have a student assistant joining the expedition. I’ll tell you more about that later, too.

  P.P.S. When I say we’ll discuss this in private…I mean in our cabin, alone, no one else there, just the two of us. Don’t take too long.

  Chapter One

  Her kick slammed hard into the spar-droid’s face with a satisfying thunk.

  Honor Brandall pulled back, bouncing on the balls of her feet, before attacking again. Her roundhouse kick sent the floating droid rocking wildly away.

  She rubbed an arm across her sweaty face. She’d been training in the ship’s gym for the last two hours. She had a few new moves she’d picked up from reviewing some historical military documents from Darrus III, and she’d wanted to test them out.

  Conclusion: difficult, but effective. She bounced on her toes again. If she adjusted a few things, like her posture and positioning, she might have more luck with them.

  The gym doors whispered open, and a fellow member of the security team entered.

  “Hey, Derek,” she called out.

  “Agent Brandall.” The young man headed for the free weights.

  “Want to spar?” she asked. “Best of three rounds?”

  He quickly shook his head, his straight, dark hair flipping back and forth. “I like my body parts where they are, thanks.” With a smile, he held his hands up as though to ward her off, and then turned to the weights.

  Honor raised a brow and shrugged. Most of the security staff groaned in protest when she was in charge of their training sessions. At just shy of six foot, and with the strength and combat training to go with it, she was used to people—men and women—shying away from her.

  She slammed a fist into the middle of the spar-droid.

  She refused to apologize for her strength or her dedication to her job.

  The gym door opened again, and this time, the person who entered made Honor snap to attention.

  “Relax, Brandall,” the tall, lean woman said.

  Nera Darc was Honor’s new boss. Honor had transferred to the Galactic Institute of Historical Preservation ship, the Magellan, just over a month ago. They were still settling into each other’s work styles.

  Honor took in Nera’s black uniform. The standard Institute uniform was black and gray, but she’d never seen Nera in it. The woman had short hair the color of platinum, multi-colored eyes, and a face that could have put all the latest supermodels in the central systems out of business.

  Honor was a military brat. Raised by a military father, she also had two brothers in the Galactic Security Services. Honor might work security for the Institute’s expedition ships, but she’d still had military professionalism instilled into her from a young girl. She liked rules and order.

  Nera Darc, on the other hand—former treasure hunter and all-round badass—tended to disregard rules when it suited her. Most people were still reeling from the fact the woman had joined the Institute about eight months back—and some were still seriously hoping she would change her mind and leave.

  But Honor suspected that would never happen. Not unless the new Director of Acquisitions—Dr. Niklas Phoenix—left. He was Nera’s lover…hell, that word didn’t even begin to describe what was between the couple.

  Nik and Nera rarely indulged in public displays of affection, but Honor had seen the connection between them. It almost felt like something you could touch. She had no doubt that Nera would give her life to protect Niklas. And Nik might be an astro-archeologist, but he’d also been a treasure hunter with his infamous brothers. He could hold his own and, if needed, fight for the woman he’d made clear was his.

  Honor fought the restless urge to shift her feet. She’d never seen a man love a smart, dangerous woman like that before.

  For all of Nera’s lack of military bearing, she was a hell of a fighter and a good leader. Honor had learned tons from her already.

  �
�We’ve arrived, Brandall.”

  Nera’s voice broke Honor’s musings. She turned to look at the large, round window at the back of the gym.

  And saw the perfect, blue-gray orb of a planet hanging in the blackness of space.

  “It looks pretty from here,” Nera murmured. “The barbarian world of Markaria.”

  Honor had done her research. Markaria was a rocky world, with small amounts of water. It had snow to the north, bands of dangerous, mountainous areas, and some gentler meadow areas with small lakes and some low vegetation. It was apparently populated by hordes of dangerous beasts.

  It was also home to a part-human race of barbarian warriors.

  “So, when do we get started on our mission?” Honor asked. They were here to look at the ancient crash site of an old Earth ship that had crashed here thousands of years ago…and forever changed the planet and her people. In her head, Honor was already organizing the supplies and the security team for protecting the archeologists as they worked.

  “Soon,” Nera said. “Brandall, I need you to stay on your toes. There’s added information that hasn’t been shared about this mission.” Her gaze flicked to Derek Wu on the other side of the gym and she lowered her voice. “It’s been classified until we reach the planet.”

  Honor felt her interest sharpen. “What?”

  Nera shook her head. “I can’t share yet—” she held up a hand when she saw Honor’s face tighten “—I’m sorry, it isn’t my call. Niklas wants the Markarians to be the first to hear it.”

  “You have to give me something,” Honor protested. “I’m your second, and this really hampers my work. How does it affect the mission? Does it make it more dangerous—?”

  “Yes.”

  When Nera didn’t add any more, Honor released a breath. “That’s it?”

  “For now. You’ll get all the details on the ground when we meet with the Markarians. All I can tell you is that Niklas got his hands on some ancient records about the ship that crashed here. There’s more to the story.”

  Honor raised her brows. She felt a slight electric buzz through her body. It was the feeling she got when a tightly planned mission was about to spiral out of control. “So, what now?”

  “We’ll take a shuttle down to the surface shortly to meet Niklas’ cousin, Aurina, and her bondmate.”

  Right. Nik’s cousin Aurina, a former deep-space scout, had discovered Markaria when she’d crash-landed here. She’d since mated with a barbarian warlord and made her home here. Honor couldn’t imagine giving up technology for a man—no matter how good he was in bed. Honor loved hot showers, laser weapons, and twenty-four-hour VelocityBall channels.

  “Unfortunately, we won’t get to work straight away.” Nera’s face didn’t change, but Honor got the impression the woman wanted to grimace. “We’re to be welcomed with a sword-fighting display and feast in our honor.”

  Sword-fighting? Honor hid her smile. That didn’t sound too bad. Maybe she’d find a few moves she could incorporate into her training. “It at least gives us a chance to scope out our hosts before we head out on the mission.”

  Nera nodded. “Assess their strengths and weaknesses.”

  “Ah…they aren’t our enemies, right?”

  One of Nera’s brows rose. “Everything can change in an instant. Be prepared. Always.”

  Right. She’d forgotten that Nera Darc trusted no one…except Niklas Phoenix.

  “Oh, Nera, there was one other security issue I wanted to discuss with you,” Honor added.

  “Yes?”

  “The explosives sensors keep going off in Lala’s cabin. I’ve searched the girl’s room numerous times, and I can’t find where she’s hiding the damn stuff.”

  Nera’s lips turned up for the briefest second. The closest she got to a smile. “Our student assistant won’t blow the ship up, Brandall. She’s an expert with the stuff.”

  “It’s against protocol to allow a student to bring uncatalogued explosives aboard.” Honor didn’t care if Nik’s ward was an explosives expert. She was a teenage girl, and Honor didn’t think teenagers and explosives were a good combination in any situation.

  “I’m sure,” Nera said, that smile threatening again. “I’ll talk with her. Now, back to our trip to Markaria. Ensure you gather as much data on the planet as you can. We know it’s home to some unpleasant beasts. I want to know the best ways to take them down if we come across any.”

  Honor snagged a towel from a nearby shelf and blotted her face. “Surely you faced worse on old Earth?” Nik and Nera’s expedition to the war-ruined planet that gave life to most of the systems and planets throughout the galaxy was legendary. As were the wild, mutated beasts they’d discovered there.

  Nera shot her a bland look. “Let’s hope so. Now, while we’re on Markaria, we’ll be assigned a warrior guide.”

  Honor groaned. “I get the impression, from what I’ve read about Markarians, that they like to be in charge.” Not to mention appeared to be more brawn than brains. They carried giant swords, for star’s sake.

  “Brandall, all men think they want to be in charge.”

  Nera wasn’t wrong. But Honor had seen Nera with Nik. He respected her—her skills, her opinions, her intelligence. If he had trouble letting Nera take the lead in a fight or a security situation, Honor didn’t see it.

  “All right,” Nera said. “Let’s go meet some barbarians.”

  Honor glanced at the planet again out the window. Weeks with primitive, testosterone-ruled men on an undeveloped, wild planet.

  Wonderful.

  ***

  He sensed his prey was close.

  Colm Mal Kor crept through the trees, keeping his foot treads silent. The Forest of Brandar, a favorite hunting ground for warriors, rose above him.

  The trees had thick trunks, and between them dangled curling vines the size of Colm’s wrists. On the rocky ground, smaller bushes snagged at his fur-lined boots.

  Recently, a wulver beast had been reported here. It had slaughtered deer, other forest animals, and attacked a man passing through.

  The sound of a twig snapping broke the silence, and Colm stilled. He let his nanami—the tiny organisms that lived within him—free. His senses expanded, information flooding him. He could hear the tiny insects of the forest buzzing, he could feel the warmth of the sun filtering through the trees, and he could smell the rank scent of rotting meat.

  The stench of the wulver.

  Colm reached over his shoulder. His sword made the slightest noise as he pulled it free of its leather scabbard. The blade was a true warrior’s weapon—long, heavy, with engravings at the hilt. A sword made for a man to use to kill, hunt and protect.

  Another sound reached his ears. Heavy breathing. A snort.

  The wulver beast charged out of the undergrowth.

  It was huge, its back as tall as Colm’s six foot, five inches. It was covered in dark-gray fur, and its elongated jaws were filled with huge fangs and covered in blood.

  It reared back on its hind legs, rising above him like a nightmare, and roared.

  Colm stayed calm, tightening his grip on his sword. His dual hearts beat a steady rhythm in his chest. He stared at the burning yellow eyes of the enraged beast.

  “Today is a good day to die, my wild friend,” Colm said calmly.

  It roared again, like it was defying Colm’s words.

  Colm raised his sword, his gut hardening. “When we lose the fight with the wild inside, it is time to leave this world…with honor.” He wasn’t sure if he was talking to himself or the beast.

  The wulver charged at him, and Colm leaped forward with a cry.

  He dodged under the beast’s claws, using the increased speed his nanami granted him. He reached up and sank his blade into the underbelly of the wulver, working through the thick, gray fur.

  Its roar this time was deafening, echoing through the forest. Colm yanked his sword out, twisting away, and ducked another swinging claw.

  Colm thrust the sword i
nto the creature’s side. It caught the edge of the thicker fur, and he had to put more strength behind the blade.

  The animal didn’t give up. Wulver beasts were known to become more enraged when they were injured.

  Another thrust to the beast’s belly, and the creature fell backward. It was still struggling to rise, to fight, its yellow eyes fixed on Colm.

  Colm wiped the blood off his sword on the beast’s fur and knelt beside the dying animal. “May you hunt well in the next life.”

  When the creature breathed its last breath, Colm closed his eyes. He felt a deep, helpless sorrow, and as his nanami surged, threatening to break his control, he tightened his jaw and fought back the restless fury.

  There was the sound of pounding footsteps and a body barreled out of the trees. Colm’s best friend pulled up, coming to a halt next to him.

  Kavon scowled. “You killed it already and left nothing for me.” He lowered his massive sword.

  Kavon was dressed like Colm, in black, leather trousers, with just a leather harness crossing his chest. The harness held Kavon’s sword scabbard to his back. Around his wrists were gold cuffs topped with gray fur. They were from a preda wolf, and matched the ones Colm wore on his own wrists. He’d been there the day Kavon had taken down the great beast…and Colm had killed his own. They’d been twelve.

  Kavon’s golden-brown gaze zeroed in on Colm. There was a shrewd intelligence there, and an unwavering determination. It was those qualities that had made Colm pledge allegiance to this man, far more than Kavon’s legendary sword arm.

  Colm was so very sorry that soon, he would have to break that allegiance.

  Colm shook off his bad feelings and hid them behind a smile. “I’m sure there are some ground hares to be found.”

  Kavon muttered a curse.

  Colm’s smile turned real. No warrior would ever deign to hunt hare.

  “Maybe mated life has made you slow, my friend.” Colm pressed his tongue to his teeth and finished cleaning his sword. “A beautiful woman in your bed has made you lazy. You need to be faster next time.”