VALERIE’S ELITES – SNIPPET 3
VALERIES’ ELITES: BOOK 1 IN THE VALERIE’S ELITES SERIES
BY JUSTIN SLOAN, PT Hylton, Michael Anderle
Snippet 3
Unedited
Civilian Transport Shuttle
Kalan knew he was in trouble the moment the airlock opened and the six Pallicons marched aboard, weapons drawn.
Up until then, it has been a fairly uneventful flight. He’d barely made it to the transport in time for departure to Tol, and when he’d seen how crowded the shuttle was, he’d almost wished he hadn’t. He’d even strongly considered getting off and transferring his ticket to the next shuttle, but that would mean missing his appointment, which would mean he wouldn’t get the job. And he badly needed the job.
So instead of getting off, he’d squeezed himself into a seat and waited for the transport to lift.
The passengers were mostly Skulla, but there were a few Pallicons too. He’d always envied Pallicons a little. They were shapeshifters, and Kalan would have given anything to be able to do that.
It would be nice be something other than a muscle-bound six-and-a-half-foot-tall gray-skinned freak every once in a while. To not have everyone cast a cautious eye at him anytime he walked into a room.
Kalan hadn’t been to the planet Tol before, but he’d spent most of his life in the Vurugu system. Six planets revolved around an ancient star. The outer five had been terraformed and were populated mostly by Skulla, a species that decorated their skins—faces included—with countless tattoos as part of their strange religion.
Skulla only stood about four feet tall and were thin creatures, but they made up for their small size with razor-sharp wits, and were often ruthless.
The planet closest to the center of the cluster was the home of the Pallicons. It was almost impossible to spot them when they were shapeshifting, but Kalan’d had a lot of practice. The key was to stare at the edges. Focus on a single hair or a knuckle; something small and specific. If you watched a shapeshifted Pallicon for ten or twenty seconds like that you’d see a tiny flicker, and then you’d know.
He was just starting to relax about an hour into the flight when the ship was attacked. Less than five minutes later, the six Pallicons boarded, through the airlock, their weapons drawn.
“This ship is hereby commandeered in the name of the Bandian!” one of them shouted.
A murmur ran through the passengers when they heard that name, and Kalan raised an eyebrow. If these guys really were from the Bandian, that was bad news indeed.
While the first Pallicon spoke the others spread out, one heading toward the cockpit while the rest dispersed to either end of the transport to cover the passengers.
Kalan watched all this silently. He carefully controlled his breathing, and reminded himself not to get involved unless he absolutely had to. This wasn’t prison. He didn’t need to step up to every tough guy who crossed his path. He didn’t have to prove himself.
Yet, as he watched the four of them work, Kalan grew more uncomfortable. He spotted their weapons, handheld Tralen-14s. Those were not cheap, and they were difficult to get in this ass-end of the galaxy. These guys were well funded.
The other thing that worried him was that they seemed absolutely disinterested in the jewelry most of the Skulla wore. If they weren’t there to rob the passengers, probably they were there to steal the ship itself—which wouldn’t be good news for the passengers.
Maybe the hijackers would keep them alive and try to ransom them back to their families, but it seemed more likely the Pallicons would escort them out the nearest airlock at the earliest opportunity.
The small Skulla female next to him clasped her hands on her lap, and it was clear she was trying to keep them from shaking. She kept shifting her gaze between the six Pallicons, eyes darting back and forth frantically.
Kalan leaned over to her. “It’s going to be okay,”
As soon as he’d said the words he regretted them. He didn’t make a promise unless he intended to keep it, and now that he’d told the female things were going to work out, he was going to have to do whatever it took to make sure he wasn’t a liar.
The female kept her eyes on the hijackers. “I don’t know. The Bandian doesn’t leave witnesses.”
Kalan had no idea what the average Skulla lifespan was, but this female had to be near the end of it. Her facial tattoos were so faded it was difficult to imagine what they’d once been.
“Hey, you ever seen one of my kind?” he asked.
The female reluctantly turned toward him, which had been his goal. If she stopped looking at the hijackers, maybe she’d stop thinking about them for moment or two.
“No, I don’t think I have.”
He smiled. “I’m not surprised. There aren’t a lot of us, especially not in this part of the system. As far as I know, there are only two of us Gah’har’zakanew in the sytem.”
Her eyes narrowed as she tried to repeat the name back to him. “Gah’har-what?”
“You can call us the ‘Grayhewn.’ Everyone else does.” He nodded toward the Pallicon at the far end of the ship. “Point is, they’ve probably never heard of my kind either, which means they don’t know what kind of trouble they’re in right now.”
He winked.
Kalan hoped he sounded more confident than he felt. He was used to fighting against long odds, but Pallicons were scrappy even when they weren’t carrying cutting-edge weaponry.
The hijackers had gathered the flight crew outside the cockpit and had them on their knees, weapons to their heads. If Kalan was going to act, it had to be now.
“Wish me luck,” he said to the old female. Then he drew a deep breath, unstrapped his safety harness, and started to rise.
Valerie’s Elites – Snippet 2
Valerie’s Elites: Book 1 in The Valerie’s Elites Series
By Justin Sloan, PT Hylton, & Michael Anderle
Snippet 2
Unedited
Damu Michezo.
At the name, the aliens’ postures instantly got less aggressive and they looked at her with wide, intrigued eyes.
“You… You think you can compete in the Damu Michezo?” the lead one asked.
Valerie had to laugh. “I’m pretty sure I’ll be fine.”
The alien cracked his neck, pounded on his stone carapace, and said, “Show me.”
“What?”
“You beat me, I’ll point you in the right direction. In fact, there was a shuttle headed for the planet it’s held on not long ago. You might still be able to catch it, or at least chase it down and follow. Are you up to it?”
Robin smiled at Valerie, then shrugged and took a step back.
“I don’t want to hurt you,” Valerie warned. “I mean it.”
He scoffed. “I’ll tell you a little secret…no one has ever hurt me. You? I won’t worry. Come.”
Valerie tossed her rifle to Robin, and then her sword. She heard pounding and she turned back to see Qwaza charging damn fast. Valerie had fought her fair share of vampires and Weres on Earth, so she was used to speed. With a quick sidestep, she brought around her leg to sweep him. What she hadn’t counted on was his next move, which involved a fast sideways roll to compensate for her new location. He came up like a boulder, unraveling as he regained his footing, and slammed his forehead right into hers.
Red spots filled her vision, and it wasn’t only because her eyes had started to glow red. That fucking hurt!
When Qwaza next moved, Valerie didn’t take any chances. She dodged to the left and tried pushing fear, only nothing happened. The alien kept charging forward, and she realized that it wasn’t putting off an emotional aura that she could sense—another difference from back home.
He was fast, and apparently immune to her special abilities. That meant she would have to take him down the old-fashioned way, with a straight-up butt-kicking. He plowed into her again, but this time she went with it as her martial arts training back in Old France had taught her. Using her opponent’s strength against him, she twisted his arm behind him and slammed him headfirst into the nearest tree. The trunk cracked, dangerously close to snapping in half.
It wasn’t like she was trying to kill him, but she also wasn’t about to let this guy win—not when her mission depended on it. Without hesitation, she kicked out his leg so that he plowed into the ground head-first.
He growled, trying to spin and get to her, but she was too fast. In the time it took him to maneuver around her she had delivered two knees, an elbow to the temple, and an uppercut to his jaw.
Qwaza stumbled back, looked like he might charge again…and then collapsed onto his butt.
Valerie started to raise her fist in victory, but the alien pulled something sharp from within his carapace—a stone knife. He was up and slashing before Valerie had time to fully process it, and one slash caught her across the cheek. She slammed her forearm into the back of his wrist, knocking the knife from his hand, and then delivered a roundhouse kick so powerful that it cracked Qwaza’s carapace and sent him reeling backwards.
Valerie’s Elites – Snippet 1
Valerie’s Elites: Book 1 in The Valerie’s Elite Series
By Justin Sloan, PT Hylton, & Michael Anderle
Snippet 1
Unedited
Space: The Singlaxian Grandeur
The Singlaxian Grandeur touched down on the first planet in the Vurugu system, an uncharted habitable sector at the edge of the known universe. All atmospheric tests were nominal, and with only the slightest trepidation Valerie hit the button to open the ship’s doors.
Her first breath of air on this planet brought back memories of the mountains around the fjords back on Earth—cleaner than anything she had experienced until that point, and this had it beat. It carried an interesting scent, like cinnamon.
Not that she was from the fjords. No, she had been born in Old France, before moving to what had once been America and helping to reestablish New York. She had worked hard to bring peace to her corner of Earth, and now the universe called to her.
This was the first planet she had been on out here, her first step toward accomplishing her mission for the Etheric Federation. The legendary vampire Michael had made her a Justice Enforcer on Earth, one of his own, and when the time came he had asked her to join Colonel Terry Henry Walton and Bad Company. Her first assignment was to take a small team to this system and collect intel, the ultimate goal being to ensure that the inhabitants of this system joined the Etheric Federation in its war against any race that would see the people of Earth or other innocent races harmed.
They had landed in a secluded area under the cover of trees unlike anything she had ever seen. In a sense the leaves reminded her of umbrellas, spreading in every direction from upturned branches covered in blood-red bark. Since the leaves dripped a sap-like substance she decided to call this the “Bleeding Woods,” an all-too-appropriate name for the landing spot of two former vampires and their team.
Former vampires, in her mind, because it was hard to think of them as such anymore. There was a time when both Valerie and Robin would have avoided the sun and drunk blood to stay energized, but such requirements had vanished.
Michael had changed Valerie with his blood, and Robin had been given fancy Etheric Federation Pod-doc upgrades.
When Valerie stepped onto the alien soil she couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed. Her whole life had been spent on Earth, but she’d left it behind to join the fight. To ensure Earth was safe.
Only problem was, she didn’t know where to start. They had the intel file Colonel Walton had given her and she could call him whenever she wanted—in theory—but that wasn’t exactly her style. She didn’t want to be the one who started the first mission of her new job by calling the boss to ask for direction.
Valerie resolved to get this done on her own. Her team may not have had fancy Jean Duke Specials, and their ship may not have been the most advanced in the Etheric Federation, but the team had grit. And with the types of jobs they’d be tackling, grit was the most important thing.
“Is it safe?” A head popped out of the doorway, a man with a flat nose and beady eyes. Bob. She still wasn’t sure what to think about him. “I mean, for us…non-vampires.
“I’ve explained this. I’m not technically a—”
“Yeah, yeah, not really a vampire. Except that you have drunk blood using your fangs before to sustain your lifeforce, correct? And you weren’t able to go into the sun.”
“Shut up,” she replied, turning again to analyze their surroundings. She heard a shuffling noise among the trees.
“I’m just saying… Once a vampire, always a vampire, right?”
She severely wanted to punch Bob right now, but he’d been modified in the Pod-doc too. While on Earth only vampires and Weres could use the power she now understood to be Etheric energy, but up here she had to get used to other people being enhanced.
If she punched him it probably wouldn’t hurt nearly as much as she would want it to, so she opted to just ignore the man. It was her fault, after all—his being here. He had been released from his service as the Pod technician on the other ship, so when Valerie picked her team—dubbed “Valerie’s Elites”—she figured she’d give him a second chance. The idea made sense if she ignored what a dick he was, focusing instead on his technical knowhow.
But he was still talking, even though she kept ignoring him.
That was the problem with dicks. They just keep pounding relentlessly away. Would he ever give up? Finally she turned and pushed fear, one of the talents she possessed but he lacked. It was enough to make his eyes go wide and his jaw clench shut.
Not enough to make him shit himself, though she would have to consider that next time. This, along with being able to read emotions like an aura, separated her from the rest of them. Even Robin, who had received many modifications, didn’t have any abilities like that yet.
The timing was perfect too, because just then the shuffling in the trees came again, along with a stronger scent of incense as red dust flew past. Her best guess was it came from the trees, and could be rubbed off.
She held up a hand for the others to stay put and be quiet. A yelp came from the direction where she guessed her enemy was—if it was an enemy.
Valerie crouched as she ran, then unslung her rifle and knelt next to one of the thicker trees. Instantly a puff of grey spores flew up around her, and she cursed under her breath. It was too late—whatever had made the noise spotted her and charged.
It appeared at first to be a rhino, but then she saw it was a large bipedal figure covered in thick slabs of rock.
She braced herself. As it collided, she rolled back and kicked upward, sending it over her shoulder. Normally that would have sent a full-grown man sailing, but given his weight this male just kind of flopped over and landed with a thud.
Two more of them appeared and charged her, and Robin leaped through the air to tackle one. It braced itself, and she hit it with an oomph before falling onto her butt.
Damn. She knew that Robin was stronger than most vampires—or former vampires. That meant these aliens were tough.
“What are they?” one of the aliens said to another.
“Monsters, or maybe demons,” the third said, doing his best to stand but flailing like a turtle.
Valerie and the rest of her team had had a chip implanted that translated most languages, and apparently this one was included.
“More like emissaries,” Valerie stated, glad to find her chip translating. “We’re not here to fight you.”
One of them turned to her with a look of defiance, then positioned himself like a bull about to charge.
She lifted her rifle and aimed at him—it had to be a male with that attitude. “I don’t think I made myself clear. We’ve just arrived, and we’re looking for a contest of champions. Perhaps you’ve heard of it? I’m told it’s called the—correct me if I say this wrong—Damu Michezo.”
Etheric Researcher – Snippet 4
Etheric Researcher
By S.R. Russell & Michael Anderle
Snippet 4
Anne dressed in a sleep tee and added a housecoat. Jinx didn’t care if she walked around the apartment naked, but there were things Anne just didn’t feel right about. Parading around in just her nightclothes was one of them.
She hoped that Jinx would cool down soon. She was hungry, but felt it was inconsiderate to eat when Jinx was overheated. Anne padded into the common area to find Jinx lying on the rock floor. The fact that Jinx’ tongue wasn’t hanging out was a good sign.
Do you want to eat now or talk first? Anne asked.
Let’s start the conversation now. It’s not like we’ll be talking with our mouths full if we continue during dinner, Jinx teased in reply.
True enough, so where do you want to start?
Well, the armor works fine, but when something big hits me I’m still at the mercy of all that energy. Even if I had crushable impact-activated armor, I’d still have to be able to be able to remain in placer that to work. Jinx practically whined in frustration.
I see only two ways to solve this. One is to put you in some sort of canine power-assisted battle armor, so you have the …
Jinx actually did whine this time, cutting off the rest of Anne’s comment.
Hey, I didn’t say you’d be happy with the solution. I’m trying to go through our options and talk things out with you.
Jinx stood and walked over to lay her head on Anne’s leg. Sorry. Let’s get something to eat now, and I’ll shut up and listen.
Anne scratched Jinx behind the ears, smiling at the rumble of pleasure that always brought from her friend. “Grab some of your kibble, but don’t overeat. I put two steaks in the fridge this morning to thaw, so you have steak for supper-supper.”
Supper-supper?
Ya, as opposed to snack-supper. Your kibble, in this instance, Anne replied as she got to her feet and headed for the kitchen.
I wish I could blow a raspberry like you humans do, Jinx said as she followed Anne, draping her tongue purposely out of the side of her mouth.
Anne smiled when she saw Jinx’ funny expression.
Okay, back to the conversation. Armor would be heavy enough to absorb the blows without launching you across a room, or we could find a way to bleed off the energy some way.
That’s basically what Matrix said when I was talking to him, Jinx admitted as she munched on some kibble.
Did he give you any suggestions? Anne asked. She put on a pan to heat and seasoned her steak. Jinx liked her steak rare with just salt, so the cracked pepper and garlic powder only went on one of the steaks.
None, Jinx grumbled.
“We can’t make the energy just disappear,” Anne commented aloud as she placed her steak carefully in the hot pan. She liked her meat medium rare, so she put hers in several seconds before she added Jinx’ and took Jinx’ piece out several seconds before her own. “I imagine your conversation with your brother told you the same thing?”
We didn’t go into specifics. I don’t have his appreciation or understanding of mathematics, Jinx confessed.
“Well, if I remember my physics, you can change energy’s form, but you can’t just get rid of it.” Anne shook her head slowly as she pondered the problem.
Could we send it to the Etheric place? Jinx gave up on her kibble and laid by the kitchen doorway. Anne would make her wait a few moments for her steak so it would be cool enough to eat without burning her mouth, so she relaxed.
Let me think. Anne was quiet as she flipped the steaks. After ninety seconds she took Jinx’ out of the pan, followed by her own thirty seconds later. She added a potato-like vegetable, and her dinner was complete. Jinx’ meat got cut into four pieces to make it less messy to eat, and both girls settled in for their suppers.
Even though Jinx had learned to eat slowly, her teeth were much better designed to chew meat than a human’s were. Jinx finished her steak in half the time it took Anne to eat her meal. Once they were both done and the dishes had been cleaned up, they moved into the public area and flopped down on the couch.
—
“Your idea is good. I’m just not quite sure how to accomplish it,” Anne said. She spoke aloud for the noise, as opposed to any need.
“I remember people on Earth claiming that certain gems or crystals, and even precious metals, could channel energy. I guess the best place to start would be to get a bunch of samples and see if they react to Etheric energy. If we any respond, we’ll know they have some sort of connection. Then we’ll see if we can get them to transfer energy from this side into the Etheric. To someone who doesn’t know what’s happening it might look impossible, but we’d just be moving the energy to a different realm.”
You could try using that energy to power your Etheric-based combat abilities, Jinx suggested.
“It would be a good idea, but only if we could somehow store it. That way I could tap into when I needed it. I don’t need to throw fireballs just because someone kicked you, especially if I’m already using some sort of weapon.”
Oh, good point. Jinx’ ears drooped a little.
“No, it’s a clever idea,” Anne reassured her friend. “Step one, see if we can channel energy to the Etheric. Step two, find a way to convert kinetic energy into a form that will transfer. Step three would be to see if we can find a way to store that energy so I can tap into it for combat.” She smiled at Jinx. “See, we have a plan. Now we just need to see if we can make it work.”
Jinx let out a long sigh. I bet this is going to be boring.
“It might be,” Anne admitted, “but the good thing about it is that we have something to work on. That’s what the Empress hired me to do. Even if it is long and boring, at least I’ll be able to report on what we are attempting. I’ve hated it, being hired as a researcher and not being able to think up anything to research. At least now we’ve got a valid project!” She punched the air with excitement.
Undying Illusionist Audiobook RELEASE!
The Undying Illusionist: Age of Magic – Tales of the Feisty Druid, Book 2
By Candy Crum & Michael Anderle
Remnant invaders. Evil druids. A murderer on the loose. Good thing Arcadia has found a new ally.
With Doyle’s grim warning to Amelia before he was killed, the Chancellor is struggling to find clues to who the wolf in their blossoming city could be.
But Arryn has already found her. The problem is proving it.
Student after student has gone missing, and the remnant have been invading the Valley, ripping it apart one village at a time – but Arryn knows more will come and something has to be done.
After getting help from an unlikely source, Arryn finds the proof she needs – but her problems have only just begun.
Talia’s compatriot, a dark mystic named Scarlett, has quite a game planned for Arryn, and she may have to abandon the city she loves in order to save it.
Covert Talents RELEASE!
Covert Talents: Age of Expansion, Uprise Saga: Book One
By Amy DuBoff & Michael Anderle
Telepathic abilities alone won’t save Ava. Sometimes you need the big guns.
Lieutenant Ava Landyn leads a special ops team of werewolf-shifters. A ten-year veteran of the Force de Guerre, she’s younger and smaller than the other warriors, but her unique skills give her an edge.
When a recon mission-gone-wrong uncovers information about illegal nanocyte experiments, Ava is sent on an undercover op to her home planet. A high-tech company may not be what it seems. People going missing. A scientific staff sheltered from prying eyes. Unrivaled security.
Ava is torn between her home and her loyalties to the FDG as her wits are taxed in her struggle to resolve a war no one knew was being waged, but threatens to cast multiple star systems into interplanetary civil war.
Join Ava in her fight for justice!
Covert Talents – Snippet 3
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Covert Talents: Age of Expansion, Uprise Saga: Book One
By Amy DuBoff & Michael Anderle
Snippet 3
After a brief walk down the hall beyond the cafeteria, the corridor terminated in an open space filled with workstations. A dozen individuals were scattered around the room, and they looked up with curious expressions when Ava entered.
“Everyone, this is my friend Ava,” Luke introduced. “She’s an old friend of mine. We grew up together.”
“Oh, another Coraxan native?” a thin man with dark complexion commented from a nearby station.
“Yeah, I am,” Ava replied.
“You have any of those special gifts everyone’s always talking about?” he asked.
“She does,” Luke replied before Ava had a chance to stop him.
“Really?” the man’s eyes widened. “What can you do?”
“Oh, nothing too special,” Ava replied, casting a silencing glare toward Luke.
“One of the gifted, huh?” a musical female voice said from across the room. “Now that’s something I have yet to see.”
“Dr. Mason!” Luke’s face flushed. “I wasn’t expecting to see you over here.”
“You know how I like to make the rounds.” The raven-haired woman fixed her gaze on Ava. “Who’s your friend?”
“Ava, ma’am,” she replied. “And you are…?”
“Andrea Mason. You might consider me the director of this facility.”
“Well, it’s a lovely place you have here,” Ava said. “I can’t believe how much has changed since I was last in Tribeca.”
“NTech always hopes to leave a positive impact on our communities,” Andrea said with too-sweet a smile. “I’ve been so curious about the abilities of the native population here.”
“We’re not exactly native,” Ava corrected. “Our people colonized here the same time as the other human- and Torcellan-occupied worlds in this sector.”
“Of course. And that makes it all the more fascinating that you so rapidly developed your unique connection with the Etheric.” She folded her hands in front of her. “How old were you when your gifts emerged?”
Ava shrugged. “Around eight.”
“That’s young, isn’t it? You must be very talented.”
“There isn’t necessarily a link between the age when abilities emerge and their strength,” Ava said, skirting the truth. While it wasn’t always linked, in her case that had very much been the reality. Whereas the average age for a first Reading came around twelve, the early emergence of abilities had given her extra time with the elders to learn and study the craft.
Had she stayed with them, she likely would have been the most powerful Reader in two generations.
“I didn’t mean to imply,” Andrea said in that sickening sweet tone. “You must forgive me—I’ve never had the chance to meet anyone of your talents before.”
“Oh, I’m sure you’ve met far more interesting people than me.” Ava took a subconscious step back and instinctually bolstered her mental guards.
“We were in the middle of our tour, ma’am,” Luke said, seeming to pick up on Ava’s discomfort. “We have to be out of here by 17:00.”
“Nonsense. We wouldn’t be here without the support of the Coraxans,” Andrea replied. “Ava, you’re welcome any time.”
“That’s very generous of you, ma’am. Thank you.”
“In fact,” the director continued, “I’d love to have the chance to meet with you in a more formal capacity.”
The question caught Ava off-guard. “Uh… Well, I’m here on vacation, actually.”
“I’d compensate you for your time, of course. I’d just like to understand better how you do what you can do.”
The last thing I need is the director of this freakshow tracking my every move. Ava gave a polite bow of her head. “I appreciate your interest, but I’m—”
“That’s a generous offer, Dr. Mason,” Luke cut in. “I think that might be just what Ava needs to reconnect with herself. That is why you came back here, right?” he asked while turning toward her.
Ava resisted the urge to punch him in that gorgeous jaw of his. “Yes, just what I need,” she responded to him tightly, and returned her focus to the director. “Thank you, Dr. Mason.”
“Call me Andrea, please.” She flashed a smile bordering on predatory. “Come in with Luke tomorrow morning and we’ll get to know each other.”
Covert Talents – Snippet 2
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Covert Talents: Age of Expansion, Uprise Saga: Book One
By Amy DuBoff & Michael Anderle
Snippet 2
“Have a seat, Lieutenant.” Kurtz gestured toward a metal chair across from his desk.
“Thank you, sir.” She sat down but didn’t bother to get comfortable. Prior experience with that particular seat had revealed it was impossible.
“I understand that you ran into some trouble at the NTech lab.”
He has such a way with understatement. Ava nodded. “Yes, sir. Our intel said the facility was abandoned, but we encountered armed guards and a military-grade mech.”
“A mech? Indoors?”
“Barely fit in the hallway, sir.”
Kurtz frowned. “I’m glad your team was able to fulfill the mission objective despite those setbacks.”
‘Setbacks’? That’s how he’s going to play it? Ava leaned forward in her chair, forearms resting on her knees. “Sir, may I speak freely?”
He gave the hint of an exasperated sigh but quickly composed himself. “Permission granted.”
“Someone doctored the mission brief.”
Kurtz studied her. “What makes you say that?”
“The resistance we encountered wasn’t some new arrival that walked in moments before us. They had been there, and there wasn’t any shielding around the facility to have hidden the thermal outputs. Someone knew that facility was occupied, but the FDG would not have received data retrieval authorization for an active private lab. They wanted us to think it was abandoned so we’d go in.” Ava leaned back and crossed her arms.
“I can’t deny the possibility,” Kurtz said after a ten-second pause.
“Was it you, sir?”
The colonel’s eyes widened, taking on a hint of yellow. “Why would I put one of my best teams at risk like that?”
“Because you knew we could handle it, like we did.”
“You have a unique ability, Ava.” Kurtz folded his hands on the desktop. “Few others would have been able to get the password for those files.”
That was a roundabout admission of guilt, if ever there was one. But why? “Before we left, the man I… ‘interrogated’… indicated that there’s something going on with the Nezarans, and potentially beyond that.”
The colonel swallowed. “The FDG’s responsibility is to assess threats and carry out orders in the best interest of the Etheric Federation. You have performed admirably in retrieving information to support those goals.”
If the FDG hadn’t worked out, Kurtz would have made one hell of a politician. Ava flashed a prim smile. “Happy to do my part, sir.”
Kurtz steepled his fingers. “It’s been, what, nine years since you joined the FDG?”
“Yes, sir. Coming up on ten in two months.”
He nodded. “I can tell you’ve been around long enough to know when a superior officer is dodging your questions.”
No shit. Ava decided a shrug was the best response.
“Well, your observations at the NTech lab support a larger pool of evidence we’ve gathered over the past eight months. We’re at the leading edge of a crisis.”
That was surprisingly candid. Ava came to attention. “Sir…?”
“We’ve been tracking a group of researchers in NTech performing illegal genetic experimentation,” Kurtz explained. “The lab you infiltrated was one of those facilities, and the data you retrieved is documentation of the experiments.”
“What kind of experiments?”
“We believe they are trying to make a hybrid—bringing together the traits of Weres and vampires.”
Ava’s mouth involuntarily dropped open. “A… Were-vampire? I thought the nanocytes were incompatible. Once you had one—”
“That had always been our belief, yes. It would seem NTech has discovered—or gained access to—a way to program a new strain of nanocytes. Using some of the old technology from the two Kurtherian clans, they are bypassing the incompatibilities that caused the two types of nanocytes to attack each other. NTech’s reports refer to this new group as the Hochste.”
Were-vampires? What the fuck would a person like that be able to do?! Ava shifted in her chair. “Sir, why are you telling me this?”
“Because we fear that the Nezaran Coalition intends to use these Hochste to attack Alucia, which will soon be a member of the Etheric Federation. We want to stop that conflict before it starts.”
Covert Talents – Snippet 1
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Covert Talents: Age of Expansion, Uprise Saga: Book One
By Amy DuBoff & Michael Anderle
Snippet 1
Lieutenant Ava Landyn raced down the barren concrete corridor. “Retreat!” she shouted into her comm.
Behind her, footsteps echoed from deeper within the underground facility. Too many footsteps.
So much for a quick in and out operation, Ava thought with a grimace, followed by a smirk at the unintended innuendo.
A shout sounded behind her, then a spray of plasma fire lit up the hall. Ava’s HUD politely informed her that enemies had been detected nearby. Really fucking helpful, thanks.
She ducked behind a collection of pipes protruding from the wall. It was terrible cover, but she’d take what she could get.
Glancing toward the exit, she noticed Edwin peeking around a bend in the corridor.
“I thought I ordered a retreat,” Ava said over her comm.
“That was before you got yourself cornered,” Edwin Caites, one of the three massive Were warriors on her team, replied. “No one gets left behind.”
Ava couldn’t help grinning behind the blacked-out faceplate of her helmet. She loved Force de Guerre honor, especially in a time like this. “Lay down some cover fire on my mark. I’m going to try some fancy footwork.”
“You’ve got it.”
“Now!” Steeling her resolve, Ava bolted from behind the pipes.
Her powered armor propelled her down the hall while plasma blasts flew in either direction. She’d only gone three strides when a new warning flashed on her HUD—the concentrated enemy fire was about to overload her armor. Without thinking, she spun in a series of swift circles to diffuse the load on the suit’s electrified skin.
After seven awkward strides of spinning and skipping, Ava made it to the corner where Edwin was hunkered down. She leaped the final step to safety.
“Ma’am, you are a graceful angel,” Edwin said over the comm. His opaque helmet hid his face, but there was no mistaking the amusement in his voice.
“We speak of this to no one.”
Exploration – Snippet 1
Exploration: Age of Expansion, The Ghost Squadron Book 2
By Sarah Noffke, J.N. Chaney, & Michael Anderle
Snippet 1
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 is just coming through. Give me a sec,” said Jack, a shuffling sounding over the comms. “Holy shit, General. 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.”
“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.”