The Last Narkoy: Gathow: Book 2 by Elizabeth Price (good e books to read .txt) 📗

Sedom jumped up from her seat, grabbing the computer pad. “Son of a faas!” She dashed out of the cafeteria, towards her quarters, not pausing until she was sitting in front of her com.

“Braum Jasper Daveric,” she called to her com station.

An older Dormin man's face appeared on the screen. “You've reached the office of the Braum. How can I be of assistance?”

“This is Chadon Sortec, patch me through to that low-life, son-of-a-faas,” Sedom growled. The man flinched at her words. “Chadon Sortec, NOW!”

“Chadon, the Braum is asleep. I'd be happy--” he sputtered, unsure how to handle the salutation.

“Wake the bastard. I will not wait,” Sedom demanded.

The man nodded. “I'll see if he's available.”

The screen blanked to an image of the Dormin's national symbol. Moments later Jasper appeared on the screen looking quite chipper. “Sedom, my sweet flower. How wonderful it is to see you twice in the same day? It’s such an honor--”

“Sweet flower my rear. What the hell, Jasper? Science ships?” she asked outright.

Jasper's face paled. “It's not what you think,” he protested.

“What am I supposed to think? You've increased your army tenfold and now you have science ships out looking for the Oslo,” she accused.

“You don't have the ability to defend yourself. I was merely trying --”

“To steal my ship and my technology, just like the Marisheio,” Sedom yelled. “Just know, if by some miracle your people do find my ship, as soon as they step foot on that ship its set to self-destruct. There's no way in hell I'll let any of my ships fall into enemy hands… or those who I thought were my friends.”

“You wound me deeply. I am NOT the enemy!” Jasper howled back. “I'm trying to help you. Even with my army I can't defend Matrador against the Marisheio. I thought if we used the Oslo--”

“You could have asked instead of trying to steal it from me. I thought we were friends, Jasper? Friends don’t steal from each other!” Sedom yelled.

Jasper closed his eyes, nodding in defeat. “We are. My judgment was skewed by my own political aspirations. I will call back my science vessels. Please accept my sincerest apologies.”

Sedom stared at the screen, unsure what to say. “Thank you.”

Jasper smiled back. “One question, were we getting close?”

Sedom smirked amused. “You think I'd call if you weren't? There's no chance you'd find the Oslo, but I didn't like you going behind my back.”

He nodded, perplexed by her attitude. “Sedom, you know how much that ship would help influence this war? Why not let us use it?”

“Right,” she laughed. “Tell me, would you give it back when I ask for it? And could you guarantee your military won’t attempt to copy the technology?” she questioned.

“Sedom, come on now—” Jasper whined.

“I can't risk allowing anyone to touch that ship that isn’t under my command. You have only a vague idea what the Oslo is capable of. When I find a proper crew I'll commission it. For now, it remains hidden.”

Jasper looked away, frustrated with her words and his own actions. “I understand. Will you be able to attend my twenty in two weeks?” he asked.

Sedom flinched when she noticed the change in their conversation. “I doubt it. I wish I could. Unfortunately, half the galaxy is still hunting me. I wouldn't risk my life or those of your guests, but thank you for the invitation.”

“You’re welcome. Well, it looks like I have six science vessels to call back. I'll make sure to clear any Narkoy matters with you first in the future. Good night.”

The screen blanked, filling with the reflection of Zion. “We've got trouble up top.”

SEVEN

The sky darkened with the haunting outline of a Marisheio battle cruiser. The cruiser lowered from the sky, so close Sedom could almost reach out and touch it from her tree tower. The ship’s powerful engines released a puff of air, sending Sedom flying across her tower. She landed footsteps from the stairs, hitting the back of her head against one of the railings.

“Trasgoola!” she screeched. Her shaking hand reached to the back of her head, feeling a small trickle of her blood.

“Sortec!” Zion called over the sound of the ship’s engines.

Rosanheer and Zion ran up the stairs to the tower, searching for any sign of Sedom. She blinked several times, attempting to clear the fog that enveloped her head from the impact. She reached over, grabbing Rosanheer’s ankle.

“I’m down here. Help me up,” she requested.

Rosanheer helped Sedom to her feet. “What happened?”

Sedom pointed to the ship that was now approaching the city of Crowarl. “That happened. The invasion has begun,” she called out over the sound of the ship's engines lowering from above.

 The ship landed just outside the city of Crowarl. The back of the ship opened, revealing fifty armed Marisheio soldiers.

“We knew this was going to happen, but I didn’t think it would happen so soon,” Rosanheer called out.

“I’m not letting this happen, not again,” Sedom cursed. She reached for the pistol on her belt, making certain she had it easily available. She then grabbed hold of a close branch and hoisted herself into the tree.

“Sortec, what are you doing?” Zion called out.

“Someone has to help them. Stay here and protect the city,” she called back then climbed down the tree.

Rosanheer leaned over the side railing, watching Sedom scurry down the tree to the ground. “There's too many of them!”

“I can handle this,” she called back as she disappeared into the maze of trees below.

“Damn it!” Zion screeched. He peered over the side of the lookout tower, knowing full well he couldn’t take the same route down. “Go to the tunnels and help anyone she sends back. I’m going after her,” Zion ordered.

On swift