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

happen to me. Now, I’m the second in command of the Narkoy’s army, traveling through enemy space in a ship wanted by nine systems.”

“Only nine?” Cidele joked.

“Transmission from the Chadon,” Qilo called out.

Danstu stood from his seat. “Patch her through,” he called out, turning to a view screen beside him. Sedom’s image appeared with a face full of concern. “Danstu, your ships have been spotted by the Marisheio and they’re in pursuit. The Underground is sending reinforcements. It’s going to get bumpy for you, so hold on,” she warned.

“You catch that, Qilo?” Danstu called over the com.

“Loud and clear. I’m letting our wingmen know,” Qilo called back. Just as he did, three shots echoed against the hall of the ship. The ship quaked, sending both Cidele and Danstu to the gray carpeted floor. “Looks like they found us. What does she advise?” he called back to Danstu.

Danstu turned back to the screen. “Chadon, what is the E.T.A of the Underground?” he asked.

Sedom turned away for a moment. “Five minutes,” she returned.

Another volley of fire groaned against the hall of the ship. Danstu turned to Cidele, his eyes wide with panic. Light flashed outside one of the windows, lighting up the cabin. Cidele peeked outside to see Rosanheer’s ship returning fire on the Marisheio.

“Could you tell them to speed it up? I’m not certain how long our wingmen can hold them off,” Danstu called back.

Moments later, a large explosion roared throughout the Corin. “Danstu!” Cidele screamed in a hoarse whisper. Danstu rushed to the window to see a Marisheio battle ship just off their starboard side.

“Narkoy ship, prepare to be boarded,” called a voice thick with a Marisheio accent over the speakers.

On Gathow’s bridge, the Corin’s signal cut off, sending Sedom into a panic. What had she done? She sent her friends out there into the galaxy, barely protected.

“Get them back!” she demanded a young Crehail man, who barely knew how to handle the controls. He looked no more than fifteen, but he was handling the stressful situation quite well.

“I’m sorry, Chadon. The signal isn’t there,” the young man returned.

Sedom slammed her hand into the console. “Get out of my way.” She pushed him aside as she attempted to hail the Corin.

Lolum rushed onto the bridge, followed by Nokinil. “What’s going on?”

“The Corin is under attack,” the young man explained.

“Sortec!” Lolum screeched.

“Gathow calling the Corin, can you read me?” Sedom called out. Nothing return. “Repeat, Gathow to the Corin, respond!” she called out. Still nothing returned. She leaned her head back against the black, high backed seat, unsure what she should do next. “Do we have anyone else who can fly a damn ship?” Sedom barked out.

Tremble raised her hand. “Two of my men can as well.”

Sedom stood, pointing at her. “Good. Call them and have them meet—“

“Chadon,” the Crehail boy interrupted.

A yellow light glowed on the com panel. It wasn’t the Corin though. Narkoy communications always blinked with a blue light. Sedom quickly tapped it anyway. “This is Gathow,” she called out.

“Gathow, this is Seronn Quimbsy of the Underground. We have your ships and your men are safe,” a man returned. Just hearing the man’s words caused Sedom to melt back into her seat.

“Damage report?” she asked the man.

“Minimal. My team is escorting them into our space now. We will let you know more when we’ve assessed the damage further,” the man returned.

“Good of you. Have Danstu contact me once they land. Thank you,” Sedom returned, releasing a great sigh after. The signal ended.

“That…” she closed her eyes, holding back her tears of panic, “was a nightmare,” she exhaled.

Lolum and Nokinil both left the bridge without saying a word, leaving only the Crehail boy and Tremble behind with Sedom.

She waved Tremble over to her side. “Two of your men know how to fly?” she questioned. Tremble nodded. “When Qilo returns, have them report to him. I know you’re here for my security, but I need pilots’ more than personal protection,” she ordered.

Tremble nodded then took a step back to her position. Sedom waved for the boy to come forward. He nervously did. “You did well. What’s your name?” she asked him.

“Bri Cossal, Chadon,” he returned boldly.

“Bri, new communications officers are taking over in a few days. I want you to train under them. I think you’re a good fit. Until then, stay here and monitor communications. Remain here until relieved of duty… that means sleeping here if need be. If anything comes in, patch it to my quarters. Can you handle that?” she asked the boy.

“Yes, Chadon,” he said, gulping hard.

Sedom pointed to the food replicator. “Food is over there and I’ll have someone bring you up bedding,” she offered. She stood, giving the boy back his seat. She waved for Tremble to follow her. “This is the last time I let Danstu off this planet,” she muttered.

“Sir, the only reason it’s a problem is your lack of manpower. Once he returns, it won’t be as much of an issue,” Tremble pointed out.

Sedom turned to her, her eyes bulging. She pressed her hands out in front of her, taking a deep breath. “Yes, you’re right, of course. All this excitement has made my head fuzzy. I need some air,” she decided. Sedom left the bridge, with only one destination on her mind, the tower.

All the way to the tower, she didn’t bother to look, but she knew Tremble was right behind her. When they reached the stairs of the tower, Sedom turned to Tremble. “Why serve as my guard?” she questioned the woman.

“I heard what you did for those in the city. It’s an honor to serve you,” Tremble returned.

“So you serve me not because I am Narkoy?” Sedom asked with amusement clinging to her words.

Tremble shook her head.