Dave Willmarth [Willmarth - Shadow Sun Rebellion

Shadow Sun

Rebellion

Dave Willmarth

Copyright 2019 by Dave Willmarth

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law.

All characters and events depicted in this novel are entirely fictitious. Any similarity to actual events or persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental

Chapter 1

Before leaving for New York on their new space yacht, Allistor contacted Kira and Gene to see if they wanted to tag along. He also invited Sam, Ramon, Michael, George, Lars, and Logan. They all rushed through the teleporters to the Wilderness and out to the ship. Introductions were made, and Michael couldnt help himself.

Youre an orc, right? he asked Harmon.

Harmon stared at him for a moment, his sledgehammer fists clenching. Taking a deep breath and releasing it slowly, he replied, Please do not use that term when referring to my people. It is a shortening of our name and considered an insult. I will forgive you, because I realize you have no way of knowing any better. I am of the Orcanin race. You may refer to us as Orcan in the singular, or when speaking of our goods, as Orcan in general if you feel the need to shorten the name.

Michael held up both hands in a gesture of surrender. I apologize, Harmon. The other term is how your people have been described in our books, movies, and games for more than a hundred years. I truly didnt know it was an insult. I will pass the word on to the others, so that no further offense is made.

Harmon reached out and patted the human, who was less than half his size, gently on the back. No harm done, Michael. And I appreciate you spreading the word. It is an ongoing issue; one we encounter at each new world. Long ago my ancestors were slaves, bred for labor and battle. Our masters had great contempt for us, and referred to us as orcs. Somehow the term made it into the systems programming for the preparatory lore material delivered to planets ahead of absorption into the Collective. The stories, movies, and games you refer to. Thus, with each new planet we must overcome the perceptions ingrained within the local citizenry. We have evolved in the millennia since we won our freedom, yet still we are viewed as little better than savage beasts.

Im sorry, Harmon. We will do all we can to alter that perception among my people. You are clearly an intelligent, sophisticated, and honorable being. Allistor bowed his head, hands pressed together in front of him.

And handsome, too. Amanda said as she winked at Helen.

Thank you, both. Harmon grinned, showing the sharp teeth between his tusks. He tilted his head for a moment, then added, You might want to spread the word about goblins and elves, as well. Goblins are not the brainless weaklings your lore likely portrays them to be. They are small in stature, yes. But quite strong for their size, and clever. They do generally have disagreeable dispositions, and a penchant for acquisition through legal means or otherwise. The lore often misleads new races into underestimating them, costing many lives. He checked his wrist for a moment.

As for elves, they rarely show themselves on any worlds but their own. They consider themselves among the elite species, and do not tolerate lesser races often. Elves are long-lived, nearly immortal if the truth be told. I have met elves that can remember when the Collective was only a dozen worlds. No recorded history that Ive seen goes back that far.

Harmon pulled on a hilt that stuck out of his boot. I carry this as a reminder of a time I spent with an elven healer. In my youth I served as a mercenary. Most of my unit was wiped out attempting to defend an elven outpost against overwhelming numbers. I managed to escape into a nearby forest, but was badly wounded. An old elf named Daigath healed me, and sheltered me in his home until it was safe for me to leave. He was ancient, even for elves, and had spent millennia learning to craft. He shaped the wood of this blade with his bare fingers, singing to the wood as he formed it.

The orcan offered the blade to Allistor, who took it in hand. It almost had the weight of a steel blade, but the entire weapon was a single piece of extremely dense wood. The blade curved gracefully back from the tip to the hilt guard, with intricate whorls of vines etched into its length. The handle felt warm to the touch, and seemed to mold itself to Allistors grip as he held it.

This is beautiful. Allistor handed the weapon to Helen to inspect.

Harmon chuckled. For certain collectors, a blade like that is worth nearly as much as this ship, my friend. Daigath is a master crafter, and his reputation was legendary when the Collective was young. These days, few of his works remain, and he rarely creates more. This may be his last, and I have carried it for a hundred years or more.

Now! Harmon changed the subject as the weapon was returned to him. We must be on our way. The trip to New York City will take about twenty minutes. This ship could make the trip in ten, but the skies are quite crowded just now. Is everyone here? Do you have what you need?

We should bring one of the Juggernauts , so Nigel can reach us while were away from the ship. Allistor suggested. In case one of our properties is attacked.

Since there was room in the cargo hold, Harmon escorted them to the cargo bay and demonstrated how to open the main bay door. Sam hopped in and drove the Juggernaut up the ramp. The large vehicle looked small in the massive space, where there was room for at least five or six more. After Alpha, the ships AI, informed them that the vehicle was magnetically secured, they all went up to the bridge.

Allistor thought Kira and Gene would explode with excitement as they walked onto the bridge. Kira went straight for the captains seat, her eyes unfocused as she read something on her interface. Gene asked about engineering, and Harmon pointed him to the proper station, just to the right of the captains chair. In seconds, Gene was also spaced out and communing with the ship.

Harmon tapped Kira on the shoulder a moment later. Ahem. We really should be going. Would you like me to show you how to pilot the ship?

Kira shook her head. Nope, I think Ive got it. My Aviator skill level is high enough that I can access the pilots interface. It looks pretty simple, actually. She paused, giving him a wry smile. But dont go too far away, in case I mess up.

The ships engines fired up even as she was finishing her sentence. Allistor and company barely felt any sensation as the landing gear retracted and the ship hovered in place. When Kira gave the engines a boost and increased the elevation, the ship rose more quickly than shed intended. Oopsy. she mumbled as she made an adjustment, and the ascent slowed.

Helen, standing behind Kiras seat, snorted. Just the thing you want to hear from your pilot.

When they were several thousand feet up, Kira did something to make the ship go forward, and they were on their way.

This is so cool! She nearly exploded with enthusiasm. I can see a 3D display of the planet, complete with topography, real time weather conditions, and major landmarks. I dont even have to plot a course. I just select New York and the AI does it for me.

Harmon said, Pardon my reach. before touching a few control keys on the chairs arm, and the globe appeared for all of them in the form of a green and blue 3D hologram floating in the air in front of Kira. There was a star marking their current location, and another over New York, with an arcing line in between.