Press The Line: Ganog Wars Book 3 Read online

  Sounds like bull shit, huh? What's her plan? Is she trying to secretly turn him? Not really. See, the Empress has much bigger problems. Utfa, the scary seeker guy, is growing in power. Zakanna knows that her days on the throne are numbered. She knows that Utfa is going to make a move.

  Unsurprisingly, Utfa makes a move. Several moves, in fact. First, he ends repairs early on Takkar's fleet. The dreadnoughts are still damaged, which both Takkar and Zakanna realize is a serious problem. It's almost like Utfa wants Takkar to lose. But the Empress isn't strong enough to stop Utfa, so she goes along with it. Her only concession is allowing a single one of her dreadnoughts to stay behind as a sort of honor guard.

  Zakanna plans to use it to flee, if it comes to it. Spoilers, it will come to it.

  Nolan and T'kon go to a party run by Ro'Kan. Ro'Kan ambushes them, and Nolan narrowly escapes. He's forced to leave T'kon behind, but the squad gets away.

  It's okay though, because that's part of the plan. T'kon gets captured, they interrogate him for the location of Atreas, then Nolan and the squad bust T'kon out. They deliver the payload, then escape. Beautiful, right?

  Yeah, no. Sissus steals the ship, which is not part of the plan. Suddenly, Nolan has no way to rescue T'kon. He fights off the Azi, then reestablishes communication with Aluki and Lena, who are hiding inside one of the mechs. The Saurians haven't found them yet.

  Nolan and the squad track the ship, which has set down a few kilometers away thanks to a storm I cleverly (look out Brandon Sanderson) planted earlier in the book. Nolan wants to capture Sissus, but Nuchik disobeys orders and pops his head like a grape. They retake the ship, but tensions are high.

  Flash to T'kon, who's being interrogated. Through the interrogation the reader learns more about the seekers and how evil they are (like super evil). They bring in T'kon's wife, and he finally, tearfully, reveals the secret he was there to plant.

  Ro'kan agrees to allow T'kon to die with pride. The next day they'll perform a ritual that looks suspiciously like Japanese Seppuku. At the last minute Ro'kan says that instead, they're consigning T'kon's soul to the Nameless Ones.

  Nolan busts through the top of the spire in the cruiser, gunning down seekers. They extract T'kon, and bug out. Nolan goes to Imperalis, in search of Khar. Earlier in the book, they're watching a broadcast of a spire fight and see Khar on Imperalis (convenient, huh?).

  A group of assassins attack the Empress, and Khar saves her life. Utfa is highly annoyed, but he's finally contacted by a Nameless One, and that Nameless One (let's call her Karen), offers him a solution. Karen explains that an army of super powerful guardians has been left in stasis on Imperalis, and that if Utfa can seize control of the beacon he can control them.

  What beacon you ask? The beacon is a giant glowing McGuffin, a Primo Core. It's on top of a little island at the very top of the Royal Spire, and it is Zakanna's family legacy. She puts her advisor, the super badass Master Yulo, to watch over it.

  Utfa rolls up to the beacon with a small army of seekers and warriors, and there's a bunch of kung-fu fighting. Utfa's side wins, and Yulo flees. He goes down to warn the Empress. It looks like they're totally screwed, with no hope of survival.

  Except, Nolan and his squad have been hanging out planning a rescue. They use their improved cloaking to sneak outside the spire, then punch a hole through the wall with a Theta cannon. I mean, it worked when they pulled out T'kon, so why not use it again?

  It works, they rescue Khar, Zakanna, and Yulo, and they flee to Zakanna's dreadnought. The dreadnought warps away, and they appear in the Atreas system.

  Edwards and Alpha company are messing up the enemy planetstriders on the ground, which Fizgig is embarrassing Takkar's fleet in space. She pops out of hiding, nukes a couple enemy ships, then re-cloaks. There isn't much Takkar can do, except rage.

  When the Empress appears they call a sudden cease fire, and they compare notes.

  Shit, says Fizgig.

  Shit, says Takkar.

  Shit, says Dryker.

  I &*^%ing told you so, says Nolan. The god-damned Gorthians are back.

  And we're into the final book of the trilogy...

  I really hope you enjoy it. If you do, please consider leaving a review. Those are incredibly valuable to indie authors like me.

  Thank you so much for reading. =D

  -Chris

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  PROLOGUE

  Utfa hated this remote world. Not because of the slightly increased gravity. Not because of the time it took to navigate through the asteroid field. And not even because it took him away from Imperalis.

  He hated this world because of what it inspired in him: Absolute, unadulterated terror. The kind of fear children labored under when they crept to the bio unit in the darkest hours. Utfa had never been particularly brave, but he had been bold. Here, that boldness was stripped away.

  He continued the last several paces, stopping before the altar. The stains were fresh, made by his own hand and those of his most trusted advisors. Many had been called here--hundreds over the last few weeks. Utfa might be first among the servants, but he was also one of many. Inconsequential, in all likelihood.

  Utfa sliced his palm, allowing his blood to run into the ceremonial bowl. He wondered absently why blood was necessary.

  A towering voice echoed in his mind. My physical body lies an incalculable distance away, so vast that your mind would crack to learn the number. Your blood allows me to connect to your location, to resonate with your genetic material.

  Part of Utfa rejoiced at the voice, but the rest recoiled in teeth-chattering terror. The Nameless Ones could hear his thoughts--even this one.

  He continued the ritual, smearing runes on the altar.

  The voice boomed again. That is sufficient.

  He didn't look at the yawning mouth in the rock face to his right. Perhaps the Nameless One dwelled inside; he certainly detected a presence. Yet its words seemed to contradict that.

  You question. That is good, so long as you obey, the voice said. I will offer no answers, as these seem to be idle thoughts. I have brought you here for a purpose, vassal. Today I entrust you with a vital task, the most vital that has been given to your kind since they first discovered the stars. My young brethren are coming, and they hunger.

  "This day is spoken of in the whispers, great one," Utfa ventured. When nothing struck him down he continued. "What will your brethren require?"

  They require sustenance. You must find worlds teeming with life, to sate their hunger. The first of my brethren will arrive soon. When it does, you must prepare a world for it to feast. I do not care which world you choose, but that world must be utterly pacified and safe for them to devour.

  Utfa wondered at that. Why must the world be pacified, unless Ganog weaponry were a threat to the Nameless Ones themselves? He chastised himself for the heretical thought.

  No, the thought is valid. Important. You must understand, if you are to enact our will. We are not indestructible, though we are immortal as you measure such things. This cycle is already turbulent. The Great Eye of Spitha has been slain, a possibility so remote that we had not planned for that contingency.

  My brethren are newly spawned. They are young, and weak. Once they have feasted they will grow strong enough that none can threaten them. Until then, they are vulnerable. You must ensure that they are not threatened during the feeding.

  "Of course, great one," Utfa said, bowing to the altar. "I have just such a world in mind. The Nyar have always opposed your will. I will take the guardians you have given me, and I will scorch their world."

  NO. The voice thundered. Wipe out the defenders, but leave the biological entities. Keep them there, unharmed.

  "Of course," Utfa said, bowing again. "We will ensure that there is sufficient food. Using the guardians you have provided me, I believe I can secure this world well before the first of your brethren arrive." />
  Be certain. If you fail me in this, the consequences will be...dire.

  "Great one, what of the empress and her fleets?" Utfa asked, not wanting to contemplate what a Nameless One would consider dire. "What of Imperalis?"

  Many now serve me, in every clan. The empress believes herself safe, but she is not. I will provide you the tools to defeat her. As for Imperalis, that world is of no consequence. Focus on securing food for my brethren. Leave one of your underlings in charge.

  "Of course, great one," Utfa said, giving a final bow. He sensed that the presence was gone, but wondered if it could still hear his thoughts. It was best to assume that it could.

  Utfa was left with many questions, more than he'd arrived with. Why didn't the Nameless One care about Imperalis? And who should Utfa leave in charge? It would need to be someone both strong and decisive, someone that all clans feared.

  Utfa smiled. "Azatok will do nicely." The butcher was widely known--and feared--due to his multiple conquests in the Royal Arena. He was also a confident fleet leader, though his boldness often caused him to overlook traps. Still, as long as he wasn't expected to lead any significant battles he should suffice. The terror he inspired would be worth as much as the man himself.

  In the meantime, Utfa had the privilege of ending his most hated enemies. If he could secure Nyar, over forty percent of their clan would be devoured in a single day. That act would seal the fate of the octant, ensuring that the Kthul and their masters triumphed. No one would dare fight back after he made an example of the Nyar.

  1

  NYAR PRIME

  Nolan took a deep breath, then strode into the cargo bay of the battleship Demetrius. Soft light filtered down from the ceiling, illuminating fifteen mech stalls. Techs swarmed around the ten-meter death machines, manually checking hydraulics and coolant levels.

  The pilots stood in a loose cluster around a tall man with a shock of red hair. He sported a manicured beard now, and there was a weight to his gaze that hadn't been there the last time Nolan had spoken with him. He wore it well.

  "Nolan, over here," Burke called, his clear voice echoing through the hangar. The soldiers of Alpha Company turned hostile gazes in Nolan's direction.

  Nolan started over, reconsidering his decision not to bring the rest of his squad. He squared his shoulders, walking proudly.

  "Get a haircut," someone catcalled from the back ranks.

  "Stow that shit," Burke snapped. He glared hard, his eyes spearing pilot after pilot. Then he hopped up on an ammo crate, staring down at his men. "Listen up! I know what you've heard. It's true that Captain Nolan is from the 14th. It is also true that he's been placed in charge of this operation, despite me outranking him."

  There were dark grumbles at that, and the hostile gazes became murderous.

  "Be that as it may," Burke continued. "We're going to extend him every courtesy. You are going to treat him like a goddamned admiral. The reason you're standing here, the reason we even fought at Atreas, is this man. He won us Ganog 7. So whatever your personal feelings, you toe the goddamned line. Am I making myself clear?"

  "Yes, sir," Alpha Company chorused.

  "Now get your asses back to work," Burke ordered. "I want these mechs parade-ready for our arrival."

  The pilots moved back to their respective stalls for final rechecks.

  Nolan blinked up at Burke as the Major hopped down from the crate. "That was impressive. Looks like you've really settled into the rank, sir."

  "I learned from the best. Reval taught me a lot," Burke said, in a low tone. "Listen, I'm sorry, but I've got to be honest. This mission is bullshit, and the men know it. We deserve our own command--and besides, this ship should be protecting our border, not helping the Ganog get their house in order. These people attacked us, Nolan. Repeatedly. A lot of good men died."

  "I know, trust me. I don't like it anymore than you do, but I promise you it's necessary. The Ganog aren't the real threat, and you know it. The Void Wraith being present on Imperalis changes everything. We both know who they work for, and we're going to need the Ganog if we want to survive the war that's coming. Permission to address the men, sir?" Nolan glanced at Alpha Company, unsurprised by the disdain and anger. A few men were apathetic. None seemed sympathetic.

  "Granted." Burke waved at the crate. "The floor is yours."

  Nolan hopped nimbly onto the crate, turning to face them. Every eye was on him, every look darker than the next. Yeah, this was going swimmingly. "Listen up, Alpha. I know your reputation. You fought on the line at Atreas, and took down three planetstriders. Your casualties were lower than any other unit. You're the best of the best. And you're wondering why the brass on Earth felt the need to put some captain from the gutter fleet in command over a decorated major."

  He paused, watching as curiosity crept into a few faces. "Earth needs to bring the Nyar Clan into the war on our side. The Nyar are prickly, and they don't like other races. They're also even more obsessed with honor than the Tigris. Earth put me in charge because the Nyar know who I am, and will see me being there as a mark of respect. That's why I'm 'in charge.'" He curled his fingers to provide the air quotes.

  "We all know I'm not in charge. Major Burke is in charge. You're here to babysit me while I liaison with the Nyar leadership. We shake some hands, I convince them to join the war, and then we get you back into action guarding the Coalition border." Nolan paused again. Most of their faces had softened, though anger still slumbered in a few. "If I need something done I'll go to Burke. Take your orders from him. Dismissed."

  Nolan hopped down, turning to face Burke. That put his back to the men, which let them react however they chose with no fear of reprisal. He knew he was still fighting an uphill battle, but maybe he'd won a small victory.

  "You shouldn't have done that." Burke shook his head. "I really like you, Nolan--much to my surprise--but you just don't get command structure. You are in charge. The president was very clear on that point."

  "It's not that I don't understand command structure," Nolan countered, keeping his voice low so the men wouldn't hear. "It's that I understand morale. It sucks having some asshole put in charge, and now they feel a little better about it. Rigid do as you're told thinking is what put us in such a bad position during the war with the Void Wraith. Give these men some agency. Let them invest in the unit, and in their commander. Salvaging their pride at the cost of mine is a small price."

  Burke pursed his lips, eyeing Nolan with a great deal of consideration. "I doubt we'll ever agree on most things, especially how I choose to run my unit. What we do agree on is the need to get the job done, no matter what it costs. I'll overlook your...unorthodox methods, if you keep me in the loop. Give it to me straight. What are we walking into on Nyar Prime?"

  "It's ugly. We don't know how they're going to react to our presence, or if they'll even let us dock," Nolan admitted. He finally turned back to Alpha Company, which had fully dispersed across the cargo bay. No one seemed interested in him anymore, thankfully.

  "Why didn't we bring T'kon?" Burke asked, wearing his skepticism openly. "Or the empress? Seems like the Nyar would have reacted better to one of their own."

  "They consider T'kon an enemy, and the Nyar have very little respect for the empress." Nolan shook his head. "Ganog politics are even worse than ours. I did bring an ally though, one the Nyar respect--Master Yulo, the empress's tutor. I'm hoping he can arrange a meeting with their leadership. If not, we're in serious trouble. The Kthul have the Void Wraith backing them now, and I'm positive their next offensive will come soon."

  "Well, let's hope these guys play nice," Burke replied, shaking his head. "I just want to get this mission over with, and get back on the line where we can make a real difference."

  "You and me both," Nolan said, though only part of him meant it. The Nameless Ones were out there, getting closer. They might already be here. And someone needed to stop them.

  2

  WARP ANCHOR

  "Will you look
at that?" Annie drawled, gaping up at the viewscreen. Nolan set down his spanner, wiping sweat from his forehead as he rose from the exposed panel on his mech's leg.

  Hannan lounged against the wall of the cargo bay. "These Nyar don't mess around, do they? I don't think there's any way to safely reach that world."

  The viewscreen showed a mass of floating rocks of all different sizes. The largest rivaled a small moon, tapering down to rocks no larger than his fist. They moved and rotated around the world in an endless dance.

  "That field is denser than I've ever seen," Nolan mused, "and the asteroids are clustered too close together--at least compared to a standard asteroid field. That shouldn't be possible, not unless they're generating some sort of gravity field." He wiped his wrist across his cheek to remove a trickle of sweat, then stretched. "I'd love to know how they do it."

  "It is called a warp anchor," Yulo explained, rising from a resting position against the bulkhead. His fur was a pristine, snowy white. He strode gracefully toward Nolan, walking with the same deadly grace Nolan was used to seeing from Fizgig. "It generates a gravitational field that draws in surrounding asteroids. It also intercepts warp fields, allowing it to sync with any ship attempting to warp inside the field. If an unauthorized vessel attempts to do so, the field shunts them into the asteroids. Even dreadnoughts do not survive."

  "Sounds nasty," Nolan said, already considering how he might penetrate such a defense. There was always a way. "So how do we get inside? I don't really see a door to knock on."

  "We will need to broadcast a challenge." Yulo clasped his hands behind his back, moving to stand next to Nolan. "That challenge should rightfully be issued by you--"

  "A challenge? We need to fight to get in-system?" Nolan rubbed his temples. "It's too early for this crap."