Endless Online Book 3: Oblivion's Promise                                                                                  -C. 2018 M.H. Johnson

Prologue

The clang of pressure doors slamming shut could be heard throughout the spaceship. Elise and Sten exchanged haunted glances as their ship went deathly silent, save for air filters striving to purify the stench of corpses laid low by their erstwhile companion's deadly blade. Trained as a Highlord under the most unforgiving of masters, Elise couldn't help but read the desperation, hope, and love in Sten's gaze. Once the most daring of mercenary captains, he had risked so much, putting his wild luck to the ultimate test, when he first came to her rescue what now seemed a lifetime ago.

They had both sought to put their pasts behind them, and for a time they had succeeded as treasure hunters and prospectors of all things. For a single precious year, life had been sweet. Until they had been captured by the cruelest of inquisitors just moments before they could escape Jordia forever with an incredible fortune in precious minerals. Then they were cuffed, beaten, and brought into the very bowels of the massive dreadnought perpetually flying over Jordia's skies.

Finding herself once more in the heart of her former master's power, Elise had felt nothing but dread, all hope lost. Then they had been rescued by the most unlikely of heroes, all their hopes now pinned on a half-mad boy claiming to be from another world.

Halvar, the seven-foot mercenary among them, chuckled ruefully into the silence, his one cybernetic eye whirring even as his soft brown human one crinkled with mirth. "If that boy had been playing us, he was a pure virtuoso. I never suspected Daudi ties for a heartbeat, save when first he danced with that ancient Psiblade in the garden, looking for all the world like a Darklord, for all that he had seemed but a lost babe in the woods when he first popped out of that vat of magic goop, just weeks ago!" He sighed and shook his head. "He reminded me so much of the innocent recruits my company would take on, and I'd have just a few short months to get them ready for a life of battle, glory, and hot death, like as not. Only reason why I pushed him as hard as I did to train."

Elise nodded. "He was a babe lost in the woods to me as well. And how fragile his mind seemed when first I strove to train him." She closed her eyes and lowered her head. "I pushed him too hard. I became the very bitter taskmistress who had so long tormented me." A bitter chuckle. "In fearing for his life, for all our lives, I had become like the very pitiless lords I strove to protect him from."

Her haunted eyes locked onto one of the decapitated corpses, cleaved through by blades of null-force as easily as a normal blade would cleave through air. "But, yes, when I caught sight of Val in the garden wielding that blade, seeming as much shadows and darkness as living being... the terror I had felt, unable to find the gaze of a man who could so easily cut me down... never had I felt so frozen with fear." She swallowed and looked away. "And then he handed me that terrible artifact like it was of no consequence, an item capable of cutting through Elementium reinforced mech-bots like nothing, and his expression read only disappointment after I accused him of such things, based on nothing more than shadows and fear."

Sten shook his head even as he winced from the pain of his injuries, his face and body bearing the savage marks of the inquisitor who had enjoyed his work to a horrific degree. "No. How the hell could he have set that up?" He hissed and groaned. "Could one of those damned officials clued in a Dauda contact while we were filling out the paperwork for the mine? Giving him the perfect opportunity to study the territory before popping up out of a vat like that, giving us all a deathly fright, coming off like such an innocent, and how carefully he steered us past death, over and over again."

Sten shuddered, face turning pale from pain. Elise choked back a sob, turning to Halvar. "Get Gregor up here now! Tell him to bring all the healing potions he has."

Halvar gave a curt nod, heading off, still in trooper armor. Elise shook her head. "All that care, though. The things he told us, only moments before his identity was revealed. Why? Why would he bother with the story?"

Sten chuckled softly. "What can I say? We were useful tools, and all know that the Daudi value their tools. Their word is their bond. It is the only thing that motivates people to work for them since they're savvy enough to know that fear can buy man many things. Open many, many doors. But it cannot buy loyalty. It cannot buy friendship."

Elise nodded, kissing Sten's brow. "I'd like to think, maybe, somehow, he enjoyed feeling innocent, feeling somehow... free with us. I can only imagine what his life was like before. Perhaps fear, fury, and pain were all he knew. But with us?"

Sten sighed. "We could have treated him better. We should have treated him better."

Elise shrugged. "The past is already written, as you've told me more than once, my love. And we had every right to be suspicious on our venture, so many hands already turned against us, having to let at least a few government officials know our plans just to pay fees and legitimize our claim. When a boy pops out of a vat but feet away from us and we are suddenly sealed in, well, no one can blame us for our caution with him." She lowered her gaze. "And yes, Sten, if I could rewrite the past..."

Sten nodded, even as the gnomelike Gregor burst into the room, his gaze panicked. "Bodies...there are bodies everywhere!"

Halvar nodded. "He did his mentor proud, whoever taught our Val. A master mercenary commander without a doubt."

Gregor's eyes widened. "Nothing mercenary about it. He's Dauda clan! You said so yourself. Now it all makes sense! Asking all those strange questions, the way he'd peer at you with his odd, peaceful eyes, then look away the second you looked back."

Halvar's gaze hardened. "He saved your life, Gregor, don't you dare forget. He saved all our lives." Halvar grimaced, turning towards the command center. "Even now our lives are in his hands. Whether he's a Dauda assassin who values his pieces or just a boy gambling with his life for the sake of his friends, our fates ride upon the dice he rattles even now."

Gregor swallowed, nodding absently as he carefully fed Sten first one then a second ruby potion.

Elise smiled. "Thank you, Gregor. It looks like your odd hobby is just the thing needed."

Gregor nodded. "I gave you two, just in case. One of the ones I made on Phoebe and..." he suddenly paled, beginning to shake. "Oh no."

Sten's eyes bulged and he grimaced. "What did you do, Gregor? What did you do?!"

Gregor stumbled back as Sten lurched to his feet.

Elise shrieked as he put weight on his shattered knee, desperate to catch him before he fell.

But her gesture was pointless as Sten lurched forward, blinking in surprise as he gazed first at Gregor, then at his knee, blinking in amazement.

"Gregor..."

"Yes, Captain?"

"Can your potions mend shattered bone?"

Gregor blinked. "No potion save a masterwork could do such a thing."

Sten gazed down at his trembling legs, grimacing in pain but very much standing, then gazed back at his friends.

No one said a word as the seconds dragged on.

Sten chuckled into the silence. "That boy will never cease to amaze me. To the bridge." He gazed at Elise as she grabbed an arm, supporting his weight, pained still despite the miracle of a working joint. "I'm never leaving your side again, you know."

Elise squeezed him tight, learning her head against his own as they navigated to the bridge. "I know. As soon as we get out of here..."

"I'm marrying you."

Elise flushed. "The courts would never allow it."

"The hell with them. The hell with the Dominion altogether. The minute we get out of here, assuming my luck or Val's holds, we head for the territories, centuries-long sleep be damned. We emerge rich, free, husband and wife ready to start over in the free territories. Our pasts count for nothing out there. It will be centuries before the Dominion expands that far, and they have every reason to leave the outskirts of settled space alone until it develops sufficient to even be worth claiming."

Sten flashed a roguish grin as Elise helped him to his chair. "And who knows? Maybe Halvar and I aren't the only mercs who want a fresh start and will fight to keep our new homes free. Either way, we will have centuries of peace before trouble comes knocking on our doorstep, especially with a fortune of Elementium to guide our way."

Elise said not a word, even as she kissed Stens' brow, tears flowing down her cheeks as she locked gazes with her lover before taking her own seat.

Sten turned to Gregor. "Please tell me Valor wasn't lying about our prize."

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Gregor blinked, shaking his head. "Pure madness. But I checked. He really did it! He had no reason to, but there really is a fortune of Elementium back there!"

Sten closed his eyes with relief. "Thank the ancestors. Now tell me you secured it properly."

Gregor looked affronted. "Of course! It's all in nul-status. I'm no fool, Sten, whatever that kid might think." Gregor sighed. "I do hope he doesn't get himself killed. Not until we're free of the dreadnought, at least."

Halvar chuckled at that.

"I was kidding."

"I know."

"Do you really think Val's Dauda clan?"

Sten smiled. "Maybe not, Gregor. Then again, maybe he is. In the end, it doesn't matter. If he can actually coax these bastards to open the bay doors and give us safe passage, I'll count him a friend in my book for life."

All four of them nodded at that, gazing breathlessly at the bay doors.

Utterly unmoving as the moments ticked by, Sten and friends feeling the tension as an awful, unbearable weight pressing against them.

"Bloody hells, what's going on?" Gregor hissed.

"Patience. It will take as long as it takes. And as long as those bastards staring at us outside are making no move to enter, I will count myself lucky."

Gregor paled, gazing down at several score armored troopers pointedly gazing back at the ship, all of them armed with powerful laser carbines, though none made any demands. Yet.

All of them jumped in their seat as the comms suddenly crackled to life.

"Vessel 03X1 Mordingi. You are cleared for towing. Vessel 03X1 Mordingi. You are cleared for towing. Do not catalyze drive until launch is complete. Repeat. Do not catalyze drive until launch is complete."

Gregor gazed at Sten in awe. "Angels mercy. I think Val actually did it!"

All of them gazed out the command view in numb, grateful disbelief as the very soldiers who had been standing at deadly attention immediately flowed off to separate tasks, quickly and efficiently towing their ship to the launch point as Sten was directed through protocols and almost before they knew it they were shot by gravity pulse free of the massive dreadnought that stretched away endlessly before them, a vast and mighty capital ship capable of laying siege to an entire hemisphere, all on its own.

"Vessel 03X1 Mordingi, you are clear. Vessel 03X1 Mordingi, you are clear to catalyze your drive. Safe journey. Dreadnought Alphastar out."

Halvar gave his former mercenary brother a rueful grin. "I think it's time we got this show on the road, don't you?"

Sten nodded. "Next stop, Phoebe."

"No!" A suddenly panicked Elise squeezed Sten's hand so tight he winced. "Please, Sten, anywhere but there."

His brow furrowed with concern. "Elise, we don't have to sell our find. You were right. It's high risk, too damn high a risk in this system, even if the Phoebian consort is paying top coin for Elementium. But you know as well as I that the major hub jump points crest it's electro-manasphere."

Elise shook her head frantically. "Don't be a fool! Did you forget the second dreadnought?! What the hell do you think they'll do when a ship recently departed from the dreadnought of their chief ally and opponent enters their space? Mordingi's already claimed the registration keys! His inquisitorial status is irrefutable. You don't think Phoebe's Overlord will hesitate for a heartbeat to demand audience with his opponent's pawn before allowing him into the heart of his sanctuary? Particularly an inquisitor who has spy written all over him? Think!"

Gregor grimaced. "Oh, that does sound bad, when you put it like that."

A breathless pause. Sten swallowed and lowered his head. "You're right. I'm a fool twice-over."

"You and me both," Halvar softly said, turning to Elise who was herself gazing at Sten with sad violet eyes, as if shamed by a haughty tongue castigating the very man she had sworn her heart to.

Sten flashed Elise a rueful smile, stroking her cheek. "No regrets, love. You've taken command of common sense, now steer us to shore."

Elise nodded. "Quick. No time to waste. To Jordia before our stillness causes yet more unwanted attention!"

And within seconds they were off, the telltale hum of their stardrive the only indication they were moving save the planet rapidly approaching, Elise's lips curving in happiness despite her pain, gazing upon her birth planet, bittersweet as her journey to this moment had been. "Alright. As soon as we make it to Jordia's outer orbit, we'll crest to the far side. Tilgoth is the only decent destination point from Jordia, but we can sell the smallest portion of our Elementium for almost fair rates without anyone batting an eye. From there we jump to the major hubs, sell our treasures for a fortune, pay the requisite bribes, and head for a paradise planet to enjoy endless centuries free of worry or care."

Gregor grinned. "Sounds good! I know several high quality partnership contractors at the Jita hub, and by now they should have an accurate profile of my, ahem, eccentricities. I'd love to see what selection of girls looking for immediate partners they have. It's been too long since I was married. Maybe the third time's the charm."

Elise's laugh was gentle. "You never change, Gregor."

"I'm a sweetheart!" he huffed. "Once you get to know me. But most women don't bother. A contract at least gives them a chance to see if they're willing to put up with me. Maybe I can find a nice girl who likes shorter men and alchemy?"

Halvar's eyes widened. "Bloody hells, I nearly forgot."

Sten frowned. "What's that?"

Halvar just shook his head, wasting no time, immediately getting on coms. "03X1... Mordingi to Jordia. 0X31 Mordingi to Jordian safety command. Do you copy?"

Sten and Elise both gazed at Halvar in surprise, Sten's frown deepening before turning his focus to the jump points on the far side of the planet they approached.

"Jordian Safety Command. We read you, 0X31 Mordingi. What's the problem?"

"Solar flair! Omega class. We have readings of unexpected flare activity. Recommend following safety protocols immediately. Please pass concern to Phoebian Safety Command."

The comms were dead silent for some moments. "Vessel 03X1 Mordingi this is a serious assertion. How good is your source?"

Halvar grimaced. Sten gave a frustrated curse. "Damn it, Halvar."

"Highlord," Halvar said at last. "If we're wrong... we'll accept field costs, expect bounty in turn."

Dead silence once more. A different voice came on. "This is Colonel Kal Zechlo of Jordian Safety Command. Do I understand your assertion that a solar flare is imminent from a command-level source and you're willing to wager the full value of your vessel on that?"

Halvar nodded, even as Sten cursed, frantically racing for the jump point on the far side of the planet, the giant dreadnought, massive as it was, now just a speck in the horizon. "That is correct, Colonel Kal Zechlo. Alpha warning being given. I repeat, alpha warning being given."

Elise's eyes widened at the cursing coming over the comms. "Damn it, alright. Fields coming up in ten seconds. We're sending a message to Phoebe. If your wrong, you know the penalty."

Halvar grimaced. "And if I'm right..."

"Yeah, you're bloody heroes, five million credit bounty. Put your own shields up, and don't try to leave the system."

"Understood," Halvar said as Sten snapped off the comms.

"Bloody hells, Halvar, what the hell are you trying to do? We need to jump out! Do you understand? We're skirting oblivion's edge by the skin of our teeth! What do you think you're doing?"

"Val's request."

Those quiet words silenced them all as a frustrated Sten prepped himself for jumping despite the warning. "Alright," he said as all of Jordia was suddenly covered by a shimmering azure field. "Alright. Our ship's worth about 5 million credits. I know the jump captain here. A million credits should buy us a backdoor out of here. Hell, the captain can come with, we'll give him two million! Start life anew rich as a lord. Just try to stall them as long as you can. Buy me time to reach out. How long until they wind it down?"

Elise frowned. "Ten minutes minimum. For a random anomaly especially from a class A source, we have maybe twenty minutes before they need secondary verification.

Their comms crackled once more, the voice clearly feminine despite being tinny and faint. "This is Colonel Alara Elistair of Phoebian Safety Command. Is this the ship declaring an Alpha class Solar distress warning?"

Sten gave a frustrated shake of his head.

"Yes," Halvar said, hesitating not at all. This is 03X1 Mordingi."

An angry pause. "You do know the penalty if you are wasting our time, yes?"

Halvar nodded. "Confiscation of our ship, the ruin of our good name."

"A hell of a lot more than that. Are you sure you want to do this?"

Halvar closed his human eye, shaking his head, Sten cursing in the background. "Yes," he said, firm as any commander. "Keep it up for a good thirty minutes, just to make sure."

"Thirty? Bullshit. Who the hell are you to commandeer our resources for that long? Prime directives be damned, I'll put you in a Valorian mine myself if you're fucking with us."

Halvar glared at the com. "I'll tell you what. When this all blows over, you can question me personally and I can tell you my source. Then you can do whatever the hell you want to, lady, but there are some people you don't want to fuck with, even if you are Safety Command. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

Elise blinked at a shouting Halvar, nodding in odd approval.

Sten smirked, his eyes saying all that needed to be said.

"Shields coming on. And you sure as hell are no inquisitor, no matter that you came out of that dreadnought flying a Highlord claimed ship. You better be right, merc, that's all I'm going to say. Phoebe out."

"We're rolling the dice for keeps, this time around." Sten shook his head. "Good thing Val did actually leave so much Elementium. Otherwise there would be no way in hell we could bribe enough people to keep out of those damn mines."

Halvar chuckled ruefully. "Easy come, easy go. If Val does somehow win that duel and get ahold of that jump gate, no stray energies will be scorching our home when he overloads it, at least."

Elise's eyes widened. "That's not how jump gates work, Halvar. Why would you think that?"

Halvar frowned. "Val gave me the heads up. Wierdest thing. He gazed at me so intently and I just knew he planned on overloading it. After the performance of a lifetime he pulled saving our asses back there, I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt. No matter how illogical his stances, somehow he's always pulling winning hands."

Elise swallowed. "He's no physicist. There is no way..." Her gaze was one of horror. "That commander joked about Valorium mines. Sten, where we were, the only... oh gods. Oh gods, Sten, jump now! Now!"

Sten frowned. "Elise, what are you talking about?"

"Don't panic," Halvar soothed. "We'll get through this, don't you worry."

"No, you don't understand, Val's going to blow up the dreadnought!"

Dead silence.

Gregor burst into sudden laughter. "What are you talking about Elise? That's absurd. Beyond absurd, it's actually impossible! The only way to blow up a dreadnought class ship is piloting it into the sun!" He frowned. "Val isn't that crazy, I mean, he couldn't actually get ahold of the navigation controls somehow..."

"Shields!" Elise screamed.