The Stellar Glory

Chapter Five: A God of War

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The Stellar Glory is a Novel in 15 Chapters. Starting in May of 2011, it is being serialized on this website, one chapter at a time. Read Chapter Five: Captured (The download is in PDF format.  Adobe Reader required.) The next installment, Chapter Six: The Knowing will appear in December, 2011.  Check the right-hand column for available chapters

The Stellar Glory The Intrepid is captured by the Wolf's Fury, a planet sized ship with its own atmosphere.

"I can never apologize enough for that, my lady," said Christopher.  On any other day his tears would have seemed to him terrible, a display of weakness, but not today.  Today they left behind something he did not altogether recognize, something which, after consideration, seemed stronger than before.

"You needn't call me that, not 'my lady'," Bethede responded. "My fellows in The Society are obligated to such correctness.  I will not hold my captain to it."

"My lady suits you."  Christopher settled himself in one of the chairs, easing back.  "I owe you a great deal.  My life.  My ship.  My crew."

"Enough.  Start your payments with honesty then," said Bethede.  "Are you strong enough to carry this through?  One way or another we must encounter the aliens, contact sane, responsible members of another race."

"Assuming such exist.  Yes, my lady, I can finish the mission, but neither you nor I may guarantee its success.  Only Chesschantra in His heaven can do that."

In response, Bethede offered no more than a sardonic smile.

For a few moments more they sat in silence.  Their eyes sought something in the gaze of the other.  Neither seemed willing to break the spell, each sensing something healing about the presence next to them, their time together fostering what Christopher could only have described as a secret understanding. 

"Have you any other questions requiring my honest response?" Christopher asked, breaking the spell.

"Yes, Captain."  Bethede's words grew stern, the tenderness that had been between them now a vanished reality.  "You and I, we've sentenced a crewman to death; I understand that.  But tell me, how does it. . ."  She turned away.  "How does it take place?"

"Fair enough," Christopher said softly.  "Studer will make a recorded statement.  After that, the ship's surgeon will introduce a vapor into Studer's cell.  The effect is to cause sleep.

"Once the prisoner loss consciousness, a fast acting poison is used, pumped into the cell as was the vapor.  Afterward, the code 'Passing into Night' is broadcast throughout the ship."

Bethede considered the words for several minutes, then spoke as if amazed.  "So gentle a death, and from the same culture that produced Quindelau.  But for all its seeming gentleness, it's an execution nonetheless, and one without trial."

Pulling back his sleeve, Christopher rubbed at a plastic-smooth patch above his wrist.  It itched.  His whole body seemed to ache and itch on some dull, unconscious level, as if he were emerging from the sluggish reality of a dream and into the cold assault of true morning. "

Thank you, My Lady, for all you've. . . done."

Christopher rose and headed for the bridge.  "But. . .  You must know that on Balecentros these aliens you seek will be taken as demons, as proof of the Way and its doctrine, not a repudiation at all.  It might have worked had they displayed another nature, if they had shown themselves to be wise, or at least civil."

"I've thought of that," said Bethede.  "If our mission cannot be used to discredit His Majesty's authority, then I'll use it to destroy The Way.  What could Tir and his kind not accomplish with an entire civilization to play their games?" 

"You can't be serious!" said Christopher, astonished.

Bethede paused before answering, blocking the door for the briefest of moments.  Her eyes met Christopher's.  "I will prevail.  If it means destroying everything I know and rebuilding it from a handful of dust, then that is exactly what I will do."

(This has been a preview of The Stellar Glory, Chapter Five: Captured To read the complete chapter, download our FREE PDF of the chapter using the link below.)

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Available Chapters

Chapter One: The Captain

Chapter Two: Escape from Balecentrol

Chapter Three: Battle for Adhara

Chapter Four: A God of War

Chapter Five: Captured

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The Stellar Glory
Copyright © 2011 by Scot Noel

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