Advance Read online

  Table of Contents

  Synopsis

  Praise for Gun Brooke’s Fiction

  By the Author

  Acknowledgments

  Dedication

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-one

  Chapter Twenty-two

  Chapter Twenty-three

  Chapter Twenty-four

  Chapter Twenty-five

  Epilogue

  About the Author

  Books Available from Bold Strokes Books

  Synopsis

  Admiral Dael Caydoc heads up the Advance Fleet to find a new homeworld for the Oconodian people. Joined by Commander Aniwyn “Spinner” Seclan, larger-than-life, reckless, and not Dael’s first choice as CAG, Commander of the Air Group, she has to admit Spinner is a brilliant pilot.

  Spinner finds Admiral Caydoc an uncompromising, rigid, pain of an officer in the Oconodian Space Fleet. Dael is also the most stunning woman Spinner’s ever met. When the two women clash immediately, it only confirms her suspicion it’s going to be hell to work with a woman who both exasperates and attracts her.

  While running into countless dangerous situations, Dael and Spinner realize they have more in common than they thought. It takes brave words of love for them to persevere when disaster strikes, and it’s up to Dael and Spinner to save the future for the people of Oconodos—and each other.

  Praise for Gun Brooke’s Fiction

  Fierce Overture

  “Gun Brooke creates memorable characters, and Noelle and Helena are no exception. Each woman is “more than meets the eye” as each exhibits depth, fears, and longings. And the sexual tension between them is real, hot, and raw.”—Just About Write

  Coffee Sonata

  “In Coffee Sonata, the lives of these four women become intertwined. In forming friendships and love, closets and disabilities are discussed, along with differences in age and backgrounds. Love and friendship are areas filled with complexity and nuances. Brooke takes her time to savor the complexities while her main characters savor their excellent cups of coffee. If you enjoy a good love story, a great setting, and wonderful characters, look for Coffee Sonata at your favorite gay and lesbian bookstore.”—Family & Friends Magazine

  Sheridan’s Fate

  “Sheridan’s fire and Lark’s warm embers are enough to make this book sizzle. Brooke, however, has gone beyond the wonderful emotional explorations of these characters to tell the story of those who, for various reasons, become differently-abled. Whether it is a bullet, an illness, or a problem at birth, many women and men find themselves in Sheridan’s situation. Her courage and Lark’s gentleness and determination send this romance into a ‘must read.’”—Just About Write

  Course of Action

  “Brooke’s words capture the intensity of their growing relationship. Her prose throughout the book is breathtaking and heart-stopping. Where have you been hiding, Gun Brooke? I, for one, would like to see more romances from this author.”—Independent Gay Writer

  September Canvas

  In this character-driven story, trust is earned and secrets are uncovered. Deanna and Faythe are fully fleshed out and prove to the reader each has much depth, talent, wit and problem-solving abilities. September Canvas is a good read with a thoroughly satisfying conclusion.—Just About Write

  The Supreme Constellations Series

  “Protector of the Realm has it all; sabotage, corruption, erotic love and exhilarating space fights. Gun Brooke’s second novel is forceful with a winning combination of solid characters and a brilliant plot. The book exemplifies her growth as inventive storyteller and is sure to garner multiple awards in the coming year.”—Just About Write

  “Brooke is an amazing author, and has written in other genres. Never have I read a book where I started at the top of the page and don’t know what will happen two paragraphs later. She keeps the excitement going, and the pages turning.”—MegaScene

  Advance: Exodus Book One

  Brought to you by

  eBooks from Bold Strokes Books, Inc.

  eBooks are not transferable. They cannot be sold, shared or given away as it is an infringement on the copyright of this work.

  Please respect the rights of the author and do not file share.

  Advance: Exodus Book One

  © 2014 By Gun Brooke. All Rights Reserved.

  ISBN 13: 978-1-62639-305-9

  This Electronic Book is published by

  Bold Strokes Books, Inc.

  P.O. Box 249

  Valley Falls, New York 12185

  First Edition: December 2014

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission.

  Credits

  Editor: Shelley Thrasher

  Production Design: Susan Ramundo

  Cover Design By Sheri ([email protected])

  Cover Art by Gun Brooke

  By the Author

  Romances

  Course of Action

  Coffee Sonata

  Sheridan’s Fate

  September Canvas

  Fierce Overture

  Speed Demons

  The Blush Factor

  Supreme Constellations series

  Protector of the Realm

  Rebel’s Quest

  Warrior’s Valor

  Pirate’s Fortune

  Novella Anthology

  Change Horizons

  Exodus Series

  Advance

  Acknowledgments

  Thank you to Len Barot, aka Radclyffe, for her continued faith in me.

  I’m as always so grateful to Shelley Thrasher, editor extraordinaire and author. Without you, my story would be sorely lacking.

  Sandy Lowe, BSB’s goddess admin, you are kind, fast, and always ready to help. Sheri, Stacia Seaman, Cindy Cresap, Connie Ward, Lori Anderson, and proofreaders…the list of the BSB family behind the scenes is what helps us authors look really good.

  My first readers—they are awesome! Laura, TX, Eden, AZ, Sam, South Africa, and Maggie, Sweden. You help me not make a fool of myself, and the encouragement makes writing novels a less lonely profession.

  On a personal note, I want to thank Elon, for believing I can do anything, including walk on water. My children, my son-in-law, my grandchildren—I love you all and I am so blessed every day for having you. My friend Joanne, the ladies in my book circle, my Facebook DWP group, my neighbor Birgitta, you all encourage me.

  Last but not least…you, my amazing readers. Thank you for being with me for so many years and so many books. I hope you will continue to enjoy my offerings, and judging from the e-mails I get, our mutual love for reading/writing will prevail.

  This year has been full of challenges, and all the people above have helped, whether they knew it or not, to make it a little easier. I hope I can provide some entertainment and escapism with this story that once again brings us into outer space.

  Dedication

  To Ove

&nb
sp; My brother

  Chapter One

  “You just have to accept it, Admiral. You’re a hero in the eyes of our people.” President Tylio smiled broadly and raised her pewter mug in a toast.

  Admiral Dael Caydoc barely stopped an annoyed huff from escaping. She didn’t consider herself a hero. “This is my job, Your Excellence. Heroics are for others.”

  “But you and your crew are risking your life to save ours,” the president’s spouse, a sparse man with a long white beard, said. “Without your advance team, the rest of us would go into space completely blind.”

  “I appreciate your gratitude, but this is what I’ve worked toward during the entire latter half of my career.” Dael gripped her own mug containing the strong traditional ale so popular among the Oconodian people. She hated it and had managed to fake drinking it her entire adult life.

  “Oh, look, Admiral!” President Tylio turned toward the panoramic window. Outside, enormous fireworks lit up the sky above the presidential palace. A multitude of colors erupted, and the whistling sounds combined with muted thunder made it into an impressive spectacle.

  “Isn’t it gorgeous?” The president smiled wistfully. “I have to say I’m envious of you, Admiral.”

  “Envious, sir?”

  “You’re going on this amazing, life-altering mission, and the rest of us…will just have to wait.” President Tylio sighed. “At least we’ll have your interspace messages to look forward to.”

  “We’ll do our best to keep the messages coming regularly. The buoys constructed by our best engineers will provide us with the best possible chances of communication. Their main purpose is to guide the population to a safe, habitable planet.”

  “Of course. Still, we’re going to eagerly wait for your messages. The entire planet will.” The president’s spouse looked ill at ease. “With the exception of them.”

  Frowning, Dael clasped her hands behind her back. “By ‘them’ I take it you mean the ones displaying symptoms of the dormant mutation?”

  “Yes.” The president’s spouse sneered. “I know I’m supposed to aim for political correctness, but I loathe those creatures. They’re nothing but trouble.”

  “Nor can they choose to be anything but who and what they are.” Dael spoke curtly. “I’m sure, given the choice, most of the changers would want to belong to our society the way they used to.”

  The president’s spouse glowered at her. “Don’t tell me you defend the horrific crimes they commit—”

  “I never defend criminal activities, sir.” Dael returned his gaze calmly. “Most cases that have gone before the courts have been proved to lack malice or intent.”

  “You are correct, Admiral.” The president put her hand on her spouse’s arm. “Especially when the gene becomes active in young children.”

  “Yes.” Knowing that they wouldn’t solve this issue then and there and that it wasn’t her place to bring it up, Dael bowed politely. “My shuttle leaves in fifteen minutes. You’ve been most hospitable these two days, Your Excellence.”

  “We will keep you in our prayers and look forward to messages of your success. Go in peace and splendor, Admiral.”

  “Peace and splendor, Excellences.” Dael bowed and sighed secretly in relief as she made her way to the presidential launchpad at the north end of the palace. She couldn’t wait to get back to the Espies Major. The launch from the space dock in high orbit was scheduled to begin in ten hours. She glanced at her timepiece. With a little luck, she’d get six hours of sleep.

  Dael stepped aboard the shuttle, and the security guard scanned her palm print for confirmation.

  “Welcome aboard, Admiral Caydoc.” He saluted smartly, his right hand in a straight line at the level of his chin.

  She quickly read his nametag. “Ensign Pemmer. Are you part of the advance team on Espies Major?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Are you bringing someone along for the ride?”

  “Yes, sir. My parents and my younger brother, sir.”

  “Good. I look forward to meeting them when things settle down.” Dael smiled, knowing full well what this kind of attention from the highest-ranking officer meant for a junior officer’s self-esteem. Especially as they were about to deploy on an unprecedented mission.

  “Thank you, sir.” Pemmer saluted again, and she returned his acknowledgement before she stepped inside the shuttle.

  Dael’s seat was just behind the main pilot’s. She would be the only passenger, as they were taking off from the presidential-palace grounds, but the last of several of these shuttles were leaving from all over Oconodos.

  She closed her eyes briefly, admitting that the last several months of preparations, not to mention years of anticipation, had made her weary. Once they were on their way and settled into a routine, hopefully she’d be able to, if not relax exactly, then at least feel more at ease in the knowledge that the members of her crew were as finely tuned as she wanted them to be.

  Dael glanced over at Ensign Pemmer, amazed at how young he looked. He had been selected at the academy after extensive tests, and after his initial acceptance, the young man had received rigorous training. For Pemmer to serve on the admiral’s vessel indicated he was the best of the best.

  Unlike Pemmer, Dael was bringing only one family member along. She had been forced to use some of her best persuasion techniques, as her grandmother was as stubborn as she was. Only when Dael appealed to her nania’s sense of duty had Helden Caydoc, former fleet admiral, agreed to join her on the mission to save the Oconodians. Nania had been retired for more than fifteen years, but she was still as sharp and acerbic as she’d ever been. Dael knew she was her grandmother’s only real weakness, though anyone would have to pry this out of the older woman, as she rarely offered praise of any kind. Nania had been installed in her quarters for two days, no doubt driving the young professionals in charge of her daily health care to the brink of losing their minds.

  The change in the sounds from the atmospheric propulsion indicated they had left the mesosphere. The space dock, connected to the vast space station where the fleet of five Advance ships was moored, was now in sight. Dael leaned forward, again amazed at how she already felt she was on her way home, when she really was about to embark on a dangerous journey into unknown space.

  “Docking procedure commencing,” the computerized voice announced via the speaker system. “Adjust your harness.”

  Dael closed her eyes in relief as the clonking sound from the airlocks indicated they had arrived. Finally she could get to work and make sure the people of her home planet had a chance to survive. This had been her sole purpose ever since she became tied to the project years ago, after her promotion to admiral. She was well aware that her appointment as the commanding officer for the Advance project was a political gamble. Most career military officers were from old military families, and hers was one of the most prominent but also rather controversial. When she’d accepted the assignment, she found out who her enemies and her friends were among her peers. The civilian government seemed to trust implicitly her ability to find the way to their new home.

  “Welcome back, sir,” another ensign said smartly, and saluted as the airlock door opened. Her black hair and pale complexion clearly indicated that she originated from the ice-covered territory in the far north. Her blue-green uniform was impeccable, which was hardly surprising, but the color didn’t fit everyone as well as it did this soldier.

  “Permission to come aboard, Ensign Ioanto.” The ensign’s insignia identified the young woman as part of the security detail. “Got your spouse and daughter all settled in?”

  “Yes, sir.” Ensign Ioanto lit up. “I’m sure Mochail has his hands full keeping her in our quarters until we reach deep-space velocity.”

  “How old is she? Five?”

  “Kaisa is a very precocious four. She fancies that she’s the commanding officer at our house.”

  “Sounds like a promising future.” Dael smiled. She was only half joking.
Children like Ioanto’s daughter held their future. If they were going to make it on a new planet, the children’s welfare meant everything. Dael admitted to herself she was wary of bringing civilians along on a deep-space mission like this, but they simply had no other way to do it. They had no idea how long it would take to find a suitable planet, and for the crew to sign on and give it their all, they needed their loved ones.

  Dael thought of Nania. She would make sure her senior staff was present and accounted for and then go to Nania’s quarters and make sure she was all right. Nodding at Ioanto, Dael headed toward the one place where she felt most at home.

  The bridge.

  *

  “Make way, make way!” Spinner hurried along the Espies Major’s main corridor, which resembled a hollow spine through the ship. She’d run into some issues when overseeing the landing of one of the assault craft, and now she was late. She’d only met the admiral in a very formal setting and knew that this wasn’t how to make a good impression. Chewing on her lower lip, she did what she usually did, jogged right toward people until they moved. Some at the last minute, but they always moved. The fact that she was CAG, Commander of the Air Group, helped send people scurrying.

  The bridge was located in the safest place on Espies Major, deep in its belly. The bulkheads created a cage around it, keeping potential enemies from weakening the last defense. Spinner hurried through the automatic double doors.

  “How wonderful of you to join us, Commander Seclan.” The acerbic tone of Admiral Caydoc greeted her. “If this tardiness is indicative of your performance during the upcoming years, we might just have to get used to delaying missions to suit your needs.”