Wrath of Angels, page 22
part #4 of Sins of Angels Series
There was just one thing left she needed to do.
“Jordan to MacGregor.”
60
“Time dilation—the nature of the space-time continuum creates a relative difference in elapsed time based on the speed and gravity of two bodies in comparison with one another. In practice, the perceived difference grows substantial when in proximity to uncontained singularities or when velocities attain significant PSL.”
Mizraim Imperial Encyclopedia, Time Dilation
THE TABERNACLE, ACHSHAP SYSTEM
With Phoebe secured back on Raziel’s ship, Knight raced through the station, back toward the core.
Time seemed to distort around him as he raced across the platform, but it wasn’t his heightened senses. The singularity drive must be losing containment enough to dilate space-time. No matter how fast he ran, it felt like moving in slow motion.
Others fled from ruptures spreading from every sphere.
Knight dashed into the central sphere, then down toward core. Again he tried to comm, but the singularity was interfering with the Mazzaroth signal. It wouldn’t work until they got farther away.
He neared a shaft only to see Rachel climbing out the top, panting.
“Rach!”
Knight grabbed her wrists and yanked her upward.
An implosion erupted from the chamber below. The whole ground rocked, lilting. Floor panels popped free, and plasma clouds began venting into the corridor.
Knight grabbed Rachel and wrapped an arm around her. “Hold tight to me.”
“Hey,” she said.
With one hand, he reached down toward the loose floor panel he stood on, then telekinetically ripped it upward. Rachel lurched, but Knight held her close.
Knight spread his arms, and the panel took off horizontally like a hover carrier. They sped over the bridge so fast the shrieking wind threatened to pull them apart. He stood firm, arms stretched out to either side, trusting Rachel not to let go.
They slowed as they drew near the ship, then dropped to the floor. Waves of dizziness washed over him, and he stumbled until Rachel caught him.
“No you don’t!” Rachel said. She threw his arm over her shoulder and pulled him into the ship.
Phoebe grabbed him and helped him into a seat, and Rachel strapped into the pilot’s chair. She overrode the airlock and shot from the station as fast as she was able.
Behind them, metal rent and tore, sucked into a massive implosion. As the ship sped away from the station, anything close by was caught in the gravity well and drawn in.
And then the Tabernacle, symbol of Mizraim, vanished into nothingness.
61
“Tonight’s leading story: the Tabernacle of the Mizraim Empire is no more. Rebellious forces have attacked and destroyed the heart of the Sentinel organization. This symbol of hope and order amid the chaos spreading throughout the known galaxies has sent an already faltering empire over the brink. Intergalactic shipping has ground to a standstill. Food shortages are anticipated on thousands of worlds without the protection and organization of the Sentinels. Hoarding is being reported even in major cities.”
Reuben Klein, MNN remote correspondent
FEBRUARY 9, 3096 EY — REHOBATH, ANDROMEDA GALAXY
In the wake of the Tabernacle’s destruction, David had ordered the fleet to withdraw and disperse. Rachel supposed he thought it best not to let the Ark find them together until they planned their next step. With the Shekhinah gone, they could at last count on Hannah and their other allies.
Which meant Rachel breathed with relief and slept well that night. The Ark was still out there. The angels were still bent on the conquest of mankind and the annihilation of Asherah. But mankind had won a victory this day, and word had come back from Lamport. The aluf had succeeded in taking out all targets, albeit at cost. Many lives had been lost on all fronts, but they had shown the angels that humans were no longer sheep to be dominated. And that was a victory, as far as Rachel was concerned.
So, a day later, when they reached Rehobath, David contacted the governor—an old friend of Leah’s family named Ephraim Geum. And the perfect official for Rachel’s wedding. She’d never visited this planet before, and, after they wed, it would make the perfect honeymoon destination.
For now, Rachel sat in her quarters with Phoebe, who was braiding her hair.
“So are you really going to let your brother out of the brig for this?” Phoebe asked.
“He said he wants to be there. And considering there will be dozens of Sentinels, I don’t think he’d try anything.”
“Plus he’s probably scared of Knight.”
As well he should be. Knight had no love for her brother, who had tortured him with a stun baton the first time they’d met. And only a fool wanted to be on the Gehennan’s shit list.
Her Mazzaroth screen blinked with an incoming call. Caleb Gavet.
Rachel waved it off. It was her wedding day. She had neither the time nor the inclination to listen to the man right now. It was possible they might be on the same side at this point—she’d figure that out later.
“Thank you,” she said to Phoebe. “I mean for my hair, your friendship … everything.”
“Yup, yup. I’m a pal. I’m your gal pal.”
Rachel smiled and, a few minutes later, followed Phoebe into the ship’s atrium. The chamber was circular, with a transparent dome that allowed them to gaze out into space, or, in this case, down on the brilliant blue world of Rehobath.
Hastily hung streamers decorated the atrium. The place was meant as a hall for meetings of state, but tonight, this event felt more important than any such meeting.
Much of the crew had gathered to see their captain wed—all stood, though chairs sat along the rim of the room. Some wore their uniforms, but many were in dress suits. Her brother stood nearby, in a suit as well, hands studiously tucked at his side. And free of mag restraints. Rachel was grateful for that.
And, at the front stood David, and beside him Knight. Both men wore suits, but only David wore it well. Knight looked about as comfortable as a tiger would, if pressed into such garb.
A military band began playing as soon as Rachel entered the atrium.
Leah stood in the audience, and even through the surge of joy permeating the atrium, Rachel could feel the other woman’s jealousy, though it intermingled with support and happiness for her friend. A hint of a tear clouded Leah’s eyes. But then, most would take it for tears of joy.
“Don’t look at her,” Phoebe whispered.
The hori was right. It was hard enough for Leah without her knowing Rachel could feel her emotions. So Rachel locked her gaze on David, who beamed at her with a bright smile that looked like it belonged on a travel brochure for a paradise planet.
Rachel stepped up beside him and took his hand. And Phoebe stood in support of her, as Knight stood beside David.
Governor Geum bowed to them. “Stories tell of an ancient tradition from the days of Eden. When a couple was so in love they wished to pledge to spend the rest of their lives together, they would be publicly joined. Sadly, we do not know all the rituals of ancient marriage customs. But today we gather to celebrate its spirit. Do you, David MacGregor, wish to declare an eternal monogamous relationship with this woman?”
“Aye. I do. Absolutely. Have for quite some time.”
A few Sentinels chuckled.
“And do you, Rachel Jordan, wish to declare the same relationship with this man?”
“Yes. I do.” Saying the words was like lifting a weight from her chest. Like she had been running a race all her life, and she could finally rest. Because she had won the race. And there might be others ahead of her, but for now, she’d finally reached her destination.
Tears welled in her eyes. For once, it didn’t embarrass her. Even David’s eyes were moist.
“Very good,” Geum said and presented a document on a tablet. “Sign here and your marriage will be proclaimed across the Mazzaroth, held as true on all worlds in the holy universe.”
Rachel signed her name and handed the pen to David. He signed as well.
“Then I declare you wed!” Geum said, raising the tablet high.
David grabbed her around the waist and kissed her deeply. He massaged her lips, and she fell away into him. Until, at last, Phoebe cleared her throat.
Rachel pulled away, and they both chuckled.
David shook his head and took her by the hand to speak with the guests.
Her brother leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. “Congratulations, Rach.”
“Thanks, Miah.” Maybe it was too much to hope for, but still, she allowed herself to believe Raziel had gotten through to him. To believe it … at least for today.
More lively music started, and she danced with David again and again. Others danced as well, and it seemed Phoebe had even convinced Knight to give it a try. He clearly didn’t know how, despite his natural grace. Rachel tried not to let him see her smirk.
An hour in, Leah approached. “Can I … would you mind if I had a dance with him?”
Rachel looked deep into the other woman’s eyes, then smiled. “Of course, Leah. David, I’ll just grab a seat and catch my breath.” It was the gracious thing to do. Leah was a good friend to David … Void, Leah was a good friend to Rachel, despite her feelings. She was the kind of person who deserved better. And Rachel truly, truly hoped she would find someone.
Rachel sunk down at a table and ordered a drink, then waved over Ensign Barry. “Do you have a tablet?”
The young ensign nodded, then fetched her one. Even listening to whatever Caleb had to say would be better than watching Leah and David together. Rachel didn’t want to be the jealous wife who couldn’t share her husband.
She was better than that.
She accessed her personal Mazzaroth and saw Caleb had left her a message.
“Play.”
His face lit the screen, creased with worry. “Rachel … I …” He looked over his shoulder. “I was so wrong. About everything. About the angels, about Asherah, about … no, no listen to me.” Caleb cleared his throat. “There are things you must know. Apollo—”
The transmission ended.
Authors’ Notes
Matt: When Jeff and I started working together, one thing we decided early on was to leave the original plot and character arcs intact. He said he liked them the way they were; I was cool with that since I had worked hard on them. So mostly, we just expanded things, especially in the early books (and these decisions added enormous depth to the series).
Thing about the characters and plot was, I had largely developed those foundations as a whole for the series before writing a single word in book one.
I started with character arcs because this series was, to me, very much about the changes the protagonists would go through. I knew where I wanted these characters to start, and where I wanted them to end. And I knew I wanted them all to change.
In Knight, we see the absolute most dramatic change, from self-centered (maybe even selfish) asshole to someone who truly cares and sacrifices for others. Rachel starts out the series almost myopic in her self-assuredness that she’s right. All the major characters wind up somewhere other than where they started.
And I wanted this all set to the background of galaxies engulfed in fire and this already dark future that seemed poised to lead into an even darker one.
Jeff: It can be a challenge to hold onto a college professor character as the universe spirals toward destruction. But from the outset, we were determined to keep Rachel the main character of the series. I think it was important from a reader perspective that we kept an outsider’s view of military life and someone who had the emotional insight to know what was going on.
Plus, Rachel was the only one who was divorced from the subservient view of the angels as saviors. How easy might it have been for David to swallow his pride and follow orders or for Knight to shrug and decide it wasn’t his problem if not for Rachel keeping everyone on track?
More Books by Matt Larkin
Ragnarok Era
The Ragnarok Era is a dark fantasy retelling of Norse mythology, chronicling Odin’s rise to godhood. If you love old legends, tragic mythology, and action-packed reads, The Ragnarok Era is the series for you!
Read about the Ragnarok Era series and discover where to buy at: mattlarkinbooks.com/ragnarok
Legends of the Ragnarok Era
Legends of the Ragnarok Era expands on the world developed in The Ragnarok Era series by delivering dark tales outside the main series narrative. Fans of mythology should not miss this epic series.
Read about the Legends of the Ragnarok Era series and discover where to buy at: mattlarkinbooks.com/ragnaroklegend
Worldsea Era
The Worldsea Era is a series of historical fantasy tales set in a fictionalized Hawaii. In a world of endless ocean, mankind struggles to survive on a few islands, facing off against mer people, sentient octopuses, and all manner of sea creature.
Read about the Worldsea Era series and discover where to buy at: mattlarkinbooks.com/worldsea
Runeblade Saga
The Runeblade Saga is a series of dark fantasy sword and sorcery adventures set in the world of The Ragnarok Era. Filled with plenty of grim action, tragic heroes, and more than a bit of horror, these books are for fans of mythology and sword & sorcery alike.
Read about the Runeblade Saga series and discover where to buy at: mattlarkinbooks.com/runeblade
More Books by J. S. Morin
Black Ocean
Black Ocean is a fast-paced fantasy space opera series about the small crew of the Mobius trying to squeeze out a living. If you love fantasy and sci-fi, and still lament over the cancellation of Firefly, Black Ocean is the series for you!
Read about the Black Ocean series and discover where to buy at: blackoceanmissions.com
Twinborn Chronicles: Awakening
Experience the journey of mundane scribe Kyrus Hinterdale who discovers what it means to be Twinborn—and the dangers of getting caught using magic in a world that thinks it exists only in children’s stories.
Twinborn Chronicles: War of 3 Worlds
Then continue on into the world of Korr, where the Mad Tinker and his daughter try to save the humans from the oppressive race of Kuduks. When their war spills over into both Tellurak and Veydrus, what alliances will they need to forge to make sure the right side wins?
Read about the Mad Tinker Chronicles and discover where to buy at: twinbornchronicles.com
Robot Geneticists
Robot Geneticists brings genetic engineering into a post-apocalyptic Earth, 1000 years aliens obliterated all life.
Explore the ruins of the Human Age. Witness the glory of a world reclaimed from the apocalypse.
Charlie7 is the oldest robot alive. He’s seen everything from the fall of mankind at the hands of alien invaders to the rebuilding of a living world from the algae up. But what he hasn’t seen in over a thousand years is a healthy, intelligent human. When Eve stumbles into his life, the old robot finally has something worth coming out of retirement for: someone to protect.
Read about all of the Robot Geneticists books and discover where to buy at: robotgeneticists.com
Shadowblood Heir
Shadowblood Heir explores what would happen if the writer of your favorite epic fantasy TV show died before the show ended—and the show was responsible. If you wonder what it would be like if an epic fantasy world invaded our world, this urban fantasy story might give you that glimpse.
Read about Shadowblood Heir and discover where to buy at: shadowbloodheir.com
About the Authors
About Matt Larkin
Matt Larkin is an American fantasy and science fiction author. He lives in Florida with his wife Juhi and daughter Kiran. With a background in philosophy and publishing, Matt started a small press dedicated to top notch speculative fiction. He adores mythology and history, passions he conveys through his mythic fantasy novels.
Connect with Matt Larkin online
On my website at mattlarkinbooks.com
On Facebook at facebook.com/matt.a.larkin
About J.S. Morin
I am a creator of worlds and a destroyer of words. As a writer, my works range from traditional epics to futuristic space operas. I am a gamer, a joker, and a thinker of sideways thoughts. But I don’t dance, can’t sing, and my best artistic efforts fall short of your average notebook doodle. When you read my books, you are seeing me at my best. My ultimate goal is to be both clever and right at the same time. I have it on good authority that I have yet to achieve it.
Connect with J.S. Morin online
On my website at jsmorin.com
On Facebook at facebook.com/authorjsmorin
OnTwitter at twitter.com/authorjsmorin
Matt Larkin, Wrath of Angels
