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    Gaia Returning: Earth Immortal, #4
    Gaia Returning: Earth Immortal, #4
    Gaia Returning: Earth Immortal, #4
    Ebook119 pages1 hour

    Gaia Returning: Earth Immortal, #4

    By C.L. Roman

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    About this ebook

    Pirates steal things. It's what they do... 

    When her first mate defies orders and steals the crown jewels, Captain Irina Demyanov knows their options are limited. In a desperate bid to escape the wrath of a vengeful alien race, Irina takes a daring leap through a treacherous vortex, arriving near an enigmatic planet that is eerily familiar.

     

    As the pirates navigate this uncharted territory, they quickly realize the planet is not the safe harbor it appeared to be. Not only are the inhabitants hostile, but the threat of discovery by their relentless pursuers endangers the entire crew. Survival hangs by a thread as their chances dwindle. Will the human remnant find a sanctuary amidst the unknown, or will their adversaries succeed in extinguishing the last remnants of the human race?

     

    In a gripping space fantasy, embark on a perilous journey with Captain Irina and her crew, where every decision carries life-or-death consequences. Plunge into a world filled with enigmatic secrets, treacherous encounters, and the relentless pursuit of survival. Can they uncover the hidden truths of this mysterious planet and secure a future for humanity, or will they succumb to the merciless forces that seek their demise?

     

    Prepare for a pulse-pounding adventure, where the indomitable spirit of humanity clashes with formidable enemies in a battle for existence. This captivating space saga will enthrall fans of thrilling quests and the resilience of the human spirit, as the fate of the human race teeters on the edge of oblivion.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherC.L. Roman
    Release dateFeb 19, 2017
    ISBN9781540139603
    Gaia Returning: Earth Immortal, #4
    Author

    C.L. Roman

    C.L. Roman is a writer and editor in NE Florida. She writes fantasy and paranormal YA and is currently developing several series: Rephaim and Witch of Forsythe High, among them. In between novels, you can find her on her blog, The Brass Rag. Cheri lives with her husband and Jack E. Boy, Superchihuahua.

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      Book preview

      Gaia Returning - C.L. Roman

      GAIA RETURNING

      Book Four: Earth Immortal

      C.L. Roman

      Copyright © 2016, 2020 C.L. Roman

      All rights reserved.

      Cover art by Charles Cornell

      Contents

      GAIA RETURNING

      CHAPTER ONE

      CHAPTER TWO

      CHAPTER THREE

      CHAPTER FOUR

      CHAPTER FIVE

      CHAPTER SIX

      CHAPTER SEVEN

      CHAPTER EIGHT

      CHAPTER NINE

      CHAPTER TEN

      GLOSSARY

      A Note From the Author:

      Author Bio

      Other books by C.L. Roman

      Acknowledgments

      This book would not have been possible without the help of my two wonderful editors, Bria Burton and Tracie Roberts, as well as the insights provided by Amy Kurth, proofreader extraordinaire. Thank you for your help and your friendship.

      —CLR

      CHAPTER ONE

      IRINA DEMYANOV, CAPTAIN of the Argos, turned her chair three-quarters of the way around to face Sean Burke, her first-mate and occasional lover.

      You really have lost your mind, she said. The Vladdinians are predators, plain and simple. And they never forget a wrong, whether real or imagined.

      The stones are worth a fortune. We do this job, and we can retire, Burke leaned back in his seat, propping his booted feet on the console in front of him.

      Irina shoved them to the deck. We do this job, and we’ll have to retire. It’s hard to work after your heart gets ripped out of your chest.

      A giggle, quickly stifled, erupted from the occupant of the forward workstation. Dahlia Charon, a petite blond with a quick sense of humor, took a sudden, intense interest in her navigation console.

      Irina ignored her, meeting Burke’s imploring brown eyes with a glacial blue gaze of her own. We’ve survived this long by being smart, and by having the best crew in the three systems. We try to steal gods from the Vladdinians, and they won’t stop until we’re all dead.

      They aren’t gods, Burke protested. They are jewels. Big ones, set in a scepter and orb that have even more gems on them. I’m telling you, Irina, we’d be set for life. He cast a glance at the other officers. All of us.

      Murtagh, the chief engineer, returned his look with a sneer. Next to him, Dr. Manning gave Burke a frown and a slight shake of his head.

      Irina took in their responses before she spoke. Looks like you’re outvoted, Burke, she said. Anyone disagree?

      A moment of silence provided the answer to her question. Right then. We steer clear of the Vladdinian capital. Our contact is in Melino, about thirty klicks south, anyway. So, we land there, pick up the contraband and get out of the Vladdin system for good. There’s a market for zercurium on Merovia, so we’ll take it there. Any questions?

      Are we going to get some shore leave when this job is over, Skipper? Charon asked. I’ve been meaning to take a little time off.

      Irina thought about it for a moment. Yeah, a little shore leave sounds good. Got any place in mind?

      Maybe, Charon said. I’ve always wanted to visit one of those nature preserve planets. You know. The kind with real animals and trees and stuff? I haven’t seen anything like that since I was a kid. And that was on the last biodome, before... she trailed off with an anxious glance at the others.

      I’m with ya, kid, Murtagh said gruffly. Been a while since I saw anything real too.

      We’re pirates, Irina, Burke said. We steal stuff, and this could be our biggest score ever. Enough so we could buy our own nature planet if we want. Seeing the negative response forming in her eyes, he made one last attempt. Don’t tell me you’re scared.

      The sudden tension was as thick as frost on an ice-planet. The crew watched in silence as Irina stared at him. Finally, she spoke. There’s brave, and then there’s stupid. Stealing from the Vladdinians falls into the latter category. She stalked over to the lift, and her final comment drifted over her shoulder. Let it go, Sean. Before it kills you.

      CHAPTER TWO

      THE COUNCIL CHAMBER felt colder than Gaia could ever remember it being, but she knew the chill on her skin was an illusion. A result of the dread produced as she met the eyes of each council member in turn, and awaited their verdict.

      From her seat on the dais, Gaia looked around the pristine chamber. White, unadorned walls usually provided space for crysoscreens so that councilors could attend meetings remotely, but today the technology would not be needed. An oval table occupied the room’s center, and all five seats around it would be filled.

      Saritza, the Illaran representative, had already arrived. The familiar green skin and oval eyes of her Saracian bioform were oddly comforting, as was her encouraging smile. Here, at least, was one who did not view her as an enemy.

      Aidan, Gaia’s grandfather on her mother’s side, was another possible ally. She could not hope that the rest of the council would provide unqualified support.

      The door slid open, and Eridani swept inside, her gold tresses bound with black velvet cord to match the floor-length gown she wore. She inclined her head, lowering her blue eyes to the table before meeting Gaia’s gaze.

      Which seat should I take? She gestured to the table. I’m not sure whether I’m acting as regent or councilor.

      As the only... erm... available member of... Aidan’s voice grew rough, and he cleared his throat before continuing. As Sirius is indisposed, you will take on both roles. But your primary function will be that of regent, Princess Eridani. Aidan sketched a half-bow, his brown skin gleaming faintly under the luminorbs. Queen Gaia thought it best if King Solas was not included in this meeting.

      I completely agree. Gaia’s son should not be required to attend this... she paused as if searching for the right word. It would distress him to have to attend his mother’s trial. Eridani mounted the dais at the far end of the room where two chairs waited, identical in every way except color. As was her right, Gaia sat in the black one. After a slight hesitation, Eridani took the green one with a sigh.

      Shall I apologize again? Gaia asked in an undertone. She watched as her sister gripped the arms of her chair tightly, then relaxed.

      No. But Sirius has a great deal to answer for. Eridani replied in the same low voice Gaia had used.

      Gaia’s mind flashed to her last view of her brother, his green astra riddled with jagged, black strips, writhing within an orb, maintained in stasis only by a constant stream of energy brought from his terra. The pain must have been horrific. Not that it lasted for long.

      She grimaced. I think it is safe to say he paid his debt.

      The door swished open, and the last two councilors entered.

      Sarinum, the Mirosian councilor, took hirs seat with little fanfare, hirs soft, gray robe falling gracefully around hirs willowy form. Ze poured a cup of water from a silver carafe on the table, took a sip and sat back, carefully avoiding eye-contact with the other occupants of the room.

      The Hingani royal house had been decimated recently, so Gaia wasn’t surprised that she didn’t recognize their representative in his tall, Werosian bio-form. The long whiskers and orange striped fur were a bit jarring but less so than a Torosian might have been.

      Your Grace, he said, approaching the dais. "I am Dorian, former spouse to the late Princess Jelara. I find myself the sole remaining adult member of

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