The Mortalis: Beyond the Realm: The Mortalis, #4

The Mortalis: Beyond the Realm

Book Four in The Series

Larry W. Cockerham

Copyright © 2017 Larry W. Cockerham

All rights reserved.

ISBN-13: 978-1973784784

ISBN-10: 1973784785

BISAC: Fiction / Science Fiction / Space Opera

Cover Art by The Cover Collection

http://www.thecovercollection.com

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced

or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or

mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any

information storage and retrieval system, without the author's

permission.

DEDICATION

This novel is dedicated to science fiction fans everywhere.

Contents

Contents

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

1 Anomaly N153

2 The Trail Ride

3 Back Through the Wormhole

4 Old Friends

5 Trepidation

6 The Paradox

7 Cut to the Chase

8 Back to the Future

9 All in the Family

10 The Confrontation

11 Truth or Consequences

12 End of the Line

13 The Rebel Base

14 The Escape

15 Rest & Recuperation

16 A Slow Hand

17 Invasion Planet Earth

18 You Can Run, But You Can't Hide

19 Questions and Answers

20 A Frightful Night

21 What's Normal for You Is Normal

22 First Come, First Served

23 Questions and Answers

24 Return to Fort Vasquez

25 Cowboys and Indians

26 The Interrogation Room

27 Snake in the Grass

28 Ware Home World

29 Back to Square One

30 Into the Darkness

31 Into the Maze

32 The End of the Road

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Books by Larry Cockerham:

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

To my wife Diane, my fellow-helper and loving companion, and to our children Sharon, Barbara, and Emily, who inspire us each day.

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1 Anomaly N153

SOMETHING'S NOT RIGHT. Marion stared at the monitor. The anomaly was coming up fast as the shuttle sped toward it.

Sofia looked over Marion's shoulder at the monitor and back to Jennifer, who was seated beside her. What's wrong?

I'm seeing a signature that's only recently passed through here. Marion checked her controls again. This really worries me.

What does that mean, Mom? Jennifer was beginning to sense her mother's anxiety at this new revelation.

That means someone has passed through here recently according to my calculations.

But who? Jennifer asked as she pushed her hair away from her sea green eyes.

It seems that our little friends are back, Marion said, clenching her fists. Sofia, did you bring my bag?

Yes, ma'am, Sofia answered. It's right behind me on the floor.

And my blade?

Sofia rolled her eyes. That too.

Marion's eyes turned deadly black as she picked up a pair of dark sun visors to conceal her emotions. Okay, everyone. Hold on.

Is everything okay— Jennifer was in the middle of the sentence when a tremendous surge pushed her back in the seat as the shuttle's FTL kicked in.

I'm turning around. Marion looked back at Sofia and Jennifer. "We're going to be taking the Olympia this time."

Ma'am? Sofia looked over at Jennifer.

We're not getting caught this time, ladies, Marion said, remembered the last meeting with Sorez. It had almost been fatal.

Aren't we going home? Jennifer's eyes flashed with a sense of dread.

Sure, sweetie. We're just taking precautions, that's all, Marion assured, glancing at Sofia.

"Heavy cruiser Olympia, come in?"

Within seconds, a voice broke out over the speakers. This is Captain Cairn, Commander.

Captain, what's your location?

We're just outside the Benelux system, Commander.

Good, we'll be there within the hour. We'll be using your ship, Captain.

As you wish, Commander.

Marion turned to Sofia and Jennifer. "The Olympia has a transporter. It might just come in handy."

Transporter? Jennifer leaned over the seat towards her mother. What's that?

The transporter changes you into an energy pattern and beams you to a location where you are transformed back into matter. The Ware were the only race of the alliance who possessed this technology.

Ugh, that doesn't sound like fun.

Marion smiled. It actually works great. And now I have the technology.

Shortly, they entered the shuttle bay of the large heavy cruiser. Okay, ladies, if you'll follow me.

As Marion, Sofia, and Jennifer entered the bridge they were met by Captain Cairn. Commander, how can we help?

One of the oldest commanders in the fleet, Cairn had been brought onboard the Olympia when the former Ware officer was replaced. He had piercing blue eyes and wore his jet-black hair pulled back into a pony tail with an extended goatee. During the galactic wars, he had suffered a nasty scar that crossed diagonally from his forehead ending just below his left eye.

Captain, set your course for N153.

Captain Cairn looked worried as he asked, Anomaly N153?

Marion stood defiantly with her arms crossed. That's what I said, Captain. Don't make me repeat myself.

Yes, Commander. I'll see to it immediately. Captain Cairn then motioned for the helmsman to set a course for the location. Commander, I'm sure you're aware of the dangers of passing through one of these?

Yes, I am well aware of that, Captain. When we arrive, I want you to begin tracking a signature that passed through there recently.

A signature? Captain Cairn looked puzzled as he pulled at his beard.

I think the insurgents may be using it to hide their rebel base. Marion turned to Sofia and Jennifer. Let's go to our cabin so I can get ready.

After coming out of the main elevator, Marion was excited to describe the vessel. "The Olympia is much larger than our heavy cruisers. It was quite the prize. Besides, it's the fastest ship in the galaxy and has transporter technology which we don't have."

Walking down the circular corridors on Deck 3, Jennifer noticed the paneled walls were finished in white with blue markings. What's blue stand for?

Crew quarters, Marion said, stopping at her cabin door. Smiling, she held out her hand. Here we are.

Inside, Marion turned to Sofia and Jennifer. I just told him that, so we could use the ship to enter the anomaly. I'm afraid the Drauhn are trying to find my family.

Jennifer sat down on the bunk bed and crossed her arms.

Do you think they can do that?

If they found you, they can find the others, Marion explained. I want plenty of firepower in case we run across any of their ships.

Jennifer continued to fidget. Poor Lawrence. He's probably wondering right now where I am. He doesn't like missing his dinner.

Marion turned to face her daughter. He'll be missing more than that if the Drauhn find him.

Tears streamed down Jennifer's face. I know, Mom.

Marion slammed the long-camouflaged bag down on the floor so she could sit. If anything happens to James Edward or my grandchildren, there'll be hell to pay.

Sofia sat down next to Jennifer and wrapped her arm around her shoulders. How old are your children, Jennifer?

James Edwards has two children; Marion is four and Thomas is three years old.

Sofia continued to comfort Jennifer. And yours?

Timothy Lane will be two this September.

Commander, you never told me that you had grandchildren.

Marion was looking down and didn't respond.

Commander?

I thought I'd told you that, Sofia.

No, ma'am. I don' think so.

Marion stood up from her chair next to the wall. Jennifer, why don't you stay here while we go talk to Captain Cairn.

Jennifer was tall like her mother and had a temper to match. Sure, Mom.

Marion turned to her daughter before leaving. Try to get some rest. We don't know what we may be facing.

Jennifer flopped back on the small bunk bed. I'll try.

As soon as Marion and Sofia returned to the bridge, Captain Cairn approached them. We'll be entering the anomaly shortly, Commander.

Captain, send a message to everyone onboard the ship to prepare for some major turbulence.

He reached over and punched the comlink: All hands, prepare to brace yourselves.

Within seconds they had entered the wormhole. Marion could feel the vibrations beginning to steadily increase. Little by little, the shaking grew more intense, alarms began sounding. The console lights flashed warning lights and the turbulence was so bad that all that Marion and the crew could do was hold on.

Captain Cairn shouted as he gripped one of the stations. Commander, it's tearing the ship apart.

Marion and Sofia clutched onto one of the railings. It just seems like it, Captain.

The ship soon came out on the other side and leveled out and everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

Marion handed Captain Cairn a small slip of paper. Okay, Captain. Here are the coordinates.

Captain Cairn called them out to the helmsman, who immediately laid in a course.

Thank you, Captain. Please scan for any other activity in the area.

There's no reports of anything in low orbit or locally, Commander.

As soon as you reach the coordinates my party will be transporting to the surface.

Marion turned to go to the cabin with Sofia behind her. Sofia, I want you to transport down with me and Jennifer.

Yes, ma'am.

Make sure you bring your weapons.

Marion and Sofia entered the cabin. Jennifer, sweetie, are you ready?

I guess so, Mom. What's happening?

We're going to transport down to the surface. It's nighttime, so nobody will notice.

Jennifer laughed. Mom, you've grown even taller and Sofia's not far behind you...and your hair, it's beginning to turn snow white.

Sofia smiled as she looked at Marion. She's got a point, Commander. Besides, we're dressed like we're going to war.

Marion stopped and thought for a moment. We've had a growth spurt in the last year or so. Maybe we can wear a hoodie or something.

Sofia stared at Marion. What's a hoodie?

Marion grinned. It's a covering for your head, dummy.

Sorry, I'm not familiar with Old Earth slang.

And you don't speak the language very well either, Marion stated. So just let me do the talking.

Reaching the transporter room, Marion checked back with the captain.

You're clear to transport down, Commander.

Alright, hold your position until I can assess the situation.

Standing on the transporter pad, Marion gave the thumbs up signal, and instantly they were transported to the surface.

Suddenly they were standing in an alleyway between two tall buildings. Where are we? Jennifer asked.

Marion checked her belt. Just on the outskirts of downtown—maybe a few blocks east of James Edward’s house.

Wow, Mom. That was something else. Jennifer felt herself all over to make sure her limbs were intact.

You're fine. There’s nothing to it once you get used to it.

Mom, I'm afraid you and Sofia are going to scare everybody to death.

Just stay together and nobody will notice.

Soon they had made it to James Edward’s house; he taught at the local high school.

Jennifer, you'd better knock first and we'll stay a safe distance away just in case.

Jennifer knocked several times and tried the door. No one's home. What now?

Okay, we can transport to your house, then.

Can you do that?

Sure. Marion touched her comlink: Captain, transport us to the second set of coordinates please.

They materialized next to a small wood framed home outside of town. They stood just outside a chain-link fence that circled the yard. Okay, Jennifer, this is your place. Check it out for us.

They could hear children playing inside and adults talking. Jennifer tried the door and it opened enough to see that there were several people.

Mom, Sofia, you can come in now.

Marion turned to Sofia and smiled. You can take off your hoodie now.

Walking inside, everyone stood up in total silence as Marion and Sofia walked into the living room. Hello, James Edward.

Mom? James Edward ran to give his mother a huge hug.

Son, I've missed you so much, you wouldn't believe.

You've grown taller, and your hair...

I guess that's part of growing older, Marion said, turning to Sofia. I want you to meet my friend, Sofia, one of my associates.

Sofia smiled as she reached down to shake James Edward’s hand.

Great to meet you, Sofia. James Edward looked up at his mother.

She can't speak your language very well, son. Just like I was when I first came here.

I remember Aunt Jenn talking about that. James Edward and several of the family had gathered around to meet Marion and Sophia.

Marion sat in one of the large sofa chairs next to the front door, Sofia standing next to her.

Sofia, find you a chair. I'd like to spend some time with my grandchildren.

James Edward went to the kitchen to bring in his two children, Marion and Thomas.  Jennifer was playing with her little boy, Timothy Lane. They were all glad to see their grandmother Marion, although they hadn't seen her in a long time.

I miss all of you. I think about you every day.

We just wish you could stay here forever, Mom, Jennifer answered. But I know that'd be impossible.

Then Marion thought of something. How about running out to the old home place tomorrow?

Can you stay? James Edward asked.

Marion looked at Sofia. Sure. We'll spend the night here and go out there in the morning.

Jennifer clasped her hands together in delight. That would be great! We could even saddle up some horses and ride some of the old trails together.

Marion smiled. I'd like that.

James Edward stood. Then it's a deal. In the morning, we'll head up to the ranch and make a day out of it.

2 The Trail Ride

THAT NIGHT MARION AND Sofia both slept in one of the spare bedrooms, and they were so