Legacy of Stars

A nimble outer-space tale with an exemplary protagonist.

— Kirkus Reviews

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

Copyright © 2023 by Tyler Bowman

Cover design by Tom Edwards

Illustration © Tom Edwards

TomEdwardsDesign.com

Editing by Kim Catanzarite

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

ISBN: 979-8-35093-138-9

Contents

Dedication

Prologue

Chapter 1 Nocturne Galaxy

Chapter 2 Sega City

Chapter 3 Bounty Hunters

Chapter 4 VOrg

Chapter 5 The Void

Chapter 6 Emulation

Chapter 7 Nostic and the Flower

Chapter 8 Mongrel

Chapter 9 Trickery

Chapter 10 Run for It

Chapter 11 Veruna and the Siblings

Chapter 12 A New Look

Chapter 13 Chaos

Epilogue

Acknowledgments

About the Author

Dedication

This book is dedicated to family and friends, whose support in achieving this dream saved my humanity.

Prologue

We have always believed that we were not alone, that others existed and thrived out there among the stars. Based on this assumption, humanity undertook an interstellar search the likes of which would propel its advancement into the final frontier. Centuries of technological breakthroughs coupled with the mass fertilization of planets and asteroids would ultimately result in the vast and rapid growth of the human race known as The Great Expansion.

Humanity realized this quest through the combined effort of all countries, cultures, and eventually, civilizations. It was this singular objective that would put an end to war and our nature for senseless killing. Intelligent life gained the prestige that it rightly deserved. All people would be given a role and contribute. The purpose-driven life thrived.

Through unimaginable cooperation, human life expectancy would spike (in large part due to Turritepsis Dohrnii, a species of jellyfish), humans and mechs would peacefully coexist, genetic engineering would be used for the greater good, and our greatest limitation—ourselves—would cease to limit us.

Eventually reasonable space travel would be conceived, though it would take another 250 years from the onset of that task. It was discovered that if a miniature black hole could exist in a stable and controlled environment, then its gravity could be used to create spatial distortions. Only through pure serendipity, as if fate had truly played a role, was the ability to detect and capture dark matter made a reality. A pulsing combination of both high and low frequencies led to the success of this long-theorized feat. Applicable space travel was no longer inconceivable. A four light-year trek was now similar to a stroll down to the mini-mart.

It was at this time humanity began introducing itself to foreign solar systems, then naturally, galaxies. The hope that extraterrestrial life would finally be confirmed grew astoundingly large. The climax to the seemingly impossible, and the answer to our greatest question, had finally arrived—or so we thought.

Among the exoplanets and stars explored, countless discoveries in the form of abandoned megastructures, previously terraformed surfaces, and unnaturally created poisonous gases were made. Interstellar archaeology, as it would become known, showed that sentient civilization after sentient civilization, for known and unknown reasons, all eventually collapsed.

Centuries of encountering Dyson spheres, real and artificial planets, and once-inhabited asteroids would all result in the absence of intelligent life. It would be a full millennia before the hope of finding other living creatures who shared our universe would start to wane. Humanity as a whole, from galaxy to galaxy, believed for so long in this common goal. Now, without their singular purpose, what would become of them?

So much had been achieved during this initiative, and although the result was not expected, the benefits to the survival of humankind were infinite. The search for alien life ended up ensuring the survival of human life. Although the universe had claimed a multitude of other species, humans would prevail; at least, that was the justification to such unsavory findings.

The realization that we were actually alone was in its own way unfathomable. What is a civilization to do once it believes it has advanced as far as it can advance, and discovered all there is to discover? What effects are there when there is no longer a higher purpose, a greater cause?

Galactic wars eventually broke out. System against system; galaxy against galaxy. Weapons for killing, and methods thereof, were nightmarish in nature. Communication among civilizations and colonies fractured. Alliances were created and betrayed in the flash of a shooting star. After a time, no one knew which galaxy was fighting who and when, or even why.

The universe became a free-for-all. Gangs of space bandits formed, roving from system to system, preying on those who could not protect themselves. Humanity had cycled full circle, once again actively contributing to its own demise.

If ever there was an end of times this would surely be it; at least for this once rare, sentient species . . .

Chapter 1

Nocturne Galaxy

They’d reached the part of the trip that Joxy dreaded the most. Nocturne Galaxy’s nearly impenetrable gaseous barrier surrounded The Legacy. These ever-shifting walls of corrosive clouds have been the demise of many seasoned captains. Joxy swore as she manipulated her ship’s controls, summoning all of her focus and the skills necessary to keep her crew, and their home, safe.

The idea of venturing all the way out to this reclusive galaxy was never appealing, and as beads of sweat burned her eyes, it became even less so. At the edge of the known universe, Nocturne stood sentinel to the ever-expanding unknown. Considered one of the most fortified galaxies in existence, most would-be privateers knew to keep well away.

Hang on! Joxy grunted through gritted teeth as she banked sharply to avoid a fast-emerging cloud.

A clear view of the Nocturne Galaxy opened before them, filling the entirety of The Legacy’s view-port. A few sighs of relief escaped the bridge. Joxy wiped the back of her hand across her face. The strain at the corners of her eyes and mouth faded into a stubborn smirk. Her sharp features shifted into an air of confidence as she threw her thick, dark braid back over a shoulder.

Raygo, upload docking procedures and bring up the mission display before ghosting. You know they don’t take too kindly to your kind this far out from the civilized universe. With all the maneuvering she just performed, there was no way their presence wasn’t lighting up every proximity scanner in a two light-year radius.

Aye, aye, Captain, but procedures appear standard with no further mission updates. The Nocturians are remaining vague. I don’t like it.

Me neither, Joxy said.

I’ll be keeping an eye on things. Raygo, more or less the ship’s first mate, de-atomized right in his seat. Molecules broke down to their component atoms before scattering throughout the ship’s environment.

Dragging over a holo, Joxy expanded it with her fingertips, reexamining what little information they had. They were supposed to be docking in the orbit of a planet known as Hawaii 5 in the Pepsi system. Whose bright idea was it to name everything in this quadrant of the universe after ancient Earth culture, she mused while scanning the screen. She paused the feed in the section describing how two NG S-14 warships would escort The Legacy upon its entrance to the system. It went on to explicitly state that BAIs were forbidden, all weapon systems must be shut down, and ships will maintain a speed no greater than one light-year per hour inside of Nocturne. After handing over controls to Tano, her second, Joxy double-checked that weapons were down, then ran a quick scan to ensure no other bio-signature but her own registered. Although the data showed her as the only organic life form on the ship, she knew that somewhere on the quantum level, Raygo watched over her.

BAIs were a relatively new advancement for mankind, though a monopolized one. Even humble critics would admit that they were the next link in our evolutionary chain. Created in combination of human drive and alien matter typically found at the sites of extinct civilizations, what would be questioningly termed Biological Artificial Intelligence came into existence. This label became very misleading in the sense that the intelligence wasn’t all that artificial.

The lack of mission details wasn’t unexpected in Joxy’s line of work. It was the fact that Nocturne command was hiring an outsider, someone unofficial, that bothered her. The variables were sketchy at best. As it currently stood, their mission objective was to simply travel into the Void (the new, unknown part of the expanding universe) and observe. The fact that they had not yet been informed of what it was they were to observe had all of her instinctive alarms blaring.

This wouldn’t be Joxy’s first venture into the unknown. She’d used the Void plenty of times in the past to escape from other galactic authorities. Few pursuers ever followed for long because things tended to get a little funny out there. Throughout all of her escapades, she had never witnessed a single tangible thing in the Void.

Tano, how are we looking, anyone yet? she asked, sliding the holo displays to the side, revealing the ship’s bull’s-eye window beyond.

Negative, Cap, no sign yet. We’re almost to the Pepsi sys—wait, yeah we got action. Two S-14s fast approaching.

Maintain speed, but be prepared for evasive maneuvers, she said. They haven’t paid yet, and I sure don’t trust the bastards. They could be after the bounty so let’s stay on our toes.

Two warships popped into view. Each one ominously circling The Legacy.

They’re scanning the ship, Tano said. I’m reading multiple bio and mech scans, and some I’ve never seen before.

Joxy’s chest tightened. Surely, they haven’t figured out a way to detect BAI sigs in the quantum realms. If the Nocturians were to locate Raygo, the two warships would open fire without hesitation. They would be deemed too much of a threat.

They’re requesting we shut down our drives and that they be permitted to come aboard, Tano said.

Joxy breathed a sigh of relief.

Acknowledge the request. I’m powering down the drives now, she said. Assemble The Devils in the cargo hold and prepare to be boarded.

Tano shot a quick salute before turning to run down the bridge, his heavy footfalls fading into the hull. A voice, not her own, resonated in Joxy’s mind: "Don’t worry, I’m still around. Now let’s go see exactly what we’ve gotten ourselves into this time."

Reassured, Joxy put on her stern captain’s face. The one she used only on special occasions. Plucking from the back of her chair the black-and-lime jacket that matched the colors of her ship, she started after Tano. Joxy loved this jacket. It was fashioned after a pre-expansion design that made her appear a little slimmer. There was no mistaking the authority it held.

Joxy could barely make out Tano’s steps above the shrill whine of the G-drives powering down. She didn’t like being exposed like this. Let alone having strangers aboard her craft and around her crew. The Legacy held many secrets, and she preferred to keep them, well, secret. Posturing up, the captain within her sauntered into the cargo hold, her jacket fluttering against the heel of her boots.

Elite members of her crew stood at attention. Alert, patient, and ready for whatever may come. Each of them seasoned in their own way, with glorious tales of battles and loot. Their loyalty to the captain was unwavering, forged through tribulations that most others would collapse under. Joxy earned her respect the hard way. The only way. Humans were stubborn, and mechs even more so, both believing themselves invincible. It was a rare thing to find such camaraderie as that found aboard The Legacy.

Steps measured, chest out, and eyes forward, Joxy strode through the hold toward the awaiting assembly of Nocturian soldiers. Their pearl and garnet armor appeared to be give off its own light. Shields, state-of-the-art stuff, but her crew had toys of their own.

The modest detail parted down the middle for an ornately dressed, paunchy man whose taste seemed to match his size. Decked out head to toe in a gold-trimmed Enhancement skin (commonly called Eskin), which was a necessity for a man of such heft, he made his way forward. Throwing his hands wide into the air with dramatic flair, he addressed his audience.

Ahh, Captain Joxy, you do not disappoint. Tales of your beauty have reached even our far-flung galaxy. Though I’d be willing to wager more have heard of your exceptional prowess.

Joxy tilted her head, humbly accepting the man’s flattery. He spun around, hands still raised, refocusing his attention on the ship.

And such a lovely vessel. If you return, we must talk price.

If we return, echoed Raygo.

The man stepped past her to admire her crew, a sour stench trailing in his wake. Pacing in front, he examined them closely as though he were a buyer at an auction.

I, of course, would be interested in the crew as well, given their familiarity with the ship. They appear well equipped, their upgrades worth every drop of dark matter, I’m sure. Never can be too careful though, especially for someone as notorious as yourself.

Joxy didn’t like how this conversation was going.

Sir, she started.

I am Kurd! the large man blurted. Personal Emissary to the Lord Emperor himself.

Face flushed, Joxy swallowed her anger.

Forgive me, Kurd. I meant no disrespect, she said. Then, her voice darkened with seriousness, The brief I received did not mention who I was to meet, only that I show. As a matter of fact, your galaxy was not very forthcoming with information at all. Now would be a good time to elaborate Emissary, or must we continue with these dramatic formalities and propositions any longer?

His robustness faltered a fraction, eyes darting around. He appeared nervous about how to respond to such bluntness, such disrespect. Joxy smiled inwardly at his discomfort. She surmised that the emissary could not afford to compromise the mission, and she was gambling that the emperor had made this point abundantly clear. In what she imagined was only an effort to save face, Kurd plastered an exaggerated smile on his face, feigning ignorance to any slight.

Of course, good Captain, Kurd bowed, please forgive our vagueness and taste for extravagance. You have traveled far and are eager to get down to business. Perhaps we could retreat to quarters more suitable for such discussions. There I would be honored to unburden the details with which I have been entrusted.

Joxy eyed the man warily.

Follow me, she said, turning away.

Kurd chased after her, guards in tow.

Leave your men, she instructed without stopping. My crew will keep them company. A smirk lined her face.

The emissary struggled to keep up. If not for his Eskin he would never have made it. Even with its assistance, Kurd was panting hard by the time he reached her side. The two ascended further into the ship, where she led her guest to a small, unassuming room. The Nocturian seemed to be trembling as he entered.

The room was eerily black save for a faint green hue emanating from some unknown source. The furniture, just as black, consisted of a few suspension chairs and a table secured to the floor. This was The Legacy’s equivalent to a war room. An impenetrable, silent chamber where elaborate schemes could be contrived in absolute secrecy. Here your message will be received in confidence, I assure you, Joxy said. Please, take a seat. She motioned toward one of the odd-looking chairs.

Joxy knew her guest was uncomfortable. The suspension chairs were a creation of Raygo and Tano, designed to interpret the radiation emitted by one’s thoughts. No one outside of the crew had ever seen one before. To get things moving, she slid into one of the chairs and gave Kurd an expectant look. Awkwardly, he rolled into one himself. In unison both chairs tilted back.

A cool, metal apparatus pressed itself against the base of their skulls. Kurd flinched at the touch, but remained seated. The green light of the room pulsed gently as suspension was engaged.

Why were we intercepted before docking at Hawaii 5? The brief indicated an escort, not a boarding, Joxy thought.

Kurd all but fell out of his chair at the sound of Joxy’s voice inside of his head. He grabbed at his chest, gasping. He would have sworn that the captain’s lips didn’t move, yet he heard her as clear as though she had spoken.

Wah-wah, what’s going on? he mouthed, but the words never filled the room. Instead, they were sent directly to Joxy’s mind, through suspension. Have I been drugged?

Relax Kurd, you have not been drugged. She tried to sound soothing. Just think what you wish to say, and I will hear it. No one will be able to intercept our conversation this way. Now tell me, what’s going on?

He inhaled a deep breath, taking a moment to collect himself. The astonishment never left his eyes. Focusing his thoughts, he tried his luck at the nifty tech.

Please forgive the change of plans, Captain, it was the Lord Emperor’s intent all along. He cleared his throat even though he was speaking mentally now. We could not afford to have you seen. There are those who would have inquired about—uhm—your presence. These are challenging times for any galaxy, and ours is not spared from division. We must be careful with this information. You were sought out due to your discretion and familiarity with the Void.

And what information is that?

Kurd shifted his bulk around in a fruitless effort to find a more comfortable position. The faux-leather upholstery protested in the process.

If what we believe to have discovered is true, then the universe, and Humanity itself, will change forever. The purpose for The Great Expansion potentially realized.

Go on, she said, circling her hand in the air for him to get to the point. So far, she was skeptical.

Roughly twenty years ago our scanners detected an anomaly far out in the Void. Imagine our surprise. We believed it to be a glitch in our systems somewhere. Nothing is supposed to be out there, Captain. Our scanners only indicate a physical distortion, no other readings. For years the anomaly would be there one minute, gone the next. Coming and going with no decipherable pattern as of yet.

Joxy’s mind raced at the possibilities. What was this Nocturian saying? Was something magically popping up where nothing was supposed to be? During her many escapades into the Void, nothing—absolutely nothing—was ever out there. Unusual instances had occurred there though, hadn’t they, she asked herself. Visions, hallucinations, whatever you wanted to call them. Her ship sometimes responded oddly.

Moments when things like that would happen, she always chalked it up to the never-ending nothingness playing tricks on her mind. Her main concern at the time had always been escaping the pursuing authorities. Was there something more to it? It was possible.

"What is believed to be the significance of the anomaly other than its obvious peculiarity?" she asked, feigning indifference. She would keep the abnormal experiences of the Void to herself. Are you actually suggesting that there may be someone or something out there, Emissary? After all, that was the goal of expansion, was it not? To end speculation and determine who our neighbors were once and for all.

It sounds incredulous, I know, because I struggle with it myself. However, the emperor believes very passionately that the time has come. Thousands of years, countless expeditions, and every fallen civilization absent the presence of intelligent life. It has to mean something; they have to be somewhere!

Joxy had the feeling she was about to be sent on a wild goose chase. Albeit a lucrative one.

"But it doesn’t make sense for that somewhere to be the Void," she pointed out. That’s new universe.

We agree, it doesn’t make sense. That’s why we believe it’s important. This close to the Void, we’re the only ones whose scanners have detected it. Something the size of either an extremely large ship or a small planet is sitting out there, stationary. No orbital or propellant motion at all, none.

"What is Nocturne’s true purpose behind making contact?" Raygo asked Joxy.

Who the hell is that? Kurd’s voice shouted in Joxy’s head. Is someone else here? You assured me our conversation here would be confidential. He flailed in his