The Valkyrie Returns (The Kurtherian Endgame Book 7) Read online

  The Valkyrie Returns

  The Kurtherian Endgame™ Book Seven

  Michael Anderle

  This book is a work of fiction.

  All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Sometimes both. Amanda, Samhain (Sam) and Star Magi Saga are Copyright © Andrew Dobell, 2019, and are used with permission.

  Copyright © 2019 Michael Anderle

  Cover by Andrew Dobell, www.creativeedgestudios.co.uk

  Cover copyright © LMBPN Publishing

  Interior Images by Eric Quigley

  Interior Images © LMBPN Publishing

  This book is a Michael Anderle Production

  LMBPN Publishing supports the right to free expression and the value of copyright. The purpose of copyright is to encourage writers and artists to produce the creative works that enrich our culture.

  The distribution of this book without permission is a theft of the author’s intellectual property. If you would like permission to use material from the book (other than for review purposes), please contact [email protected]. Thank you for your support of the author’s rights.

  LMBPN Publishing

  PMB 196, 2540 South Maryland Pkwy

  Las Vegas, NV 89109

  First US edition, November 2019

  eBook ISBN: 978-1-64202-579-8

  Print ISBN: 978-1-64202-580-4

  The Kurtherian Gambit (and what happens within / characters / situations / worlds) are copyright © 2015-2019 by Michael T. Anderle and LMBPN Publishing.

  Contents

  Glossary of characters, locations, and ships

  Ooken Images

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Epilogue

  Author Notes - Michael Anderle

  Preview of A Bitch of a Paradox

  Books By Michael Anderle

  Connect with Michael Anderle

  The Valkyrie Returns Team

  Thanks to our Beta Readers:

  Timothy Cox (the myth)

  Diane Velasquez (the legend)

  Dorene A. Johnson, USN, Ret.

  Tom Dickerson (in the way of Life)

  Thanks to the JIT Readers

  Dave Hicks

  Shari Regan

  Daniel Weigert

  Nicole Emens

  Misty Roa

  Dorothy Lloyd

  John Ashmore

  James Caplan

  Jeff Eaton

  Diane L. Smith

  Deb Mader

  Larry Omans

  Peter Manis

  Misty Roa

  Jeff Goode

  Micky Cocker

  Jackey Hankard-Brodie

  Charles Tillman

  Lori Hendricks

  If I’ve missed anyone, please let me know!

  Editor

  Lynne Stiegler

  Thank you for continuing to read our adventures with Bethany Anne. As you can tell, the Federation is going to have to come to grips with the Empress being ‘just around the block.’ Since there is a greater evil at their doorsteps, I think they will get over it.

  For now.

  If not, she always has her size sevens to …

  Glossary of characters, locations, and ships

  Characters

  Bethany Anne Nacht (BA)

  Super-enhanced human, part of a triumvirate consisting of her, TOM, and ADAM. Can walk the Etheric (see locations). Has the ability to manipulate Etheric energy to her will. Will stamp out injustice without mercy wherever she finds it.

  Ex-Empress of the Etheric Empire, BA took voluntary exile to bring in the Federation and now fights to protect it from the Kurtherians. As her alter ego, she controls a growing buffer around the Federation border.

  Currently based on the Queen’s Superdreadnought Baba Yaga (see Ships), fighting a war against the Ooken—creations of the Seven.

  Wife to Michael, mother to Alexis and Gabriel.

  TOM – “Thales of Miletus”

  Kurtherian, hosted within Bethany Anne’s body. Enhanced Michael in an attempt to warn humanity of the coming invasion and got it wrong, inadvertently creating the vampire myth on Earth. A thousand years later, he got a second chance and got it SO right.

  ADAM

  AI who resides in an organic computer within Bethany Anne’s body. Bethany Anne’s close friend and advisor.

  All of Bethany Anne’s and Federation AIs and EIs come from ADAM.

  Michael Nacht

  Ancient, super-enhanced human.

  Formerly known as the Patriarch, Michael was the first “vampire.” He has ever-increasing skill with the Etheric and a short temper. Ruled the UnknownWorld on Earth for over a thousand years before choosing Bethany Anne to replace him.

  Currently based on the QSD Baba Yaga.

  Husband to Bethany Anne, father to Alexis and Gabriel.

  Alexis Nacht

  Super-enhanced human, Bethany Anne and Michael’s daughter. Twin of Gabriel. Highly trained from a young age in martial arts and close combat, weapons.

  Has an affinity for technology, and a habit of hacking to get answers. Has shown telepathic ability, and has growing control of the Etheric. Outgoing, loves fashion.

  Currently on Devon, inside the Vid-doc system undergoing an enhanced aging process.

  Gabriel Nacht

  Super-enhanced human, Bethany Anne and Michael’s son. Twin of Alexis. Highly trained from a young age in martial arts and close combat, weapons.

  Has specialized in “spy skills,” as well as engineering, history, and languages. Appears introverted, collects blades.

  Currently inside the Vid-doc system undergoing an enhanced aging process.

  John Grimes

  Enhanced human. Queen’s Bitch. Bethany Anne’s bodyguard and close friend. Wherever Bethany Anne goes, so does John.

  Currently based on the QSD Baba Yaga.

  Husband to Jean, father to Lillian, grandfather to Nickie.

  Scott English

  Enhanced human. Queen’s Bitch. Bethany Anne’s personal bodyguard and close friend.

  Currently based on the QSD Baba Yaga.

  Husband to Cheryl Lynn (cousin of John Grimes), stepfather to Tina Grimes-Cambridge.

  Eric Escobar

  Enhanced human. Queen’s Bitch. Bethany Anne’s personal bodyguard and close friend.

  Currently based on the QSD Baba Yaga.

  Husband to Gabrielle.

  Darryl Jackson

  Enhanced human. Queen’s Bitch. Bethany Anne’s personal bodyguard and close friend.

  Currently based on the QSD Baba Yaga.

  In a long-distance relationship with Natalia Jakowski.

  Gabrielle Escobar

  Super-enhanced human, daughter of Stephen. Head of the Queen’s Bitches and one of Bethany Anne’s closest friends.

  Currently based on the QSD Baba Yaga.

  Wife to Eric.

  Tabitha Nacht

  Super-enhanced human, hacker extraor
dinaire. A sister of the heart to BA. Held the rank of Ranger Two during the Age of Empire, she chose exile with Bethany Anne when the Federation was formed.

  Currently located on Devon with her partner Peter and their son Todd Michael.

  Peter Silvers

  Super-enhanced human, has Were form called “Pricolici.”

  The first Guardian. Held the rank of Guardian Commander during the Age of Empire. He had reason to remain in the Federation but chose to leave and settle down with Tabitha after the death of his best friend.

  Currently located on Devon with Tabitha.

  Todd Michael Nacht-Silvers

  Super-enhanced human, abilities unknown as yet. Son of Tabitha and Peter. Tiny terror.

  Jean Grimes (née Dukes)

  Super-enhanced human. Inventor of the infamous Jean Dukes Special. Weapons R&D genius, legendary across galaxies for her weaponry.

  Currently located on Devon. Officially based at QT2, working to unlock the mysteries of the Kurtherian technology gained on Qu’Baka.

  Wife of John, mother of Lillian, grandmother of Nickie.

  Barnabas Nacht

  Super-enhanced human. One of seven firstborn “children” of Michael, former monk.

  Currently located on High Tortuga, where BA has made him Steward of the planet in her absence.

  Lance Reynolds

  Enhanced human, aka “the General.” Bethany Anne’s father.

  Remained to chair the Federation when Bethany Anne went into exile.

  Currently located on Red Rock, where the Federation council is seated (see Locations).

  Husband to Patricia, father also to Kevin.

  Kael-ven

  Enhanced Yollin, captain of the QBS G’laxix Sphaea (see Ships). Potentate of Yoll during the Age of Empire, he divorced his awful wife and rejoined Bethany Anne when she took exile.

  Currently stationed on the Interdiction (see locations).

  Kiel

  Enhanced Yollin.

  Former mercenary, Marine during the Age of Empire. Weapons officer aboard the QBS G’laxix Sphaea.

  Currently stationed on the Interdiction.

  Eve

  AI, date of ascension unknown. Resides in a short android body. Remained to protect Earth with Akio and Yuko when Bethany Anne left for space, and rejoined BA at the end of the Second Dark Age.

  Currently located on Devon.

  Nickie Grimes

  Naturally enhanced human. Birth name Meredith Nicole, aka Merry. Daughter of Lillian, granddaughter of John and Jean. Sent on a sabbatical by BA in her late teens as a consequence of her poor choices. Has returned a (mostly) changed woman.

  Currently running the Silver Line Company, Bethany Anne’s logistics network.

  Sabine

  Enhanced human rescued on Earth by Michael, Jacqueline, and Akio during the Second Dark Age. Crack shot, excellent fighter. Adopted daughter of Akio.

  Currently located on Devon, co-owner of The Hexagon (see Locations).

  In a relationship with Tim Kinley.

  Jacqueline

  Enhanced human, Were with Pricolici form. Daughter of North American pack leader Gerry. Rescued by Michael during the Second Dark Ages.

  Currently located on Devon, co-owner of The Hexagon. Excellent fighter, skilled with managing the media.

  In a long-term relationship with Mark.

  Mark

  Enhanced human. Rescued by Michael and Jacqueline in NYC during the Second Dark Ages.

  Currently located on Devon, co-owner of The Hexagon. Skilled in technology and invention.

  In a long-term relationship with Jacqueline.

  Ricole

  Enhanced Noel-ni, joined the Queen’s forces on High Tortuga. Would choose knowledge over profit, and a fight over all else.

  Currently located on Devon, co-owner of The Hexagon. Excellent fighter, even better at business. Runs a team of young adult apprentices who work around The Hexagon.

  Demon

  Enhanced mountain lion. Rescued from an animal-testing facility on Earth by Michael & co. during the Second Dark Age. Was treated in a Pod-doc to fix faulty nanocytes and have her claws regrown.

  Currently located on Devon, co-owner of The Hexagon. Especially attached to Sabine.

  Thought herself to be the only truly sentient cat until meeting her silent mate on Qu’Baka.

  Dan Bosse

  Enhanced human. Long-time advisor to Bethany Anne, he remained to watch over the Federation.

  Tim Kinley

  Enhanced human, Were.

  One of the original Guardians, Tim joined BA as a young man looking for a better path. Spent time as a bouncer at All Guns Blazing (bar) during the Age of Empire.

  Currently located on Devon, where he is the commander of the QBBS Guardian.

  In a relationship with Sabine.

  Rickie Escobar

  Enhanced human, Were. One of the original Guardians, Rickie is known for his smart mouth. Second in command on the QBBS Guardian.

  In an on again/off again relationship with Nickie Grimes.

  Qui’nan

  Yollin, four-legged. Architect, engineer, grumbler.

  Currently based at QT2, part of Jean’s R&D team.

  Mahi’Takar aka Mahi’

  Baka. Nominal leader of the Bakas on Devon in her adolescent son Trey’s name.

  Fi’Eireie (Fi’)

  Baka. Husband of Mahi’Takar, father of Trey. Was held prisoner on Qu’Baka and rescued by Bethany Anne and Michael.

  Tu’Reigd (Trey)

  Baka. Son of Mahi’Takar. Close friend of the twins and K’aia.

  Currently inside the Vid-doc system undergoing enhancement.

  K’aia

  Enhanced Yollin. Former mine slave. Bodyguard and close friend of Alexis, Gabriel, and Trey.

  Currently inside the Vid-doc system undergoing enhancement.

  Lu’Trein

  Deceased. Baka, twin to Mahi’. Pulled a coup with the backing of Gödel. Supposedly murdered Fi’Eireie (husband to Mahi’), forcing Mahi’ to flee with an infant Trey and a number of their people.

  Gödel

  Ruler of the Kurtherian clans collectively known as the Seven. Considers Bethany Anne to be her nemesis.

  Locations

  The Etheric

  Unknown location, possibly outside of our universe. Source of limitless energy for those who can access it.

  The Kurtherians developed technology that enabled them to access the energy, known as nanocytes. The Seven used nanocytes to dominate every species they came across for millennia, while some among the Five used them to “prepare” other species for the fight.

  TOM changed everything when he came to prepare Earth and gave humanity the technology.

  High Tortuga

  The planet Bethany Anne prepared for her exile. A safe haven, highly defended and hidden from common knowledge.

  BA has a base on the northern continent, where the planet is populated. The southern continent is wild land.

  Bethany Anne has now left High Tortuga in Barnabas’ hands while she fights from Devon.

  Devon

  Originally a mercenary hideout until Baba Yaga took over and renamed the planet Devon as part of the plan to divert attention from High Tortuga.

  The planet is protected by its end of the Interdiction, a three-layer security system comprised of a long-range early-warning system, the BYPS network around the planet, and the QBBS Guardian.

  The planet has two major cities and one smaller city around the lake system.

  First City is the location of The Hexagon, the bazaar, and various communities of settlers.

  QT2

  Site of the original Ooken incursion. Bethany Anne built wide-ranging defenses similar to those at High Tortuga and Devon. In addition to the battlestation, QBBS Helena is the shipyard, where the fleet expansion is being managed from.

  Red Rock aka “Fed Rock.”

  This mobile asteroid is the home of the House of Arbitration, the seat of the
Federation council.

  Red Rock travels the Federation, has a Gate connection straight back to Yoll.

  The Interdiction

  The Interdiction is the collective name for the various points of defense Bethany Anne has set up around the Federation’s borders. Includes Devon, QT2, High Tortuga, and a number of smaller locations along the logistics routes.

  The Federation

  Coalition of planetary governments formed after the Empress of the Etheric Empire stepped down. Governed by the leaders of the people from both the former empire and other peoples (such as the Leath), it is headed by General Lance Reynolds.

  While the Federation remains safe from the Seven for now, Bethany Anne has to fight to keep it that way.

  Border Systems/Outer Quadrants—AKA “the Buffer Zone.”

  The empty star systems around the Federation, and the populated ones where the people have not applied to be part of the Federation. They have remained unclaimed by Bethany Anne so far.