Chapter 7. Prelude

  Made of timber from the first forests that grew on the Moon,

  Galba’s cello was almost priceless. Lucian listened to the rise and

  fall of the music as Galba played.

  The last note was a slow draw of the bow across the strings.

  "I've never heard that piece before.” Lucian said.

  Galba sat quietly for a moment. "I almost weep every time I play it, to feel how

  close to perfection it is. It was written by hand in 17th century on Earth. Probably

  by candlelight without any kind of support or assistance from artificial intelligence.”

  Galba unwound the tension from his bow and put it aside. “It makes me wonder

  that if a man could have such vision back then - and share it with others,

  why have we made so little progress since?”

  Lucian laughed. “We left the Earth centuries ago.”

  You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

  “And where are we now? Still mired in the same solar system. What’s holding

  us back?…there are too many different voices, all talking at once.

  What our society needs is direction, a purpose, a singular vision.

  What our society needs now, more than ever Lucian, is War.”

  There it is thought Lucian, that’s what you want Galba isn’t it - a brand new

  sky to hang your star in.

  *

  The steam carried the scent of sage. “Did you ask Galba about Ithaniel.”

  “I did not.” Lucian said. He poured warm water over Ahmeena’s

  bare shoulders, “Galba was in a mood, and when he’s like that, anything you

  have to say is just unwelcome noise.”

  Ahmeena lifted her hair so Lucian could wash her neck, then leant forward and

  wrapped her head in towel. ”Lie down Lucian.”

  She poured oil into her hand and began to massage his back.

  “A rather large ripple in our mission planning has occurred.”

  Lucian didn’t want to think of anything other than enjoying Ahmeena’s touch.

  ”The Valkyrie has been slowing down since the arrival of the Aenides.”

  Reluctantly Lucian replied. “A decaying orbit?”

  Ahmeena said nothing.

  ”A controlled de-acceleration then.” said Lucian.

  ”The Valkyrie has come to a geo-stationary stop,” Ahmeena said as she

  poured out more oil. “ above Hades.”

  Lucian turned his head to the side. “She’s waiting for us.”

  ”The Mercenary guild contracted my ship and crew for this mission Lucian,

  you and Ithaniel are extras.”

  ”Meaning what?”

  ”You don’t have to board with us when we launch. I’ve got a bad feeling

  about the Valkyrie.”

  ”Semper fi Ahmeena, I’ll be taking my seat.”

  ”I’m not a legionnaire any more Lucian.”

  ”But you were once and besides, if there is any trouble - I’d like to see what

  new scars you might add to your collection”

  Ahmeena smiled and lay down beside him. “You really are a very stupid man.”

  *

  Author's Note

  I will add to this chapter in the coming weeks. Thank you for reading

  what I have written so far. Any feed back you have would be welcome.

  On a side note, I am also working on the book covers for the series.