Free Shackleton's Folly (The Lost Wonder Book 1) by Todd Yunker

appendages and pockets. A piece of highly polished metallic material came out from his long coat. The long, rectangular artifact was covered with small lettering and glyphs — two distinct forms of writing. He handed it to Alec, who had to draw his attention away from the night’s entertainment to examine it closely.
    “I saw such a star chart when we were in the markets of Dios,” Dancer commented.
    Dolk sneered, “Not so, not so — this came from a Frontier prospector ship.”
    Dancer took the artifact from Alec and scanned it with his instruments.
    *
    Alec put on his best negotiation face and leaned back in his chair. “I’m afraid Dancer is right. There’s no proof this is anything more than what it appears to be: An out-of-date star chart or tourist brochure.” Alec’s attention was easily drawn away from the discussion. He nodded to the stunning woman heading their way. “Who is she?”
    Dolk turned at what had Alec’s attention and then said indignantly, “She is a slave. Come, come — the star chart. Are you interested in the star chart?”
    Dancer ignored Dolk and acknowledged Alec’s diversion. “I’m not sure, but from here she looks human.”
    “She has been becoming a pain in my side for weeks now. It would teach her a thing or two if she got a new master,” snorted Dolk to himself. “I should be rid of her. That’s what I will do. Get rid of her.”
    Alec turned his head quickly to Dancer. “What are you talking about? There aren’t any women within 30 light years of here.”
    “And you would be wrong,” replied Dancer.

CHAPTER ELEVEN
    Koty Union battleships Illia and Saleen appeared from hyperspace outside the orbital traffic above Ferrar. The repairs to Saleen ’s hull were temporary, only enough to get them to the shipyard in Union territory.
    Captain K’Dhoplon shot a glance at Wolfgang Gray. “You do know him, human. He ran from us and came straight here.”
    Gray stood looking out the front ports silently.
    Captain K’Dhoplon turned to communications. “Inform the Saleen they are to remain here and continue repairs.” He proceeded to the bulkhead; the doors sensed his presence and opened. The rather large office he entered had a trophy wall displaying a collection of metal souvenirs from craft he’d conquered in battle. Two new pieces were prepared on his desk — one from the marauders and the other from the blockading fleet.
    “Captain, sir,” a voice from the wall panel said.
    “Yes.”
    “We have a transmission from home world.”
    “Put it through.”
    The screen came to life with the face of Prime Minister Ental. “Captain.”
    “Prime Minister. What do I owe the gods for this glorious conversation?”
    “Nothing at all. The Exalted One wants a report of your progress. This venture will support the Koty Union’s expansion into other regions of the galaxy; it’s important that we obtain technology and other resources along the way.”
    Captain K’Dhoplon knew the truth that so many other races failed to see. It was the Koty Union’s manifest destiny to expand as far as the galaxy’s edge. Then it would be only small jumps to the dwarf and cloud galaxies nearby. Who knows after that? The virtues of the Koty people were the pinnacle for intelligent life and had to be shared with the rest of the galaxy. They had to be shown the error of their ways. It was the Koty Union’s mission to remake the galaxy in their image to bring control and discipline subservient races. Therefore, the Koty Union felt an irresistible destiny to accomplish this essential duty.
    “We are tracking a human with possible information of a First Ones’ world,” replied Captain K’Dhoplon.
    “You have not captured the creature and extracted this?”
    Captain K’Dhoplon reminded the Prime Minister, “The Exalted One sent her pet human to assist us. We will follow her wishes.”
    “We live for the One. I understand, Captain. If the creature gets in your way, kill it.” The