Counter Spike Read online

Page 6


  * * * *

  Kiida saw them set up the cycles with the cargo trailers and add the launchers, a set off springs, and a complete pivot. It was fascinating to watch.

  Dif asked her, “So, what do you think of your great grandfather?”

  “He is an alien who loved a human woman. Aside from that, I don’t know. I just met him. Aside from the humans in the tunnels, he is truly the first stranger I have ever met.”

  Dif agreed, “That is sensible. Do you want to know him better?”

  “I want to get down to the files and pull up the ancient archives and diaries. There has to be something left behind by the wives.”

  “I can access them for you. Not the handwritten archives but the scanned ones.”

  She smiled. “Load them up, and I will take a look at them.”

  The files came slowly, and then, there was a rush. She searched through the names that she knew, and there was the same anomaly over and over. When she pulled herself into the real world again, she cleared her throat. “That is a helluva thing.”

  * * * *

  Duel led Kabriuk into the necropolis. “Does this make you uncomfortable?”

  He shook his head. “Death is part of life, and these women lived a very long time, death came for them when it was appropriate.”

  “Say that to the ninety-year old who died rock climbing.”

  He looked startled. “That is an interesting hobby.”

  “She was working. She didn’t have to gather eggs from the aviary, but it was what she did, so she kept doing it. Usually, we live quite a bit longer.” Duel smiled.

  They walked through the Aka clan section.

  She asked him, “Where did you want to look?”

  “I would like to start with the eldest members of the clan and work forward.”

  Duel nodded. “Right. This way. Bear in mind that the necropolis wasn’t set up for several decades after the war was over. Many of the first generation are lost.”

  “I understand. I just want to get close.”

  Duel inclined her head. “Then, come with me.”

  At a slow and respectful pace, she led him back through time until they were at the first monument to an Aka elder.

  He crouched next to the stone. He brushed his fingers across it, and a tear traced down his cheek. “Kabby Aka, daughter of Jeanell. An elder of compassion and determination.”

  She pointed to the beacon marker on the memorial stone. “It means she was a digger. I never realized she was a digger.”

  He blinked several times. “I don’t understand.”

  “Was Jeanell a geologist?”

  “She was and a metallurgist. She loved to dig in the dirt.”

  Duel smiled, and she looked around her. There had always been something odd about the placement of the Aka portion of the necropolis, but now, she knew, it was just to keep it close to the stone.

  Why did they want it close to stone?

  * * * *

  Corbyn got into Myx, and she walked around to the rear of the valley, near the ridge. The weapon was trundled out in pieces, and when it was completely out of the research area, she reached down and began to assemble it.

  It was just big enough for Myx’s hand. The dummy round went in fairly easily, but she had to be precise. The same puncture to mingle mineral and gas was in the dummy round that matched the weight of the live round.

  Corbyn aimed at the distant mountain. “Time to test this. Are you ready, Xaia?”

  “Monitors on, scanners up.”

  Corbyn counted, “Firing in three... two... one.”

  The trigger was pulled, and there was a three-second silence before a cacophonous round went off and the dummy streaked across the valley and toward the mountain.

  They watched for thirty seconds before a chunk of stone flicked off the edge.

  Corbyn laughed at the shrieking of triumph in the live coms. She pulled away and sighed. “So, we have our ancestors safe, and now, we have a weapon.”

  Myx murmured, “Now, you must wait. This is the hardest part of battle, waiting for the enemy to come to you.”

  “I do hate waiting.”

  Myx’s laughter filled the command deck. “Welcome to my world.”

  Author’s Note

  Blend and Defend is going to be the final instalment of Innate Wright. Everything will be ratified and a few more surprises will be unearthed.

  Writing this serial has been stressful but fun. I will never. Never. Never do it again.

  I hope.

  Thanks for reading,

  Viola Grace

  About the Author

  Viola Grace (aka Zenina Masters) is a Canadian sci-fi/paranormal romance writer with ambitions to keep writing for the rest of her life. She specializes in short stories because the thrill of discovery, of all those firsts, is what keeps her writing.

  An artist who enjoys a story that catches you up, whirls you around and sets you down with a smile on your face is all she endeavours to be. She prefers to leave the drama to those who are better suited to it, she always goes for the cheap laugh.

 

 

 


    Class Zero Read onlineClass ZeroBorn Human - Part 2 (Habel Trollblood) Read onlineBorn Human - Part 2 (Habel Trollblood)Born Human - Part 1 (Habel Trollblood) Read onlineBorn Human - Part 1 (Habel Trollblood)Forecast Read onlineForecastSweetest Fall Read onlineSweetest FallClose Enough Read onlineClose EnoughSage and Spirited Read onlineSage and SpiritedRecruiting Measures (Terran Reset Book 2) Read onlineRecruiting Measures (Terran Reset Book 2)Hidden Instinct Read onlineHidden InstinctFix the Game (Mechanical Advantage Book 4) Read onlineFix the Game (Mechanical Advantage Book 4)Familiar with the Warlock (Stand Alone Tales Book 14) Read onlineFamiliar with the Warlock (Stand Alone Tales Book 14)Legacy Contract (Stand Alone Tales Book 6) Read onlineLegacy Contract (Stand Alone Tales Book 6)Break the Mold (Mechanical Advantage Book 3) Read onlineBreak the Mold (Mechanical Advantage Book 3)Mini Max Read onlineMini MaxAncient Thought Read onlineAncient ThoughtDragon Frost Read onlineDragon FrostNo Reservations—Part One Read onlineNo Reservations—Part OneRight of Refusal (Terran Reset Book 7) Read onlineRight of Refusal (Terran Reset Book 7)Dragon Astray Read onlineDragon AstrayEnchanting Spring Read onlineEnchanting SpringDragon Engaged (The Covert Dragons Book 3) Read onlineDragon Engaged (The Covert Dragons Book 3)Dragon Embraced Read onlineDragon EmbracedNakedella 4 Read onlineNakedella 4Twisting Sanity (Mechanical Advantage Book 5) Read onlineTwisting Sanity (Mechanical Advantage Book 5)Kissing Krampus Read onlineKissing KrampusStriking Freedom (Mechanical Advantage Book 6) Read onlineStriking Freedom (Mechanical Advantage Book 6)Born Human Read onlineBorn HumanI Dated a Supervillain Read onlineI Dated a SupervillainCommand Control Read onlineCommand ControlWrapped Read onlineWrappedBreak the Mold Read onlineBreak the MoldBorn Human - Part 5 Read onlineBorn Human - Part 5Designed Collision Read onlineDesigned CollisionI Dated a Hot Assassin (Blind Date Corporation Book 2) Read onlineI Dated a Hot Assassin (Blind Date Corporation Book 2)Cone of Silence Read onlineCone of SilenceFractured Chances Read onlineFractured ChancesMADe Read onlineMADeImperial Governess Read onlineImperial GovernessCollecting Allure (Stand-Alone Tales Book 9) Read onlineCollecting Allure (Stand-Alone Tales Book 9)Star Chasers Read onlineStar ChasersBorn Human - Part 4 (Habel Trollblood) Read onlineBorn Human - Part 4 (Habel Trollblood)Damaged Control Read onlineDamaged ControlSage and Spirited (Wakeman Grimore Book 2) Read onlineSage and Spirited (Wakeman Grimore Book 2)Escaping Midnight (Stand Alone Tales Book 8) Read onlineEscaping Midnight (Stand Alone Tales Book 8)Hot and Haunted Read onlineHot and HauntedRising Zero Read onlineRising ZeroDragon Mediated Read onlineDragon MediatedBroken Dreamer Read onlineBroken DreamerCompanion's Dilemma Read onlineCompanion's DilemmaFix the Game Read onlineFix the GameViola Grace Read onlineViola GraceResisting Desire (Brace for Humanity Book 4) Read onlineResisting Desire (Brace for Humanity Book 4)Offered to the Drake (Stand Alone tales Book 3) Read onlineOffered to the Drake (Stand Alone tales Book 3)I Dated a Mad Scientist Read onlineI Dated a Mad ScientistPerpetual Prey Read onlinePerpetual PreyNot Compatible (Stand Alone Tales Book 11) Read onlineNot Compatible (Stand Alone Tales Book 11)Mage's Choice (Stand Alone Tales Book 15) Read onlineMage's Choice (Stand Alone Tales Book 15)Going Cold Read onlineGoing ColdBetraying Blood (Stand Alone Tales Book 5) Read onlineBetraying Blood (Stand Alone Tales Book 5)The Bastard Dragon Read onlineThe Bastard DragonHis Monster (Digital Demons Book 1) Read onlineHis Monster (Digital Demons Book 1)Twisting Sanity Read onlineTwisting SanityMissing the Night Read onlineMissing the NightDragon Undone Read onlineDragon UndoneI Dated a Mad Scientist (Blind Date Corporation Book 4) Read onlineI Dated a Mad Scientist (Blind Date Corporation Book 4)Companion's Dilemma (Brace for Humanity Book 5) Read onlineCompanion's Dilemma (Brace for Humanity Book 5)Born Human - Part 3 Read onlineBorn Human - Part 3Striking Freedom Read onlineStriking FreedomInheriting War Read onlineInheriting WarBringing Heat Read onlineBringing HeatWrapped in Fire Read onlineWrapped in FireOpen-Haunted-House Read onlineOpen-Haunted-HouseFighting Syndrome (Stand Alone Tales Book 13) Read onlineFighting Syndrome (Stand Alone Tales Book 13)Chasm Read onlineChasmWrapped in Starlight Read onlineWrapped in StarlightAvoid Read onlineAvoidA Limitless Sky Read onlineA Limitless SkyStolen Destiny Read onlineStolen DestinyMissing the Present Read onlineMissing the PresentRoyal Torment (Stand Alone Tales Book 10) Read onlineRoyal Torment (Stand Alone Tales Book 10)HeartoftheOracle Read onlineHeartoftheOracleBaffle Read onlineBaffleBride of Death Read onlineBride of DeathArchive (Halfblood Club Book 4) Read onlineArchive (Halfblood Club Book 4)WoundUp Read onlineWoundUpTwisting the Pole Read onlineTwisting the PoleLost and Sound Read onlineLost and SoundEchoInTime Read onlineEchoInTimeOpalite Read onlineOpaliteBride of the Demon King Read onlineBride of the Demon KingTricking Tara [Sisters of Silverwood book 5] Read onlineTricking Tara [Sisters of Silverwood book 5]Oblige Read onlineObligeMagnet Read onlineMagnetFightingSanity Read onlineFightingSanitySudden Storm [Tales of the Cidatel 21] Read onlineSudden Storm [Tales of the Cidatel 21]Called to Power Read onlineCalled to PowerCaptive of the Stars Read onlineCaptive of the StarsBurning Day Read onlineBurning DayResisting Desire Read onlineResisting DesirePanacea Read onlinePanaceaUntrained Fascination Read onlineUntrained FascinationViola Grace - Mask of the Overlord Read onlineViola Grace - Mask of the OverlordWaking Dream Read onlineWaking DreamGadget Read onlineGadgetIntact Read onlineIntactShiver and Bright Read onlineShiver and BrightCaptiveoftheStars Read onlineCaptiveoftheStarsUnexpected Sting Read onlineUnexpected StingLady Read onlineLadyLooking at Trouble Read onlineLooking at TroubleKnell Read onlineKnellDragon Engaged Read onlineDragon EngagedJury Read onlineJurySevenintheSky Read onlineSevenintheSkyDragon Frost (The Covert Dragons Book 9) Read onlineDragon Frost (The Covert Dragons Book 9)Sky Breaking 301 Read onlineSky Breaking 301Blazing Serious Read onlineBlazing SeriousMalled by Christmas (Operation Reindeer Retrieval Book 2) Read onlineMalled by Christmas (Operation Reindeer Retrieval Book 2)Maid in Stone (Tales of the Citadel Book 59) Read onlineMaid in Stone (Tales of the Citadel Book 59)Three Parts Fey Read onlineThree Parts FeyThree Parts Fey (An Obscure Magic Book 3) Read onlineThree Parts Fey (An Obscure Magic Book 3)ShakenandStirred Read onlineShakenandStirredAvari Nyx Read onlineAvari NyxWater and Power Read onlineWater and PowerExit Strategy Read onlineExit StrategyTerran Times Second Wave # 10 - Liberty Read onlineTerran Times Second Wave # 10 - LibertyNakedella: Book Two Read onlineNakedella: Book TwoBurning Day (Innate Wright Book 1) Read onlineBurning Day (Innate Wright Book 1)Bride of Fire Read onlineBride of FireTerran Times 18 - Emerald Envisage Read onlineTerran Times 18 - Emerald EnvisageMultiple Organisms Read onlineMultiple OrganismsThe Duty of Pain Read onlineThe Duty of PainJailed Read onlineJailedCommand Read onlineCommandFrisk Read onlineFriskThe Rapunzel Factor Read onlineThe Rapunzel FactorKnowing Read onlineKnowingQuell Read onlineQuellSealtheDeal Read onlineSealtheDealLiquid Compassion Read onlineLiquid CompassionObedient Read onlineObedientFrost and Fyr Read onlineFrost and FyrBreaking Gods Read onlineBreaking GodsCore Read onlineCoreNakedella: Book One Read onlineNakedella: Book OneNeutral Read onlineNeutralGnomes of Suburbia Read onlineGnomes of SuburbiaAbandon Read onlineAbandonKeeper Read onlineKeeperOppose Read onlineOpposeHeart of the Hunted Read onlineHeart of the HuntedPact Read onlinePactRhoe’s Request Read onlineRhoe’s RequestHuntsman Read onlineHuntsmanOne Part Human Read onlineOne Part HumanTrained to Destroy Read onlineTrained to DestroyFlight and Fantasy Read onlineFlight and FantasyCall the Moon Read onlineCall the MoonAsylum Mine Read onlineAsylum MineNaked Read onlineNakedConflict Read onlineConflictDefiance Read onlineDefianceBreak for Home (Innate Wright Book 2) Read onlineBreak for Home (Innate Wright Book 2)Burning Ceres Read onlineBurning CeresChasing Carolyn Read onlineChasing CarolynKnotted Read onlineKnottedThunder Struck Read onlineThunder StruckMinder Read onlineMinderHung by the Fire (Operation Reindeer Retrieval Book 4) Read onlineHung by the Fire (Operation Reindeer Retrieval Book 4)Defender: A Terran Times Tale Read onlineDefender: A Terran Times TaleSoul Casting 101 Read onlineSoul Casting 101Judged Read onlineJudgedMission Read onlineMissionRed Run Read onlineRed RunRitual Space Read onlineRitual SpaceWalkingHaunt Read onlineWalkingHauntFade Read onlineFadeCreating Harmony Read onlineCreating HarmonyALimitlessSky Read onlineALimitlessSkyArcane (Halfblood Club Book 1) Read onlineArcane (Halfblood Club Book 1)Nakedella:Book Four Read onlineNakedella:Book FourGetting Lucky [Sisters of Silverwood Book 1] Read onlineGetting Lucky [Sisters of Silverwood Book 1]AFFINITY Read onlineAFFINITYProhibit Read onlineProhibitKeen Read onlineKeenBreaking the Minder Read onlineBreaking the MinderPsyched Out Read onlinePsyched OutCollecting Read onlineCollectingUnder His Claw Read onlineUnder His ClawViola Grace - - Return of the Nine 03 - Hiding Read onlineViola Grace - - Return of the Nine 03 - HidingBroken Wings Read onlineBroken WingsTheDutyofPain Read onlineTheDutyofPainHeart's Storm (Falling Underhill Book 4) Read onlineHeart's Storm (Falling Underhill Book 4)Maid in Stone Read onlineMaid in StoneHalt Read onlineHaltJoin Read onlineJoinGeared Up Read onlineGeared UpSpell Crafting 501 (Hellkitten Chronicles) Read onlineSpell Crafting 501 (Hellkitten Chronicles)Chase Read onlineChaseDragon Summons Read onlineDragon SummonsDestined Read onlineDestinedMind Strike Read onlineMind StrikeTurning Night Read onlineTurning NightBait Read onlineBaitAvenging Enjel Read onlineAvenging EnjelPathway to Love Read onlinePathway to LoveOverseer's Chain Read onlineOverseer's ChainNumb Read onlineNumbTake Me On Read onlineTake Me OnLion Time Read onlineLion TimeIce Runner Read onlineIce RunnerShaken and Stirred Read onlineShaken and StirredPowerofLearning Read onlinePowerofLearningVirtual Snow Read onlineVirtual SnowMultipleOrganisms Read onlineMultipleOrganismsWhyt’s Plea Read onlineWhyt’s PleaCaressoftheStars Read onlineCaressoftheStarsHeartbeatofSilence Read onlineHeartbeatofSilenceRain of Tears Read onlineRain of TearsHelix Read onlineHelixGuiding Read onlineGuidingHard to Fight Read onlineHard to FightBane Read onlineBaneThe Oldest Elf Read onlineThe Oldest ElfFeather’s Blossom Read onlineFeather’s BlossomQuick Read onlineQuickNice and Naughty Read onlineNice and NaughtyHardcore Green Read onlineHardcore GreenBreak for Home Read onlineBreak for HomePerfect Read onlinePerfectCity Strike Read onlineCity StrikeSudden Storm Read onlineSudden StormRippedandRoar Read onlineRippedandRoarTales of the Citadel # 32 - Core Charge Read onlineTales of the Citadel # 32 - Core ChargeDance of Time Read onlineDance of TimeAffinity (Halfblood Club Book 2) Read onlineAffinity (Halfblood Club Book 2)Badge Read onlineBadgeLesser Read onlineLesserPort Hole Read onlinePort HoleFinding Fiona Read onlineFinding FionaCrisis Management Read onlineCrisis ManagementStealth Magic 401 Read onlineStealth Magic 401Laser Read onlineLaserThe Warder's Dragon Read onlineThe Warder's DragonTheRapunzleFactor Read onlineTheRapunzleFactorTwo Parts Demon Read onlineTwo Parts DemonAstral Read onlineAstralAssessing Survival Read onlineAssessing SurvivalAwake Read onlineAwakeGhosting the Hero Read onlineGhosting the HeroGovern Read onlineGovernHellebore’s Holiday Read onlineHellebore’s HolidayCalltheMoon Read onlineCalltheMoonFireWolf Read onlineFireWolfFactor Read onlineFactorPast Tense Read onlinePast TenseWrath of the Stars Read onlineWrath of the StarsGuardian Enjel Read onlineGuardian EnjelThe Starborn Read onlineThe StarbornJillAndTheGenestalk Read onlineJillAndTheGenestalkShattered Light Read onlineShattered LightSpell Crafting 501 Read onlineSpell Crafting 501Finite Read onlineFiniteThe Wench and the Giant Read onlineThe Wench and the GiantWinning Souls Read onlineWinning SoulsShattered Stars Read onlineShattered StarsTech Tack Read onlineTech TackHarness Read onlineHarnessBlue and Alluring Read onlineBlue and AlluringSolar Dare [D.A.R.E. 6] Read onlineSolar Dare [D.A.R.E. 6]Ascent Read onlineAscentFractured Darkness Read onlineFractured DarknessGrace and Shadow Read onlineGrace and ShadowPardon Read onlinePardonHunting (The Nine) Read onlineHunting (The Nine)FireDance Read onlineFireDanceFencer Read onlineFencerArchive Read onlineArchiveCatalyst Read onlineCatalystA Mermaid’s Wish Read onlineA Mermaid’s WishQuery Read onlineQueryBlood Proxy Read onlineBlood ProxySleighing Her Elf (Operation Reindeer Retreival Book 3) Read onlineSleighing Her Elf (Operation Reindeer Retreival Book 3)Scorcher Read onlineScorcherBurning Stone Read onlineBurning StoneDear Santa, Get Bent! Read onlineDear Santa, Get Bent!Blend and Defend Read onlineBlend and DefendHalo Read onlineHaloChaos Read onlineChaosArguing the Basics Read onlineArguing the BasicsNakedella: Book Three Read onlineNakedella: Book ThreeChain Read onlineChainDancer Read onlineDancerAwait Read onlineAwaitGuarding Forever Read onlineGuarding ForeverWrappedInThought Read onlineWrappedInThoughtHonour Read onlineHonourTrainedtoDestroy Read onlineTrainedtoDestroyAltered Design (Mechanical Advantage Book 2) Read onlineAltered Design (Mechanical Advantage Book 2)HarvestHunt Read onlineHarvestHuntOjbect Read onlineOjbectDeal with a Dhemon Read onlineDeal with a DhemonCounter Spike Read onlineCounter SpikeEyes in the Sky Read onlineEyes in the SkyLogic Read onlineLogicTouching Water Read onlineTouching WaterQuiver Read onlineQuiverThe Christmas Dragon Read onlineThe Christmas DragonSacrifice to the Stars Read onlineSacrifice to the StarsShape Shifting 201 Read onlineShape Shifting 201Molten Read onlineMoltenQuit Read onlineQuitWaking Dream [Tales of the Citadel 23] Read onlineWaking Dream [Tales of the Citadel 23]The Bastard Dragon (The Covert Dragons Book 1) Read onlineThe Bastard Dragon (The Covert Dragons Book 1)Flicker Read onlineFlickerBells and Chains (Operation Reindeer Retrieval Book 7) Read onlineBells and Chains (Operation Reindeer Retrieval Book 7)Hard Hearted Read onlineHard HeartedCracked Control Read onlineCracked ControlHyde and Seek Read onlineHyde and SeekLicking His Cane Read onlineLicking His CaneNegative Read onlineNegativeWashedUp Read onlineWashedUpDesigning Read onlineDesigningTwisting Souls Read onlineTwisting SoulsIntensity Read onlineIntensityMagus Shift Read onlineMagus ShiftDefying Eternity (An Obscure Magic Book 5) Read onlineDefying Eternity (An Obscure Magic Book 5)Bride of Midnight Read onlineBride of MidnightNoble Read onlineNobleFire Dance Read onlineFire DanceDetermine Read onlineDetermineAbandon (Halfblood Club Book 3) Read onlineAbandon (Halfblood Club Book 3)Hunting a Soul Read onlineHunting a SoulAskance Read onlineAskanceMarks of Admar Read onlineMarks of AdmarLethal Impact Read onlineLethal ImpactCalm Read onlineCalmCalledtoPower Read onlineCalledtoPowerGuarding Pax Read onlineGuarding PaxHellhound in a Handbag Read onlineHellhound in a HandbagAstonish Read onlineAstonishMandate Read onlineMandate