Gods of War by William S. Frisbee Jr

Author:William S. Frisbee Jr. [Frisbee Jr., William S.]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Theogony Books
Published: 2022-07-04T23:00:00+00:00

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Chapter Twenty-Eight: Valkyrie 15

Lojtnant Skadi—VRAEC

Skadi’s team followed her to the airlock of the Valkyrie 15. Her cybernetics meshed with the Valkyrie’s systems, presenting her with options as an authorized crew member. She selected personal quarters and a ghostly arrow appeared in her vision.

The airlock slid open, and a bright, sky-blue beard with glittering sprinkles loomed up in front of her. The beard was attached to a Vanir officer, and Skadi tried not to stare. Hopefully, Vili would remain silent. She tried looking up into the eyes attached to the beard, but her mind’s eye couldn’t see beyond the beard and chest. Was the beard against regulation?

“Finally, a dedicated combat team,” the Vanir said in a deep voice, reaching out to shake hands. “I’m Eversti Johan Oja. You may call me Bluebeard, or Eversti, or Oja, even Johan. Just don’t call me late for breakfast.”

“Hello, Eversti Oja,” Skadi said.

“It is an honor to meet you, Aesir Skadi,” Bluebeard said. “I’ve heard much about your exploits.”

Skadi smiled and stepped forward, so she didn’t block the hatch. Bluebeard smiled when he saw Kat. He looked ready to hug her, but the big Vanir captain would have crushed the small girl.

“Now this should be extra fun,” Bluebeard said.

“Hello, Bluebeard. Are the sprinkles new?” Kat asked.

“Aye, sweet little lady,” Bluebeard said. “My daughter added them. Said it softened my image, so I didn’t look like a big, ugly, lumbering ox. My darling is nine and growing fast, so I humor her. Children are such a joy. What do you think?”

“I like big lumbering bulls,” Kat said.

Bluebeard laughed. “I’ve got a full cargo of gear, one of the toughest Aesir combat teams in known space, and my favorite little kuolema pixie of destruction,” Bluebeard said. “This mission will be epic, totally epic. Although I hope it does not end with us in Valhalla singing drinking songs with Odin, for that would break my daughter’s precious heart.”

“I agree,” Kat said.

Death pixie of destruction?

A notification appeared on Skadi’s display showing her personal effects had already arrived and been deposited in her quarters. When she cleared the screen, Kat was frowning. It unnerved Skadi the way her true age weighed in her eyes in that moment.

Bluebeard nodded solemnly, but he pushed through it with a beaming smile. “Your quarters are ready, lady. You leave the space stuff to me and my crew.”

“We need to go to Sol,” Kat said. “Put us some place way out in the Oort cloud.”

“Sol? Are things so bad you must go back?” Bluebeard asked. Skadi let the rest of the team go past her to their quarters.

Kat reached up and touched his shoulder. “Yes. Maybe worse than that.”

“The new Inkeri generator is on the fritz,” Bluebeard said.

“Inkeri generator?” Skadi asked, hoping it wouldn’t delay their departure. Going into battle with non-functional gear could mean a death sentence.

“Aye, nothing really. A hely from R&D Inkeri Toivonen developed. Just makes Shorr space transitions easier on the passengers.”

“Easier?” Skadi asked.

Bluebeard shrugged. “You know

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