Read Legend Beyond The Stars for Free Online

thought she could still hear the thump of the hover’s rotors, the whistle of the missile, the blaring of alarms.
    Smell the stench of burning fuel oils, melting metal and flesh.
    Now there were more faces to add to the dead who visited her in the depths of solitary night.
    She recalled Carly’s mischievous smile and sighed, her heart heavy as she turned away. There was work to be done.
    The shuttle burnt fiercely. Thick black smoke plumed into the air, a clear indication of their location. Renewed worry twisted her gut.
    Debris was scattered over the rocky ground. Alana was pleased to see how efficiently the women worked. Their ‘can-do’ attitude impressed her and she had no doubt they imitated the women they considered their leaders. But their unquestioning faith in her expertise troubled her. She knew they believed in her ability to keep them safe. They seemed to have no qualms she would somehow find a way home. Whilst Alana had no intention of never stopping to try to fulfil her duty as she saw it, she worried about if she would actually achieve success.
    It was such a big ask.
    Her track record wasn’t that hot so far.
    “Hey girlfriend,” Jessamine said.
    Alana hadn’t realised how deep in thought she was until her friend murmured her greeting.
    “Hey.” Alana managed a brief tight smile.
    In response, Jessamine reached out and hugged her. Tears burned behind her eyes and Alana was appalled she had to take several slow breaths to gain control.
    “You’re wrong you know, Alana. No one blames you. And you’re sure not responsible for what happened here. It’s them. Their fault.” Her chocolate brown eyes glittered as she glared at the sky. “Just let me get my hands on them. And look out. They’ll know just how mad an UEC woman can get.”
    “Yeah, I for one would not like to cross you.” Alana dredged up a smile. Warmth invaded her hurting heart at her friend’s support.
    “Absolutely. They’ll get theirs, you’ll see,” Jessamine said. She linked arms with Alana and they strolled towards the women who were adding items to a mound of equipment. She indicated the area before them with one immaculate manicured hand. “See, we’re almost finished and ready to rock ‘n’ roll. Awesome thinkin’ about it, what you reckon?”
    Alana looked her questioningly.
    Jessamine gestured with her arm at the huge moon. “Well, who would have thought it? Here we are all livin’ in the middle of some olden day sci fi vid. It sure is scary—but hey!—it’s also pretty amazin’.”
    “Truly amazing. So you’re not scared anymore?”
    “I am fuckin’ terrified,” said Jessamine with slow emphasis. A cheerful grin split her face, showing a deep dimple in one smooth brown cheek. “But what a way to go. It sure beats my dreary advertisin’ job.”
    Alana laughed. “You’re right. It’s one hell of a way to go.”
    “There you are then.” Jessamine patted her friend’s arm. “Try not to take it so hard, honey. As I said before, we’re all in this together and we’re all gonna do our best to make it together.”
    “Thanks, Jess,” Alana said.
    Norman bustled up to them. “All good?” he asked.
    “As good as it’s going to get, Norman, ” Jessamine sang out. “So, what gives with the other spaceship? It sure looked to me as if they were more interested in blastin’ us out of the sky than those warrior dudes.”
    “That’s exactly what I was thinking, Jess,” Alana said, once again impressed with her friend’s analysis. “Well, Norman ? Care to explain?”
    The alien pressed a bony finger to the cut which sported a bandage, courtesy of Tina now busy tending to the minor injuries some of the women had sustained. “Most curious. It is something I cannot explain.”
    ”I can think of a reason.” Alana’s eyes narrowed. “It seems to me we have another enemy. Not just those Darkon warriors who want us for experiments, but also another lot who want to kill us.”
    “I dunno. Perhaps