Read Vanguard: The Complete Second Season: A Superhero Serial (Vanguard: The Collected Seasons Book 2) for Free Online Page B

climbed from the seat and hopped over the edge. She reached for the ornate black helmet with gold trim and at the activation of a switch, the helmet vanished just as the canopy, as if it were an illusion. Once free of the helmet, she shook out the braids of yellow hair. Reaching a hand up, she brushed the locks behind her pointed, reddish-orange ears.
    A man with her matching skin-tone, ears, and hair approached. He stopped in front of her and patted his right fist to his left pectoral before bowing. “Captain J’Karra, it’s an honor.”
    J’Karra returned the salute and bow. “I was summoned?”
    “Yes, Captain,” said the man. “I am General M’Lak. The Matriarch requests an audience with you.”
    J’Karra drew in a sharp breath. The Matriarch worked through her intermediaries. To be summoned to meet with her directly was an honor reserved for only the most select of the Kotharians.  
    “You’re certain?” she asked.
    “Aye, Captain. If you could follow me?”
    J’Karra gave a rapid nod. “Of course, please.”
    M’Lak smiled and spun on his heel with precision. He led J’Karra from the landing bay and into the flagship of the Kotharian fleet. They moved through the corridors, passing other crew members who paid them no mind. M’Lak took her to an elevator and when the doors closed, he said, “The Great Hall.”
    The elevator rose and J’Karra clasped her hands behind the black and gold cape attached to the back of her armor. M’Lak studied the catlike yellow eyes beneath the pronounced brow.
    “You seem nervous, Captain.”
    “It’s the Matriarch, General.”
    M’Lak nodded. “Yes, quite the honor.”
    “Do you know what this is in regards to?”
    M’Lak shook his head. “I’m afraid not. I was simply informed through the priests that the Matriarch wishes to address you and you alone on a matter of grave importance.”
    J’Karra turned her head to M’Lak. “Through the priests? You didn’t speak with the Matriarch?”
    “No, I’m…” M’Lak cleared his throat. “Not worthy.”
    J’Karra gave a slow nod and tried to suppress the smile she felt tugging at her lips. It was no secret that M’Lak had gotten to his position through no small amount of sycophancy. But though he could fool the elected officials, the Matriarch was another matter entirely.
    The elevator slowed to a stop and the doors vanished. They moved into a long corridor. J’Karra looked from side to side and saw the robed priests lining the walls, hovering above the ground, their eyes shut in meditation. Auras of energy surrounded each of them.  
    They approached the closed doors and M’Lak stopped. “This is where I have to leave you. What the Matriarch has to say is for your ears only.”
    M’Lak saluted once more and promptly returned to the elevator. J’Karra watched him leave and after the elevator left, she looked back to the closed doors. J’Karra stepped up and when she placed her hand on them, she was instantly transported past them.
    J’Karra stood in a large chamber with glass walls enabling her to look out at the stars. Just a few feet in front of her was an opulent bathtub and a figure rose from the steaming, crystal liquid. Her appearance was similar to J’Karra’s, but with a radiance that was unexplainable.
    J’Karra fell to one knee, bowing her head. The Matriarch draped a robe over her body and approached the Captain, laying a gentle hand on her yellow hair. “Rise, my child.”
    As J’Karra looked upon the face of the Matriarch, the ruler of her people, she felt her heart exploding with joy, tears welling up in her eyes. “My Lady, I—”
    The Matriarch touched a single finger to J’Karra’s lips. “This is not the time for platitudes, dear J’Karra. I have an urgent matter to discuss with you, one which could determine the future of our entire race.”
    J’Karra blinked several times. “What troubles you, my Matriarch? I will do anything for you.”
    “Our priests have