The Beginning of the End (Universe in Flames Book 4) Read Online Free Page B

. Once on board we’ll jump out of here.”
    Chase hated the idea of losing the Iron Fire , but he could no longer see an outcome that could save his ship. He briefly thought about using the Valken to open a hyperspace window for the Iron Fire to ride, but surely the Furies would dispatch it before it could get into position, as they did the StarFury a moment ago. In fact, he wasn’t even sure they would have time to board the Valken in their current predicament. Another shot impacted the starboard shields and one of the consoles on the bridge exploded, confirming his fears: the ship was seconds away from being blown to bits.
    “Tar’Lock, bring your party to the Valken at superspeed.”
    “On our way. See you there.”
    Before anyone could say anything on the bridge, Chase grabbed Sarah, Fillio and Daniel, and erected a force field around them just before the next shot took out power in their section of the ship, effectively disabling the force field that was holding pressure within the bridge’s viewport, thanks to Argos’ punching through it earlier. Chase took his friends through that same hole, punching a bigger one on their way through and flew towards the cargo bay, dodging incoming fire from the planet on his way.
    He ignored Fillio’s screams, but understood how disorienting it must have been to be flying in outer space outside a ship.
    They arrived at the Valken at the same time as Tar’Lock, Keera and Ryonna. They boarded the ship when all hell broke loose. Everything around the Valken exploded and the ship was rocked pretty hard. Keera fell and hit her head hard against the nearest bulkhead.
    “We’re not gonna make it,” shouted Tar’Lock.
    Chase expanded his mind, found the Valken ’s computer with his thoughts and blindly jumped the ship at the exact moment the Iron Fire was obliterated in a fiery display of successive explosions.

C H A P T E R
III
     
    Argos stood with a blank expression on his face as the Iron Fire exploded into a million pieces. A sense of dread filled his soul and he was taken by surprise by the wave of emotion his brother’s demise brought to the surface.
    “Master, we’ve received a transmission from Erevos. They want you to report to the planet’s surface at once,” said his communications officer.
    Argos exhaled deeply, knowing this would not be a pleasant meeting. Argos hadn’t expected the Furies to fire from the surface. He would have to find a way to explain how so many Zarlack capital ships couldn’t destroy a measly ship like the Iron Fire .
    He left the bridge without another word, took the Dark Star and vectored towards the surface to the coordinates provided, well within the currently dark side of the planet. His ship rocked a little upon entering the inhospitable atmosphere of Erevos. Bright lightning ignited quick flashes of light inside the cockpit of the Dark Star while heavy rain relentlessly poured on the cockpit’s viewport.
    Memories of Argos’ childhood with Laiyos came to him while he piloted his ship towards the planet’s surface.
    Was Laiyos really dead?
    And if he was, why did it bother him so much? He tried to convince himself it was because he had given his word they would be spared. But deep inside he knew that was not the only reason. A lightning bolt nearly struck the front of his ship, illuminating the cockpit brightly for just a moment. Argos could see his reflection in the glass. Except he saw his brother’s face instead.
    You’re still alive, aren’t you? Good for you. You’ve always been annoyingly resourceful. At least you’re consistent.
    Argos smiled slightly to himself as he vectored his ship towards the landing pad atop one of many tall building in the metropolis below. Even with the very harsh weather conditions he could see the massive and breathtaking city in every direction, as far as the eye could see. Many craft of different sizes and shapes were flying all around, providing a mesmerizing light show. The blurred