"The fleet of the oldest and wisest clans went forth to conquer and conquer they did. The Golden Flying Fish System easily fell to them."
"So far, so good," Jack muttered from beside Kris.
"Umm," she murmured.
"Since they faced no enemy fleet for that conquest, they went forth to conquer the Golden Giant Squid System and there they fell in with a major rebel force. They were badly defeated. The Rebels then went forth to reconquer the Golden Flying Fish System. That they did regain. It is feared by those in the Capital that the Rebels may come forth to conquer the Imperial Capital.
"Well, that puts an end to this," Kris snapped. "Admiral Tong."
"I copied the message traffic."
"Good. Order the troopships back to Longnae 4. Order the admiral commanding the Longnae 4 fleet to sortie three thousand ships for the Imperial capital. Admiral Kitano?"
"Yes, Admiral?"
"You have one and a half flotillas still here in the system, right?"
"Yes, Admiral."
"Have them set course for the Imperial Capital. They are to lead the Longnae three thousand warships through the advanced jump points. We're going to need them fast."
"Aye, aye, Admiral. I'll issue the orders."
"I do remember you telling them to keep a battle fleet at the capital," Jack muttered softly from where he stood beside Kris.
"Yes, I do remember some such thing. Now I'm just hoping we can provide that Navy fast enough to save our kids," Kris whispered softly, then her voice firmed.
"Admiral Tong, take the fleet through the jump point smartly. Nelly will provide you with the fastest course for the Imperial Capital."
"Aye, aye, My Admiral."
Quick as that, Grand Admiral Kris Longknife switched from conqueror of the rebel fleet to defender of the Iteeche system.
About the Author
Mike Shepherd is the National best-selling author of the Kris Longknife saga. Mike Moscoe is the award-nominated short story writer who has also written several novels, most of which were, until recently, out of print. Though the two have never been seen in the same room at the same time, they are reported to be good friends.
Mike Shepherd grew up Navy. It taught him early about change and the chain of command. He's worked as a bartender and cab driver, personnel advisor and labor negotiator. Now retired from building databases about the endangered critters of the Northwest, he looks forward to some fun reading and writing.
Mike lives in Vancouver, Washington, with his wife Ellen, and not too far from his daughter and grandkids. He enjoys reading, writing, dreaming, watching grandchildren for story ideas and upgrading his computer – all are never ending.
For more information:
https://krislongknife.com
mikeshepherd@krislongknife.com
2019 Releases
In 2016, I amicably ended my twenty-year publishing relationship with Ace, part of Penguin Random House.
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In 2017, I began publishing through my own independent press, KL & MM Books. We produced six e-books and a short story collection. We also brought the books out in paperback and audio.
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In 2018, we began the year with Kris Longknife’s Successor, followed by Kris Longknife: Commanding, and Vicky Peterwald: Dominator.
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In 2019, we published Kris Longknife: Indomitable, Vicky Peterwald: Implacable, and ended the year with Kris Longknife: Stalwart.
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2020 will be an adventure! I’m anticipating another Kris novel, a Vicky novel, and perhaps a book involving Sandy Santiago or Grandma Rita, and or interim novella or two.
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Stay in touch to follow developments by friending Kris Longknife and follow Mike Shepherd on Facebook or check in at my website https://krislongknife.com
More Books by Mike Shepherd
If you enjoyed this book, here is a list of more books by Mike Shepherd, including some of his early works and short story collections. All have hyperlinks. Enjoy!
Published by KL & MM Books
Kris Longknife: Emissary
Kris Longknife: Admiral
Kris Longknife: Commanding
Kris Longknife: Indomitable
Kris Longknife: Stalwart
Kris Longknife’s Relief
Kris Longknife’s Replacement
Kris Longknife’s Successor
Rita Longknife: Enemy Unknown
Rita Longknife: Enemy in Sight
Short Stories from KL & MM Books
Kris Longknife’s Maid Goes on Strike & Other Short Stories
Kris Longknife’s Maid Goes On Strike
Kris Longknife’s Bad Day
Ruth Longknife’s First Christmas
Kris Longknife: Among the Kicking Birds
Ace Science Fiction Books by Mike Shepherd
Kris Longknife: Mutineer
Kris Longknife: Deserter
Kris Longknife: Defiant
Kris Longknife: Resolute
Kris Longknife: Audacious
Kris Longknife: Intrepid
Kris Longknife: Undaunted
Kris Longknife: Redoubtable
Kris Longknife: Daring
Kris Longknife: Furious
Kris Longknife: Defender
Kris Longknife: Tenacious
Kris Longknife: Unrelenting
Kris Longknife: Bold
Vicky Peterwald: Target
Vicky Peterwald: Survivor
Vicky Peterwald: Rebel
Mike Shepherd writing as Mike Moscoe in the Jump Point Universe
First Casualty
The Price of Peace
They Also Serve
Rita Longknife: To Do or Die
Ace Science Fiction Short Specials
Kris Longknife: Training Daze
Kris Longknife: Welcome Home, Go Away
Kris Longknife’s Bloodhound
Kris Longknife’s Assassin
The Lost Millennium Trilogy by Mike Shepherd, published by KL & MM Books
Lost Dawns: Prequel
First Dawn
Second Fire
Lost Days
Award-Nominated Short Story Collections by Mike Shepherd, published by KL & MM Books
A Day’s Work on the Moon
The Job Interview
The Strange Redemption of Sister MaryAnn