A Bitch of a Paradox Read online

  A BITCH OF A PARADOX

  QUANTUM LEGENDS – BOOK 2

  BY ANDREW DOBELL

  & MICHAEL ANDERLE

  Copyright © 2019 Andrew Dobell & Michael Anderle

  Star Magi is Copyright © 2019 Andrew Dobell

  The Kurtherian Gambit is Copyright © 2019 LMBPN LLC

  Version 1.0.0

  Bitch of A Paradox (this book) is a work of fiction.

  All of the characters, organizations, and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Sometimes both.

  Cover Art by Andrew Dobell

  Editing by Hanna Elizabeth & Lynne Stiegler

  Thank you to the LMBPN JIT and Beta Readers.

  Veronica Stephan-Miller

  Diane L. Smith

  Rachel Beckford

  Dave Hicks

  Dorothy Lloyd

  Jackey Hankard-Brodie

  James Caplan

  Peter Manis

  Deb Mader

  Larry Omans

  TABLE OF CONTENTS

  A BITCH OF A PARADOX

  TABLE OF CONTENTS

  FOREWORD

  CONTINUITY

  TERMS

  PREVIOUSLY IN THE MAGI SAGA…

  PREVIOUSLY IN THE KURTHERIAN GAMBIT/ENDGAME…

  STAR MAGI CHARACTERS

  KURTHERIAN GAMBIT CHARACTERS

  CATNAPPING

  A GUIDED TOUR

  A HELPING HAND

  SUPPLY AND DEMAND

  MAGIC UNLEASHED

  KURTHERIAN HUSTLE

  TAKING STOCK

  AN ARM AND A LEG

  A FAMILY AFFAIR

  SERIOUSLY?

  THE HUNT

  BITCH TALK

  PEW-PEW!

  DEVON BOUND

  REAVERS AND OOKENS AND MAGI, OH MY!

  SUPER OOKEN

  IT’S AN ADDICTION

  AFTERWORD

  BOOKS BY ANDREW DOBELL

  BOOKS BY MICHAEL ANDERLE

  ABOUT THE AUTHORS

  FOREWORD

  Thank you for picking up this book. It’s been a pleasure to work with Michael on this crossover, and I truly hope you enjoy it.

  This, much like the first Quantum Legends book, grew out of the amazing experience I had working on BOB’s Bar, and a desire to do some more collaborative work.

  I hope you enjoy this fun adventure.

  - Andrew

  CONTINUITY

  If you’ve picked this book up and you’re wondering where it fits into the larger stories of Star Magi or The Kurtherian Endgame, hopefully this will clear up any confusion.

  Star Magi

  A Bitch of a Paradox fits into the Star Magi Series around the time of book 4:

  Star Magi Saga Prequel: Maiden Voyage

  Star Magi Saga book 1: Star Magi

  Quantum Legends book 1: Anomaly on Cerka

  Star Magi Saga book 2: Magi Nexus

  Star Magi Saga book 3: War Magi

  Star Magi Saga book 4: Crux Magi

  Quantum Legends book 2: A Bitch of a Paradox

  Kurtherian Endgame

  Within the Kurtherian Gambit, this book picks up after Endgame book 7, so the order looks like this:

  Kurtherian Endgame book 6: Enter into Valhalla

  Kurtherian Endgame book 7: The Valkyrie Returns

  Quantum Legends book 2: A Bitch of a Paradox

  Kurtherian Endgame book 8

  TERMS

  STAR MAGI

  Magi – Someone who’s awakened to their ability to use Magic.

  Essentia – A multi-versal exotic energy that the Magi use to fuel their Magic

  Aegis – the Magical Shield that all Magi use to protect themselves.

  Reavers – Multiverse Magi Pirates

  Aetheric Realm – In the Magi Saga universe, this is the Spirit World.

  Aetheric Sight – The Magical Sight that Magi use to see Magic and more.

  Riven – A normal human

  Nexus – The Galactic society of Magi

  Nomads – Evil Magi

  Aether Ship – The Magical spaceships that Magi create and use.

  KURTHERIAN ENDGAME

  Kurtherians – An advanced race of Aliens bent on domination of the galaxy.

  Etheric – An alternate dimension of energy that Bethany Anne can control.

  Nanocytes – Nano Machine robots that inhabit the body, and give it enhanced abilities.

  Ooken – Alien Super Soldiers, created and controlled by the Kurtherians.

  Pod-doc – A machine that can heal the body, and in some cases, infuse the user with Nanocytes.

  PREVIOUSLY IN THE MAGI SAGA…

  Amanda was a down on her luck young woman on the street of New York, until she was attacked… by a werewolf.

  That night, she went through her Epiphany, and joined the ranks of the Magi.

  Hidden in the shadows, these users of Magic fight an endless civil war with the Dark Magi known as the Nomads.

  Amanda join this fight, and soon learnt she was destined for a leading role in the fight against the Nomads and their godlike masters, the Archons.

  Later, after New York was attacked by Dragons from space, Amanda followed the Archons into the Galaxy, learning of a galactic community of Magi called the Nexus.

  During her adventures, Amanda journeyed outside of her universe to a mysterious Multiverse Bar, where she first met Bethany Anne.

  This trip drew the attention of the multi-verse travelling Magi known only as Void.

  Void recruited Amanda to join her fight against the Reavers—multi-verse travelling pirates. Agreeing to help, Amanda has fought with the Reaver known as Morden once before, ruining his plans.

  Morden swore vengeance against Amanda, vowing to take revenge on her…

  PREVIOUSLY IN THE KURTHERIAN GAMBIT/ENDGAME…

  Bethany Anne was not long for this world. Suffering from a rare blood disease, she was selected by Michael, vampire and patriarch of the UnknownWorld, to replace his dead grandchild. On meeting Bethany Anne, Michael decided to create a mother instead of a child, and the Queen Bitch was born.

  At first, believing herself to be a vampire, the alien symbiont who merged himself with Bethany Anne’s body revealed to her that the supernatural was, in fact, alien in origin, and that vampires and Weres were the result of genetic engineering by a species called Kurtherians. Bethany Anne also learned that the Kurtherians intended to return to Earth and that they were the scourge of the galaxy. She swore to end the Kurtherian reign of terror—once she’d gotten her vengeance on Michael for leaving her with his mess.

  Bethany Anne quickly discovered the truth about the UnknownWorld and took control of the supernatural groups despite the Earth’s governments doing everything they could to earn her enmity.

  Her love lost, she left Earth to take the fight to the Kurtherians, gathering allies and enemies in equal numbers as her empire grew in reaction to her brand of Justice.

  Two hundred-plus years later, she is nearing the realization of her promise.

  As the war with the Kurtherians approaches the tipping point, Bethany Anne and her inner circle have emerged from the shadows to protect the Federation that was formed in the wake of her empire. Without the mantle of rule, Bethany Anne has been freed to grind evil under her heel.

  STAR MAGI CHARACTERS

  Amanda-Jane Page – A Magus from Earth. Born in Ireland, she now lives in New York. Amanda has survived many adventures, and was recently recruited by another Magus called Void to help fight a multiverse-hopping group known as The Reavers.

  Amanda is optimistic and friendly, and has a strong sense of right and wrong.

  Samhain (Sa
m) – Amanda’s Saber-toothed Familiar, and a typical cat in many ways, even if he’s many times bigger.

  Void – A powerful Magus who travels the multiverse trying to stop others from exploiting it.

  Liz – Amanda’s former apprentice. This young British Magus is a close friend of Amanda’s. She’s a determined, focused young woman.

  Matt – A normal human, Matt is a friend of Amanda’s and a part of her coven, Like Liz. Matt loves computers and technology, especially videogames.

  KURTHERIAN GAMBIT CHARACTERS

  Bethany Anne Nacht (BA) - Super-enhanced human, part of a triumvirate consisting of her, TOM, and ADAM. Can walk the Etheric. Has the ability to manipulate Etheric energy to her will. Will stamp out injustice without mercy wherever she finds it.

  Ex-Empress of the Etheric Empire, BA took voluntary exile to bring in the Federation and now fights to protect it from the Kurtherians. As her alter ego, she controls a growing buffer around the Federation border.

  Currently based on the Queen’s Superdreadnought Baba Yaga, fighting a war against the Kurtherians.

  Michael Nacht - Ancient, super-enhanced human, Bethany Anne’s husband.

  Formerly known as the Patriarch, Michael was the first “vampire.” He has ever-increasing skill with the Etheric and a short temper. Ruled the UnknownWorld on Earth for over a thousand years before choosing Bethany Anne to replace him.

  Currently based on the QSD Baba Yaga.

  TOM – “Thales of Miletus” - Kurtherian, hosted within Bethany Anne’s body. Enhanced Michael in an attempt to warn humanity of the coming invasion and got it wrong, inadvertently creating the vampire myth on Earth. A thousand years later he got a second chance and got it SO right.

  ADAM - AI, resides in an organic computer within Bethany Anne’s body. Bethany Anne’s close friend and advisor.

  All of Bethany Anne’s and Federation AIs and EIs come from ADAM.

  Tabitha Nacht - Super-enhanced human, hacker extraordinaire. A sister of the heart to BA. Held the rank of Ranger Two during the Age of Empire, she chose exile with Bethany Anne when the Federation was formed.

  Currently located on Devon with her partner, Peter, and their son, Todd Michael.

  Peter Silvers - Super-enhanced human, has Were form called ‘Pricolici.’

  The first Guardian. Held the rank of Guardian Commander during the Age of Empire, he had reason to remain in the Federation but chose to leave and settle down with Tabitha after the death of his best friend.

  Currently located on Devon with Tabitha.

  John Grimes - Super-enhanced human. Queen’s Bitch—Bethany Anne’s bodyguard and close friend. Wherever Bethany Anne goes, so does John.

  Currently based on the QSD Baba Yaga.

  Husband to Jean, father to Lillian, grandfather to Nickie.

  Scott English - Super-enhanced human. Queen’s Bitch—Bethany Anne’s personal bodyguard and close friend.

  Currently based on the QSD Baba Yaga.

  Husband to Cheryl-Lynn (cousin of John Grimes).

  Eric Escobar - Super-enhanced human. Queen’s Bitch—Bethany Anne’s personal bodyguard and close friend.

  Currently based on the QSD Baba Yaga.

  Husband to Gabrielle.

  Darryl Jackson - Super-enhanced human. Queen’s Bitch—Bethany Anne’s personal bodyguard and close friend.

  Currently based on the QSD Baba Yaga.

  In a long-distance relationship with Natalia Jakowski.

  Gabrielle Escobar - Super-enhanced human, daughter of Stephen. Head of the Queen’s Bitches—one of Bethany Anne’s closest friends.

  Currently based on the QSD Baba Yaga.

  Lance Reynolds - Enhanced human, aka “the General.” Bethany Anne’s father.

  Remained to chair the Federation when Bethany Anne went into exile.

  Currently located on Red Rock, where the Federation council is seated.

  Husband to Patricia, father also to Kevin.

  Sabine - Enhanced human, rescued on Earth by Michael, Jacqueline, and Akio during the Second Dark Age. Crack shot, excellent fighter. “Adopted daughter” of Akio.

  Currently located on Devon, co-owner of The Hexagon.

  In a relationship with Tim Kinley.

  Demon - Enhanced mountain lion. Rescued from an animal testing facility on Earth by Michael, Akio, Sabine, and Jacqueline during the Second Dark Age. Was treated in a Pod-doc to fix faulty nanocytes and have her claws regrown.

  Currently located on Devon, co-owner of The Hexagon. Especially attached to Sabine.

  Thought herself to be the only truly sentient cat until meeting her silent mate on Qu’Baka. Is now mother to Samhain’s kittens, Alyssa (female), and Sam (male).

  CATNAPPING

  Amanda appeared in the middle of the spacious living area in her suite and sighed. It was the end of another long day of meetings, and frankly, she felt shattered.

  The formation of the Terran Foundation had fractured the Nexus and war with the Accord had begun, which in turn, had led to countless problems that the fledgling Foundation had to deal with.

  Luckily, Amanda was spared most of the tedium and left the majority of it to Elden, Trevelyan, and the others. But during these quieter days, she did what she could to help out.

  Nearby, Sam lay in front of the sleek fireplace in the center of the room, enjoying its heat. She walked over to her Familiar and rubbed the big cat’s head with her hand, enjoying the feel of his soft, honey-colored fur.

  “No, no, don’t get up, you lay there,” she muttered. Sam lifted his head, his golden eyes peering up at her as the light from the fire danced along his huge saber-tooth canines. He grunted and laid his head back down. “Smart arse,” she replied.

  Standing up, Amanda walked to the kitchen and pulled the plate with the half-eaten baked vanilla cheesecake from the fridge. She cut herself a slice and moved it to a separate plate before putting the rest back in the cooler.

  Picking it up, she turned to see Sam sitting up and looking at her, his head cocked to one side.

  “Don’t you look at me like that. It’s been a long day.”

  Sam grunted.

  “Shut it, you,” Amanda replied good-naturedly. Sam didn’t talk, but due to their close relationship, she always knew what he was saying with his chuffs, coughs, and grunts. He’d been her Familiar and companion for over eight hundred years now, ever since she’d first created him, and she loved him dearly.

  Walking back into the living room, she dropped into the welcoming embrace of the sofa and carved off a bite of the cheesecake with her fork.

  Essentia flared just meters from her.

  Amanda jumped up from the sofa, dropping the plate and loaded fork to the coffee table with a clatter as she turned to face the surging energy.

  Her suite was protected by a powerful Aegis, so no one should be able to Port in, but just a few meters from her, three figures snapped into existence inside her Aegis, which, she noted, was still intact.

  Backing up from the figures, Amanda dumped more Essentia into her personal Aegis while Sam rose from the rug he’d been lying on, his hair standing on end as he growled at the intruders.

  Immediately, Amanda recognized the lead figure. He wore a black trench coat and had long dark hair that was slicked back behind his ears. The man’s blue eyes swept the scene from beneath his heavy brow before he focused on Amanda.

  “Morden,” Amanda muttered the man’s name as he looked at her. He smiled.

  “At least you recognize me.”

  Amanda pressed her lips together in consternation. She knew now how they’d been able to bypass her Aegis. They’d Ported in from outside the universe, and could appear anywhere, even inside shields as powerful as Amanda’s. She’d need to see if there was a way to stop that from happening.

  “Come for another ass-whooping?” Amanda asked.

  Morden smiled. “Cute. It’s one against three, though. Are you sure it will go the same way as last time?”

  Amanda rememb
ered the fight she’d had with Morden onboard Sabrina with Jessica and Cheeky when Morden and the other Reavers had attempted to steal their Stasis Shield tech. He’d been a slippery foe that day, but she was on home turf now and had a few more tricks up her sleeve since she’d last seen him.

  “Why are you here?” Amanda asked, bored of the back and forth.

  “Why do you think? I’m not going to stand for some trumped-up witch like you messing with my missions,” he answered, stepping forward.

  Sam growled deeper at the implied threat.

  “Oh, really? Well, you just might have to, because I’m not going anywhere.”

  The two Magi who flanked Morden stepped sideways, spreading out. With her Aetheric Sight, she could see the Magical energies they were pulling in, readying themselves for a fight.

  Amanda smiled to herself. She’d already split her mind using the Multitasking effect and boosted her Aegis. Apparently, Morden had also tired of the witty repartee, and Essentia surged around him. Releasing the bloom of energy, he lashed out at Amanda.

  Amanda Ported several meters to her right, dodging the Essentia Strike before releasing a flash of electrical and explosive energy herself. Lightning lashed out at the three Magi, backed up by Kinetic Rams that slammed into the Reavers. The one on the far left staggered. Sam leapt on him, clawing at him as he knocked the man to the floor.

  Morden weathered the blast from Amanda, but his Aegis was badly damaged from the strike. On Amanda’s right, the third Magus, a woman in similar dark clothing to Morden’s, had been sent sprawling to the ground.

  Essentia lanced out from both of them and crashed against Amanda’s Aegis. The energy in the attacks hit her Aegis hard. It felt like Morden was letting loose and hitting her with everything he had. Rolling with the blow, Amanda landed on her feet in a crouch, but steadied herself with one hand, looking up at Morden who was staring at her with a mix of fury and frustration.