HEIRS

OF AVALON

THE OUTLAWED COLONIES -BOOK 2

GAIL DALEY

GAIL'S OTHER BOOKS

SPACE COLONY JOURNALS

Options of Survival

Destiny Rising

Tomorrows Legacy

The Interstellar Jewel Heist

The Designer People

Alien Trails

Quantum Light

Confederation Planets & People

PORTAL WORLD TALES

Portal World Notes (St. Antoni & the Outlaw Colonies)

Rulari—Land of Myth & Magic

ST. ANTONI – THE FORBIDDEN COLONY

Warriors of St. Antoni

The Enforcers

The Gaslight Bandits

The Portal Lawman

Cradle of Fire

The Clone Initiative

THE OUTLAWED COLONIES

Game Theory

Heirs of Avalon

Apex Predator

Babylon Shattered*

Cloned Ambition*

MAGI OF RULARI

Spell of The Magi

Magi Storm

Paladin

NON-FICTION

The Complete Modern Artist’s Handbook

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Introduction to The Internet #1

The Hard Stuff – Handbook #2

Art Show Basics – Handbook #3

Framing on a Budget – Handbook #4

Are You Making Money? – Handbook #5

Just For Writers – Handbook #6*

*Working Title. Release dates TBA

Copyright © 2021 Heirs of Avalon by Gail Daley dba Gail Daley's Fine Art

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Names, characters, places, and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination. Locales and public names are sometimes used for atmospheric purposes. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, or to businesses, companies, events, institutions, or locales is completely coincidental.

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The name Barsoom which is used as the name of a colony in these books, BARSOOM(R) is a registered trademark of Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc.  And Used by Permission.

ABOUT THIS BOOK

"A futuristic Science Fiction Thriller about stolen technology and murder."

The theft Top Secret technology is the catalyst for a lab tech's murder and plunges two couples into a web of criminal activity.

Returning home to Barsoom after a successful mission to earth, Randal brings an unexpected dividend with him: A data crystal with the formula for finding earth-type planets. When the data crystal is stolen and a lab tech murdered during the break-in, his father and his fiancée’s father come under suspicion. It’s up to him, his fiancée Judith, and some new friends to clear their fathers of murder and find and retrieve the stolen crystal before it falls into the wrong hands.

The name Barsoom which is used as the name of a colony in these books, BARSOOM(R) is a registered trademark of Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc. And Used by Permission.

Table of Contents

GAIL'S OTHER BOOKS

ABOUT THIS BOOK

HARMONIC PORTAL

A BIBLICAL LESSON

FAREWELLS & NEW BEGINNINGS

AN ISLE UNKNOWN

OF MICE & MEN

THE ARENA

MURDER & MAYHEM

MY FEET UPON THE MOONLIT DUST

TRIALS & TRIBULATIONS

THIS WAY WE WERE LED

THE BLACK TEMPLARS

THE ROOMMATE

I CAPTURE THE CASTLE

NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN

I KNOW WHAT YOU DID

VALLEY OF SHADOWS

SEVEN DEGREES OF SEPARATION

LAUGHING MOUNTAIN - THE PORTAL YEARS

ONCE UPON A MIDNIGHT CLEAR

EARTH: GATEWAY TO OTHER WORLDS

BARSOOM*

ANIMALS

PLANTS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A NOTE FROM GAIL

BONUS: EXCERPT FROM APEX PREDATOR

COPYRIGHT

ABOUT THIS BOOK

HUNTING VARMITS

HARMONIC PORTAL

DEVON LOOKED up from his terminal with a welcoming smile as Tash Higgins walked in the door.

Tash was worth looking at. She was about medium height for a woman, with straight, blue-black hair pulled back in a ponytail, an exquisitely sculpted face and a lush figure that would make any red-blooded man sit up and take notice. Devon fell into that category; he had been in love with her since the first day he met her nearly thirteen years ago.

He was painfully aware she regarded him only as a friend. He knew he didn't have vid-hero looks. His ordinary features and limp brown hair certainly didn't rate a second glance from most women, and since he dressed for comfort rather than style, his loose pants and shirt concealed the hard muscles he had been at pains to develop ever since he realized his scholarly/scientific interests made him a target for school bullies. As an adult, he kept in shape by training with the Blue Moon Militia, the local militia group which kept the town of Laughing Mountain and the area around it safe from infringement of their rights by the state and national governments who ruled most of North America.

"Did the mail pouches come in?" he asked, referring to mail pouches from the illegal colonies who used the town of Laughing Mountain to funnel goods and services to earth and to each other. The colonies and the Portal who serviced them were illegal because neither Earth-Gov nor the Industrial Giants who ruled behind the scenes had given permission for them to exist. For a variety of reasons, chief among them being a dislike of conforming to someone else's rules, the colonies of St. Antoni, Barsoom, Arcadia, Shangri-La and Halcyon had been developed in defiance of the two entities who ruled post-apocalyptic earth. The town of Laughing Mountain, who had built the illegal portal to access them, sponsored the colonies out of economic necessity.

Desperate for operating funds after a series of pandemics and global-wide earthquakes had devastated the planet, Laughing Mountain's economic base as an event town had been in deep financial trouble when Earth-Gov announced it would hold a lottery for places to develop the portals to new worlds. Towns were invited to submit applications. Laughing Mountain wasn't lucky enough to win a spot, but economic necessity forced them to go ahead anyway. A Portal was created in defiance of the draconian laws against operating an unregulated Portal.

"Yes, the pouches came in. That's partly what I wanted to talk to you about," she said.

"Flattery will get you anywhere," he told her with a smile.

"Both Tally and Ivette sent letters and photos of the children and asked me to make sure Scarlet Jones gets a copy. I was hoping I could tag along the next time you went out to the Phoenix Spa."

The Phoenix Spa was an abandoned resort purchased through channels by Napoleon Bonaparte the leader of the free clones. He had arranged for Devon to build a portal generator and blackmailed the clone industry into financing the colony, by agreeing to cease destroying their clone farms.

Devon and Tash had first met Scarlet Jones when they were in college. The group of students they hung with had discovered a clone farm in the hills above the town of San Demos when they followed a group of male students there. Scarlet had been recently sold to the farm when her former owner died. Furious at being forced to serve as a whore, she had broken free and run for the electrified fence enclosing the property. Liam Brendan, Tash's brother-in-law to be, had fired into the transformer box electrifying the fence. The shot had blown out the power to the complex, allowing Scarlet to escape. The group had taken her in and helped her to reach her mate, Dagmar Ironroar, and his group of escaped clones. After she had left to find her friends, Tash and the others had discovered someone had murdered most of the inhabitants of the farm. They went in to search for survivors and found seven abandoned toddlers alone and starving. Ivette Hayes who was from Arcadia and her husband Mathias had adopted them. Tash's sister Tally had been in another room when six of the artificial wombs used to breed clones had decanted six babies. When the group left the complex, they had taken all the children with them.

A second encounter with Scarlet and Dagmar hadn't been as friendly; they had broken into Liam's house to rescue the cloned babies because they feared what the 'Normals' intended to do with them. During the battle, Hogun Silverhorn, Dagmar's second in command, had been wounded by Randal Langeton a student from Barsoom. Barely escaping after losing the fight, Dagmar and the others had traveled to the Phoenix Spa to get medical help for Hogun.

The Phoenix Spa was the location where Napoleon, the Free Clones defacto leader had established his headquarters. Once a destination for the rich and famous, it had gone out of business during the disasters and lain deserted until Napoleon had managed to purchase it through a subsidiary company to disguise his identity. He had recently hired Devon to develop a Portal for the new colony of Halcyon, where he intended to establish a clone colony. In consequence, Devon made regular trips to the Spa to check on the progress of the portal.

"You're always welcome to come with me," Devon said, "you know that."

"Thank you," she said. "Would you like to see what Tally and Ivette sent?"

"Did you open the letters too?"

"Of course not," she said indignantly. "The family got duplicates of the pictures and letters."

She set the pouch she carried on a nearby desk and took out the set of folding framed oil paintings Tally had sent, opening it out to show the six babies.

"These are really good," Devon said. "They look professional. Who did them?"

"Liam's sister Jade is an artist," Tash said. "She did one set for Liam and Tally as a wedding present. Tally liked them so much she asked for copies for us and Scarlet."

Ivette had sent something different; an eight-sided holo cube. Seven of the sections featured each of the toddlers in various activities, and the eighth was a base where it sat.

When Tash touched it, it projected a holo vid of each of the children in turn. "Wow," Devon said, his professional curiosity aroused. "I wonder how this was made."

Tash made a rude sound. "If that isn't just like you—wondering about how it was made, instead of looking at the kids!"

He grinned at the reprimand. "That's me—a born nerd."

"When do you leave for the spa?"

"Day after tomorrow. I'm waiting for a part to come in. Can you be ready by then?"

"Yes," she said. "When will you find them a planet?"

"Oh, we've found one. Mark Connors Dad has been allowing us to run the search program in the early mornings during the week."

She frowned. "I thought he was afraid having the Portal generator under power would attract attention from Portal Authority agents."

"We've been running it about 3 AM," he said. "Commander Malachi agreed to do extra militia patrols during that time. After his people rousted a couple of agents out of the woods, they pretty much backed off." He grinned. "When the Portal Authority complained, Commander Sullivan told Agent Thomas the militia was doing night training and would be active in the area for the next couple of weeks. Plus, Sheriff Gonzalez had his officers threaten to tow any cars he found parked at deserted properties and charge the owners with trespass."

"What's the new planet like?" she asked.

"A little like St. Antoni," he said. "Geologically it's in the Pleistocene era. The Portal will be on the coast in the northern continent. We tested the soil, and it will grow human food, so that means the animals there will be compatible with human digestion. It's got broadleaf forests in the southern half of the Northern continents, plenty of rivers and streams. It also has prairies, valleys, and deserts. The drone map found large herds of herbivories, some of which can probably be tamed for food or riding animals. The oceans are salty, although less so than those on earth, and there seems to be an abundant number of fish and crustaceans. No monster sized predators the way we found on Lemuria—at least the drones didn't find any."

"A new world," she said with a sigh. "I'd love to see all of them, and to visit there..."

"I seem to have been elected as the Outlaw Portal expert, so I'll probably visit all of them sooner or later. I could use an assistant. Interested in a job?"

"I'm not a programmer or a techie. What would I be doing?"

"Personal contact with clients. I'm no good at it, and it takes time away from working on the Portals."

"You've got yourself an assistant. Oh, I guess I should have asked. What does the job pay?"

Devon burst out laughing. "I draw a pretty good chunk of change for what I do, so since you'll be relieving me of customer relations how does this sound?" He named a figure that had her mouth dropping open.

"You can afford to pay that much to an assistant?"

"Yes," he said. "And I do need someone to run interference with the locals while I work on programming and repairs."

––––––––

A BIBLICAL LESSON

THE PHOENIX SPA was south of the town of San Demos, along what was left of the California Coast. The erupting volcanos and earthquakes had decimated a once prosperous area, and when half the coast range slid into the ocean, many high-end resorts catering to the rich and famous had simply been abandoned.

When Devon and Tash arrived at the wrought iron gates, she simply stared. Beyond the gate, with is leaping Phoenix rising from the flames, she could see masses of weed-covered overgrown sidewalks and dead grass. Devon pushed a remote button and the heavy gates swung outward. The area leading to the hotel had once been a carefully tended park with flowers, fountains, and sculptured walkways. Now the flowers, although still beautiful ran wild. The fountains held pools of stagnant water and the sculptured walks were overgrown with weeds.

The four-story red brick structure at the end of the drive was thick with ivy. The once white columns supporting the roof were stained and cracked. The graceful marble steps leading to the porch were no longer white; time had yellowed them as it had the porch.

"It looks like something out of a horror vid," Tash said.

"A little," Devon agreed. "But please don't say so, Napoleon is quite proud of it."

He parked the van in front of the Spa and went around back to unload the parts boxes onto a small wrought iron cart.

A tall, silver haired man descended the steps.

"Morton," he said by way of greeting. "You know we don't allow strangers here. Who is this?"

"Yael, this is Tash Higgins, my assistant," Devon replied. "Tash this is Yael, Napoleon's second in command."

"Hello," Tash said, with a smile. "I'm pleased to meet you."

Yael ignored her. "You didn't mention an assistant before this."

"I hired Tash for her customer relation skills," Devon replied. "I realized the work would proceed faster if I didn't have to stop and chit-chat with customers."

"I see," Yael said. "Does Ms. Higgins know we don't discuss our location with anyone?"

"Yes, I do," Tash said. "We never discuss Portal locations, or any business done with outlawed colonies. If you'll grab the other end of the cart we can take these parts inside, and Devon can install them."

Anderez scowled, but he grabbed the other end of the wire cart as requested and Devon followed him up the stairs.

Tash looked around her with interest when they entered what used to be the lobby of the hotel, a wide triangle shaped room with tall, stained-glass windows. The late afternoon sun created colorful kaleidoscope patterns on the white marble floor. At the far end of the room sat an elevated gazabo. The man who occupied it was a sight to behold. He was tall, with broad shoulders, a flat abdomen and long, muscled legs. His sculptured features were barely blunted enough to keep him from being classed as pretty. Tash studied him as they walked toward him. There was strength there, coupled with the arrogance of a man who was used to getting his own way. For some reason she was reminded of the late Dan Simmons, the man who had stalked her older sister and was indirectly responsible for her and her sisters moving to Laughing Mountain.

"Napoleon, this is my assistant, Tash Higgins," Devon said when they halted below the steps of the Gazabo.

"You are fortunate in finding such a lovely woman to assist you," Napoleon's voice was a warm baritone. "Welcome to Phoenix, Ms. Higgins."

"Thank you," Tash said. "I've been looking forward to seeing it."

"I take it the part came in?" Napoleon addressed Devon.

"Yes, I have it with me. If the structure to contain the Portal is complete, we can activate it as soon as I get it installed. Tash and I will need to go across to install a similar one on the Halcyon generator."

"The construction is almost finished," Yael said. "We were delayed because the mortar wasn't curing properly," he explained to Napoleon.

"If you will excuse us, I'd like to take a look at what you've accomplished," Devon said.

"Certainly," Napoleon replied.

"Is Scarlet Jones in residence?" Tash asked. "I have letters and gifts from my sister Tally and Ivette Hayes-Bedingfeld for her."

"I believe she is teaching a class on how to blend into human society," Yael answered. "If you'll come with me, I'll show you to the classroom. It should be almost finished."

"Great!" Tash said. She went to the cart and retrieved a canvas tote.

One of Tash's strengths, due to her keen observation skills, was her ability to judge people and she caught the faint frown on Napoleon's face as Yael led her away.

"The crucial keynote to blending into human society is believing you are their equals," Scarlet was saying as Tash and Yael stepped into the room. "I believe the solution to acquiring that belief is through the doctrine of the Clone Familia movement."

One of the men raised a hand. "Why do you think the movement is so important?"

"A good question. Humans or Normals who create clones take away much of the things necessary for everyone to develop a healthy self-respect and confidence. Please read the material for your next class when we will discuss its implications."

Scarlet was a tall blond with a superb figure and finely boned features. She had been a special commission for an actress who intended to have her brain transplanted into the body when Scarlet reached maturity. Fortunately for Scarlet, the old woman had suffered an aneurism and died before that could happen.

While she was waiting for Scarlet to mature, the old actress had rented Scarlet's services to a film company who had also rented some clone cage fighters to ensure the fight scenes in the movie were realistic. It was during the filming Scarlet had met Dagmar Ironroar and the two had become mates.

Tash sat in one of the chairs in the back of the room as Scarlet dismissed the class.

When Scarlet came to greet them, Yael met her with a frown.

"Didn't Napoleon tell you he doesn't approve the Clone Familia doctrine?"

"I believe that is short-sighted of him," Scarlet replied. "A belief in themselves as a worthy individual is essential for clones who go into Normals society. The best way to develop that belief is through the Clone Familia doctrine."

"I'll have to report this to him," Yael told her.

"You must do whatever your duties to him requires," Scarlet replied, unmoved.

"You have a visitor from Laughing Mountain, Tash Higgins," Yael told her.

"Yes, thank you Yael."

"My sister and Ivette sent letters and pictures of the children," Tash said, lifting the tote.

"Wonderful!" Scarlet exclaimed. "Let's go to my apartment and have a cup of tea. I don't have another class until this evening."

Yael watched them go. He would have preferred to see and hear what they were going to discuss but obviously, Scarlet wanted privacy to hear what Tash had to say. Napoleon would want to know as well.

He was aware Napoleon's plans for Scarlet didn't include her having allies who might help her if she defied him. Napoleon made a habit of co-opting any female clone he took a fancy to for sex. Most of them had been flattered and willing. The few who hadn't—better not to think about that.

Scarlet's apartment was simple, consisting of a bedroom/sitting area with an attached bathroom.

When they arrived, she gestured for Tash to set the Tote on a chair and filled a glass carafe with water which she heated in an old-fashioned microwave.

While she fussed with the tea things, Tash drew the two gifts out of the tote and laid the letters on the table beside them.

"So, you are teaching acclimation classes," she remarked. "What is Dagmar doing?"

A shadow crossed Scarlet's face. "Napoleon sent him and the others on a scouting expedition to Halcyon. That was two months ago. I haven't heard from him since."

"Devon intends for us to go across and check on the equipment on the Halcyon side once he gets the Portal running on this end. Why don't you go with us?"

Scarlet put her face in her hands and burst into tears. "Maybe he won't be glad to see me."

Tash set down her cup and rose to put her arms around the other woman. "It's going to be okay," she said, patting Scarlet comfortingly on the back. "Why wouldn't he want to see you?"

Scarlet wiped her eyes with the tissue Tash handed her. "I think Napoleon sent him away so he could have access to me. He's been very attentive since Dagmar's has been gone. I keep wondering if Dagmar agreed to an arrangement about it and that's why he hasn't contacted me."

"If that's the case, you have to come with us. It's better to know, than to guess, isn't it?"

Scarlet straightened her spine. "You're right." In an obvious move to change the subject, she asked, "What did Tally and Ivette send me?"

Tash unwrapped the cloth covered oil paintings first. "The artist is Jade Brendan, Tally's sister-in-law. She connected two sets of 5 x 7 triptych frames to make a set of six. Each portrait has the baby's name under it."

"These are wonderful! I can keep these?"

"Yes, of course. She also sent another set to Joyce."

"They are so lifelike."