scrambling to hide the hatch to the factory, but, when I finish camouflaging it, it’s too late for me to escape. My actions prevented the looters from finding and destroying the Warrior hearts.
YOU BELIEVE.
A series of images of me flashes. I’m lying on the ground of the port with Menz over me. Then there’s one of Dr. Edwards shocking my heart. That was the first time I flew with the Q-net.
YOU HELP.
Another video plays. This time it shows me, the other security officers, and the astrophysicists in the archeology lab when we installed the sensor.
I make a sudden realization. After each series of events, I was able to better work with the Q-net until I didn’t need tangs or a terminal and now I don’t even need to entangle and disentangle. And it’s all because the Q-net picked me?
YES.
Wow. Did you heal Niall?
YES. YOU ASKED.
Another staggering statement. And again I want to know, Why me?
NEED YOU.
An image of the rip in Pit 2 and shadow-blobs disappearing inside it. I mull over the implications and it hits me that this…thing I have with the Q-net started around the time the shadow-blobs showed up.
YES.
You need me to help stop the HoLFs?
YES. NO LONGER PROTECTED.
We’re no longer being protected because the Warriors are being destroyed?
YES.
Okay. That fits the timing. Except why does the Q-net care? Has it become self-aware and believes if we die, it will die too?
PROTECT YOU.
A picture of the entire Milky Way Galaxy spreads across my vision.
I AM HERE.
Then a strange thought forms in my mind. And there’s a good chance it’s not my own thought—'cause this entire exchange with the Q-net is beyond anything else I’ve experienced. However, the idea is that perhaps the Q-net wasn’t invented by the scientists on Earth. No, it was discovered and tapped into. Used.
NO. PERMITTED.
Why?
YOUR TIME.
Our time? I consider. We’ve advanced in technology far enough to earn the right to use the Q-net?
YES.
Why didn’t you let anyone know?
NOT READY.
Not until we destroyed the Warriors and let the shadow-blobs in. And once I think about it, we’re still not ready. No one is going to believe me. I’m not sure I believe it myself. I need to clarify a few things.
Did you build and place the Warriors on planets throughout the Galaxy?
NO. OTHERS.
Okay. And where are they now?
GONE.
Where did they go?
BEYOND THE EDGE.
Of the Galaxy?
YES.
And you were…
LEFT TO PROTECT.
Back to this again. Why didn’t you stop Jarren from destroying the Warriors?
CAN NOT.
I suspect there’s more there, but I’m still trying to wrap my brain around all this. Basically, you were left behind to protect us and also help us when we reached a certain technological level.
YES.
And you’re an alien consciousness. Do you have a physical body?
NO.
What are you?
I AM THE MILKY WAY.
Oh. My. Stars.
Thank You
Thank you for choosing Chasing the Shadows, book 2 in my Sentinels of the Galaxy series. The third book, Defending the Galaxy, will be out in November 2020!
If you like to stay updated on my books and any news, please sign up for my free email newsletter here:
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Acknowledgments
I always wonder if anyone—besides the people being thanked—ever read the acknowledgments. And, if they do, are they bored with mine, since I practically thank the same group of people book after book after book. This is my eighteenth time writing an acknowledgment, and, truthfully, I’m a little bored. Not with thanking people, because I’m eternally grateful for the love and support of my network of family, friends, and all the hardworking people at Harlequin Australia! But with the format.
In an effort to make my acknowledgments more fun, I’ve written this quiz. The answers are all the people who have made writing this book a blast! Thank you ALL so much!
The Acknowledgment Quiz
(answers on the next page)
Who designed yet another perfect cover for the book?
Who helped to turn this rough meandering story into a smooth page-turner?
Who does all the grocery shopping, post office runs, and finds all the missing commas and typos?
Who expertly hawks my books to their customers, helping to expand my herd?
Who is my Chief Evil Minion and beta reader extraordinaire?
Who deftly deals with all the contracts, royalty payments, and business issues that are all a part of being an author?
Who helped me format the book so I can publish it worldwide?
Who taught me all the cool space stuff so it’s as accurate as possible for this science fiction story?
Who is somewhat patient when her mother is distracted, reads every book, and provides feedback before publication?
Who provides all kinds of writerly support and commiseration during our bi-annual writing retreats?
Who gives me an ego boost and lifts my spirits when I’m having a bad day?
Who are still my good friends even after I’ve ignored them for months to write?
Answers
Josh Durham.
The editorial Dream Team of Rachael, Julia, Laurie, and Annabel! With an assist from Natalie, Rodney, and Jenna.
My husband, Rodney.
Michelle, Jeff, and all the wonderful booksellers who hand-sell my books.
Natalie Bejin—CEM for the win!
My agent, Bob Mecoy.
Carrie Miller.
The Launchpad team of Dr. Michael Brotherton and Christian Ready.
My beautiful and super smart daughter, Jenna.
Author and friend, Mindy Klasky.
The Soulfinders!! Love you!
Judi, Kathy, Jackie, Jess, Quin, Brian, Christine, Maverick, Al, Dave, Mike, Melissa, Nancy, Jeri, and Kristy.
Also by Maria V. Snyder
Study Series
Poison Study
Magic Study
Fire Study
Shadow Study
Night Study
Dawn Study
Ice Study (Available as an ebook)
Glass Series
Storm Glass
Sea Glass
Spy Glass
Healer series
Touch of Power
Scent of Magic
Taste of Darkness
Inside Series
Inside Out
Outside In
(collected as Inside)
Invisible Sword Series
The Eyes of Tamburah
The City of Zirdai (coming June 2020)
The King of Koraha (coming June 2021)
Sentinels Series
Navigating the Stars
Chasing the Shadows
Defending the Galaxy (coming November 2020)
Discover other titles by Maria V. Snyder at www.MariaVSnyder.com
Praise for Maria V. Snyder
"Smart, witty, and full of heart, Navigating the Stars had me hooked from the very first page!" Lynette Noni, bestselling author of Whisper
"This is one of those rare books that will keep readers dreaming long after they've read it." Publishers Weekly, starred review on Poison Study
"Snyder deftly weaves information about glassblowing into her tale of magic and murder." Library Journal on Storm Glass
"Filled with Snyder's trademark sarcastic humor, fast-paced action, and creepy villainy, Touch of Power is a spellbinding fantasy adventure." USA TODAY
"This deftly plotted story will engage readers of both genders with its fresh story line." Kirkus Reviews on Storm Watcher
"A wonderful, thoughtful book full of vivid characters and a place--Inside--that is by turns alien, and breathtakingly familiar." Rachael Caine, etc.... on Inside Out