The Vagrant (The Vagrant, #1)

by Peter Newman

‘In return I will gift the rest of you with smaller portions of my essence. Those recipients will be changed in other ways. They will be connected to me but distinct. Independent but never alone. They will also enjoy extended life spans, the ability to supersede their fellows in physical contests. They could, for example, duplicate my jump onto this ship. They will share my spectrum of perception and be able to control their old senses more directly. Disease will not threaten them again, nor will mediocrity. ‘I am not the Usurper, I do not seek to subjugate you. Neither am I the Uncivil, I do not seek to control you. Nor am I like The Seven, who accept your loyalty and leave you to die. I am the First and I believe that we can coexist. Together we are strong enough to live a different way, beholden neither to my kin in the South or your masters in the North. There is a price. I will repeat it: One of you must give yourself to me, willingly and without coercion. That person will cease to be. In return I will give that life back to you tenfold.’