Tracy St. John's Blog

WIP Wednesday: Alien Quest 1

Hello all! 

I’m hard at work on the first draft of the still untitled AlienQuest 1, which showcases the travels of the Coydidak’s Clan Rorix and LaughterLorenz, whom we met in the last Dark Empire book, Advance and Retreat.

This book looks like it’ll be a big one. I’m aboutthree-quarters to what would be the end of the majority of Kalquor Universebooks. According to the outline, I haven’t written half of it. I have a longway to go yet.

It’s a slow burn. This week, I began writing the firstintimate scene. Not really a surprise it’s taking so long, given Laughter andClan Rorix aren’t starting off as the best of friends. Nobek Signis isanti-Earther thanks to having been set up for an ambush in the past, Rorix isn’tterribly fond of them either, and Imdiko Negal…well, the lusty guy merely wantsto add a notch to his belt. Laughter would just as soon send them all out anairlock into open space.

Enemies to lovers means patiently waiting for this stubbornbunch to see the terrific opportunity for love in front of them. Are the oddsever against the sweeter emotions, as you can see from the following excerpt. (Remember,this is a first draft, so it won’t be terribly polished.)

 

She swung toward the podium she was slated to man, on theuppermost section. The ship’s weapons commander, Nobek Signis, was there, nottwo steps away. Laughter gasped. She hadn’t even seen him move from hiscomputer station, yet he loomed over her, a couple inches taller than six and ahalf feet. His sleeveless red tunic top not only showed carved biceps andshoulders, but an immense swath of chiseled chest. Even glowering, he wasinfuriatingly handsome, his black hair, typical of the Kalquorian race, framinghis strong features. 

“What are you doing here?” he barked at her.

“LDS Officer Lorenz, your presence on the bridge isn’trequired yet.” Captain Rorix’s voice was quieter, calmer, but still loud enoughfor the rest of the crew to hear. He strolled toward her with a purpose. Nodoubt that purpose was to throw her off the bridge.

Another handsome man, though more classically so and lessferal than his clanmate Signis. If not for the monumental scowling weaponscommander, Dramok Rorix would have been among the most physically imposing menshe’d encountered in her thirty years.

Despite his greater height and musculature, however, Signisfailed to overwhelm Rorix’s presence. Members of the Dramok breed were thenatural leaders of Kalquor. Rorix certainly exuded the commanding aura hiscategory was known for. Strong-willed Laughter actually hesitated for a beatbefore drawing herself up and staring the stern Rorix in the eye.

“I’m an officer of the bridge crew. Where else would I befor the launch but at my duty station, Captain?” She gave herself points forkeeping her tone respectful.

“Anywhere we don’t have to look at you,” Signis muttered.

Laughter ignored him, though he outranked her. She continuedto look at Rorix.

A muscle in his jaw twitched. “The first of thelong-distance com relays are weeks from being deployed. Until such time, youhave no duties to tend to except to maintain the station’s readiness for use.”He started to turn. Smirking, Signis did the same.

Inwardly seething at the insulting dismissal, Laughterswitched to the same clipped, cold tone he’d used. “With all due respect,Captain Rorix, I’m here to train as Short Distance Com Officer Veko’s backup.It seemed appropriate, given the similarities of our work.”

Rorix and Signis swiveled back to face her, exchanging alook between them as they did so.

Laughter gave Rorix no time to question her, nor Signis roomfor any verbal abuse he was no doubt eager to unload. “SDC Veko will be mysecond on the LLDS array as well, so I need to be on hand to train him. Wediscussed the matter and saw no reason to delay such necessary instruction.”

Rorix’s attention went to the man standing at the stationnext to the one assigned to Laughter. Or rather, the impressively long mop ofKalquorian blue-black hair bowed over the onboard and short-distance comcomputer podium. Veko’s face was obscured by the thick, heavy fall of hair,from under which a chiseled but streamlined body in a red-trimmed fleet uniformemerged.

A heavy, almost resigned voice issued from the hair.“Standard operating procedure, Captain Rorix. All bridge officers arecross-trained on each other’s duties in case of emergency.”

“We’re Coydidak, not fleet,” Signis snapped.

 

Feeling the tension yet? Such a nice start to a lifelonginterstellar voyage. 

Side note, I love having Veko on board the expedition. Ifyou don’t remember him and his massive curtain of hair from which he rarelyemerges, he was formerly the com officer on Kila’s spyship (of Clan Piras).  Laughter, who calls Veko "Gloom and Doom" forhis pessimistic attitude, couldn’t find a better friend in the face of Rorix’sand Signis’ initial hostility. Their rapport (and Veko's 'grocery list') will serve up some humor too. 

That’s it for now! Take care of yourselves. 

Tracy

Many Thanks

 I want to share my appreciation with the readers for your support of the latest Dark Empire book Advance and Retreat. I'm delighted so many have enjoyed the latest chapter of the Kalquorian Universe saga. I can't say for sure because I haven't started on the seventh installation of the series yet, but it looks like there'll be one or two more books coming for Dark Empire before the final confrontation between Kalquor and the All. I have a vague idea where this is going, but our fave clans will have to let me know.

Amazon, AmazonUK, Nook, Smashwords, Apple, Kobo, print 

Up next? Well, I've been working on a story featuring the expedition set in motion by Emperor Clajak and the Coydidak. There will be at least two books coming from what is being called Alien Quest. The first, still untitled, will feature Clan Rorix and Laughter Lorenz as the convoy sets off to galaxies unknown. The second will pick up on Toni and Clan Imon. Will there be more than two books in the Alien Quest 'series'? I don't know yet. What I do know is there will be adventure, romance, battles against various enemies and amongst the crew themselves, romance, intrigue, romance...I think you get the picture. 

As we've seen from Advance and Retreat, there's not much love between Laughter and Clan Rorix (though Imdiko Negal harbors plenty of lust). How will their dislike play out? Will we see enemies become lovers? Will the All try to stop this last-ditch effort to save life in the dimension? Will the Coydidak learn to get along with those they automatically distrust, or will the mission fail before it barely begins? 

I wish I could tell you when you'll get the answers to these questions. However, I'm still semi-retired and will continue to be so in the foreseeable future. My time to write is severely limited at this point. I can't answer when the next book will be out. Nor can I tell you when we'll revisit Clan Beginnings, Clan Companions, First Mataras, Clans of Europa, or finish Clan Amgar's story in Clans of Kalquor 14. All I can do is plug along in the few minutes I grab here and there to write and exercise as much patience as I can find.

I will do my best not to go radio silent, as has been the case recently. I'm hoping to post an update at least monthly until the first Alien Quest book is ready to come out. Thanks for your understanding as I navigate the changes life has brought my way.

And again, so many thanks for the success of Advance and Retreat. Until we meet again, take care of yourselves. Much love to you all. 

Now On Sale. Final Excerpt - Dark Empire Book Six: Advance and Retreat

 

The hardestdecision of Toni’s life must be made.

Toniread the com from the deep space exploration board again. Her gaze fixed on thewords once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. How appropriate they were, and notmerely for the astonishing expedition they referred to.

Hereyes strayed to the pictures across the room. A couple days ago, she’d addedone. It wasn’t a portrait. Just a snapshot, caught when Imon, Feru, and Wovirhad been laughing over a game in which players were challenged to fill in theblanks of sentences with certain words. The results were often hilariouslyribald when they drew wild cards that allowed them to choose their own answers.

Asshe’d recovered and their worries for her dissipated, there’d been manyoccasions for laughter. She’d been determined to remember such moments, soshe’d taken a picture. As the days and now the hours slipped by, counting offthe too-short time she had left to enjoy the clan, the merry photo elicitedfewer of her own smiles and more sadness.

Twodays.

Tonigrabbed her com and clicked a frequency. Her mother had barely gotten out“Hello,” before she began babbling.

“Mom, Idid something stupid, and now I feel like doing something even dumber, but Ican’t figure out which choice would be worse. No, I do know which choice isworse, but I can’t stop thinking about it.”

“Calmdown, Toni,” Rosa said, her tone soothing the worst of the storm immediately.“Take a couple deep breaths. Are you okay? Doing what you’re supposed to,getting plenty of rest?”

They’dspoken a day ago. They’d spoken every day since Toni had woken from her coma.Hearing her mom being a mom simultaneously made Toni want to smile and cry.

“It’sall good on the recovery front,” she reported after taking the breaths hermother had ordered. “I’m at a crossroads in other areas.”

“Second-guessingthe interspecies negotiation classes? Honey, you’d be a natural as anarbitrator. I can’t believe I never saw it before you told me you wereinterested in the field. After all, I’ve seen you adjust your approach on adime when dealing with parents, teachers, administrators, and kids.”

Tonibasked in the warmth of Rosa’s approval for a mere second. Afraid she’d loseher nerve, she plunged into her quandary. “It’s this other thing. I’ve beenoffered a position while taking classes and training for it.”

“Wonderful!”

“Itwould mean me leaving Earth.”

“Oh.Must be long distance if it’s bothering you so much. Where would you be?”

“Youremember me telling you of the big expedition Kalquor’s sponsoring?”

Silencestretched for several seconds. At last Rosa said, “The trip your new beaussigned on to, the group not coming back.”

“Yeah.It’s a chance to do something truly exceptional. It isn’t about Clan Imon.Okay, so it is, a little.” Toni stood and paced the room as she began to babbleagain. “I can’t believe how it’s driving me crazy. I mean, I like these guys,and it could be serious if we have time, but we don’t, and we aren’t at thepoint where I should be thinking of running off into the sunset with them. Sowhy can’t I quit thinking about it?”

“Yousay you aren’t ready to run off with them, but it sounds as if you are.” Hermother’s voice was sorrowful.

“Ican’t be! It’s too soon.”

“Maybe,but the heart wants what it wants.” Another pause. “I think you should go.”

* * * * 

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Victories againstinvasion have been won, but the galaxy may be lost in the end. 

 

There may be no escape from the All’sextermination plans for the dimension. Emperor Clajak has one last card up hissleeve, however: a band of misfit renegade Kalquorians called the Coydidak.Only with their help and an impossible mission to beyond the known reaches ofthe universe can Kalquor hope to preserve life. 

A determined engineer is at the top of thelist of Coydidak leader Dramok Rorix’s least favorite humans. She’ll stop atnothing to board his ship for a one-way voyage that’s to last a lifetime. Isultimate freedom from the empire worth dealing with the beautiful but unrelentingLaughter Lorenz? 

As the clock ticks to the end of Dr. CassidyHamilton’s pregnancy and potentially life in the dimension, she worksfeverishly to find a way to destroy the All. A visit from an undiscoveredentity brings to light her greatest hope and worst fear. Only time will tell ifthis new being is friend or foe…but Cassidy’s time and that of hersoon-to-be-born child is almost up. 

Adventure. Danger. Intrigue. Romance thatoutburns the sun in any galaxy. It’s all here in the sixth installment of theDark Empire series.

 

Now on Sale!

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Now On Sale: Dark Empire Book Six: Advance and Retreat

 

Thanks to all who've made Advance and Retreat a success! Did you get your copy yet?

 

Cassidy givesthe Other her unvarnished opinion of its reluctance to help them against theAll. 

Cassidysuddenly snorted laughter, muffling it as best she could to avoid disturbingJackie.

“What’sso funny?” the Other asked.

“Theanswer to my questions is so obvious. How did I not see it before?” Cassidyshook her head at her double. “The Other is a coward. A weak, pathetic coward.”

“We…wefail to see your reasoning.” Bafflement filled her double’s face.

“It’ssomething my clanmate Lidon quotes from his faith. ‘True courage is to take astand for the weak when it wins you nothing and could cost you everything.’ Ofcourse, you have the advantage that you lose nothing no matter how you act, butyou lack any bravery whatsoever.”

“Howdid you arrive at this hypothesis?” Real consternation had appeared.

“Youhide behind grand pronouncements of your superiority. You stood back and letthe All wipe out who knows how many lives in your dimension because it had noeffect on you personally. You’re perfectly willing to let it happen here too.You tell us to make our peace with the inevitable end, rather than trying tohelp us stay alive. We don’t have to die at the All’s tentacles, but you’vedecided you’re too important to do anything about it!”

“We’renot sure you’re accurate.”

TheOther looked positively sulky. Maybe it hadn’t lost all emotional ability afterall if it didn’t like the words it was hearing.

Jackieshifted and burbled a tiny sound. She’d be waking soon and ready to nurse.Cassidy decided it was as good a time as any to show her unwanted guest thedoor.

She hada couple more things to get off her chest first.

“Theproof is plain. You’re afraid to lose your view of yourself as a preeminententity by lowering yourself to assist mere physical beings. Arrogance makes youunwilling to save species the All would wipe out.”

“Wedon’t experience arrogance,” the Other insisted.

“Ha!You’ve displayed it every time I’ve encountered you.  Your ego keeps you from getting involved. Itmakes you worse than the All.”

“Worse?”

“TheAll is merely vicious. However, the Other lacks basic decency. You stand by andwatch the All commit atrocities and don’t lift a finger to stop it, though youcould. If there’s a better example of pure, unmitigated evil and cowardice, Ican’t imagine it. Our blood and the blood of those you allowed the All to killis on your hands. You bear as much, if not more, guilt as it does.”

* * * * 

Now on Sale!

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Victories againstinvasion have been won, but the galaxy may be lost in the end. 

 

There may be no escape from the All’sextermination plans for the dimension. Emperor Clajak has one last card up hissleeve, however: a band of misfit renegade Kalquorians called the Coydidak.Only with their help and an impossible mission to beyond the known reaches ofthe universe can Kalquor hope to preserve life. 

A determined engineer is at the top of thelist of Coydidak leader Dramok Rorix’s least favorite humans. She’ll stop atnothing to board his ship for a one-way voyage that’s to last a lifetime. Isultimate freedom from the empire worth dealing with the beautiful but unrelentingLaughter Lorenz? 

As the clock ticks to the end of Dr. CassidyHamilton’s pregnancy and potentially life in the dimension, she worksfeverishly to find a way to destroy the All. A visit from an undiscoveredentity brings to light her greatest hope and worst fear. Only time will tell ifthis new being is friend or foe…but Cassidy’s time and that of hersoon-to-be-born child is almost up. 

Adventure. Danger. Intrigue. Romance thatoutburns the sun in any galaxy. It’s all here in the sixth installment of theDark Empire series.

 

Now on Sale!

Amazon, AmazonUK, Nook, Smashwords, Apple, Kobo, print

Now On Sale: Dark Empire Book Six: Advance and Retreat

 

Now on sale! 

Unwantedadvances from a Beonid and the wrath of a rightfully jealous clanmate threatenspies in hiding.

 “Youwant me to buy your silence.” Piras was almost relieved.

“Money?Do I resemble an Adraf or Dantovonian?” She uttered a low, disdainful laugh.

“Hardly.If this isn’t blackmail, why do you need to speak to me?”

“Speakingwasn’t on my agenda.” She looked him up and down. Her tongue peeked out to lickher silver lips. “In fact, if you order me to be silent, I’ll do so. I’m eagerto do whatever a controlling Dramok expects of his slave. Especially a Dramoklike you.”

ADramok like you.Ancestors, there was a joke fit for hysterics.

Thesick feeling from before surged. A rush of guilt accompanied it as the image ofHope’s face rose in Piras’ mind. He was certain he’d done nothing to encourageIvad’s interest. He’d made it a point to ignore her cloaked insinuations andlustful scrutiny. He’d gone as far as to display overt affection with Hope infront of her.

Still,Ivad had shown up in search of a tryst. Obviously, Piras would have to make hisfeelings clearer on the matter.

“I’mclanned. I have a Matara whom I love and would never betray.”

“Her?When you could have this?” Ivad smoothed her hands over her prominent breasts,down her waist, along the vee of her sex, then back across her curved ass.

“I’mcommitted to my clan. I realize such faithfulness isn’t the norm for Beonids,except where twin siblings are concerned, but it’s the Kalquorian way. I askyou to respect it.”

“Onlyblood ties matter. Try respecting my view of sex, Admiral. You’d be happy youdid.” She parted the front of her top, displaying an impressive amount ofcleavage…at least it would have been impressive to a less devoted man.

“No.”His tone was final, bordering on a snarl. Careful, Piras. Handle thiscarefully, or we could have a major problem.

Shepaid no attention to his refusal, opening her top wider. “You can’t tell me youdon’t lust for a woman when all you have is that vagina attached to a boy’sbody. You crave a woman who’s ready to indulge your demands, to follow yourevery command as if it’s her dearest wish.”

Herdenigration of Hope had Piras’ blood boiling. The part of him aware he had tohandle the situation delicately due to the mission was fighting desperately forcontrol when an enraged voice spoke behind him.

“Bitch,I guarantee you his dearest wish is for you to fuck off, and right now.Otherwise, I’ll cause an interstellar incident by kicking your ass so hard, allBeonids will feel it.”

Hopestepped forward and shoved the wall hiding the space wide open to confrontIvad. Her dark eyes blazed wrath that had the nearly foot taller silver-skinnedwoman shrinking from her and clutching her top closed. 

* * * * 

Now on Sale!

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Victories againstinvasion have been won, but the galaxy may be lost in the end. 

 

There may be no escape from the All’sextermination plans for the dimension. Emperor Clajak has one last card up hissleeve, however: a band of misfit renegade Kalquorians called the Coydidak.Only with their help and an impossible mission to beyond the known reaches ofthe universe can Kalquor hope to preserve life. 

A determined engineer is at the top of thelist of Coydidak leader Dramok Rorix’s least favorite humans. She’ll stop atnothing to board his ship for a one-way voyage that’s to last a lifetime. Isultimate freedom from the empire worth dealing with the beautiful but unrelentingLaughter Lorenz? 

As the clock ticks to the end of Dr. CassidyHamilton’s pregnancy and potentially life in the dimension, she worksfeverishly to find a way to destroy the All. A visit from an undiscoveredentity brings to light her greatest hope and worst fear. Only time will tell ifthis new being is friend or foe…but Cassidy’s time and that of hersoon-to-be-born child is almost up. 

Adventure. Danger. Intrigue. Romance thatoutburns the sun in any galaxy. It’s all here in the sixth installment of theDark Empire series.

 

Now on Sale!

Amazon, AmazonUK, Nook, Smashwords, Apple, Kobo, print

Now On Sale: Dark Empire Book Six: Advance and Retreat

 

Now on Sale! 

Some men can’tresist a brainy beauty…and others can’t refuse the best woman for the job.

TheDramok lifted his attention from his handheld to smile a welcome. “Signis wentto find a fight ring to vent his frustrations.”

“Interviewsdidn’t go well?”

Rorixshrugged. “The applicants for the bridge positions were okay. One or two, morethan okay. I hired the short-distance and onboard com officer on the spot. He’sa former spyship com officer named Veko. A Nobek but pretty laid back for hisbreed.” He hesitated and added, “He successfully worked with and trained anEarther female as com officer backup during his last assignment.”

“Soundslike you’re giving Matara Laughter Lorenz a real chance at the long-distancecom job.” Negal grinned in delight at the idea of daily encountering the brainybeauty and her insanely gorgeous body.

Rorix’swarmth fled for a warning glare. “Your infatuation is no basis for hiring herfor such an important position.”

Negalsnorted and shoved the bin against the wall. He tapped the controls, allowingit to settle on the plush wine-colored carpet he’d gotten at half price andinstalled for free. “If it’s such an important position, then you have to bringher on. I assume you spoke to no one who was even remotely close to possessingher qualifications.”

“Theycan learn.”

“Rorix,she designed the system. You can’t refuse to hire her for the sole reason youand Signis don’t want an Earther on your bridge crew.”

HisDramok scowled, his gaze drifting to the three holographic documents hoveringin a line above his handheld. No doubt they were the resumes of those who’dapplied for the job.

Negalwalked around the table between them, a gleaming Joshadan handmade piecerestored by the clan leader. He sat next to him. “Signis knows she’s the onlyreal choice too, which is why he’s looking for a fight. Rorix, he’ll get overit.”

“I’mnot so sure. After those Earthers ambushed him on Dantovon—”

“LaughterLorenz doesn’t strike me as the type to jump a Nobek twice her size. She isn’thomeless, starving, and desperate. If Signis were honest, he’d admit it was thereason those Earthers went after him. They wanted his stuff, not necessarily todo him serious harm.”

“Itwasn’t the only time he’s encountered Earthers with bad intentions.”

“So hewas insulted by those Earthtique types a few times. We’ve all been there.”Negal looked Rorix in the eye. “What our fellow Kalquorians did to him, to you,and to me was much worse. We haven’t sworn off our own people because of it.”

“It’sdifferent when it’s your own,” Rorix insisted.

“How?”

“I’mnot a philosopher, damn it.” There was no heat in his tone, however. Merely anexasperated acceptance of the inevitable.

It wasgood enough for Negal. He wondered how he could attract the Lorenz woman for anight of fun once they took off on the expedition.

* * * *

Now on Sale!

Amazon, AmazonUK, Nook, Smashwords, Apple, Kobo, print

Victories againstinvasion have been won, but the galaxy may be lost in the end. 

 

There may be no escape from the All’sextermination plans for the dimension. Emperor Clajak has one last card up hissleeve, however: a band of misfit renegade Kalquorians called the Coydidak.Only with their help and an impossible mission to beyond the known reaches ofthe universe can Kalquor hope to preserve life. 

A determined engineer is at the top of thelist of Coydidak leader Dramok Rorix’s least favorite humans. She’ll stop atnothing to board his ship for a one-way voyage that’s to last a lifetime. Isultimate freedom from the empire worth dealing with the beautiful but unrelentingLaughter Lorenz? 

As the clock ticks to the end of Dr. CassidyHamilton’s pregnancy and potentially life in the dimension, she worksfeverishly to find a way to destroy the All. A visit from an undiscoveredentity brings to light her greatest hope and worst fear. Only time will tell ifthis new being is friend or foe…but Cassidy’s time and that of hersoon-to-be-born child is almost up. 

Adventure. Danger. Intrigue. Romance thatoutburns the sun in any galaxy. It’s all here in the sixth installment of theDark Empire series.

 

Now on Sale!

Amazon, AmazonUK, Nook, Smashwords, Apple, Kobo, print

Releasing Tomorrow: Dark Empire Book Six: Advance and Retreat - Excerpt Seventeen

 

One more day. Are you ready?

Impossibletemptation beckons Toni. 

Sometime later, Toni woke and knew she was alone. The stillness of her home toldher Clan Imon had yet to return. She checked the time and was surprised to seeshe’d slept only forty-five minutes. She felt refreshed, as if she’d slept halfthe day. She took it as a good sign the nap had been shorter than what herpost-illness had prompted thus far. Full recovery was in sight.

Shesnuggled in her sofa nest, enjoying the scent of her lovers that remained.Rested and satisfied, she smiled to have such men determined to take care ofher. After years of no hits and plenty of misses where romance was concerned,she’d finally lucked out.

Exceptthey were leaving soon and not coming back.

Thethought chased her contentment away. “So typical. I finally find what could bean amazing relationship, but it’s temporary,” she groused.

Theabrupt sting of tears shocked her. Loss crashed against her, and a sobthreatened to break free.

Sheswallowed it in a flash of temper. “Stupid illness is making me ridiculous.”

Toniflung blankets and pillows in every direction and sat up. She glanced around ather living room, which she’d nicely decorated to suit herself. Her gaze came torest on the pitcher of water and glass Feru had left for her, and her heartlurched again.

Shedragged her vision to the pictures on a hutch against the wall across the room.There were family photos of herself, Stacy, their mother Rosa, their latefather Martin, and their brother Chris, who’d died as a toddler.

Stacywas here. Rosa was on Haven, but a few hours’ flight could put Toni on herdoorstep.

Loverswere nice, but family was essential, she told herself. She had a new potentialcareer to think about, something to finally fulfill her as education hadn’t. Anever-ending jaunt to an unknown, no doubt danger-filled universe, shouldn’t beon her radar.

Nonetheless,she reached for her handheld, waiting next to the water pitcher. “Just forshits and grins. It can’t hurt to see what they offer a would-be negotiator,”she murmured as she brought up the site for the Coydidak expedition. Maybeshe’d get lucky and discover they wouldn’t consider her a worthwhile candidatebeyond her supposed ability to produce offspring.

“No wayI’d go only because they want uteruses for the next generation of explorers,”she vowed.

To hersurprise, she discovered the expedition was open to those who had no currentexperience as ambassadors. Arbitrators were needed between the Coydidak,traditional Kalquorians, and humans chosen for the mission. As long as shesigned a contract to train and complete her studies while on board, she couldapply. The long-distance com system to be used to communicate between theexpedition and the Kalquorian Empire would allow her to finish her classes evenif they took the typical two years of coursework. She’d also be mentored inperson by someone already established as a negotiator. As an added temptation,there was a hefty sign-up bonus so she could purchase not just necessities, butalso some luxuries for the trip to serve her beyond when the ship left knownspace and its amenities.

Herheart thumped painfully as the application to join the expedition filled theholographic screen without her prompting it.

“Name?”a friendly voice asked as the appropriate blank lit up.

TheKalquorian Empire was pushing hard to get personnel on their endless journey tothe unknown. Toni could understand why. Who in their right mind would leavebehind everything they knew and everyone they loved on such a perilousundertaking?

* * * *

Print version on sale now: print

Ebook releases tomorrow! Pre-order now:

Amazon, AmazonUK, Nook, Smashwords, Apple, Kobo 

Victories againstinvasion have been won, but the galaxy may be lost in the end. 

 

There may be no escape from the All’sextermination plans for the dimension. Emperor Clajak has one last card up hissleeve, however: a band of misfit renegade Kalquorians called the Coydidak.Only with their help and an impossible mission to beyond the known reaches ofthe universe can Kalquor hope to preserve life. 

A determined engineer is at the top of thelist of Coydidak leader Dramok Rorix’s least favorite humans. She’ll stop atnothing to board his ship for a one-way voyage that’s to last a lifetime. Isultimate freedom from the empire worth dealing with the beautiful but unrelentingLaughter Lorenz? 

As the clock ticks to the end of Dr. CassidyHamilton’s pregnancy and potentially life in the dimension, she worksfeverishly to find a way to destroy the All. A visit from an undiscoveredentity brings to light her greatest hope and worst fear. Only time will tell ifthis new being is friend or foe…but Cassidy’s time and that of hersoon-to-be-born child is almost up. 

Adventure. Danger. Intrigue. Romance thatoutburns the sun in any galaxy. It’s all here in the sixth installment of theDark Empire series.

Print version on sale now: print

Ebook releases tomorrow! Pre-order now:

Amazon, AmazonUK, Nook, Smashwords, Apple, Kobo

Dark Empire Book Six: Advance and Retreat - Excerpt Sixteen

 

Two days untilrelease! 

An uninvitedguest attends the birth of Clan Tranis’ child.

An hourlater, Cassidy was in the birthing center, huffing as she pushed underDegorsk’s coaching. Already a surgeon and psychiatrist, he’d added obstetricianto his credentials when they’d begun considering children. Another doctor, anelder Imdiko named Myrtas, was on standby in case of complications. Thus far,Cassidy’s labor had been textbook.

Lidonand Tranis stood on either side of her incline birthing chair, each holding herhand as she bore down. The labor was painless thanks to the drugs Myrtas hadadministered, but Cassidy still had to put forth effort to give birth. Severalstrands of her long platinum blond hair had escaped her ponytail and hung insweaty strings. Tranis and Lidon did their best to keep them out of her face asshe grimaced in effort.

“Thebaby’s crowning,” Degorsk reported. He was as professional as a man deliveringhis own child could manage, allowing only a hint of glee to seep into his tone.“Rest for a few seconds, my Matara, then you can give another big push.”

Shepanted. “Are you hanging in there?” Tranis asked, worried.

“I’mokay. Just need to—”

She wascut off by Lidon’s snarl and Myrtas’ startled exclamation. Degorsk turned tosee what had happened, giving Cassidy a view of herself standing behind him.

“Whatthe hell?” Tranis shouted.

“The child comes,” the secondCassidy said in an unemotional tone.

* * * *

Print version on sale now: print

Ebook releases on August 8. Pre-order now:

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Victories againstinvasion have been won, but the galaxy may be lost in the end. 

 

There may be no escape from the All’sextermination plans for the dimension. Emperor Clajak has one last card up hissleeve, however: a band of misfit renegade Kalquorians called the Coydidak.Only with their help and an impossible mission to beyond the known reaches ofthe universe can Kalquor hope to preserve life. 

A determined engineer is at the top of thelist of Coydidak leader Dramok Rorix’s least favorite humans. She’ll stop atnothing to board his ship for a one-way voyage that’s to last a lifetime. Isultimate freedom from the empire worth dealing with the beautiful but unrelentingLaughter Lorenz? 

As the clock ticks to the end of Dr. CassidyHamilton’s pregnancy and potentially life in the dimension, she worksfeverishly to find a way to destroy the All. A visit from an undiscoveredentity brings to light her greatest hope and worst fear. Only time will tell ifthis new being is friend or foe…but Cassidy’s time and that of hersoon-to-be-born child is almost up. 

Adventure. Danger. Intrigue. Romance thatoutburns the sun in any galaxy. It’s all here in the sixth installment of theDark Empire series.

Print version on sale now: print

Ebook releases on August 8. Pre-order now:

Amazon, AmazonUK, Nook, Smashwords, Apple, Kobo

Dark Empire Book Six: Advance and Retreat - Excerpt Fifteen

 

Releases Friday!

A last-ditch attempt to escape execution.

 Theusual residence of the secretary-general was a palatial mansion on top of ahill overlooking similar grandiose abodes of government elites. Mereta had nouse for opulence. He found peace and happiness in the simple life, wheregratitude for the smallest pleasures could be properly appreciated. His requestfor the five-room house he’d taken as his home while he served the planets ofthe Galactic Council had been met by varying reactions, from appreciation tohorrified disbelief. He’d concerned himself with none of the opinions given.

HisDark wasn’t interested in whether he had a palace or a shack either. It onlywanted to finish its business so it could return to the All.

Itremained in a blissful state of contentment, its host’s actions of littleconcern as it drifted in the true version of all there was, as Meretaexperienced it. It had moments of passing curiosity in why it had decided toleave the office but returning to where its host body slept was fine. As longas it could remain in the tranquility where separation from the All ceased tobe agony, it experienced no worry about what was happening.

Meretaflew his shuttle into its berth and closed the hatch against anyone who mightspot it and wonder why he was home at such an hour. The more he could avoidnotice, the better his chances.

Hehurried into the house. He’d made it as much an oasis as possible for atemporary abode. Paintings and tapestries depicted restful landscapes, an altaron which candles and fragrant incense waited to be burned, soft but supportivefloor cushions perfect for meditation decorated his combination greeting andcommon room.

Heglanced at the closet door across the room. He checked on the Dark. It wasbemused, again wondering offhandedly why it had chosen to be here. He sent it awave of absolute serenity, drawing on his connection to beyond Creation. Itgave itself to the quiet and lost conscious awareness of Mereta’s surroundings.

He wentto the closet and ordered it open. Inside, he grabbed a utility belt, itspouches full of tools, a couple of emergency rations, and a knife. He eyed thelatter uncomfortably, but he’d serve the greater good if he absolutely had to.He hoped it wouldn’t come to such extremes.

Hestrapped it around his waist. It was too bulky to be completely hidden by hisjacket, but it was as inconspicuous as he could manage. He didn’t dare tryfleeing while dragging a travel bin with him.

Countingthe items he’d already stored on his shuttle, he was as ready to try forfreedom as he could manage. Mereta turned from the closet.

He wasconfronted by a man who’d stolen up behind him.

* * * *

Print version on sale now: print

Ebook releases on August 8. Pre-order now:

Amazon, AmazonUK, Nook, Smashwords, Apple, Kobo 

Victories againstinvasion have been won, but the galaxy may be lost in the end. 

 

There may be no escape from the All’sextermination plans for the dimension. Emperor Clajak has one last card up hissleeve, however: a band of misfit renegade Kalquorians called the Coydidak.Only with their help and an impossible mission to beyond the known reaches ofthe universe can Kalquor hope to preserve life. 

A determined engineer is at the top of thelist of Coydidak leader Dramok Rorix’s least favorite humans. She’ll stop atnothing to board his ship for a one-way voyage that’s to last a lifetime. Isultimate freedom from the empire worth dealing with the beautiful but unrelentingLaughter Lorenz? 

As the clock ticks to the end of Dr. CassidyHamilton’s pregnancy and potentially life in the dimension, she worksfeverishly to find a way to destroy the All. A visit from an undiscoveredentity brings to light her greatest hope and worst fear. Only time will tell ifthis new being is friend or foe…but Cassidy’s time and that of hersoon-to-be-born child is almost up. 

Adventure. Danger. Intrigue. Romance thatoutburns the sun in any galaxy. It’s all here in the sixth installment of theDark Empire series.

Print version on sale now: print

Ebook releases on August 8. Pre-order now:

Amazon, AmazonUK, Nook, Smashwords, Apple, Kobo

Dark Empire Book Six: Advance and Retreat - Excerpt Fourteen

 

ReleasesFriday! 

A desperateplan is hatched. 

Pirascouldn’t move his gaze from the nano’s closeup of Mereta’s face. “Is it me, ordoes he suddenly look different? Like he was before the Darks?”

Theundercurrent of anger and despondency Mereta usually wore had vanished. Onlythe crease between the secretary-general’s brows betrayed anything besidespeace in his aspect. He appeared to again be the spiritual master Piras hadknown him as.

“Thatisn’t all. The Dark on him is less…present. Hazier and thinner, somehow.”Lokmi’s tone was awed.

“You’venever seen this happen to the ridden?”

“Never.”

Thenano kept pace as Mereta drifted quickly but serenely through Galactic Councilheadquarters. When he paused to answer an aide’s question, the sneering qualityhe’d spoken with since they’d begun their surveillance was gone as well.

Hopeuttered a startled noise.

“Whatis it?” Piras asked.

“Thesecond voice…the Dark’s telepathy. I can’t hear it. It’s just him.Mereta.”

“Whatthe hell is happening?” Kila growled.

“Idon’t know. Could he have shaken off the Dark’s influence? Is he in control?”Piras aimed his questions at Hope.

“Howwould it be possible?” She shrugged helplessly as Mereta continued on his way,appearing to be heading for the exit. “I heard the Dark perfectly wellearlier.”

“Weneed to know about the plot you said it referred to,” Kila said. “It soundedlike the All is up to something big.”

“Iagree. We have to reach Mereta. We have to talk to him.”

Piras’clanmates turned from the vid feeds to stare at him. “Talk to him?” Kilaspluttered. “He’s ridden by a Dark. You might as well tell the All itself we’reon the planet.”

TheDramok pointed at their subject. “That isn’t the Dark. It’s Mereta. He hascommand of himself right now. I’d bet a year’s pay on it.”

“You’rebetting a hell of a lot more. You’re betting our lives if you think we can walkup to him and have a conversation.” Kila stared at him as if he’d lost hismind.

“Not tomention roaming the city to reach him. We’d be caught before we got one hundredfeet from this building,” Lokmi added.

“Wehave to try.” Piras insisted. “Look at him. Look! This is the chance we’ve beenwaiting for.”

“Ithink Piras is right,” Hope said, though her tone was reluctant. “We came topull Mereta out. Whatever is going on with the Dark, it’s got to be in ourfavor.”

“Insanity,”Kila muttered.

Meretahad reached the building’s shuttle bay. A security guard greeted him, and heanswered.

“Nosecond voice,” Hope confirmed. She glanced at Piras. “You need to get to him ina private setting. Somewhere no other Darks are present or could happen by.”

“Hishome. Guards patrol the outside, but they’re never allowed in. None we’veobserved are ridden either.”

“Sure,great. There are still plenty of Darks prowling around between here and therethough,” Kila insisted. “How do you propose we get all the way to his house,Piras? It’s miles off.”

Meretawas on the move again, walking faster toward the shuttle they’d learned washis. He was forced to pause as a hovercart laden by bins passed in front ofhim.

Adesperate idea flashed in Piras’ head. He considered it only a bare second. Hepulled his com out and clicking Elcoger’s frequency, which would go straight tothe Dantovonian’s earpiece. It would keep anyone in his vicinity from hearingPiras’ end of the conversation.

A briefbeep responded to let him know Elcoger was listening.

“Howwould you like to make twice the amount of money we’re paying you?” Pirastransmitted.

* * * *

Print version on sale now: print

Ebook releases on August 8. Pre-order now:

Amazon, AmazonUK, Nook, Smashwords, Apple, Kobo 

Victories againstinvasion have been won, but the galaxy may be lost in the end. 

 

There may be no escape from the All’sextermination plans for the dimension. Emperor Clajak has one last card up hissleeve, however: a band of misfit renegade Kalquorians called the Coydidak.Only with their help and an impossible mission to beyond the known reaches ofthe universe can Kalquor hope to preserve life. 

A determined engineer is at the top of thelist of Coydidak leader Dramok Rorix’s least favorite humans. She’ll stop atnothing to board his ship for a one-way voyage that’s to last a lifetime. Isultimate freedom from the empire worth dealing with the beautiful but unrelentingLaughter Lorenz? 

As the clock ticks to the end of Dr. CassidyHamilton’s pregnancy and potentially life in the dimension, she worksfeverishly to find a way to destroy the All. A visit from an undiscoveredentity brings to light her greatest hope and worst fear. Only time will tell ifthis new being is friend or foe…but Cassidy’s time and that of hersoon-to-be-born child is almost up. 

Adventure. Danger. Intrigue. Romance thatoutburns the sun in any galaxy. It’s all here in the sixth installment of theDark Empire series.

Print version on sale now: print

Ebook releases on August 8. Pre-order now:

Amazon, AmazonUK, Nook, Smashwords, Apple, Kobo