M. Short's Blog, page 8

Battlestar Galactica Returns?

What happens when there are too many streaming channels? Battlestar Gallactica returns. I will have to admit I did watch the TV series in the seventies and again in 2004. The series did better in 2004, but I think it was due to the lack of science fiction space operas on TV. The graphics and special effects as expected were much better, but the story line is always predictable. It reminds me of a Hallmark channel movie, you know how it will end after the first five minutes. Battlestar Gallactica was the same. Before you even turned on the TV you knew the ending. You always knew Battlestar Gallactica was going to have to fight the Cylons. This new remake now streaming on Peacock has the same problem. Now the Cylons attack the Battlestar every 33 minutes. Give me a break.

In Star Wars the rebels were always fighting the Evil Empire but there was much better plot development with Star Wars than Battlestar Gallactica and the characters were much more charismatic.

Battlestar Gallactica wasn’t a game changer in the seventies, 2004 and from what I’ve seen on Peacock it won’t be a game changer now. If you like a show for the CGI, then at least you can derive some pleasure from Battlestar Gallactica, but for me, I will wait for the next Star Trek or Star Wars movie.

Don’t forget to check out my Science Fiction four book series: A Saga of Dogs of War-A Story of Mercenaries. Paperback is available on Amazon at  https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B08JQRR122  My eBooks are available at Books2Read at https://books2read.com/u/4Dglpg . They make great gifts for only .99 cents each. what a great Christmas present for the Science Fiction reader in your family or in your circle of friends. You can’t buy a coffee for that.

Remember! A donation of likes and follows keeps me feed. Thank you all for your support.

The Origins of PAIN!

Did you make any New Year Resolutions? Why would anyone make New Year resolutions? If you have made New Year resolutions, did you keep them?

It seems that this whole fiasco of making New Year Resolutions started 4,000 years ago during the Babylonian Empire. During a massive 12-day religious festival known as Akitu, the Babylonians would promise to pay off debt and return borrowed things to their owner. It was believed if they kept their promises that their gods would show them favor over the new year. If they did not the gods would show their displeasure of that individual for the year.

New Year Resolutions in my estimation is a masochistic exercise to produce self-loathing and low self-esteem. People that want to avoid accountability could blame the heathen gods of the Babylonians, but that may not pass the smell test.

I’m all for traditions but how did this one ever make it past the fall of the Babylonian Empire. Why not bring back bloodletting and leeches. They produce the same effect.

Don’t forget to check out my Science Fiction four book series: A Saga of Dogs of War-A Story of Mercenaries. Paperback is available on Amazon at  https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B08JQRR122  My eBooks are available at Books2Read at https://books2read.com/u/4Dglpg . They make great gifts for only .99 cents each. what a great Christmas present for the Science Fiction reader in your family or in your circle of friends. You can’t buy a coffee for that.

Remember! A donation of likes and follows keeps me feed. Thank you all for your support.

IN my Mind there IS

Who am I? Why do this to MYSELF? Why do people think that of ME? All questions every person that has walked the Earth has asked. Have you asked these questions? Not being a Doctor, Phycologist or a Councilor, here is my opinion as one who’s mind has not been very cooperative over the years.

In my experiences a mind can be a horrible thing. But if you can control your mind it can become a beautiful thing. The mind separates you into three people that I refer to as ME, MYSELF and I.

Now Me is who people see when they first met ME. The first impression which is others perception of ME. The mind can cause ME to feel self-conscious, fear or aggression to retaliate against those who ME feels is being judgmental or trying to overpower ME. Me can be a very dark. Me needs to be controlled. I do this by not worrying about what ME thinks others think. People will either think ill of you or love you. Cherish the ones that love you and love the ones who ME thinks ill of.

MYSELF, in my mind is the opposite of ME. But MYSELF does have its draw backs. MYSELF if uncontrolled can lead to extremes, such as lack of self-worth to feeling superior to others. MYSELF is the perception of I. The trick is to close the gap between the perceived MYSELF to that of I.

I is the person that GOD wants you to be. That person may be a stay-at-home mother, the President of the United States, or a janitor at the local school. All noble professions in the eyes of GOD. But so many times ME and MYSELF get in the way of GOD’s plan for I. I can find JOY in loving GOD and helping fellow man. The joy and peace I receives from that good work flows down to ME and MYSELF to help bring needed change.

Getting ME and MYSELF to see I as the goal is key. Work toward I with GOD. ME and MYSELF will be the better for it.

I couldn’t think of anything Else!

When I retired after 35 years of flying professionally, I spent the first few years playing with my young grandchildren. But as they grew older their Papa wasn’t as cool as he used to be. With less time with my grandchildren, I turned my attentions to helping my wife by making her kitchen more efficient. I relocated pots and pans and rearranged the cabinets. While she did appreciate the help washing dishes her appreciation did not extend to my rearranging efforts. My wife soon relegated me to the sink side of the kitchen with the threat bodily harm if I touch her cabinets.

After being banished from the kitchen, I turned to my computer which I had hardly used before and decided to try video gaming. The gaming idea went well. It was a 6 vs 6 battle bot game.

I then did something then I thought I would never do. I started writing short stories about the game including my combat experiences from my time in Vietnam as an Army helicopter pilot. The guys I played with loved them. After writing 49 short stories, I was encouraged to put them into book form. Trying to combine 49 short stories into one book was harder than learning to fly. I did finish it finally and self-published it. After that I was hooked. A year and five books later I am still writing.

Don’t forget to check out my Science Fiction four book series: A Saga of Dogs of War-A Story of Mercenaries. Paperback is available on Amazon at  https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B08JQRR122  My eBooks are available at Books2Read at https://books2read.com/u/4Dglpg . They make great gifts for only .99 cents each. what a great Christmas present for the Science Fiction reader in your family or in your circle of friends. You can’t buy a coffee for that.

Remember! A donation of likes and follows keeps me feed. Thank you all for your support.

Frontier Space Chronicles

An Excerpt from Frontier Space Chronicles

Since his ship continued on their exploration mission from the planet of Easteron, Milo had a pretty boring cruise. There was only one system that was discovered some 12-10K from Easteron and was very similar to the system that they discovered 15-10K from Easteron. Fauna and flora were present, but no humanoid life forms were found. As they finished their scientific survey Milo sent the findings of the scientists back to headquarters and continued on their assigned course. After a few months as Milo was reviewing the reports of the last duty shift, Comms said, “Senior Milo. We have a contact that just came up on our scanners at one parsec. It seems to be a flight of two Starships on an intercept course. They are approaching at 12X. With this closure rate we will be in range of our weapons in 45 days.”

Milo replied, “Hail them and see if we can establish any kinds of communications with them. Keep your scans on one parsec. These guys came from somewhere, let’s see if we can find their home.”

Comms continued trying to contact the approaching ships, for what now was considered, enemy Starships with no response. Comms reported that at the current rate of closure the enemy Starships would be in weapons range in just a few hours. Once Milo heard the Comms report, he put the fighters on alert. Milo then directed the helmsman to slow to impulse speed when three-million-kilometer of the enemy Starships to deploy the fighters.

Milo asked, “Comms have we not even gotten a garbled message from those guys?”

Comms replied, “I have no signal from them at all but I have a contact on their possible origin. Tracking their light speed signature, they are from the system about 3-10K behind the approaching enemy Starships.”

Milo exclaimed, “Do they have a space telescope as well? For them to send those two Starships to intercept us they would have to have seen us seven light years or more from their planet. Are there any more Starships behind these two?”

Comms replied, “None so far Sir. These two may just be on patrol.”

The three-million-kilometer range from the enemy Starships was soon upon them. Helm reported the three-million-kilometer mark and was slowing to impulse. As the helm slowed Milo gave the order to launch the fighters. Soon 150 fighters were heading toward the two enemy Starships. Milo told Comms to put the fighters battle channel on speaker and for Helm to implement battle maneuvers and the Weapons Officer to bring all weapons on line and to fire on the enemy Starships when in range.

The Weapons Officer said, “Sir I have all the Identifier Friend or Foe (IFF) signals from the fighters.”

Milo replied “Very good. Comms do I have a link to the fighters?”

Comms replied, “Yes Sir.”

Milo transmitted to all of the flight leads saying, “Flight leaders we have your IFF signals. You have a green light to engage.  The Fighter Commander replied, “Affirmative Sir.”

Fighter Commander Wilford said, “All flight leads approach formation Delta at 7X, shields up, all weapons online. Engage at 850,00 kilometers with torpedoes. Once the flights got their orders thirty-eight two ship flights broke formation to engage the lead Starship and thirty-seven two fighter ships broke to engage the trail ship. Milo then ordered his ship to 7X to reinforce the fighters and directed Navigation to lock onto any life pods and beam them back to the ship.

Navigation asked, “Any life pods Sir or just ours?”

Milo replied, “All live pods Navigation. Comms have security alerted that we may have enemy life pods beaming on board.”

At 850,000 kilometers the sound of ion torpedoes being launched from their tubes on the fighters rang throughout the bridge on the speakers. Milo was watching as the fighters fired their ion torpedoes. As the torpedoes were racing toward the enemy Starships, the Starships broke hard in opposite directions and avoided most of the torpedoes with a few dozen hitting their mark and taking down their shields. The fighters were in hot pursuit using lasers and ion cannons. Chatter on the fighter’s battle channel was constant but restrained.

Milo said, “Weapons, get us into the fight NOW.”

The Weapons replied, “Launching torpedoes now Sir.”

Navigation said, “Sir, the second starship is breaking off from the battle and heading back to the system that they came from.”  

Soon Commander Wilford ordered the second squadron to break off pursuit and return to the battle field to join in the battle with the lead enemy Starship. Torpedoes from Milo’s ship hit the first Starship just below the engines on the connecting tower and above the body of the ship severing the bridge section and the engines from the body of the enemy Starship.

Navigation exclaimed, “Sir the enemy ship has massive decompression from the separation. I have no life pods escaping from the body of the ship.”

Milo responded saying, “Save as many as you can Navigation.”

Navigation replied, “Yes Sir.”

As Navigation was trying to save as many as possible, the bridge section turned away and headed back home leaving the ones in the body of the enemy Starship behind. 

As survivors were being beamed aboard Milo’s ship, Commander Wilford was getting a damage report from his Squadrons’ leaders. Milo directed the Helm to put a mooring beam on the body of the enemy ship and bring it alongside. 

Milo asked, “Did we get all of our life pods back on board?”

Navigation still beaming people off the enemy ship’s body replied, “All ten Sir.”

After Navigation reported ten life pods recovered Commander Wilford reported that five fighters were indeed destroyed. Wilford asked, “Did you get my guys back on board?”

Milo said, “All accounted for Commander Wilford. They are safe and sound on the ship.”

Wilford replied, “Thank you Sir. We can make more fighters but their crews are hard to replace out here. I guess the second ship didn’t have the stomach for battle. They never engaged my fighters after our torpedo attack.”

Milo said, “Get you fighters back onboard ASAP Commander. I want to give that system a wide berth. I don’t want to face all their brothers if they decide to come back and avenge their little brothers.”

Wilford replied, “Roger that Sir. If their brothers do want some of this, we will be more than happy to give them what their brothers got.”

Milo said, “I’m sure you would Commander, but for now, get back on board the ship.”

Helm reported, “Sir the body of the enemy ship is moored.”

Milo said, “Thank you Helm. Navigation, how are we doing with beaming survivors on board?”

Navigation replied, “Sir, I have beamed 1500 on board that were in areas that were decompressing. Another 500 life signs are still in the body of the enemy ship that are in areas that the crew was able to seal off. Medical and security are in cargo bay three attending to the ones that are on board. I will monitor the ones still in the body of the enemy ship and beam them on board if their situation changes or when medical and security are ready for them. There are several hundred that are hurt or badly injured, medical needs time to triage and treat them.”

Milo said, “Very well. Helm keep us in this position until all the survivors from the body are on board. How fast can we move with the body alongside?”

Helm responded saying, “Sir it is hard to tell. We will have to start slow and speed up from there to see how it tows.”

Milo said, “Well then, once we get all the survivors on board, we will have to test it out. Comms ask Second Alo to come to the bridge. I am going to the cargo bay and see what the situation is there.”

Milo left the CON seat and went to the elevator. He then said, “Cargo bay three.”

The elevator responded saying, “Cargo bay three. Confirm.”

Milo replied, “Confirm Cargo bay three.”

The elevator started moving and soon came to a stop. The elevator responded, “Cargo bay three.” The door opened to reveal a mass of humanity. Medical teams where everywhere attending to as many as they could and sending the ones that needed more extensive medical attention to the medical bay.

As Milo walked among the injured the Security Chief Akule recognized him. While walking toward him he said, “Senior Milo, you should have called me before you came down. I am not sure we are secure enough for you to be here.”

Milo replied, “If they don’t know I am important then I for sure will not tell them. What is the situation Chief Akule?”

Akule said, “We have about three hundred injured, 75 seriously. Most of the injuries reported are cuts and bruises. The severely injured are in the medical bay now being treated. The ones with cuts and bruises are in various stages of shock and for now are not causing any problems. They understand we are here to help by our actions. The translator is still working on the language so we can start communicating with them, but nothing yet.”

Milo asked in a low tone, “Has there been any leader identified among the survivors?”

Akule replied, “No. Like I mentioned before they ae still somewhat in shock. No one is talking much.”

Milo said, “Well, there are another 500 or so still in the body of the enemy ship. There are too many of them for us to keep them on board and continue our mission. Keep them fed and as comfortable as possible until we can come up with a solution.”

Akule replied, “My department will need to do double duty for a while then to make sure we can keep the peace. The rest can be beamed aboard when the medical team finishes with the injured already on board now, which should be shortly. I will let the medical staff and my staff know that there are more survivors that will beamed here shortly.”

Milo said, “There will be no more beamed here until you give me the ok for their transfer. I don’t want to overwhelm your people. I will only beam survivors here before then, if the situation on the body of the enemy ship deteriorates. Until that happens, I will wait on your authorization Akule.”

Akule replied, “Thank you Sir. I will keep you up to date on the situation here.”

Milo said, “I am on my way to the medical bay to see the Senior Medical Officer and the condition of the more seriously injured. If you need to reach me, I will be there.”

Milo then turned to the elevator and headed to the medical bay. When he entered the medical bay, everyone was busy with patients. As he walked down the aisle, looking from side to side, he observed the seriously injured on each medical bed. As he was observing the medical staff working on a patient a voice from behind him said, “This Senior Milo is the other side of war. The dead and maimed as well as the physically and emotionally scared.”

Milo lowered his head then said, “Ones aggression has consequences Medical Director Albert, but the wounds of war are not confined to the ones that were defeated. A family friend once told me as a young man that a true warrior buries his comrades in arms and his emotions deep. Though his comrades are free, he covers his physical wounds with clothing and his emotional wounds in what is referred to as a proverbial lock box deep inside himself. A lock box for all the darkness experienced so he can see the light and good and not dwell on the darkness. You have your lock box don’t you Doctor?”

Albert replied, “I am afraid so Senior Milo. To what do I owe the pleasure?”

Milo said, “I wanted to see what we are looking at in regards to the wounded survivors. We have another 500 still in the body of the enemy ship. From the life signs we are getting there are some injured but none of the injuries seem life threatening. How many seriously injured are you treating now?’

Albert replied, “We had three hundred injured. Seventy-five of them seriously enough for us to move here. We have five in surgery units now trying to repair internal bleeding, fill collapsed lungs and repair organ damage. They will be touch and go for the next 24 to 48 hours. The other 70 are stable and should be able to fully recover, but they will need a few days in a medical bed. This race is put together differently than we are. They have all the same organ functions, but some organs are located in different places. We have a handle on it now.”

Milo said, “Let me know when your staff is ready for more survivors from the body of the enemy ship. I am not sure how long the body’s hull will last.”

Albert replied, “I will call my medical staff in Cargo Bay Three and let you know when they have a handle on the situation there. You going to be on the bridge?”

Milo said, “Yes. I am going there now. Call me when they are ready.”

As Milo turned back toward the elevator Albert said, “Keep that box locked Senior Milo. We need you in top form.”

Milo waved his hand in affirmation for the doctor as he entered the elevator. When the door closed Milo whispered, “Always Doc. Always. No one wants to see the dark side.”

As the elevator ascended to the bridge, Milo’s head was bowed but when the door started to open, he stiffened his posture and raised his head. It was show time and he needed to act the part. As he walked to the CON seat, Second Alo stood and took his position beside his Senior.

Milo asked, “Navigation, what is the condition of the survivors on the body of the enemy ship?”

Navigation replied, “Sir, the body is stable for now.

Milo asked, “Comms has there been any communications from the retreating ships?”

Comms replied, “Nothing Sir. If they are communicating with their home world, their communications must be some sort of directional beam or on a frequency we don’t have. “

Milo said, “We have not even heard a blah, blah, blah on any of our frequencies. We have over 5,000 frequencies and we have nothing on any of THEM.”

Comms replied, “Sorry Sir. We have nothing.”

Alo said, “Perhaps they are transmitting on a frequency we would not normally use for communications.”

Milo replied, “The only frequency we have not used is the dog whistle frequency. Wait the Medical Director Albert said that they were arranged differently than us. Comms can you scan that frequency and all high frequencies that we do not use for communications?”

Comms replied, “I will try Sir.”

Helm said, “Sir, I have calculated that we could do 5X with the body in tow. Are you sure you want to be slowed down by the wreckage?”

Milo replied, “If we are to continue our mission, we cannot maintain almost two thousand people more than we have now. I am thinking we would drop them off on the planet we left that was uninhabited. The body could be a shelter for them until they are able to build their own shelters.”

Alo said, “That is a logical plan Sir. The enemy that was just engaged could follow our light speed signature to find them at a later date, if they are so inclined. Only one of the two ships actually engaged us. The other retreated rather quickly once the first shot was fired.  That could either be interpreted as cowardice or the lack of desire toward hostility. Our interpretation was the first not the latter.”

Milo asked, “Alo are you saying that they may have approached us in peace?”

Comms interjected staying, “Senior Milo, I have found a message on a very ultra-high frequency at an incredible rate of speed. It is digitized and compressed. I cannot make anything out from the message. We would need to decompress the message and then reconstruct it with the proper spacing of the language. There was no way to hear what they were saying and I would suspect the same on their end.”

Milo asked, “Has the translator finished the translation of this cultures language?”

Comms checked the progress of the translator and then said. “It is almost 65 percent complete Sir. Once we have the complete translation, I can start the decompression then. Now it is just a line of undiscernible letters with no voice.”

Milo replied, “Getting that message decompressed and translated is your number one priority Comms. We need that message.”

Comms replied, “Aye, Aye Sir.”

Milo turned to Alo and said, “Alo I hope we did not engage peaceful intentions with ion torpedoes.”

Helm responded saying, “Sir, their weapons were indicating energized and their shields were raised. They were ready to fight.”

Milo replied “Thank you Helm for the reminder. We could not take the chance of them not firing any weapons.”

Then Security Chief Akule called Milo saying, “We are ready for the next round of survivors.” Milo acknowledged the Security Chief and told him that they would start beaming the survivors in a few minutes and to start looking for them to materialize in Cargo Bay Three. Milo nodded to Navigation who then started the beaming process from the body of the enemy ship.  Milo and Alo retired to Milo’s office as the beaming process was proceeding to discuss possible actions for the survivors and the system they came from.

Milo asked, “Alo, do you think they were not going to fire on us?”

Alo replied, “Senior Milo, there was no indication that they were not hostile. Weapons energized and shields up would indicate that they were indeed going to engage us. I think that they thought that one large ship such as this one, would be an easy target for their two Attack Starships. When the 150-Starfighters emerged from our ship and engaged them with such veracity they were taken aback and confusion reigned in the enemy’s ranks thus resulting in the retreat of one and the destruction of the lead Enemy Starship. We may find that they were trying to communicate, but their actions spoke louder than any words that we may have heard prior to the engagement.”

Milo said, “We will know soon enough. If they were trying to communicate with us and we did not receive their communications our actions were predicated on the actions of the enemy, not words. I need you to keep on top of on the situation of the survivors. Once we get the messages translated and decompressed, we can determine if we take the survivors to the uninhabited planet or try to make contact with their system to repatriate them. Thank you Second Alo for your time and council. You and I will need to stay on duty for the day to make sure we are prepared for any contingencies. You take the CON and monitor the beaming up of the survivors and be on the lookout for any indication that the enemy is planning some sort of retaliation.  I want to explore the options for taking the survivors to the uninhabited planet and the preparations the engineers would need to do to assure their survival on the new planet.”

Alo replied, “I will work for as long as needed Senior Milo.”

Milo said, “Very well, Second Alo. I will head to the engineering department now to see what our options are for the survivors. Stay in touch.” Alo replied, “Aye, Aye Sir.”

Frontier Space Chronicles will be available on January 19th 2021. Stay tuned for more information on this and the ret of the books in my science fiction series A Saga of Dogs of War-A Story of Mercenaries

Don’t forget to check out my Science Fiction four book series: A Saga of Dogs of War-A Story of Mercenaries. Paperback is available on Amazon at  https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B08JQRR122  My eBooks are available at Books2Read at https://books2read.com/u/4Dglpg . They make great gifts for only .99 cents each. what a great Christmas present for the Science Fiction reader in your family or in your circle of friends. You can’t buy a coffee for that.

Remember! A donation of likes and follows keeps me feed. Thank you all for your support.

WHO DAT?

A young wizard, with evil in his heart, wanting to prove to his mentor that he was ready to venture out on his own, decided to walk through the enchanted forest one night. He was successful in transporting himself to the forest, but when there his confidence began to wane.

As he walked eyes appeared in the dark all around him. A low growl was then heard behind him in a tall tree. He quickly turned and said, “Who dat up THERE.”

The young wizard then heard, “Who dat down there.”

The young wizard now scared and shaking with fear in an effort to regain some of his composure asked, “Who dat up there saying who dat down there when I say who dat up there?”

Then suddenly a griffin swooped down from the tree saying “Me, Griffin of the forest.” The Griffin killed him eating him for dinner.

Moral of the Story: Evil pride in one’s unproven abilities is folly and could get you eaten.

Don’t forget to check out my Science Fiction four book series: A Saga of Dogs of War-A Story of Mercenaries. Paperback is available on Amazon at  https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B08JQRR122  My eBooks are available at Books2Read at https://books2read.com/u/4Dglpg . They make great gifts for only .99 cents each. what a great Christmas present for the Science Fiction reader in your family or in your circle of friends. You can’t buy a coffee for that.

Remember! A donation of likes and follows keeps me feed. Thank you all for your support.

Cry Havoc

Cry Havoc is my first book in the sci-fi series A Saga of Dogs of War-A Story of Mercenaries.

Introduction

   The Earth May 20th 2115. The Earth just embarked on the first one-world government. But within 25 years the corruption and manipulation of the government by six large multinational corporations had become insurmountable.

   These corporations grew so large that they either directly or indirectly employed over half of the world’s population.

The influence over the employees and the world government brought about what would best be described as a silent coup.

The world government became subservient to the six corporations which lead to the dissolving of the government in 2166.

A government by and for the people was gone. The Corporation was your god and your King.

With no government the only restrictions or regulations placed on the Corporations were those each corporation imposed on itself.

Corporations while at the time seemed very benevolent were not by any means. An Orwellian state was in full force within a few years with the establishment of the Corporate Governance. Big brother was everywhere. The “Big Six” as they became to be known unknowingly set into motion the start of a cataclysmic event of Biblical proportion.

Corporate disputes among the Big Six over the years escalated into small deadly conflicts. Such conflicts broke out over market share, the ability to move goods across another’s territory and other small meaningless life complications, all of which were taking its tow.

Ignoring climate change and the environment plunged the Earth into unending earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and the ensuing Tsunamis. The end of the earth had begun.

The Big Six all had their beginnings in the military industrial complex.  As they grew their tentacles spread to every possible product or service including space explorations.

As the cataclysmic activity increased. The Big Six started to look for a new place to call home.

Each one of the Big Six began exploring to establish settlements of Mars. The first two corporations that started the race to Mars were X-TECH and SME (Specialized Military Essentials). They were the first to get to Mars and the first to set up settlements in 2175.

Boom Associates with expertise in bio-metrics authorized a settlement group be sent to Mars shortly after X-TECH and SME.

The group was to prepare a settlement to accommodate the soon departing Boom Corporation, but because of faulty navigation sensors they landed in one of the harsher areas of Mars. This led to their settlements being moved underground to escape the harsh environment.

A system of underground tunnels and hollowed out settlements where constructed with a maze of tunnels to connect the small settlements in 2176.

After the completion of the underground settlements Boom moved to Mars in 2177.

The last three corporations had to settle on the two moons of Mars. Virtual Visions, Inc. a corporation that dealt in virtual reality-based software and hardware and Space Enviro LTD. A Bio-engineering and environmental corporation settled on Phobos the larger of Mars’ two moons that orbited closer to the surface of Mars in 2178.

Enceladus Services, a large venture capital and investment firm, settled on the moon Deimos in 2178.

When the Big Six left, which took a matter of some years, Earth was drained of its engineers, scientists, mathematicians and many other professionals.

As the last ARCs (Artificial Relocation Community) left the Earth’s surface was literally being engulfed by the cataclysm that would continue for many decades.  The Earth as it was once known was gone.

The year 2185. As the corporations set up their communities the residents, were subject to corporate policy as they were on Earth earlier, which dictated every aspect of their lives.

Some corporations more benevolent than others. Some corporations more self-indulgent and self-gratifying. But as with most oppressive or overpowering regulations and laws, dissidents rose from the ranks of all the communities of each corporation, creating free towns.

The corporations, in order to do anonymous trade among themselves, learning from the past, created the Trade Federation. A so called third party to keep each company’s commerce at arm’s length. The Trade Federation would conduct business between the corporations and accepted platinum, gold and silver for payment. The Trade Federation would take their cut and the Corporation would take its asking price from the Trade Corporation.

Platinum, Gold and Silver were the only acceptable forms of payment for anything. This made them a hot commodity.

In the search for these hot commodities, corporations employed a couple of scenarios. The first was to find and mine the precious metals themselves. The other was to relieve other corporations of theirs. To put something like this is place each corporation had to be able to deny any responsibility.

In order to keep a rather tentative peace between the corporations they sponsored and supplied Proxy Clans to be utilized in their corporate sanctioned operations. These Clans and their members were referred to as Mercenaries. These Mercenary forces were recruited from free towns that grew from the lack of freedom and the abundant restrictions placed on the people by the corporations. As history has always proven, oppression fuels those who desire freedom in all of its forms.

The only problem, Proxy Clans were formed on the basis of a monarchy. Absolute rule. As less than honorable Clan Leaders took leadership by various forms of secession more and more control was exerted over clan members. The oppressive Clan Leaders decreased the members commission to keep more for themselves. This led to the start of “Break-off Clans” and the Independent Mercenary.

Independent Mercenaries consisted of small bands of two or three Mercs with the express desire to get whatever the independent client wanted. From Platinum, Gold or Silver to rare artifacts and artwork.

These Independent Mercs associated themselves with smuggling groups and lived on Earth dependent on the Smugglers to transport their loot.

They lived in their bots or in small shelters they had procured from the Smugglers. It was not easy, but profitable.

Proxy Clans that were sponsored by Corporations and were formed by like-minded people with the same virtues or goals. One clan of these like-minded people were dedicated to the “Warrior Code.”  The Warrior Code was predicated on an Ancient world belief of the Honor, Dedication and Glory of a warrior.

This clan of the Warrior Code over time fell victim to an oppressive Clan Leader and became a break-off clan. But within the flames of refinement and through pain comes wisdom and knowledge which in turn becomes enlightenment and the birth of a new warrior clan and so, it was to be the birth of a new warrior clan never before seen in this solar system. A warrior clan committed to the warrior code. A code of Glory, Honor and Dedication. Here is their story.

Don’t forget to check out my Science Fiction four book series: A Saga of Dogs of War-A Story of Mercenaries. Paperback is available on Amazon at  https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B08JQRR122  My eBooks are available at Books2Read at https://books2read.com/u/4Dglpg . They make great gifts for only .99 cents each. what a great Christmas present for the Science Fiction reader in your family or in your circle of friends. You can’t buy a coffee for that.

Remember! A donation of likes and follows keeps me feed. Thank you all for your support.

The Thirtieth Zodiac

In an earlier blog post I wrote about why we have 12 months but 52 weeks. If you would divide 52 by 4 (four week in a month) it equals 13 months. The same is true with the Zodiac. The Babylonians discover 3,000 years ago the Earth moved through 13 zodiac constellations in one year. Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces Aries, Tauris, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Ophiuchus, and Sagittarius. Like our calendar the number 13 is once again ignored and disregarded for the less superstitious number 12.

The constellation Ophiuchus is a large constellation straddling the celestial equator. Its name is from the Greek Ὀφιοῦχος (Ophioukhos, “serpent-bearer”). If the addition of the thirtieth zodiac was added the Zodiac Signs would shift. Capricorn would shift to January 1 to February 16. Aquarius-February 16- March 11. Pieces March 11 – April 18. Aries April 18 -May 13. Taurus May 13 – June 21. Gemini June 21 – July 20. Cancer July 20 – August 10. Leo August 10 – September 16. Virgo September 16 – October 30. Libra October 30 – November 23. Scorpio November 23 – November 29. Ophiuchus November 29 – December 17 and Sagittarius December 17 – Jan 20.

Has superstition overcome our learned scholars? Does the number thirteen cause us to pause or recoil in fear. Why has nature given us the number thirteen in so many ways but we continue to refuse to accept it. Let me know your reasons why.

Don’t forget to check out my Science Fiction four book series: A Saga of Dogs of War-A Story of Mercenaries. Paperback is available on Amazon at  https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B08JQRR122  My eBooks are available at Books2Read at https://books2read.com/u/4Dglpg . They make great gifts for only .99 cents each. what a great Christmas present for the Science Fiction reader in your family or in your circle of friends. You can’t buy a coffee for that.

Remember! A donation of likes and follows keeps me feed. Thank you all for your support.

When I Grew Wings.

As a young boy I would dream of flying. In my dreams my arms would turn into wings allowing me to glide above the clouds. During the day I would run around my yard with my arms stretched out like wings soaring over the countryside in my imagination, defying gravity that bound others to the Earth. Soaring high and observing the Earth as it passes beneath me. Or I would imagine speeding quickly a few feet above the ground as objects pass by me in a blur.

As I grew older the dreams did not fade. One day in my dreams I was approached by a mythical winged creature with the body of a lion and the head of an eagle. It had talons for its front feet and lion’s paws for its back feet. The creature lowered his head over my bed and asked, “You still dream of growing your own wings but are you prepared to accomplish the quests needed?”

I sat up in my bed and exclaimed, “I am prepared to do what needs to be done to grow my own wings. What are these quests of which you speak?”

The creature said, “You must study the principals of flight and aerodynamics and the limitations each place on your ability to fly. Then you must know your limitations. You must develop the comprehension of flight. Man was not made to fly. He does not comprehend being upside down, turning at high speeds or the effect of gravity on his body while in flight. These quests are not for the faint of heart or for one who is not truly dedicated to growing their own wings. Many have tried and many have failed. Are you ready for these quests?”

I answered, “I will be among the few that will accomplish the tasks set before me.”

The Creature then raised his head proudly and said, “You cannot fail even one quest Michael. Your life depends on it. I will monitor your progress.”

I studied day and night from that time forward. After several years the winged creature once again appeared in my dreams. The creature said, “It has been a long and hard journey Michael but you have completed all of the quests set before you. It is the consensus of all winged creatures for your wish to be granted. You will now join us in the sky fulfilling your wish. Put your skills to good works and not to foolish folly. Your wings are meant for great deeds and to bring happiness to all who are not counted among the birds in the sky as you. Live well my young aviator.”

The next morning I grew my wings. I have been soaring ever since.

Don’t forget to check out my Science Fiction four book series: A Saga of Dogs of War-A Story of Mercenaries. Paperback is available on Amazon at  https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B08JQRR122  My eBooks are available at Books2Read at https://books2read.com/u/4Dglpg . They make great gifts for only .99 cents each. what a great Christmas present for the Science Fiction reader in your family or in your circle of friends. You can’t buy a coffee for that.

Remember! A donation of likes and follows keeps me feed. Thank you all for your support.

Excerpts from Frontier Space Chronicles

Adira saw Homer and said, “Ambassador Homer, I take it you have received the same communications as I did from the United Nations?”

Homer replied, “With one possible exception, Queen Adira.”

Adira looked puzzled saying, “Exception, what possible exception?”

Homer grinning said, “The exception of joining the United Nations in building a Space Station close to your newest kingdom Penthesia to be home to a United Nations Reaction Force. A force that would be in place to react to the needs of member planets in the area.”

Queen Adira smiling leaned forward in her seat and said, “The honorable Ambassador of the United Nations has for the first time bested me.”

Homer smiled saying, “If you refer to besting as a derogatory remark to the Queen of the great and powerful Helenistic Kingdoms, only a foolish person would do such a thing. The United Nations thought it more appropriate if I were to ask the question of the Queen in person rather than through a communique.”

Adira said, “The United Nations then knows of your persuasive powers over people.”

Homer replied, “I would not be Ambassador to the Helenistic Kingdoms if they did not recognize my persuasiveness Queen Adira.”

Adira said, “My dear Ambassador. You serve the wishes of the United Nations, but whom do you feel has persuasion on the United Nations Council?”

Homer replied, “Queen Adira, have you bested me?”

Adira smiling said, “Ambassador Homer, if you refer to besting being used as a derogatory remark to the Ambassador of the great and powerful United Nations, it would be irresponsible of me as Queen to do such a thing. I think it would be in the best interest of the Kingdoms, as the dinner hour approaches, if we discussed this further over dinner. Would you grace my table with your presence Ambassador Homer?”

Homer smiled saying, “Queen Adira as the Ambassador of the United Nations to the powerful Helenistic Kingdoms, I will always honor your royal petition. What time would you request my presence?”

Adira replied, “Dinner will be served at 2000 hours. Shall we say 1900 hours for cocktails and conversation before dinner?”

Homer said, “I will see you at 1900 hours. Until then I bid you a warm goodbye.”

Adira replied, “Until then Homer.”

Dinner was four hours away, but Adira was constantly watching the time in anticipation of her dinner guest.

 Myrina asked, “Queen Adira, you seem to be distracted. Is there a problem?”

Adira, to deflect her anticipation of dining with Homer said, “I have been approached by Ambassador Homer, requesting the Kingdom of Helenistic to participate with the United Nations in the construction of a Space Station to be home to a United Nations Reaction Force to secure member planets in the area. It would need to accommodate as many as 30 Starships. The Space Station would be built in the area of the Penthesia Kingdom.”

Myrina replied, “My Queen a Space Station such as that would be a great deterrent for the Hellas and any others who would wish to do us harm. This would be a huge commitment for us but for the United Nations as well. Would our participation be on an equal basis?”

Adira said, “I am having a business dinner with Ambassador Homer tonight to discuss the Embassy, the Space Station and the degree of participation by the United Nations and our kingdoms.”

Myrina asked, “Would you require my presence. I have a meeting with the Chief Architect about the Embassy but if you need me there, I can rearrange the meeting.”

Adira replied, “There is no need for your presence now Myrina, this is a preliminary meeting. I will need you when finalizing the agreement in a few days. The planning of the Embassy is your priority now.”

Myrina said, “As you wish my Queen.” Myrina looked at the time and said, “My meeting will be soon with the Chief Architect, my Queen. I must go and prepare. Shall we meet in the morning?”

Adira replied, “Yes, at 1000 hours. I have a personal matter to attend to earlier.”

Myrina said, “As you wish my Queen.” She then left the throne room.

Adira looked at the time. Homer would arrive in a little over an hour.  While her expectations of seeing Homer were rising, a voice in the back of her head reminded her that she was the Queen of the Helenistic Kingdoms and the leader of the Amazon Tribe. As a decedent of previous Amazon leaders, she was duty bound to uphold the principals and traditions of the Amazon Warrior Class. That voice also reminded her that any association with men would be a violation of the Amazon principals and traditions. Adira then slumped back into her throne.

 She said to herself, “I cannot let my emotions betray my duty to the Amazon Warrior Class. I must show strength, not weakness.”

Adira then straightened in her throne. With her back stiffened and her head raised high she exclaimed, “I am the decedent of the Amazon Warrior and their rulers. I will not betray that honor bestowed on me.”

As she prepared for her dinner with Homer in her private quarters her heart grew heavy with regret, but knew that her duties far outweighed the feelings in her heart. She while pushed her feelings deep inside her to a place that she felt they would never return a knock at her door startled her.

Adira said, “Yes. Who is it?”

The voice from the door replied, “It is I my Queen, Aello, your lady in waiting. It is time for you to make your way to the dining hall to meet with Ambassador Homer.”

Adira said, “I will be there shortly, I need but a few more minutes.”

Aello, through the door asked, “Does the Queen require my help?”

Adira replied, “No Aello. I am fine. Please tell Ambassador Homer I will join him shortly.”

Aello responded saying, “As you wish my Queen.”

Adira sat for a few moments with her head down, then she looked up to see a small tear welling up in her eyes. She quickly dapped the tears away, raised her head and with one last check in the mirror rose to meet Homer for her business dinner.

When Adira entered the dining hall Homer stood to greet the Queen. Homer, having studied the faces and mannerisms of leaders and diplomats from around the Galaxy, knew that there was something different about the Queen. He also learned over the years that his observations need not be revealed to the person he was observing. Therefore, he did not mention it to the Queen.

Homer said, “Queen Adira, thank you for your gracious invitation to dinner.”

Adira replied, “My dear Ambassador, it is a more pleasurable way to conduct business is it not.” With that response, Homer felt his observations were confirmed. Something had indeed changed between him and the Queen. There would be no enjoyable banter this evening. The dinner was kept friendly and cordial, but professional. The conversation at the table was kept to the Space Station and what would be provided by each party. By the end of the dinner, Homer and Adira had agreed to the building of the Space Station near the Penthesia Kingdom. Homer told Adira that a draft of the agreement would be delivered by courier tomorrow afternoon for her final approval. Homer then bowed and said good night to Adira. After Homer beamed away, she collapsed to her knees, weeping.

Frontier Space Chronicles will be released for pre-order on January 19, 2021

Don’t forget to check out my Science Fiction four book series: A Saga of Dogs of War-A Story of Mercenaries. Paperback is available on Amazon at  https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B08JQRR122  My eBooks are available at Books2Read at https://books2read.com/u/4Dglpg . They make great gifts for only .99 cents each. what a great Christmas present for the Science Fiction reader in your family or in your circle of friends. You can’t buy a coffee for that.

Remember! A donation of likes and follows keeps me feed. Thank you all for your support.