Chris Hechtl's Blog, page 27
February 26, 2020
Pirate Empress Snippet 3
And in to Chapter 2...
Chapter 2
Catherine looked at the list for her cabinet. It was woefully short, many ministers had fled before the coup, others had during it. She, like her father had yet to fill some of the posts. The deputies in charge were doing the best they could, so she left them to it for the time being. She had the shuttle ride and a bit more to think about it and other things. Not to mention read briefs. Too many briefs. And to settle with offers of positions to her supporters. Some had already accepted. Some like Marina Stuart and her sister just wanted to leave. She didn't blame them she actually secretly agreed with them. “I'll put you at the top of the evacuation list,” had been her standard response. She looked out the window as she saw the curve of the planet begin to form. It was so pretty, white, blues, greens. Pity her people had mucked it up. She thought back to seeing her father's body. She had wanted to kill the bastard for too long. Most of her family too. She had to admit, she'd felt no love lost in killing her siblings. They'd been rivals; she'd held no affection for them not even her youngest sister Khali. Khali had seemed sweet and innocent in their rare interactions on holidays but there had been something there recently, a hidden something that came out in the girl's eyes and occasionally in her smiles. No, the girl had been trouble and had needed to go. Did that make her a monster? She wasn't sure. She wasn't sure she cared. She probably knew the answer she just didn't want to be bothered answering it. Tired, she thought. The purge was still ongoing. Every pirate lord had to be found and assessed. Some were still missing. Some had already gotten out of the star system but II and ONI were still trying to track the rest down. Trying and failing because of the mess with the Feds. Some of her supporters were on board to show they were loyal to the new regime. They fell all over themselves falling in line. Those bothered her on many levels. Others wanted to prove themselves. The most zealots were the ones who were angry with the state of the system and how the war had been prosecuted. Or they had an axe to grind. Or, in too many cases, they just loved to wallow in the violence. She was determined to get it right though. They all were. They were being pressured from outside by the Federation. That meant they had to find a way to cement control fast. Fortunately, the Federation was a foreign attacker everyone could unite against. And her father had become unpopular as of late. She could and would use both to stay in power. She needed to resist the urge to strike at people who didn't agree with her. A reign of terror was fine for some but she needed to find a middle ground. She needed to be seen as even handed. But she couldn't go too soft either. The gloved fist, she thought with a slight nod to herself. Gram, your lessons are finally proving useful, she thought with an ironic twist of her lips as she sent the fleeting thought to her late and unlamented grandmother. She'd had to clean her own family from top to bottom. It had been a fire sale; everyone had been forced to go. Her father's closest supporters had gone right along with them. The assassinations had been carefully calculated. She had tried to limit the splash over with the other families. She knew there was going to be some; the families deliberately wed each other to keep infighting to a minimum. Not that that strategy worked. Dealing with the ruling families had been tricky. She had stepped on any resistance hard, but tempered her bloodlust carefully to show that she could do so when needed. She had tried to carefully calculate a moderate response as required for each given situation, since they were all different. She didn't want to come off as being too ruthless or not enough. Countess Newberry had let the story of her response to the threat of her own family get out in dribs and drabs as gossip. Word spread about how she ruthlessly picked off her own family. There were not enough people with enough power base to challenge her, and too many were looking to their own survival over banding together and coming after her. Between that and having the Admiralty, II, ONI, and the other branches of the military solidly behind her it had allowed her to consolidate her grip on power over the past several weeks. So far the Federation was holding off on further cyber-attacks. Broadcasts of the damage and civilian casualties caused by them might be helping, she wasn't sure. She was pretty sure that had been a good move, allowing the vid crews to show it had hurt her a bit, but it had showed that her people were trying to help. But it also would hurt the Federation resolve in doing further harm, especially to civilians. She knew the Federation was sensitive to such things. Then again, Admiral Irons did threaten to nova bomb the entire star system, killing everyone in the system. She wasn't certain there was a way to stop a cloaked ship from delivering a nova bomb to the sun. Probably not. That just meant she needed to find another way to take that threat off the table. She needed time. Time to cement her control, time to rebuild, and time to execute the next stage of her plan. What was that saying about time in war though? She frowned thoughtfully, puzzling over the reference before setting it aside. At the moment the origins didn't matter. A fresh thought occurred though, the Feds might be, no, they were most likely watching as they waited for some reaction. And no doubt assessing their strike and planning the next one. There had to be ways to blunt the next one. She made a note to have her people look into that. The biggest thing that was going to cement her control was decisive and clear leadership. Moderation, showing that she wasn't panicked but was taking the threats seriously. But showing strength and resolve while facing such adversity. She couldn't cave or give the appearance of caving. But time! She needed time. Her fingers curled and then straightened over and over, digging into the cloth of her pant legs. Time. It all came down to time, and a way to use it to stop the next cyber-attack while they figured out how to fix what was damaged. Well, I know someone who could handle the engineering side, she thought, touching a key to call her assistant to see how much longer she had to get to the station and her wayward lover. Their confrontation was long overdue. Hopefully her lover would forgive her. =#=#=#=
Chapter 2
Catherine looked at the list for her cabinet. It was woefully short, many ministers had fled before the coup, others had during it. She, like her father had yet to fill some of the posts. The deputies in charge were doing the best they could, so she left them to it for the time being. She had the shuttle ride and a bit more to think about it and other things. Not to mention read briefs. Too many briefs. And to settle with offers of positions to her supporters. Some had already accepted. Some like Marina Stuart and her sister just wanted to leave. She didn't blame them she actually secretly agreed with them. “I'll put you at the top of the evacuation list,” had been her standard response. She looked out the window as she saw the curve of the planet begin to form. It was so pretty, white, blues, greens. Pity her people had mucked it up. She thought back to seeing her father's body. She had wanted to kill the bastard for too long. Most of her family too. She had to admit, she'd felt no love lost in killing her siblings. They'd been rivals; she'd held no affection for them not even her youngest sister Khali. Khali had seemed sweet and innocent in their rare interactions on holidays but there had been something there recently, a hidden something that came out in the girl's eyes and occasionally in her smiles. No, the girl had been trouble and had needed to go. Did that make her a monster? She wasn't sure. She wasn't sure she cared. She probably knew the answer she just didn't want to be bothered answering it. Tired, she thought. The purge was still ongoing. Every pirate lord had to be found and assessed. Some were still missing. Some had already gotten out of the star system but II and ONI were still trying to track the rest down. Trying and failing because of the mess with the Feds. Some of her supporters were on board to show they were loyal to the new regime. They fell all over themselves falling in line. Those bothered her on many levels. Others wanted to prove themselves. The most zealots were the ones who were angry with the state of the system and how the war had been prosecuted. Or they had an axe to grind. Or, in too many cases, they just loved to wallow in the violence. She was determined to get it right though. They all were. They were being pressured from outside by the Federation. That meant they had to find a way to cement control fast. Fortunately, the Federation was a foreign attacker everyone could unite against. And her father had become unpopular as of late. She could and would use both to stay in power. She needed to resist the urge to strike at people who didn't agree with her. A reign of terror was fine for some but she needed to find a middle ground. She needed to be seen as even handed. But she couldn't go too soft either. The gloved fist, she thought with a slight nod to herself. Gram, your lessons are finally proving useful, she thought with an ironic twist of her lips as she sent the fleeting thought to her late and unlamented grandmother. She'd had to clean her own family from top to bottom. It had been a fire sale; everyone had been forced to go. Her father's closest supporters had gone right along with them. The assassinations had been carefully calculated. She had tried to limit the splash over with the other families. She knew there was going to be some; the families deliberately wed each other to keep infighting to a minimum. Not that that strategy worked. Dealing with the ruling families had been tricky. She had stepped on any resistance hard, but tempered her bloodlust carefully to show that she could do so when needed. She had tried to carefully calculate a moderate response as required for each given situation, since they were all different. She didn't want to come off as being too ruthless or not enough. Countess Newberry had let the story of her response to the threat of her own family get out in dribs and drabs as gossip. Word spread about how she ruthlessly picked off her own family. There were not enough people with enough power base to challenge her, and too many were looking to their own survival over banding together and coming after her. Between that and having the Admiralty, II, ONI, and the other branches of the military solidly behind her it had allowed her to consolidate her grip on power over the past several weeks. So far the Federation was holding off on further cyber-attacks. Broadcasts of the damage and civilian casualties caused by them might be helping, she wasn't sure. She was pretty sure that had been a good move, allowing the vid crews to show it had hurt her a bit, but it had showed that her people were trying to help. But it also would hurt the Federation resolve in doing further harm, especially to civilians. She knew the Federation was sensitive to such things. Then again, Admiral Irons did threaten to nova bomb the entire star system, killing everyone in the system. She wasn't certain there was a way to stop a cloaked ship from delivering a nova bomb to the sun. Probably not. That just meant she needed to find another way to take that threat off the table. She needed time. Time to cement her control, time to rebuild, and time to execute the next stage of her plan. What was that saying about time in war though? She frowned thoughtfully, puzzling over the reference before setting it aside. At the moment the origins didn't matter. A fresh thought occurred though, the Feds might be, no, they were most likely watching as they waited for some reaction. And no doubt assessing their strike and planning the next one. There had to be ways to blunt the next one. She made a note to have her people look into that. The biggest thing that was going to cement her control was decisive and clear leadership. Moderation, showing that she wasn't panicked but was taking the threats seriously. But showing strength and resolve while facing such adversity. She couldn't cave or give the appearance of caving. But time! She needed time. Her fingers curled and then straightened over and over, digging into the cloth of her pant legs. Time. It all came down to time, and a way to use it to stop the next cyber-attack while they figured out how to fix what was damaged. Well, I know someone who could handle the engineering side, she thought, touching a key to call her assistant to see how much longer she had to get to the station and her wayward lover. Their confrontation was long overdue. Hopefully her lover would forgive her. =#=#=#=
February 25, 2020
Pirate Empress Snippet 2
So, I'm closing in on finishing act 2 of Jethro 6, I've got 3 chapters left to rough out. Not bad. I'll hopefully be able to finish the rough draft by next week sometime.
On to the snippet!
Still in chapter 1...
Countess Sabine Newberry watched the broadcast from near the newly self-crowned empress and nodded ever so slightly. The countess was a vice admiral in the Horathian Admiralty; in fact charge of the feared Office of Naval Intelligence. She had spent decades in turf wars with the Palace Intelligence and the Secret Police. Well, now her people were dismantling both and shewas in charge. Firmly in charge. She intended to stay the boss for as long as Catherine allowed. Not to mention taking them apart like chicken, she was also taking apart the Department of Purity and Enlightenment. That was something she was of 2 minds about. It made sense in a political way, an olive branch to the Feds, but now? It didn't matter. Anyone who could have opposed Catherine was dead or gone. Most of those whom had been alive in the star system who could have opposed her had been her own family. Catherine had ruthlessly poisoned her own father and then ordered the deaths of her grandmother, siblings, and step mother. Only a few of their spouses had been left alive, mainly because she didn't want to antagonize the families they had come from. Like the Rico family. Not that the Rico family didn't deserve a bit of a shake up and culling. In fact, none of the naval families had covered themselves in glory prosecuting the disastrous war with the Federation. Her planet had spent centuries as the hub of an extensive pirate network, worming their tentacles across what was left of the galaxy after the disastrous Xeno war. They'd kept any other planet from becoming a seed to restore the Federation by their acts of piracy, gathering material for themselves while killing anyone in their way. Along the way they had planned to come out on top, announcing their primacy in a new stage by declaring the Horathian Empire. It had taken centuries of scheming and planning to get to that point. They had moved slowly at first, sending out spies to infiltrate and take control of their neighboring star systems. She wasn't countess of Garth for nothing after all. They had been working on building a war machine from their ill-gotten gains. The trouble was, rebuilding the Federation tech base was hard. The security lock outs had been formidable. But they'd finally gotten the key to unlocking it all in the form of El Dorado, a salvaged battle moon. Everything they had needed was there to cement their leadership and domination. Along the way the Ramichov family had come out on top. They had worked the political machine like experts, stirring up xenophobia for centuries and building a following until Piotr Ramichov had declared himself Emperor. From his seat of power, he'd lauded out titles to solidify his control, bribes really, she thought. Task forces had been sent out to take control of the sector while pirate lords marshaled private armies to take over their new planets and lands. But that was where they'd run into trouble. The first wave of task forces had been scratch built; they hadn't really put much effort into them since there was no opposition. But there had been. A federation sleeper in the form of Fleet Admiral John Henry Irons had been woken from his centuries slumber. He had rallied others to his side and through luck or skill, she wasn't really sure which at this point, he'd managed to break the task forces that had been coming his way. He'd had time too. News hadn't reached Horath until years later. In that time, he'd had a few adventures while his followers had used the tech base he'd given them to rebuild. From there they'd gathered neighboring worlds and then built their own defenses and fleets, taking on and destroying one pirate task force after another. She shook her head. She'd thought the Spirits of Space were a myth up until that point. Now she heard whispers that Murphy must have been involved. He must have orchestrated everything, getting them excited and at the cusp of victory snatched it from their hands. It was the only thing that made sense. She had to admit, the timing was highly suspicious. Not that anyone could do anything about that now, she thought with a flicker of annoyance. Oh, Piotr and some of the fools going in had a lot to do with the blame. Piotr had been an idiot. And they'd all sailed into the situation arrogant in their assumption of their primacy. They'd been fat dumb and happy, assuming that they were going to easily win and take their rightful place on the galactic stage finally. Well, there was something to say about assume, she thought, lips quivering in a not quite smile. It definitely made an ass out of more than one person. She glanced at Catherine. The empress was sharp; she looked good in her flag officer uniform, stern, authoritative, and imposing. She didn't have her father's slick charm and persona but that might be for the best. She didn't have the raw edges of ambition, just the determination to fix things. She looked like she knew what she was doing, and that was important. She had the backing of the admiralty and the military branches so there was that too. The people in the street probably remembered her recent activities with the arena massacre. They would think favorably of Catherine despite her assassination of her father and family. After all, stuff like that was more common than anyone wanted to admit in the Empire. They were like baby sharks; it was an eat or get eaten sort of society. Her eyes narrowed ever so slightly. Had Catherine set herself up for this position as far back as that? Possible, quite even probably. Her decisive leadership and compassion for the little man while the rest of her family took off and were evacuated had made her look good. It could have been a step in her long game. Quite probably it was, she thought with a slight nod of approval. She was relieved that Catherine wasn't reacting out of fear or a desire to prove herself. She was keeping the bloodshed to a minimum, not fueling her paranoia or the paranoia of others along the way. It was just enough to let people know she meant business while cleaning house. Her lips puckered in a slight smile. No doubt people not in the immediate line of fire were sighing in relief. Wary sighs no doubt, but sighs none the less. Now they needed to deliver. They needed to get things sorted out, find a way to beat the Feds back and then go on from there. Otherwise their days really were numbered.
On to the snippet!
Still in chapter 1...
Countess Sabine Newberry watched the broadcast from near the newly self-crowned empress and nodded ever so slightly. The countess was a vice admiral in the Horathian Admiralty; in fact charge of the feared Office of Naval Intelligence. She had spent decades in turf wars with the Palace Intelligence and the Secret Police. Well, now her people were dismantling both and shewas in charge. Firmly in charge. She intended to stay the boss for as long as Catherine allowed. Not to mention taking them apart like chicken, she was also taking apart the Department of Purity and Enlightenment. That was something she was of 2 minds about. It made sense in a political way, an olive branch to the Feds, but now? It didn't matter. Anyone who could have opposed Catherine was dead or gone. Most of those whom had been alive in the star system who could have opposed her had been her own family. Catherine had ruthlessly poisoned her own father and then ordered the deaths of her grandmother, siblings, and step mother. Only a few of their spouses had been left alive, mainly because she didn't want to antagonize the families they had come from. Like the Rico family. Not that the Rico family didn't deserve a bit of a shake up and culling. In fact, none of the naval families had covered themselves in glory prosecuting the disastrous war with the Federation. Her planet had spent centuries as the hub of an extensive pirate network, worming their tentacles across what was left of the galaxy after the disastrous Xeno war. They'd kept any other planet from becoming a seed to restore the Federation by their acts of piracy, gathering material for themselves while killing anyone in their way. Along the way they had planned to come out on top, announcing their primacy in a new stage by declaring the Horathian Empire. It had taken centuries of scheming and planning to get to that point. They had moved slowly at first, sending out spies to infiltrate and take control of their neighboring star systems. She wasn't countess of Garth for nothing after all. They had been working on building a war machine from their ill-gotten gains. The trouble was, rebuilding the Federation tech base was hard. The security lock outs had been formidable. But they'd finally gotten the key to unlocking it all in the form of El Dorado, a salvaged battle moon. Everything they had needed was there to cement their leadership and domination. Along the way the Ramichov family had come out on top. They had worked the political machine like experts, stirring up xenophobia for centuries and building a following until Piotr Ramichov had declared himself Emperor. From his seat of power, he'd lauded out titles to solidify his control, bribes really, she thought. Task forces had been sent out to take control of the sector while pirate lords marshaled private armies to take over their new planets and lands. But that was where they'd run into trouble. The first wave of task forces had been scratch built; they hadn't really put much effort into them since there was no opposition. But there had been. A federation sleeper in the form of Fleet Admiral John Henry Irons had been woken from his centuries slumber. He had rallied others to his side and through luck or skill, she wasn't really sure which at this point, he'd managed to break the task forces that had been coming his way. He'd had time too. News hadn't reached Horath until years later. In that time, he'd had a few adventures while his followers had used the tech base he'd given them to rebuild. From there they'd gathered neighboring worlds and then built their own defenses and fleets, taking on and destroying one pirate task force after another. She shook her head. She'd thought the Spirits of Space were a myth up until that point. Now she heard whispers that Murphy must have been involved. He must have orchestrated everything, getting them excited and at the cusp of victory snatched it from their hands. It was the only thing that made sense. She had to admit, the timing was highly suspicious. Not that anyone could do anything about that now, she thought with a flicker of annoyance. Oh, Piotr and some of the fools going in had a lot to do with the blame. Piotr had been an idiot. And they'd all sailed into the situation arrogant in their assumption of their primacy. They'd been fat dumb and happy, assuming that they were going to easily win and take their rightful place on the galactic stage finally. Well, there was something to say about assume, she thought, lips quivering in a not quite smile. It definitely made an ass out of more than one person. She glanced at Catherine. The empress was sharp; she looked good in her flag officer uniform, stern, authoritative, and imposing. She didn't have her father's slick charm and persona but that might be for the best. She didn't have the raw edges of ambition, just the determination to fix things. She looked like she knew what she was doing, and that was important. She had the backing of the admiralty and the military branches so there was that too. The people in the street probably remembered her recent activities with the arena massacre. They would think favorably of Catherine despite her assassination of her father and family. After all, stuff like that was more common than anyone wanted to admit in the Empire. They were like baby sharks; it was an eat or get eaten sort of society. Her eyes narrowed ever so slightly. Had Catherine set herself up for this position as far back as that? Possible, quite even probably. Her decisive leadership and compassion for the little man while the rest of her family took off and were evacuated had made her look good. It could have been a step in her long game. Quite probably it was, she thought with a slight nod of approval. She was relieved that Catherine wasn't reacting out of fear or a desire to prove herself. She was keeping the bloodshed to a minimum, not fueling her paranoia or the paranoia of others along the way. It was just enough to let people know she meant business while cleaning house. Her lips puckered in a slight smile. No doubt people not in the immediate line of fire were sighing in relief. Wary sighs no doubt, but sighs none the less. Now they needed to deliver. They needed to get things sorted out, find a way to beat the Feds back and then go on from there. Otherwise their days really were numbered.
February 24, 2020
Pirate Empress Snippet 1
Okay, so, later than expected, but given what's been going on not surprising I guess. I sent the manuscript off to Rea over the weekend. I even did my taxes too.
I am officially half way through Jethro 6: Drop Commando. More on that in the future.
I'm hoping to get through it before the Funeral and invasion. I agreed to a couple of people spending the week with us and it's going to get... interesting to say the least.
On to the snippet!
Oh, wait, a note on that. Chapter 1 picks up during the events of Chapter 58 and moves on from there. So, you get to see a few things I left out.
Chapter 1
“What the hell is going on?” Commodore Elvira Varbossa demanded once she was marched into a room. She looked around the room; it was a basic junior officer's quarters. The 2 guards had said nothing. When she turned on them they just closed the door. She pounded on it with her fist, pissed. “You said you'd explain when we got to where we were going!” she raged, then sank down. She didn't know. That was what bothered her the most. Was she being interred? Had something happened to Catherine? What the hell was going on??! Her eyes widened as a fresh thought occurred to her. Had she been abducted? Or was it Imperial Intelligence? The Palace Guard? Secret Police? Who was behind this? “Damn it, I've got work to do!” she raged, pounding on the door before giving it up as a wasted effort. She ran a frustrated hand through her raven locks, unsure what to do. She looked around the quarters, shoulders against the door. The standard view screen was missing. Perfect. Apparently they didn't want her to access the net. She had basic implants, they lacked wifi. She scowled at the wiring and then to the small desk. Under it she saw a stack of water bottle and energy bars, even some MRE's. Apparently someone thought she was going to be there a while. She checked the head. It was a Jack and Jill style, typical of junior officers but the other door was locked. She looked at it, ready to see if she could find a way to pick it but then noted it had been spot welded shut. “Yeah, someone has done their homework,” she muttered. It didn't bode well for her. Then again, it wasn't the brig or worse, the wrong side of an airlock. “What's that saying? Where there is life there is hope?” she shook her head. Hope was in short supply at the moment. The Federation was at their door. No, worse, they were past it and in the home star system of the Horathian Empire. A recent cyber-attack and physical attack had shattered Horath's industry. Hell, not just their industry, everyone's nerve, she thought in anger. Her fingers clenched until she felt her nails bite into her palms. “Frack,” she muttered. “What the hell am I supposed to do, stare at the walls?” she growled, eyeing the room. She picked a hair brush up and threw it at the door. It clattered and then fell to the floor. As expected, no response. She let out a puttering sigh and regained control of her nerves. She should be freaked. Had they thought of that? Not even a damn note. Many people in her position would be freaked beyond reason. Ready to charge the guards harm themselves or others. Threaten them; get themselves in trouble, whatever. All she wanted to do was get back to work. Up until a short time ago she had been neck deep in trying to salvage something, anything of the situation. The yards were torn up. Every piece of electronic hardware was fracked up, either destroyed by rampaging viruses or shut down with the viruses lurking in their software for a reboot. She wasn't much of a coder but she'd played her part trying to work the problem. And now this. She sat on the edge of the rack and tried to figure out what was going on. She pulled open the desk draws, empty. There was an exercise mat under the bed and a change of clothes, sweats. “Yeah, someone thought of everything except me going nuts!” she said, yelling at the door. As expected, no response. She huffed and then punched the mattress for a few moments. Crying wasn't her style but she was tempted. It just didn't seem to matter. “Damn it!” =#=#=#= "This is Empress Catherine Ramichov addressing the population of the Horathian Empire for the first time," Catherine said carefully. It was her first address to the people, and she wanted it to hit just the right tone. It had taken a lot of work to get the short message out. She wasn't sure about the punch, but she wanted to get it out quickly. It was funny, something her late and unlamented grandmother had taught her. Many people planned up to an event but rarely the aftermath. Well, she had, but not the events around it that had led to this point she hadn't figured on. Nor the additional audience of the hidden Federation ships. So she had to be quick and careful. "My father and family are dead. Do not mourn them, for I ended their threat to our civilization once and for all. Had I not done so my father would have defiantly let Horath burn while continuing to think he was about to win." She waited for that to sink in. "My father enacted a paranoid act of genocide, first with the Ministry of Purity and Enlightenment, and then with his genocidal campaign that has turned the entire galaxy against us. I won't make excuses for his actions or those who supported him. We realize now that it was a mistake, something my father could and would never admit." "Well, he's no longer among the living so this is now our problem. Now we have to deal with his legacy. My second act as empress is to renounce the bloodlust as Admiral Irons eloquently called it. No longer will we act on our baser impulses. We are better than that." "For now we will work on search and rescue and help those we can as I consult with my new Ministers and the House of Lords on our next course of action. That is all." =#=#=#=
I am officially half way through Jethro 6: Drop Commando. More on that in the future.
I'm hoping to get through it before the Funeral and invasion. I agreed to a couple of people spending the week with us and it's going to get... interesting to say the least.
On to the snippet!
Oh, wait, a note on that. Chapter 1 picks up during the events of Chapter 58 and moves on from there. So, you get to see a few things I left out.
Chapter 1
“What the hell is going on?” Commodore Elvira Varbossa demanded once she was marched into a room. She looked around the room; it was a basic junior officer's quarters. The 2 guards had said nothing. When she turned on them they just closed the door. She pounded on it with her fist, pissed. “You said you'd explain when we got to where we were going!” she raged, then sank down. She didn't know. That was what bothered her the most. Was she being interred? Had something happened to Catherine? What the hell was going on??! Her eyes widened as a fresh thought occurred to her. Had she been abducted? Or was it Imperial Intelligence? The Palace Guard? Secret Police? Who was behind this? “Damn it, I've got work to do!” she raged, pounding on the door before giving it up as a wasted effort. She ran a frustrated hand through her raven locks, unsure what to do. She looked around the quarters, shoulders against the door. The standard view screen was missing. Perfect. Apparently they didn't want her to access the net. She had basic implants, they lacked wifi. She scowled at the wiring and then to the small desk. Under it she saw a stack of water bottle and energy bars, even some MRE's. Apparently someone thought she was going to be there a while. She checked the head. It was a Jack and Jill style, typical of junior officers but the other door was locked. She looked at it, ready to see if she could find a way to pick it but then noted it had been spot welded shut. “Yeah, someone has done their homework,” she muttered. It didn't bode well for her. Then again, it wasn't the brig or worse, the wrong side of an airlock. “What's that saying? Where there is life there is hope?” she shook her head. Hope was in short supply at the moment. The Federation was at their door. No, worse, they were past it and in the home star system of the Horathian Empire. A recent cyber-attack and physical attack had shattered Horath's industry. Hell, not just their industry, everyone's nerve, she thought in anger. Her fingers clenched until she felt her nails bite into her palms. “Frack,” she muttered. “What the hell am I supposed to do, stare at the walls?” she growled, eyeing the room. She picked a hair brush up and threw it at the door. It clattered and then fell to the floor. As expected, no response. She let out a puttering sigh and regained control of her nerves. She should be freaked. Had they thought of that? Not even a damn note. Many people in her position would be freaked beyond reason. Ready to charge the guards harm themselves or others. Threaten them; get themselves in trouble, whatever. All she wanted to do was get back to work. Up until a short time ago she had been neck deep in trying to salvage something, anything of the situation. The yards were torn up. Every piece of electronic hardware was fracked up, either destroyed by rampaging viruses or shut down with the viruses lurking in their software for a reboot. She wasn't much of a coder but she'd played her part trying to work the problem. And now this. She sat on the edge of the rack and tried to figure out what was going on. She pulled open the desk draws, empty. There was an exercise mat under the bed and a change of clothes, sweats. “Yeah, someone thought of everything except me going nuts!” she said, yelling at the door. As expected, no response. She huffed and then punched the mattress for a few moments. Crying wasn't her style but she was tempted. It just didn't seem to matter. “Damn it!” =#=#=#= "This is Empress Catherine Ramichov addressing the population of the Horathian Empire for the first time," Catherine said carefully. It was her first address to the people, and she wanted it to hit just the right tone. It had taken a lot of work to get the short message out. She wasn't sure about the punch, but she wanted to get it out quickly. It was funny, something her late and unlamented grandmother had taught her. Many people planned up to an event but rarely the aftermath. Well, she had, but not the events around it that had led to this point she hadn't figured on. Nor the additional audience of the hidden Federation ships. So she had to be quick and careful. "My father and family are dead. Do not mourn them, for I ended their threat to our civilization once and for all. Had I not done so my father would have defiantly let Horath burn while continuing to think he was about to win." She waited for that to sink in. "My father enacted a paranoid act of genocide, first with the Ministry of Purity and Enlightenment, and then with his genocidal campaign that has turned the entire galaxy against us. I won't make excuses for his actions or those who supported him. We realize now that it was a mistake, something my father could and would never admit." "Well, he's no longer among the living so this is now our problem. Now we have to deal with his legacy. My second act as empress is to renounce the bloodlust as Admiral Irons eloquently called it. No longer will we act on our baser impulses. We are better than that." "For now we will work on search and rescue and help those we can as I consult with my new Ministers and the House of Lords on our next course of action. That is all." =#=#=#=
February 10, 2020
Pirate Empress Cover
So, I've been sitting on this for a week or so.
You can see Catherine and Elvira on the left, Ivan on the right. I'll do the write up and stuff later.
It has been a traumatizing week. Last week turned into the most horrible week of my life. We had a tragic unexpected stupid death in the family. (I found the body and I'm still having issues with that.) On top of that my dad got some bad medical news which just added insult to injury. The expression 'it never rains but it pours' came to mind. Coincidentally it has been raining. Sigh.
The family is rallying. The extended family are still slowly being notified so I'm not going to go into much more detail. (I've been asked to keep it brief anyway for the sake of the kids anyway) We're all still in shock and going through the various stages of grief.
I am going to start Jethro 6 sometime this week but I am not sure when. The Betas are working on PE and will be getting me the edits back soon.
You can see Catherine and Elvira on the left, Ivan on the right. I'll do the write up and stuff later.It has been a traumatizing week. Last week turned into the most horrible week of my life. We had a tragic unexpected stupid death in the family. (I found the body and I'm still having issues with that.) On top of that my dad got some bad medical news which just added insult to injury. The expression 'it never rains but it pours' came to mind. Coincidentally it has been raining. Sigh.
The family is rallying. The extended family are still slowly being notified so I'm not going to go into much more detail. (I've been asked to keep it brief anyway for the sake of the kids anyway) We're all still in shock and going through the various stages of grief.
I am going to start Jethro 6 sometime this week but I am not sure when. The Betas are working on PE and will be getting me the edits back soon.
December 24, 2019
Happy Holidays
Did these in Daz3d.
Happy Holidays everyone!
Happy Holidays everyone!
December 18, 2019
The Calm Before the Storm is publishing now!
Hi,
An early Christmas gift to the fans out there, thank you for your loyal patronage. I just finished publishing the manuscript at Amazon and B&N, it should go live in the next 6 to 72 hours.
Fleet Admiral John Henry Irons has been the guiding force behind the reconstruction of the Federation, practically dragging the galaxy back from the dark ages by sheer force of will. He has met some remarkable people along the way, inspiring them to join in his effort. Here are ten tales of the Reborn Federation, spanning from Liberty or Death to Blockade and beyond.
Some of the stories actually are prior to Liberty or Death, or at least start prior. I forgot that part until now. Oops? lol
As usual I'll post the links when they go live.
Happy Holidays everyone!
An early Christmas gift to the fans out there, thank you for your loyal patronage. I just finished publishing the manuscript at Amazon and B&N, it should go live in the next 6 to 72 hours.
Fleet Admiral John Henry Irons has been the guiding force behind the reconstruction of the Federation, practically dragging the galaxy back from the dark ages by sheer force of will. He has met some remarkable people along the way, inspiring them to join in his effort. Here are ten tales of the Reborn Federation, spanning from Liberty or Death to Blockade and beyond.
Some of the stories actually are prior to Liberty or Death, or at least start prior. I forgot that part until now. Oops? lol
As usual I'll post the links when they go live.
Happy Holidays everyone!
The Calm Before the Storm Snippet 5
Last snippet. I'm going to publish the manuscript later today or tomorrow!
Still in I'll be Home for Christmas:
Since Shanti's kittens were the equivalent of teenagers, it was inevitable that some of the kittens wanted to be with their friends for the holidays. Sabu had been the first to start moving his life out of the household and stretching himself into his adult form. He was leaving soon so he resented being tied to home. But then he felt guilty, it was going to be a long time before he got the chance to be with family again. He had become dark and brooding after the assassination attempt. The changes he was going through as he matured into an adult were not helping with his mood swings. Each of the kittens were young adults. Sometimes they resented that they were aging at half the speed of some of their Neo friends. They had each taken additional classes on top of their normal abbreviated high school mandatory classes. Lil Red was big on helping them with their homework, though they were far ahead of her. Hrriss and Zuhura were graduating the abbreviated Neo high school with general and science associate degrees. That would clear the way for them to get into their respective chosen fields later for a lot less investment in time and money. Suqi and Sabu had a couple of college classes under their belt, but they were more hands-on oriented. Sabu was the black sheep of the group, stubbornly preferring to go his own way, even when it didn't make sense. His Aunt Rah called him hardheaded. His mother liked to say that he had to learn things for himself. Lil Red liked to call him Mister Ornery. His siblings gave him a guilt trip during their talk and exchange of Christmas lists. “Look, this is our last Christmas together. Our last time,” Zuhura said plaintively. “Don't be a snot.” “You don't know that.” Sabu growled, hunching his shoulders. Some of his friends had a plan to go to a party at Jany's house since her family was out of town and then go skiing. He wanted to go badly. He resented Zuhura playing the doe eyes. He knew his sister; she was incredibly smart and a bit manipulative. It bugged him into resisting even though he knew she was right. “Not for sure but probably,” Hrriss said. “You don't know that,” he said again stubbornly. “Don't I?” Zuhura asked, studying him. “Hrriss and I are going to Antigua. You and Suqi are going to Agnosta to become Marines like dad was. Who knows when we'll all be able to get back together again. Maybe in a decade, maybe never again. So, let's try to make the best of it. For mom's sake?” Sabu scowled but that made him nod slowly. They all knew how badly their mother missed their father. “All right,” he grumbled. “Thanks, bro,” Zuhura said, teasingly tugging on an ear until he growled and took a mock swipe at her. ~~~*~~~ Zuhura had a test to study for. Hrriss had planned to stay on the planet and become a ranger like their mom and aunt but had been talked into joining his sister on Antigua and pursuing a justice degree. He'd already earned a full justice degree scholarship. That meant he was also busy studying hard. Each played music. Lil Red had introduced them to ear buds and headphones to keep the volume of competing tastes in music down to a dull roar indoors. She still shook her head as she picked up after them. They didn't notice when Ellen came by for a visit until they sniffed her out. Their former nanny was greeted with hugs and purrs as the troop came down to chat with her. ~~~*~~~ Shanti couldn't get any of the kittens free; they all had tests so she visited her sister Rah and her new family alone. That was a pity, but she knew that her sister would understand. Besides, it was nice to catch up alone. It was fun, but Rah was distracted by her own family. She had just had a litter of three and was quite proud of them. It took time to get the kittens sorted out. Shanti didn't begrudge the time; she was always gooey over kittens and cubs. Once the kittens were tired out and bedded down for a nap, they finally had a talk over a cup of tea just before she had to leave. “So, what's new?” Rah asked. “Well, I hardly see you,” Shanti drawled as she stirred her cup. Rah had taken an extended maternity leave. When she came back, she was planning on handling dispatch duties for a while. “Yeah, I know,” Rah said ruefully. “Who would have thunk it. Me getting hitched let alone have a litter of my own?” she shot a fond look to the camera feed watching the sleeping trio. Shanti flicked her ears in wry humor over that statement. “So,” she crossed her legs after a moment. “So,” her sister echoed mirroring her. “You know you can be an irritating snot, you know that?” Shanti observed with an ear flick. Rah's eyes twinkled. “I learned it from my big sister. Spill!” “I'm that obvious?” “To me. Give!” Shanti laughed. “I went to visit Moira the other day. She's on the hunt for a successor.” “Oh?” “Yeah. She tried to saddle it on me! Can you believe that?” Shanti said with a shake of her head. Her sister cocked her head thoughtfully as she stirred her tea. “Well, now that I think about it …” Shanti stared agape at her in shock before she chuffed. “Do you want to get smacked?” “Well, I'm just saying, with your law enforcement pedigree, plus the blessing of half the planet …” “Not you too!” Shanti laughed. “Well, better than some … politician,” Rah said, making the last word sound like a swear word. “True, but I get enough paperwork and stress with my present job. Not to mention people occasionally trying to kill me. Me and meetings?” Shanti shivered. “I'd want to wring their necks after the first one!” Her sister doubled over in a giggling fit. Shanti rolled her eyes but there was a glitter of humor in it. “Thanks but no thanks,” she said firmly. “Well, you've got to appreciate the offer. And it was just a suggestion,” Rah said between giggles. Shanti snorted and shook her head. She sipped her drink as her sister recovered. “So,” Rah said, taking a sip of her own drink. “What are you going to do when the nest is well and truly empty?” Shanti flicked her ears. “I don't know,” she said honestly. “Spoil my niece and nephews rotten?” Rah snorted. Shanti shook her head wryly. “The way White keeps shelling them out I don't know if it ever will be.” She took on a thoughtful look as she looked up to the ceiling. “I considered going in for Star Marshal.” “Huh,” her sister said noncommittally. “You could do it.” “I know that. It's the travel part. I dunno about that,” Shanti admitted. She chuffed at herself. “Call me an old-fashioned homebody girl I guess. I can get enough excitement and adventure here.” “True.” “If the family moved to Antigua though …” “No.” She squirmed a bit, considering mentioning the offered trip to Antigua. She decided against it. She was pretty sure where her sister would side on that dilemma. “I mean, you'd be with Jethro,” Rah offered. Shanti laughed. “Only when he's home!” “True.” “I don't know where in the galaxy the kittens will end up. College is just a stepping stone to their own careers,” Shanti reminded her. Rah nodded sagely. “Besides, they don't need me hovering.” “And Jethro?” “What is it they say? Absence doth make the heart grow fonder?” she said. Rah smiled. “We will see each other again.” “Hopefully.” “And we'll screw like minks when we do. So he'll probably get me knocked up and then take off again,” Shanti said in an aggrieved voice. Rah doubled up laughing again. “Well, that'll solve your empty nest problem!” “Maybe,” Shanti said. When she left, she timed it just ahead of an incoming snow storm. Once she was home, Shanti and Red worried about the kittens but they said they were on their way. She reminded herself they were mostly grown; she had been in the resistance when she'd been their age. They'd held the kittens back long enough. She felt a pang. She was going to miss them terribly and Jethro. She didn't know what the future would bring. She was almost tempted to follow them to Antigua. Almost. She knew that they needed to strike out on their own, to become their own adult persons. They didn't need a helicopter mom hovering over them. They would trip, they would fall from time to time, but they'd learn to get up and stand on their own two feet, or four as the case may be. Watching the snow fall curled up by a window in the evening, curled up with a book, the kittens come in, stomping their feet. ~~~*~~~
Still in I'll be Home for Christmas:
Since Shanti's kittens were the equivalent of teenagers, it was inevitable that some of the kittens wanted to be with their friends for the holidays. Sabu had been the first to start moving his life out of the household and stretching himself into his adult form. He was leaving soon so he resented being tied to home. But then he felt guilty, it was going to be a long time before he got the chance to be with family again. He had become dark and brooding after the assassination attempt. The changes he was going through as he matured into an adult were not helping with his mood swings. Each of the kittens were young adults. Sometimes they resented that they were aging at half the speed of some of their Neo friends. They had each taken additional classes on top of their normal abbreviated high school mandatory classes. Lil Red was big on helping them with their homework, though they were far ahead of her. Hrriss and Zuhura were graduating the abbreviated Neo high school with general and science associate degrees. That would clear the way for them to get into their respective chosen fields later for a lot less investment in time and money. Suqi and Sabu had a couple of college classes under their belt, but they were more hands-on oriented. Sabu was the black sheep of the group, stubbornly preferring to go his own way, even when it didn't make sense. His Aunt Rah called him hardheaded. His mother liked to say that he had to learn things for himself. Lil Red liked to call him Mister Ornery. His siblings gave him a guilt trip during their talk and exchange of Christmas lists. “Look, this is our last Christmas together. Our last time,” Zuhura said plaintively. “Don't be a snot.” “You don't know that.” Sabu growled, hunching his shoulders. Some of his friends had a plan to go to a party at Jany's house since her family was out of town and then go skiing. He wanted to go badly. He resented Zuhura playing the doe eyes. He knew his sister; she was incredibly smart and a bit manipulative. It bugged him into resisting even though he knew she was right. “Not for sure but probably,” Hrriss said. “You don't know that,” he said again stubbornly. “Don't I?” Zuhura asked, studying him. “Hrriss and I are going to Antigua. You and Suqi are going to Agnosta to become Marines like dad was. Who knows when we'll all be able to get back together again. Maybe in a decade, maybe never again. So, let's try to make the best of it. For mom's sake?” Sabu scowled but that made him nod slowly. They all knew how badly their mother missed their father. “All right,” he grumbled. “Thanks, bro,” Zuhura said, teasingly tugging on an ear until he growled and took a mock swipe at her. ~~~*~~~ Zuhura had a test to study for. Hrriss had planned to stay on the planet and become a ranger like their mom and aunt but had been talked into joining his sister on Antigua and pursuing a justice degree. He'd already earned a full justice degree scholarship. That meant he was also busy studying hard. Each played music. Lil Red had introduced them to ear buds and headphones to keep the volume of competing tastes in music down to a dull roar indoors. She still shook her head as she picked up after them. They didn't notice when Ellen came by for a visit until they sniffed her out. Their former nanny was greeted with hugs and purrs as the troop came down to chat with her. ~~~*~~~ Shanti couldn't get any of the kittens free; they all had tests so she visited her sister Rah and her new family alone. That was a pity, but she knew that her sister would understand. Besides, it was nice to catch up alone. It was fun, but Rah was distracted by her own family. She had just had a litter of three and was quite proud of them. It took time to get the kittens sorted out. Shanti didn't begrudge the time; she was always gooey over kittens and cubs. Once the kittens were tired out and bedded down for a nap, they finally had a talk over a cup of tea just before she had to leave. “So, what's new?” Rah asked. “Well, I hardly see you,” Shanti drawled as she stirred her cup. Rah had taken an extended maternity leave. When she came back, she was planning on handling dispatch duties for a while. “Yeah, I know,” Rah said ruefully. “Who would have thunk it. Me getting hitched let alone have a litter of my own?” she shot a fond look to the camera feed watching the sleeping trio. Shanti flicked her ears in wry humor over that statement. “So,” she crossed her legs after a moment. “So,” her sister echoed mirroring her. “You know you can be an irritating snot, you know that?” Shanti observed with an ear flick. Rah's eyes twinkled. “I learned it from my big sister. Spill!” “I'm that obvious?” “To me. Give!” Shanti laughed. “I went to visit Moira the other day. She's on the hunt for a successor.” “Oh?” “Yeah. She tried to saddle it on me! Can you believe that?” Shanti said with a shake of her head. Her sister cocked her head thoughtfully as she stirred her tea. “Well, now that I think about it …” Shanti stared agape at her in shock before she chuffed. “Do you want to get smacked?” “Well, I'm just saying, with your law enforcement pedigree, plus the blessing of half the planet …” “Not you too!” Shanti laughed. “Well, better than some … politician,” Rah said, making the last word sound like a swear word. “True, but I get enough paperwork and stress with my present job. Not to mention people occasionally trying to kill me. Me and meetings?” Shanti shivered. “I'd want to wring their necks after the first one!” Her sister doubled over in a giggling fit. Shanti rolled her eyes but there was a glitter of humor in it. “Thanks but no thanks,” she said firmly. “Well, you've got to appreciate the offer. And it was just a suggestion,” Rah said between giggles. Shanti snorted and shook her head. She sipped her drink as her sister recovered. “So,” Rah said, taking a sip of her own drink. “What are you going to do when the nest is well and truly empty?” Shanti flicked her ears. “I don't know,” she said honestly. “Spoil my niece and nephews rotten?” Rah snorted. Shanti shook her head wryly. “The way White keeps shelling them out I don't know if it ever will be.” She took on a thoughtful look as she looked up to the ceiling. “I considered going in for Star Marshal.” “Huh,” her sister said noncommittally. “You could do it.” “I know that. It's the travel part. I dunno about that,” Shanti admitted. She chuffed at herself. “Call me an old-fashioned homebody girl I guess. I can get enough excitement and adventure here.” “True.” “If the family moved to Antigua though …” “No.” She squirmed a bit, considering mentioning the offered trip to Antigua. She decided against it. She was pretty sure where her sister would side on that dilemma. “I mean, you'd be with Jethro,” Rah offered. Shanti laughed. “Only when he's home!” “True.” “I don't know where in the galaxy the kittens will end up. College is just a stepping stone to their own careers,” Shanti reminded her. Rah nodded sagely. “Besides, they don't need me hovering.” “And Jethro?” “What is it they say? Absence doth make the heart grow fonder?” she said. Rah smiled. “We will see each other again.” “Hopefully.” “And we'll screw like minks when we do. So he'll probably get me knocked up and then take off again,” Shanti said in an aggrieved voice. Rah doubled up laughing again. “Well, that'll solve your empty nest problem!” “Maybe,” Shanti said. When she left, she timed it just ahead of an incoming snow storm. Once she was home, Shanti and Red worried about the kittens but they said they were on their way. She reminded herself they were mostly grown; she had been in the resistance when she'd been their age. They'd held the kittens back long enough. She felt a pang. She was going to miss them terribly and Jethro. She didn't know what the future would bring. She was almost tempted to follow them to Antigua. Almost. She knew that they needed to strike out on their own, to become their own adult persons. They didn't need a helicopter mom hovering over them. They would trip, they would fall from time to time, but they'd learn to get up and stand on their own two feet, or four as the case may be. Watching the snow fall curled up by a window in the evening, curled up with a book, the kittens come in, stomping their feet. ~~~*~~~
December 17, 2019
The Calm Before the Storm Snippet 4
So, I got the manuscript back from Goodlifeguide last night. I'll work on publishing it soon.
I decided to skip to the end here and start one of the Christmas stories in the book:
I'll be Home for Christmas
Shanti McClintock parked the truck and then got out, checking her gear. She'd done her vehicle patrol, but she liked to do a foot patrol in a couple of areas. Her favorite part of the capital was a strip in the business area decked out in a Victorian theme. It was the most festive and therefore had a lot of shoppers and business. Nothing beat actually getting out and meeting the people, let them see you as a person, not someone in authority lording over them. It helped when she needed information about a particular vexing case. She was more approachable on foot. Besides, she needed the exercise and breath of fresh air. Sometimes she thought they'd taken a step backwards by getting the patrol vehicles. Sure they let her cover a lot of distance, and do so in a hurry on occasion, and they could haul a lot of gear, but they were so … confining. Technically, she didn't need to be out on patrol; she was a Planetary Ranger Commander. She ran an entire precinct. By rights she should be in meetings. But she hated them with, well, not quite a passion, but enough of one to actively avoid them whenever she could. Her implant feed scanned the crowd for her. No one was coming up in her wanted files. That was good; she didn't want to have to make a scene. Her implants had come about after Jethro's last visit and assassination attempt. She'd received a full package including an antigeriatric stabilization treatment. She'd protested of course, but Moira, Rah, Cali, Moreta, and Blizzard had insisted. She'd even gotten an email from Admiral Irons, who she suspected was the true motivating force behind the gift. He'd made it clear that he wanted to give her the tools to stay as safe as possible despite her profession and to keep the kittens safe. Given Jethro's problems with the Guild, she'd reluctantly agreed. Besides, the implants were addictive. She didn't have an A.I. like her husband's Bast to manage them, but they helped a lot with handling communications and paperwork. She tipped her hat or warmly greeted friends while out on her walk. She was polite to others who smiled at her, nodding and giving them a tip of her hat in passing as well. She passed on season's greetings and wasn't above getting a hot cup of tea and a snack. She saw vendors roasting chestnuts and other things and handing them out to eager shoppers. ~~~*~~~ Lil Red was busy at home. Once she got her usual morning chores done, she set into baking a few things for the neighbors. She checked on her sister's kittens. Her youngest nieces and nephews were sleeping so she slipped out of the house to check on the bears next door. She found them all hibernating nicely. She left the salmon cookies on the counter and then quietly slipped out and returned home. ~~~*~~~ When Shanti went off shift, she stopped by the capital building to talk with the planetary president, Colonel Moira White Wolf. Security was tight, but she was a ranger and had an appointment. She was also well-known and in uniform so it wasn't much of a hassle to get in. The capital building was decorated for the holidays. Moira had restarted the tradition of holiday lights and festive things. She had recently overseen the tree lighting ceremony; Shanti had pulled security for it. The arctic Neowolf was near the end of her last term. She was ready to retire again, though she wasn't sure if she would remain in the Marines or not. She couldn't help but tease Shanti about filling in her shoes. Shanti shook her head frantically. “Oh no. No way. Uh uh! Not me!” “Well, maybe later,” the wolf said with a grin and ear flick. “In your dreams!” The colonel chuffed a laugh. “Well, there is a trip to Antigua coming up …,” the wolf said slyly. Shanti grimaced, ears going flat. “The law enforcement conference?” “Yes. We need to send someone. Since it is around the same time as the kittens starting their semester … and you'd get to settle them in …” Shanti scowled. “I'll think about it, okay?” she said after a long moment. Moira studied her and then nodded. “You do that. It passes through Protodon, and a little birdy told me that the military is staging through there.” Shanti shrugged that idea off. The chances of seeing Jethro were remote. “And, if you do go, you and the kittens might be able to tour Protodon and Antigua.” Shanti snorted. “Are you trying to say I need a family vacation? Or just trying to get rid of me?” Moira sat back with a canine version of a laugh. “A bit of both my dear, just putting a bug in your ear.” “Consider it in. Now, are we going to see you around Christmas?” Shanti asked, changing the subject. Moira sighed. “I wish, dear, but I promised to visit the pack up north.” “Ah, well, I'll have one of the kittens drop off your gifts then,” Shanti said. She felt a bit down about that. “You don't have to do that.” “Oh, but I do. And they all should try to see you since they are leaving soon. I don't know when they'll ever get the chance to see their “Aunt Moira” again.” The wolf cocked her head. “Empty nest syndrome?” Shanti sought out her own feelings and then shrugged it aside with an ear flick. “It's not empty yet,” she pointed out. “And I doubt it ever will be with Lil Red and Lil White around. Especially with Lil White!” Moira chuckled. “Yes, she's her own population explosion,” she said with a shake of her head. “Something like that,” Shanti said with a nod. “Get a tree yet?” Moira asked. Shanti shook her head. “We do that a few days before Christmas so it's fresh. That and so the kittens won't wreck it,” she said with a long suffering sigh. Moira chuckled. “Your litter or Lil White's?” “Both!” Shanti said in exasperation. Moira chuffed louder. ~~~*~~~
I decided to skip to the end here and start one of the Christmas stories in the book:
I'll be Home for Christmas
Shanti McClintock parked the truck and then got out, checking her gear. She'd done her vehicle patrol, but she liked to do a foot patrol in a couple of areas. Her favorite part of the capital was a strip in the business area decked out in a Victorian theme. It was the most festive and therefore had a lot of shoppers and business. Nothing beat actually getting out and meeting the people, let them see you as a person, not someone in authority lording over them. It helped when she needed information about a particular vexing case. She was more approachable on foot. Besides, she needed the exercise and breath of fresh air. Sometimes she thought they'd taken a step backwards by getting the patrol vehicles. Sure they let her cover a lot of distance, and do so in a hurry on occasion, and they could haul a lot of gear, but they were so … confining. Technically, she didn't need to be out on patrol; she was a Planetary Ranger Commander. She ran an entire precinct. By rights she should be in meetings. But she hated them with, well, not quite a passion, but enough of one to actively avoid them whenever she could. Her implant feed scanned the crowd for her. No one was coming up in her wanted files. That was good; she didn't want to have to make a scene. Her implants had come about after Jethro's last visit and assassination attempt. She'd received a full package including an antigeriatric stabilization treatment. She'd protested of course, but Moira, Rah, Cali, Moreta, and Blizzard had insisted. She'd even gotten an email from Admiral Irons, who she suspected was the true motivating force behind the gift. He'd made it clear that he wanted to give her the tools to stay as safe as possible despite her profession and to keep the kittens safe. Given Jethro's problems with the Guild, she'd reluctantly agreed. Besides, the implants were addictive. She didn't have an A.I. like her husband's Bast to manage them, but they helped a lot with handling communications and paperwork. She tipped her hat or warmly greeted friends while out on her walk. She was polite to others who smiled at her, nodding and giving them a tip of her hat in passing as well. She passed on season's greetings and wasn't above getting a hot cup of tea and a snack. She saw vendors roasting chestnuts and other things and handing them out to eager shoppers. ~~~*~~~ Lil Red was busy at home. Once she got her usual morning chores done, she set into baking a few things for the neighbors. She checked on her sister's kittens. Her youngest nieces and nephews were sleeping so she slipped out of the house to check on the bears next door. She found them all hibernating nicely. She left the salmon cookies on the counter and then quietly slipped out and returned home. ~~~*~~~ When Shanti went off shift, she stopped by the capital building to talk with the planetary president, Colonel Moira White Wolf. Security was tight, but she was a ranger and had an appointment. She was also well-known and in uniform so it wasn't much of a hassle to get in. The capital building was decorated for the holidays. Moira had restarted the tradition of holiday lights and festive things. She had recently overseen the tree lighting ceremony; Shanti had pulled security for it. The arctic Neowolf was near the end of her last term. She was ready to retire again, though she wasn't sure if she would remain in the Marines or not. She couldn't help but tease Shanti about filling in her shoes. Shanti shook her head frantically. “Oh no. No way. Uh uh! Not me!” “Well, maybe later,” the wolf said with a grin and ear flick. “In your dreams!” The colonel chuffed a laugh. “Well, there is a trip to Antigua coming up …,” the wolf said slyly. Shanti grimaced, ears going flat. “The law enforcement conference?” “Yes. We need to send someone. Since it is around the same time as the kittens starting their semester … and you'd get to settle them in …” Shanti scowled. “I'll think about it, okay?” she said after a long moment. Moira studied her and then nodded. “You do that. It passes through Protodon, and a little birdy told me that the military is staging through there.” Shanti shrugged that idea off. The chances of seeing Jethro were remote. “And, if you do go, you and the kittens might be able to tour Protodon and Antigua.” Shanti snorted. “Are you trying to say I need a family vacation? Or just trying to get rid of me?” Moira sat back with a canine version of a laugh. “A bit of both my dear, just putting a bug in your ear.” “Consider it in. Now, are we going to see you around Christmas?” Shanti asked, changing the subject. Moira sighed. “I wish, dear, but I promised to visit the pack up north.” “Ah, well, I'll have one of the kittens drop off your gifts then,” Shanti said. She felt a bit down about that. “You don't have to do that.” “Oh, but I do. And they all should try to see you since they are leaving soon. I don't know when they'll ever get the chance to see their “Aunt Moira” again.” The wolf cocked her head. “Empty nest syndrome?” Shanti sought out her own feelings and then shrugged it aside with an ear flick. “It's not empty yet,” she pointed out. “And I doubt it ever will be with Lil Red and Lil White around. Especially with Lil White!” Moira chuckled. “Yes, she's her own population explosion,” she said with a shake of her head. “Something like that,” Shanti said with a nod. “Get a tree yet?” Moira asked. Shanti shook her head. “We do that a few days before Christmas so it's fresh. That and so the kittens won't wreck it,” she said with a long suffering sigh. Moira chuckled. “Your litter or Lil White's?” “Both!” Shanti said in exasperation. Moira chuffed louder. ~~~*~~~
December 16, 2019
The Calm Before the Storm Snippet 3
So, so far nothing from Goodlifeguide, I may need to check in with them.
I'm skipping to another story.
This is from "Heathcliff and the Alley Cats," a short story that will introduce them to the universe. A familiar face puts in an appearance here at the beginning...
Pi Sector Capital Command 1 Space Station
“We won't let you down,Admiral,” the diminutive orange tabby said from his place in front of the admiral's desk. The admiral had to stand to see the cat. Some might think it absurd to talk to a cat, but this cat talked back,even if he was on the plump side. Commander Heathcliff M, known as Heathcliff the one thousand, was a bit of a throwback. He looked like a pumpkin, Admiral Horatio Logan thought. Not at all like a well-respected ONI agent. Maybe that was the point he thought with a mental nod. The best Office of Naval Intelligence agents didn't look at all like what you'd expect. The spies that did field work had to blend in. “I know you won't, Commander; your reputation precedes you,” Vice Admiral Horatio Logan rumbled. He saw the cat's whiskers and ears twitch. He snorted ever so softly as the cat peekedup at him. “I know a crew of Neos …” “Hold it right there,” the admiral said. “As I said, your reputation precedes you, Commander,” he put a slight emphasis on the title. The cat fidgeted ever so slightly. He definitely didn't look comfortable in uniform. Rumor had it he ran around his ship naked. That's all well and good when you've got fur. But UFN-071P Catillac, as the cats called the ship, was a navy ship. Specificall,y a Meridian class II prowler with a smart A.I. Where most of the Poltergeistand Zephyr class prowler ships were headed to the front, the Meridianshad been dispatched to the other sectors to do long-range scout work. Many of the crews in the prowler community were hot to play their part in the pirate war directly. Apparently the cats had a different take on it. “I read your history,” he said, cocking his head as the cat snuck another look. “At ease, Commander.” The cat instantly relaxed. He even sat and scratched behind his ear. Horatio snorted again. He snorted louder when the cat muttered something dark about monkey suits. So, maybe the rumors weren't just rumors he thought. “Ahem,” he cleared his throat as the cat went to scratch behind his ear with more vigor. “As I was saying, I read your history. I noted the particular emphasis on your bloodline. I also noted you drew attention to it,” he said mildly. The cat looked up. “Ever wonder if you really are the one thousandth Heathcliff? There had to be others scattered over the galaxy if your ancestor was as prolific as some would have you believe.” Heathcliff shrugged. “They can all get in line behind me, sir,” he said with an ear flick. Horatio smiled ever so slightly. Yes indeed, he was a character. He had no idea if the cat had assumed the role or if he'd put on the clothing of an officer as a cover. For the moment,it didn't matter. All that mattered was that the cats got the results needed while keeping as low a profile as possible. And came back alive, he reminded himself. “My ancestor might not have fought as a Snarf in the Thundercats during the First A.I. War, but he played his part. And I'll do the same here,” the cat said with quiet firmness. “Good to hear. And as I said, I'm not prejudiced by your crew selection. But you need to keep a lid on the discipline issue and the complaints of harassment—specifically with the dogs,” Horatio said, giving the cat a gimlet eye. Heathcliff rolled his green eyes. “Another complaint?” “No, just noting a pattern of behavior that needs to be corrected. I know bad habits are hard to break but you are setting a bad example. Can it.” The cat looked at him and then shrugged again, this time looking away. Horatio decided to give up that particular tender subject while he could. He didn't want the cat to come down on the dogs and start another round of complaints and demands for transfer. It was funny, the cats and dogs fought like, well, cats and dogs, but they were great professionally. But some of the videos of those complaints! He shook his head mentally. No doubt the dogs did something to retaliate in some way. If the orange tabby wasn't too careful,the dogs might really trip him up and make him look so bad he'd lose his command. But, he'd belabored that point enough. “Your assignment and the latest intel we have,” he said, pushing a chip forward to the edge of his desk with a finger. “You'll be headed northeast,” he said. The moment he took his finger off the chip the cat reached up and took the chip. “As you know, we need to get a handle on the pirates and put a stop to their plagues. We also need more detailed intelligence on the planets and star systems—the players and who is in bed with the enemy and who is willing to help us. Don't get into things too deep. And don't get into any crusades that could come down on your heads.” “Low profile. That's what we're about, sir,” the cat said with a nod as he palmed the chip. “Good. Any questions?” “Support?” Horatio smiled. “Your ship is being fully stocked now. I understand Logistics Command is in a tizzy over the amount of fish you are requesting.” The cat wiggled his ears and actually gave off a mild snicker. “I understand you have a small aquaculture tank. Good. And you have fish protein samples loaded into your food replicators. Beyond that you'll have to scavenge. I understand you are good at that.” “Fuel?” Horatio shrugged. “Again …” “Scavenge. Got it,” the cat said with a grimace. “I hate suits,” he muttered. “Figure it out,” the admiral rumbled. “If you get to the point where you can't go further, fine, make your way back and refine and update your intel profiles as you go.” “Understood, sir. How far can we go?” “Well, you are assigned to me so I'd appreciate it if you stayed in this sector,” the admiral replied dryly. The cat flicked his ears and snickered slightly louder. “I meant that, Commander,” the admiral growled. “Aye aye, sir.” “Very well. Anything else send through channels. I understand your A.I. is pestering mine for more requests. I'm giving you a blank check. Don't abuse it.” “Try not to, sir,” the cat replied with a shrug. “Sure, where have I heard that before?” Horatio replied with a weary shake of his head as he dismissed the cat. <(>^<)>
I'm skipping to another story.
This is from "Heathcliff and the Alley Cats," a short story that will introduce them to the universe. A familiar face puts in an appearance here at the beginning...
Pi Sector Capital Command 1 Space Station
“We won't let you down,Admiral,” the diminutive orange tabby said from his place in front of the admiral's desk. The admiral had to stand to see the cat. Some might think it absurd to talk to a cat, but this cat talked back,even if he was on the plump side. Commander Heathcliff M, known as Heathcliff the one thousand, was a bit of a throwback. He looked like a pumpkin, Admiral Horatio Logan thought. Not at all like a well-respected ONI agent. Maybe that was the point he thought with a mental nod. The best Office of Naval Intelligence agents didn't look at all like what you'd expect. The spies that did field work had to blend in. “I know you won't, Commander; your reputation precedes you,” Vice Admiral Horatio Logan rumbled. He saw the cat's whiskers and ears twitch. He snorted ever so softly as the cat peekedup at him. “I know a crew of Neos …” “Hold it right there,” the admiral said. “As I said, your reputation precedes you, Commander,” he put a slight emphasis on the title. The cat fidgeted ever so slightly. He definitely didn't look comfortable in uniform. Rumor had it he ran around his ship naked. That's all well and good when you've got fur. But UFN-071P Catillac, as the cats called the ship, was a navy ship. Specificall,y a Meridian class II prowler with a smart A.I. Where most of the Poltergeistand Zephyr class prowler ships were headed to the front, the Meridianshad been dispatched to the other sectors to do long-range scout work. Many of the crews in the prowler community were hot to play their part in the pirate war directly. Apparently the cats had a different take on it. “I read your history,” he said, cocking his head as the cat snuck another look. “At ease, Commander.” The cat instantly relaxed. He even sat and scratched behind his ear. Horatio snorted again. He snorted louder when the cat muttered something dark about monkey suits. So, maybe the rumors weren't just rumors he thought. “Ahem,” he cleared his throat as the cat went to scratch behind his ear with more vigor. “As I was saying, I read your history. I noted the particular emphasis on your bloodline. I also noted you drew attention to it,” he said mildly. The cat looked up. “Ever wonder if you really are the one thousandth Heathcliff? There had to be others scattered over the galaxy if your ancestor was as prolific as some would have you believe.” Heathcliff shrugged. “They can all get in line behind me, sir,” he said with an ear flick. Horatio smiled ever so slightly. Yes indeed, he was a character. He had no idea if the cat had assumed the role or if he'd put on the clothing of an officer as a cover. For the moment,it didn't matter. All that mattered was that the cats got the results needed while keeping as low a profile as possible. And came back alive, he reminded himself. “My ancestor might not have fought as a Snarf in the Thundercats during the First A.I. War, but he played his part. And I'll do the same here,” the cat said with quiet firmness. “Good to hear. And as I said, I'm not prejudiced by your crew selection. But you need to keep a lid on the discipline issue and the complaints of harassment—specifically with the dogs,” Horatio said, giving the cat a gimlet eye. Heathcliff rolled his green eyes. “Another complaint?” “No, just noting a pattern of behavior that needs to be corrected. I know bad habits are hard to break but you are setting a bad example. Can it.” The cat looked at him and then shrugged again, this time looking away. Horatio decided to give up that particular tender subject while he could. He didn't want the cat to come down on the dogs and start another round of complaints and demands for transfer. It was funny, the cats and dogs fought like, well, cats and dogs, but they were great professionally. But some of the videos of those complaints! He shook his head mentally. No doubt the dogs did something to retaliate in some way. If the orange tabby wasn't too careful,the dogs might really trip him up and make him look so bad he'd lose his command. But, he'd belabored that point enough. “Your assignment and the latest intel we have,” he said, pushing a chip forward to the edge of his desk with a finger. “You'll be headed northeast,” he said. The moment he took his finger off the chip the cat reached up and took the chip. “As you know, we need to get a handle on the pirates and put a stop to their plagues. We also need more detailed intelligence on the planets and star systems—the players and who is in bed with the enemy and who is willing to help us. Don't get into things too deep. And don't get into any crusades that could come down on your heads.” “Low profile. That's what we're about, sir,” the cat said with a nod as he palmed the chip. “Good. Any questions?” “Support?” Horatio smiled. “Your ship is being fully stocked now. I understand Logistics Command is in a tizzy over the amount of fish you are requesting.” The cat wiggled his ears and actually gave off a mild snicker. “I understand you have a small aquaculture tank. Good. And you have fish protein samples loaded into your food replicators. Beyond that you'll have to scavenge. I understand you are good at that.” “Fuel?” Horatio shrugged. “Again …” “Scavenge. Got it,” the cat said with a grimace. “I hate suits,” he muttered. “Figure it out,” the admiral rumbled. “If you get to the point where you can't go further, fine, make your way back and refine and update your intel profiles as you go.” “Understood, sir. How far can we go?” “Well, you are assigned to me so I'd appreciate it if you stayed in this sector,” the admiral replied dryly. The cat flicked his ears and snickered slightly louder. “I meant that, Commander,” the admiral growled. “Aye aye, sir.” “Very well. Anything else send through channels. I understand your A.I. is pestering mine for more requests. I'm giving you a blank check. Don't abuse it.” “Try not to, sir,” the cat replied with a shrug. “Sure, where have I heard that before?” Horatio replied with a weary shake of his head as he dismissed the cat. <(>^<)>
December 14, 2019
The Calm Before the Storm Snippet 2
So, shopping almost done. I haven't touched wrapping yet though. Shudder.
Anyway, I've got an annoying spammer in the blog comments, and a bunch of other things to deal with. On with the snippet!
Still in In the Army Now:
Agnosta
The ride to Agnosta was initially exciting but got dull within days. Conway had been warned they need to get prepared, so he tried to work with Kaufman's reading. He tried to read the Marine manual but kept nodding off. They were each given two BDUs since neither of them had more than two outfits. The BDU or Battle Dress Uniform was a standard camouflage affair. He knew he was going to get lost with all of the acronyms. They were also given a series of pills. They had been informed that the pills would make their basic ID implants. The following morning they and the others on the ship were entertained with their implants and the tutorials on how to use them. Conway picked up on it right away and even enjoyed it. Kaufman, of course, had problems. They were in steerage, and they didn't get to see much until they got to Pyrax where they went through a station and shifted to another ship. In the barracks bay, they were met with dozens of other recruits. They were given the last bunks far from the door but next to the door to the bathroom. Which meant they got to hear people getting up and using the bathroom all the time. Fortunately, they were only stuck on the ship for a month. An agonizing month where even playing with the implants got dull after a while. There was little to do but try to explore the ship. They were constantly in trouble for that before the crew started locking down hatches and declaring areas off limits. Even the ride down, a bit bumpy, lacked a view since they were in a military shuttle. When they got off the shuttle, they were put in a line to a bus. Occasionally, some people would talk, exchanging stories about where they were from. When the bus arrived, Conway was chatting with a pretty girl. She had a really nice smile, surprising given that Agnosta had lacked proper dentists until the Federation had returned. He missed the sights out the dust covered windows. He didn't miss the unsmiling Neochimp female in a funky hat when they got off the bus. His smile slipped, and he even tried to salute. She barked at him to get in line, and he scampered to obey. Once in the “recruit bay,” they were run through medical exams and then sat down in barber chairs. “Just a little off the top,” he said. The barber chuckled, shook his head, and then got to work with the clippers. When he was finished, he turned Conway to the mirror. Conway's face was horrified as he saw he had just stubble. “Welcome to the Marines,” the barber said as he whipped off the apron. “Next!” he called out, pushing the back of the chair and forcing a dazed Conway up and away. Conway stumbled but then followed the directions of another unsmiling Marine to get in line with other sheepish men and women. Even the Neos had been shorn. “That's just not right,” he moaned, touching his hair. “You're telling me!” a Neolion said. He looked at the lion and winced. The cat looked hilarious but he fought the snicker down at the sudden look from the cat. “You look … good,” he managed to choke out. }{%}{ What followed was fourteen weeks of pure hell. They were formally introduced to their lead DI, Sergeant Ladd. She had a favorite punishment, push-ups. The first time they were introduced to learn the proper form, Conway made the mistake of asking, “All the way up and down, right?” He had to ring his ear out when Sergeant Ladd shrieked at them. Mouth open, try to pop ears from sonic torture. “Damn!” “There are no such thing as stupid questions,” she said, marching up and down the rows as Conway and the others struggled to do a push-up. “There are, however, inquisitive idiots!” she barked, slamming a foot onto the back of Conway. “Down!” He groaned as he dropped under her added weight. “You're heavier than you look,” he said. “Up!” she barked. “Your friend here just earned you ten more!” she said. There was a collective groan from the group as well as dark looks shot Conway's way. “Drop and Give me fifty,” became torture to them. Conway would rather run until he puked than struggle with the push-ups. The first week they were kept awake and introduced to the Marine's form of discipline. The intent was to break down their civilian bad habits and treats and replace them with the Marine's. Over the course of phase 1 and 2, Conway and Kaufman managed to survive mainly by keeping their mouths shut and keeping to the background as much as possible. Then they were introduced to weapon training. }{%}{ Sergeant Ladd ran a class on how to dress in their formal day uniform. She explained a gig line and how it needed to be clean and precise. As she walked the line of boots, she occasionally made adjustments or nodded in praise. When she went to one lad, he was messed up so she adjusted it for him, fixing the shirt and belt. Conway saw that and deliberately messed his up. The sergeant saw him do it out of the corner of her eye. When she came to him, she made the adjustments and then gave him a wedgy. “There,” she said with mild amusement. “All better.” “Thank you, Drill Sergeant,” he gasped out. She smirked as she walked away. }{%}{
Anyway, I've got an annoying spammer in the blog comments, and a bunch of other things to deal with. On with the snippet!
Still in In the Army Now:
Agnosta
The ride to Agnosta was initially exciting but got dull within days. Conway had been warned they need to get prepared, so he tried to work with Kaufman's reading. He tried to read the Marine manual but kept nodding off. They were each given two BDUs since neither of them had more than two outfits. The BDU or Battle Dress Uniform was a standard camouflage affair. He knew he was going to get lost with all of the acronyms. They were also given a series of pills. They had been informed that the pills would make their basic ID implants. The following morning they and the others on the ship were entertained with their implants and the tutorials on how to use them. Conway picked up on it right away and even enjoyed it. Kaufman, of course, had problems. They were in steerage, and they didn't get to see much until they got to Pyrax where they went through a station and shifted to another ship. In the barracks bay, they were met with dozens of other recruits. They were given the last bunks far from the door but next to the door to the bathroom. Which meant they got to hear people getting up and using the bathroom all the time. Fortunately, they were only stuck on the ship for a month. An agonizing month where even playing with the implants got dull after a while. There was little to do but try to explore the ship. They were constantly in trouble for that before the crew started locking down hatches and declaring areas off limits. Even the ride down, a bit bumpy, lacked a view since they were in a military shuttle. When they got off the shuttle, they were put in a line to a bus. Occasionally, some people would talk, exchanging stories about where they were from. When the bus arrived, Conway was chatting with a pretty girl. She had a really nice smile, surprising given that Agnosta had lacked proper dentists until the Federation had returned. He missed the sights out the dust covered windows. He didn't miss the unsmiling Neochimp female in a funky hat when they got off the bus. His smile slipped, and he even tried to salute. She barked at him to get in line, and he scampered to obey. Once in the “recruit bay,” they were run through medical exams and then sat down in barber chairs. “Just a little off the top,” he said. The barber chuckled, shook his head, and then got to work with the clippers. When he was finished, he turned Conway to the mirror. Conway's face was horrified as he saw he had just stubble. “Welcome to the Marines,” the barber said as he whipped off the apron. “Next!” he called out, pushing the back of the chair and forcing a dazed Conway up and away. Conway stumbled but then followed the directions of another unsmiling Marine to get in line with other sheepish men and women. Even the Neos had been shorn. “That's just not right,” he moaned, touching his hair. “You're telling me!” a Neolion said. He looked at the lion and winced. The cat looked hilarious but he fought the snicker down at the sudden look from the cat. “You look … good,” he managed to choke out. }{%}{ What followed was fourteen weeks of pure hell. They were formally introduced to their lead DI, Sergeant Ladd. She had a favorite punishment, push-ups. The first time they were introduced to learn the proper form, Conway made the mistake of asking, “All the way up and down, right?” He had to ring his ear out when Sergeant Ladd shrieked at them. Mouth open, try to pop ears from sonic torture. “Damn!” “There are no such thing as stupid questions,” she said, marching up and down the rows as Conway and the others struggled to do a push-up. “There are, however, inquisitive idiots!” she barked, slamming a foot onto the back of Conway. “Down!” He groaned as he dropped under her added weight. “You're heavier than you look,” he said. “Up!” she barked. “Your friend here just earned you ten more!” she said. There was a collective groan from the group as well as dark looks shot Conway's way. “Drop and Give me fifty,” became torture to them. Conway would rather run until he puked than struggle with the push-ups. The first week they were kept awake and introduced to the Marine's form of discipline. The intent was to break down their civilian bad habits and treats and replace them with the Marine's. Over the course of phase 1 and 2, Conway and Kaufman managed to survive mainly by keeping their mouths shut and keeping to the background as much as possible. Then they were introduced to weapon training. }{%}{ Sergeant Ladd ran a class on how to dress in their formal day uniform. She explained a gig line and how it needed to be clean and precise. As she walked the line of boots, she occasionally made adjustments or nodded in praise. When she went to one lad, he was messed up so she adjusted it for him, fixing the shirt and belt. Conway saw that and deliberately messed his up. The sergeant saw him do it out of the corner of her eye. When she came to him, she made the adjustments and then gave him a wedgy. “There,” she said with mild amusement. “All better.” “Thank you, Drill Sergeant,” he gasped out. She smirked as she walked away. }{%}{
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