M. Pax's Blog, page 6

Twisters #MovieReview

Twisters – A Missed Opportunity for a Thrilling Disaster Flick

As a fan of disaster movies, I was excited to see Twisters, but unfortunately, it didn’t live up to my expectations. While it has its moments, this sequel/reboot ultimately feels like a missed opportunity, offering a retread of familiar ground without adding enough new thrills or excitement.

Too Much Racing, Not Enough Twister
One of the main issues with Twisters is the pacing. A lot of the movie is spent watching trucks and cars race across the landscape in an attempt to reach a twister. These scenes drag on and don’t build the tension in a meaningful way. Sure, there are moments of visual excitement when the tornadoes appear on screen, but the buildup to those moments is often lackluster and drawn out. It feels like the movie is more interested in showing us the journey to the disaster than the disaster itself, which is a bit of a letdown for fans of the genre.

Visually Exciting, but Familiar
When the action picks up, the visual effects do provide some stunning moments. The tornadoes themselves are impressive, and the scenes where the storm wreaks havoc can be visually engaging. However, these moments don’t quite compensate for the predictability of the story. It’s the same basic formula as the original Twister—a group of people racing against time and nature to confront an unstoppable force—but with a few twists that end up feeling predictable instead of interesting.

Not Cheesy Enough for Fun, Not Thrilling Enough for Drama
Another downside to Twisters is its tone. It’s not cheesy enough to fall into the guilty pleasure category, like some of the best disaster films, but it’s also not thrilling enough to be taken seriously. The stakes never feel high enough to make you care deeply, and the drama lacks the energy to carry the film. It’s as if the filmmakers tried to strike a balance between grounded realism and outlandish disaster spectacle, but neither aspect is fully realized, leaving the movie feeling a bit flat.

References to the Original, But Not Enough Substance
While there are some references to the original Twister film, they feel more like fan service than meaningful callbacks. The story doesn’t add anything particularly new or exciting to the genre. Instead of taking the concept in fresh, unexpected directions, Twisters mostly feels like the same movie with a few minor tweaks.

Final Thoughts

I give it 3 beers. It might be more fun then. Twisters isn’t a disaster movie I’d recommend unless you’re a die-hard fan of the genre or the original film. It doesn’t offer anything groundbreaking and spends too much time on predictable plot points instead of focusing on what makes disaster movies fun—over-the-top action, crazy destruction, and thrilling, heart-pounding moments. If you’re looking for a truly exciting and fresh disaster flick, Twisters might leave you disappointed.

Here’s the trailer:

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DAT is for Disaster

 

A free bonus scene from the Squad 51 Universe.

Artificial sunrise spread over Rhea, lighting up the domes and avenues of Demetehar in soft golden tones, bathing the moon in the same color as Saturn and its inspiring rings. The suns were so far away, Nikili Echols didn’t know the difference between an actual sunrise and one generated by the dome sweeping invisibly overhead. The gases emitted by the shielding of the dome turned the sky the right shade of blue, but she had only lived on colonies and knew nothing of Earth’s ways.

Dressed in her shiny new red uniform embellished with the markings due to a chief, she blinked against the onslaught of pride and the beauty before her. “I did this,” she whispered.

“You look dashing and are up awful early.” Lucy Ashida joined Nikili at her side. “I suspected you would be.”

“Everything must go perfect today. It is the official opening of DAT (Disaster Aversion Team). Our dream to make the Sol a safer place.”

Lucy inched closer. “I like the way you said our.”

“I couldn’t have done any of this without your help. You’re my dearest friend.” Nikili focused on her friend for a few seconds, smiling warmly.

“Are those tears in your eyes?” Lucy’s thumb swiped them away.

“We’re lucky to be here after Spaceberg. I mean, that monster chunk of ice took out Titan. I’m surprised the Saturn System welcomed us at.”

“Hmm,” Lucy replied. “Some not so much.”

“There are always the Innling snobs.”

“Always.”

“They hate when an Outling shines.”

“You shine so bright.”

A blush crept into Nikili’s cheeks, warming them, tickling her mouth into a broader grin. “I can’t wait to show this off to the ORS (Orbital Rescue Services) and CHOPs (Council of Human Occupied Planets) dignitaries later.”

“They’ll be impressed. To think this was an abandoned warehouse and an eyesore. It’s no wonder the governor gave us this building.”

“A relic from the rebellion against the corporations, I’m surprised the citizens of Rhea allowed it to stand as it was for so long.”

“Perhaps as a reminder.”

“To know where we came from is sobering. The Sol has come a long way.”

“And still has a way to go.”

“Let’s look around inside and make sure everything is set up as it should be. Will you run through the ceremony with me too? It must go perfect.”

Lucy brushed long strands of dark hair away from Nikili’s face. “I love when you wear your hair down.”

Exotic, powerful, and lively, Lucy Ashida never failed to catch Nikili’s attention. She wore her dark hair in perfect long ringlets and had also put on her dress uniform. “Lead the way, Chief Echols.”

Nikili caught Lucy’s hand, squeezing. “I love the way the title and my name go together.”

“You’re as shiny as a kid getting what they want,” Lucy laughed. “The title is well deserved and suits you.”

“Thank you, Captain.” She dropped Lucy’s hand and led the way inside the gleaming new station. Most of the building was a hangar with the fleet of new Hueys, the red rescue vehicles capable of space flight, parked on their launch pads. The ships sat ready under sections of the roof that opened and retracted to allow the Huey’s to launch. Besides the hangar, there was a small front lobby, a large briefing room, a gym, the bunks and locker room, the kitchen and recreation area, dispatch, and a few offices off the briefing room. Everything had a new, untouched look to it.

“I almost hate walking around in here,” Nikili commented. “Our shoes are messing up its perfection.”

“DAT has no purpose without us, so we make it more perfect,” Lucy replied.

Chairs, a podium and a small pool were set up in the briefing room. The pool sat between the podium and the first row of chairs. The slanted sides around the pool made it appear as if it was a permanent part of the station. Nikili walked up to it, her hands clasped behind her back.

“Do you think the jump the shark ceremony is necessary?” she asked Lucy.

“This is a huge accomplishment, Nikili. Others before you have tried to set up a Sol-wide emergency team to watch for, coordinate, and respond to emergencies throughout the Sol. “Yes, the pomp is necessary.” She took Nikili’s hand and led her to the back, retracing their steps. “Let’s practice and do the run-through like you suggested. Everyone is sitting out there waiting for you.”

“Except Saverna,” Nikili frowned. “She said she probably couldn’t make it.” Her daughter had mostly forgiven her for the years she neglected Saverna, but their relationship had more mending to do.”

“She’s in college, Nikili, and has her own life. You must trust she loves you and will be there when it counts.”

“I feel like today counts.”

“Don’t hold it against her. You’ll never fix your relationship with her if you do.”

“You’re right. Let’s get on with the ceremony.”

“Right. Everyone is sitting there, the music starts.” Lucy snapped her fingers. “E51,” she called to the DAT AI, “start the music.” A loud club number rattled the walls, the heavy bass thrumming the floor.

“That doesn’t sound like The Honor of Stars processional, E51.”

“My apologies, Chief Echols,” the AI responded. “The selection was altered.”

“By whom?”

“Oh, I can make a few guesses.” Lucy shook her head. “Let’s make the most of it, Nikili.” She shimmied and grooved up the aisle. Nikili joined her, bumping her hip from time to time and laughing.

“Change it back to The Honor of Stars, E51,” Nikili commanded.

“Aye, Chief.”

Pretending the room was filled with dignitaries, Nikili quit dancing, stood tall and strode the rest of the way up the middle aisle, stopping at the pool. “Should we queue the shark and jump it?”

“I think we should practice,” Lucy said.

“E51, queue the hologram.”

A giant rabid mouse loomed up from the pool with sharp fangs. Not expecting something so big and freaky, Nikili jumped back and grabbed a chair. She swung it over her shoulder, ready to attack the creature. “Not a shark, E51. I assume that was altered too.”

“My apologies, Chief.” The hologram shifted to a shark, swimming calmly in the pool.

Nikili started up the sloped edge, slipped and fell face first into the pool. Pushing herself out of the water, she sat up, gasping and sputtering. “I think the edge is too steep.”

“Let me try and double check.” Lucy got a running start and made it up the ramp easily. However, she didn’t make it to the other side, her toes barely touching the side of the pool. Her lost footing dunked her into the pool, soaking her thoroughly. “Too steep and too far.”

Nikili laughed at the soaked and dripping Lucy. “A ceremony to remember.”

“Indeed.” Lucy chuckled.

“Let’s get this fixed.” Together they adjusted the sides of the pool to be closer together and not as slanted. They test jumped it several times before going onto the next part of the ceremony.

“Time for your speech,” Lucy said and sat in the front row. She stared up at Nikili with affection and encouragement.

Nikili cleared her throat. “Tragedy should never happen, but when it does, we must take the lessons and make the Sol better. DAT takes the tragedy of Spaceberg, the loss of Titan and so many souls, and keeps their memory by making sure something like Spaceberg never happens again. Thank you for your commitment and support in making DAT a reality. Yada, yada, yada.”

Lucy clapped and pointed at the cake to the side of the room. “I’ll wheel this over and light it while we sing to honor the Sol and first responders.”

“I love that song,” Nikili beamed. “On the edge, we stand as one. In the dark, we’ll see it done. With the stars to guide our way, we’ll face the night, we’ll save the day.”

Tapping her hand to her hip, Lucy kept the beat and joined in. She then lit the candle on the cake commemorating the citizens lost during Spaceberg. The wick fizzled and the cake promptly exploded. Frosting and cake coated them and covered everything in the room.

Not knowing what to think or say, Nikili stood frozen for several seconds with her mouth gaping. “Are we cursed, Lucy?”

Lucy scraped cake off Nikili’s face and ate it. “You taste good.”

Laughing, Nikili surveyed the room. “What a mess. We better get this cleaned up.” They walked into the foyer to get to the cleaning supplies. Saverna kneeled at the front door, setting down a mat.

“Wh-what happened?” Saverna’s eyes went wide.

“A few snafus.” Nikili waved her hand like it was no big deal. “Did you bring the mat?” The mat was shaped like a shark and said welcome.

“Yeah.”

“Aww. I’d hug you but…” She indicated her cake covered self. “Thank you, Savs. I didn’t think you were coming.”

“This is a big deal. I didn’t want to miss it, Mom.” She stood and glanced into the cake-splattered room. “Why don’t the two of you get yourselves cleaned up, and I’ll take care of the cake.” She took the cleaning supplies from Nikili and Lucy.

“You’re the best, kid.” Unable to help herself, Nikili leaned in and kissed her daughter on the cheek. “E51, order a new cake.”

“Already did, Chief.”

She walked with Lucy to the locker room. “I thought this day was adding up to a disaster, but now it’s perfect.”

 

 

 

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#SciFi Worth Reading: Alien Summer #BookReview

 

Alien Summer: A Mind-Bending, Unreliable Adventure

For my book club read at work, I chose Alien Summer by Robert Bayley, an indie novel that I picked up for my Kindle. Our theme for the month was summer, and I’ll admit, I didn’t know exactly what I was in for when I started this one—but boy, was I in for a ride.

A Summer Read Like No Other

At first, I thought Alien Summer was going to be a classic alien encounter story, full of intergalactic adventure and maybe a few too many predictable tropes. But I was completely wrong—and I absolutely loved that. This novel quickly defied my expectations and became something far more complex and thought-provoking than I anticipated.

The story is told through the eyes of a very unreliable narrator, and I mean very unreliable. Like, wow. There were moments when I genuinely wasn’t sure what was real and what was imagined. Was it aliens? Was it the narrator’s mental state unraveling? The blurring of reality and delusion kept me hooked, but it also left me questioning what I was reading at every turn.

Unreliable Narrator = Thought-Provoking Journey

Normally, unreliable narrators can be frustrating, but in this case, it was absolutely brilliant. Bayley crafted a character whose perspective kept me on my toes. I spent the entire novel unsure which events actually happened and which ones were the product of the narrator’s perception. And, oddly enough, I didn’t mind that at all. In fact, it got me thinking deeply about mental health, how we perceive reality, and the way our minds can trick us.

The themes of perception and mental health are subtle but powerful, and they added a layer of depth that I wasn’t expecting. By the end of the book, I found myself still contemplating the events and wondering whether I had been led to see things in a way that wasn’t entirely true—or was it?

Final Thoughts

Alien Summer isn’t your typical alien story. It’s a unique blend of sci-fi and psychological exploration that will keep you guessing. If you like stories that challenge your perception of reality, this is definitely worth checking out. I was entertained, but more than that, I was left thinking long after I finished the last page.

Happy reading, and here’s to more thought-provoking indie gems!

 

 

 

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Exclusive Adventure: Escape from Doka – A Tale of Unlikely Friendship and High Stakes

 

Escape from Doka is a standalone adventure that can only be found here, exclusively for those who join my M. Pax Dimension mailing list.

In this story, Lepsi, the youngest son of a fallen nobleman, and Talos, a young man from the poorest part of the city, forge an unlikely bond that will change the course of their lives. Stuck in oppressive circumstances on the planet Doka, both dream of escape. But when an opportunity arises to join a premier cargo transport crew, their hopes are dashed as they’re thrust into danger and betrayal. Pirate gangs, ruthless lords, and a test of friendship stand between them and the future they crave.

Join my mailing list today to gain access to Escape from Doka and follow Lepsi and Talos as they fight for a chance to leave behind the only lives they’ve ever known. It’s an adventure full of heart, danger, and the type of friendship that defies the odds.

Don’t miss out—this story is only available to M. Pax Dimension members. Sign up today!

ESCAPE

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Electric State Sci-Fi Movie Review

Netflix’s The Electric State delivers a visually rich and quirky take on a dystopian America, blending war, nostalgia, and humor in an offbeat adventure. Starring Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt, the film reimagines recent history with a robot war, VR escapism, and a mysterious road trip across a crumbling world.

The story follows Michelle (Green), a teenager on a mission to save her brother. The catch? His consciousness has been transferred into a robot—one of many now outlawed and restricted to a zone in the Southwest U.S. And, his body is somewhere else,  and she has to figure out where. Along the way, she teams up with Keats (Pratt) and his own robotic sidekick. They smuggle goods in and out of the robot zone.

The film is packed with unique world-building details, like the test Michelle’s brother, Chris, takes at the start—mirroring the one Einstein took as a child. It’s a fun little nod to history, adding to the film’s slightly surreal tone, and the story takes place in the 1990s, but not the 1990s as we remember them. Yes, an alternative history. The war itself was won in an unusual way. Humans developed VR systems allowing their robotic counterparts to fight while they stayed distracted in a digital paradise. It’s a clever concept, though the film doesn’t dive too deeply into the implications.

Where The Electric State shines is in its visuals and the quirky charm of its robots. They’re often funny, even endearing, adding heart to the film’s post-apocalyptic setting. The overall plot is pretty predictable—standard “save the family” fare—but it moves along well enough to stay entertaining.

While it doesn’t break new ground, The Electric State offers a fun, visually engaging journey with a solid mix of action, humor, and heartfelt moments. If you like road trip movies with a side of robot rebellion, it’s worth the watch. So, I give it a one beer rating.

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What Happened to Earth?

A Brief History from the Squad 51 Universe

Before the rescue missions, the space barons, and the chaos of Squad 51’s adventures, there was Earth.

The birthplace of humanity wasn’t lost in a spectacular disaster or blown apart by aliens (though it might’ve been cleaner that way). No, Earth faded the way most things do through greed, neglect, and a thousand small cuts over centuries.

We stripped the forests. The oceans died. Oxygen levels fell so low toward the end, breathing came with a price tag. The rich lived under domes. The poor paid for oxygen credits. Earth couldn’t sustain us anymore. Not because she gave up, but because we pushed too far.

That’s when the corporations stepped in. Not to save us, but to make more profits.

The Great Evacuation

The corporations packaged humanity’s survival like a product. Tickets off Earth were sold to the highest bidder. Those without fortunes had two choices: stay behind, or sign away their freedom to labor contracts on off-world colonies.

The first colonies were little more than glorified mining camps scattered across the solar system. The corporations drained them like they drained Earth, forcing generations to live and die in the shadows of profit margins. But people eventually fought back.

The Rise of the Colonies

Over time, the corporate dynasties fell. Some families clung to their wealth and influence—the so-called nobility, like the Baneer family, whose fortunes were built on the backs of those early colonies.

But others rebelled. People broke away from corporate control and built independent colonies on the edges of the known system. They weren’t perfect, but they were free.

Even now, the ripples of that era remain. Inequality lingers, though the gap keeps narrowing. Space Barons, pirates, profiteers, and opportunists still roam, but there are no more corporations officially exploiting entire planets. Progress doesn’t move fast, but it moves.

Earth’s Rebirth

And Earth?

While humanity scattered, Earth healed.

The rain returned. The forests grew back. Species thought lost forever clawed their way back into existence, some with help from scientists. The scars remain, but the planet breathes again.

Now, Earth is no longer humanity’s playground. It’s a sanctuary.

Entry is earned, not bought. Only those who dedicated their lives to restoring the planet—the scientists, ecologists, and environmentalists who spent centuries undoing the damage—are allowed to live there. They’re reseeding the world with rainforests, coral reefs, bears, even sharks.

Earth’s return isn’t a fairy tale. It’s a reminder: We broke it. But we can fix things, too.

Want to learn more about the Squad 51 universe?
I’ll be sharing more behind-the-scenes worldbuilding posts as I count down to the launch of my next Kickstarter—bringing the full Squad 51 series to life with exclusive editions and bonus content. Stay tuned!

SQUAD 51 LAUNCH

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#SciFi Worth Reading: The Tournament #BookReview

Out of this world space thrills!science fiction review The Tournament

The Tournament by Kate Sheeran Swed

I’ve been on a sci-fi reading spree lately, and one name keeps popping up on my list of favorite authors: Kate Sheeran Swed. If you haven’t read her work yet, allow me to point you toward Phantom Station (one of my favorite reads for the year). That book had me hooked from page one, and I’ve been eagerly waiting for more in that series ever since. While I wait, I decided to explore more of Swed’s back catalog, and I’m so glad I did because that’s how I found The Tournament.

This book reminded me exactly why I love science fiction. Swed does something special that not every sci-fi author can pull off — she captures a sense of wonder and awe that comes with exploring space and the unknown. But what really excites me is when a story takes me on a journey where I’m not entirely sure where it’s going. I love the thrill of unpredictability, and The Tournament gave me just that.

Sure, there are hints of The Hunger Games with a competitive edge and high stakes, but The Tournament is definitely its own story. Swed adds enough twists and layers to keep the narrative fresh and engaging. The setting, the challenges, and the motivations of the characters all felt genuine and compelling.

The main character, in particular, really stuck with me. She’s flawed, she makes mistakes — a lot of mistakes — but that’s what makes her relatable. Her imperfections aren’t frustrating; they’re human. I found myself rooting for her precisely because she felt real and grounded.

And, of course, the way Swed evokes the vastness and mystery of space is what I love best about science fiction. There’s a sense of scale and possibility in her writing that makes me feel like I’m right there alongside the characters, experiencing the thrills.

If you’re a fan of sci-fi that isn’t the same old tired tropes, that blends action with genuine character development, and that sparks a sense of wonder, I highly recommend picking up The Tournament. Kate Sheeran Swed continues to impress me, and I’m absolutely a fan .

Now, back to waiting (im)patiently for the next installment of Phantom Station!

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No Fooling on this Galactic Report!

 

Greetings, adventurers of the galaxy!
Here’s the latest transmission from Mission Control with updates on my projects and adventures!

Project One: Completing the Space Squad 51 Series

Status: Full throttle!

Spaceberg: Published and already drifting through the cosmic ether! On standby for editing and reception of immersive bonuses.Space Trash: First edit completed. The project is now at 67,000 words. Some bonus extras created for this one. It sits and awaits more editing while I complete the rest of the series.Space Hitched: A new addition to Space Squad 51. This bonus story comes between Space Trash and Space Weed. First round of editing is complete. It idles while I write Space Weed.Space Weed: The finale of this trilogy is taking shape and is soaring to 25,000 words. My goal is to complete the first draft by the end of April.Space Worms: Another new addition with a rough outline. This new story will be a stretch goal for Kickstarter backers. Don’t miss out!Exciting News: I’ll be creating bonus content to make my stories more immersive from here on out. Bonus extras complete for Space Hitched and Space Weed. Some are done for Space Trash. Will add them in for Spaceberg when the first draft of Space Weed is complete.

Stay tuned for more! Sign up for the prelaunch of the Kickstarter Launch Party so you don’t miss out on anything! Launch is getting closer! PRELAUNCH

Project Two: Third Star Rising

Status: Steady as she goes!

This short story (or novella, if it decides to grow wings) is halfway plotted, with a partial draft already making its orbit.

Project Three: Mood Bubbles (Working Title)

Status: Rising on the horizon!

This story’s emotional atmosphere is 75% plotted, and I can already see its sparkling potential. At an estimated 20,000+ words, it’s set to be a novella that bursts with meaning—and bubbles, of course!

Project Four: Completing the Rifters Series

Status: Charting new dimensions!

The Generals (Rifters Book 5): At 30% plotted, this novel is laying the foundation for epic twists and turns. My target is 70-80,000 words, and it’s going to be worth the wait!Untitled (Rifters Book 6): The final installment is 5% plotted, but hey, the adventure is just beginning. My aim? Another 70-80,000 words of world-saving, dimension-bending awesomeness.Project Five: Serial, Shroomtopia

Status: In progress on my new Discord channel, Paxport. It’s a freebie. Come join me and let’s get to know each other better.  DISCORD

 

Project Six: Cherry Bomb 9000

Status: Partly written. This will be the next serial on my Discord channel. Ooo. 

 

Keep your comms open for more updates, and get ready for some interstellar stories headed your way soon. One of the short stories will be a freebie for my mailing list. If you haven’t joined the M. Pax Dimension yet, well, get over there! MPAX DIMENSION

Stay tuned for cover reveals and exciting developments as I put my heart into these projects. Until then, happy reading and dreaming!

Stay tuned and peace out,
M. Pax

 

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#SciFi Worth Reading: Eva Golemina and the Calvert Street Sorceress #BookReview

 

Eva Golemina and the Calvert Street Sorceress: A Fun, Creative Steampunk Adventure

I recently finished Eva Golemina and the Calvert Street Sorceress by Gary Lester, and wow, what a quick, fun ride! This indie gem was a 50-page read I borrowed through my Hoopla app, and it turned out to be my second indie read of the month (I’m hoping to squeeze in a third, too). While it was a short read, it was packed with enough creativity to make me wish it was longer.

A Steampunk Adventure Full of Surprises

At its core, Eva Golemina and the Calvert Street Sorceress is a steampunk story, and it delivers all the delightful trappings of the genre: intriguing gadgets, magical elements, and a strong-willed protagonist. I don’t want to spoil too much, though, because I think the story is best enjoyed without too many expectations—there’s a fun surprise around every corner. The plot twists and unique characters kept me engaged from start to finish.

Creative and Fun

The creativity in this book really shines. From the setting to the plot to the characters, Gary Lester’s world-building and storytelling are fun and imaginative. I loved how fresh and unique it felt, despite drawing on familiar steampunk tropes. It was like jumping into a world where anything was possible, and that made for a really enjoyable experience.

A Minor Drawback

If I had to nitpick, I’d say the story could benefit from another round of editing. There were a few areas where things could have been tightened up, but honestly, it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the story. The charm of the book far outweighs any minor flaws.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Eva Golemina and the Calvert Street Sorceress is a delightful, creative steampunk adventure that left me wanting more. If you’re looking for a quick, enjoyable read full of surprises, I highly recommend giving this one a try. It’s a perfect indie read for anyone who enjoys a good blend of magic, steam-powered gadgets, and mystery.

Happy reading!

 

 

 

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Ashes and Dust: A Moment of Reflection on Pardeep Station

 

 

Want to get to know Pauder a little better? Here’s a free bonus scene from the Backworlds universe. The story setting is shortly after Stopover At the Backworlds’ Edge (Book 2) ends.

Ashes and Dust

The night rarely granted Pauder rest, especially since the recent visit by the Fo’wo’s. The enemy claimed some nonsense about secrets on Pardeep Station. There was no such thing, except for the ones he had buried so deeply his past had become a secret to himself.

From his bed inside a tower in his home, he gazed out at his barren moon bathed in the light from Azta. Azta was Pardeep’s center—the ice giant Pardeep danced around in a steady orbit. The gases making up the ice giant glowed in a heartwarming blue, a blue to stir any human heart with a nostalgia no one could remember. Azta wasn’t stingy with the light it shared with Pardeep and rarely gave the moon the gift of full darkness. Sometimes he resented the light, wanting to wallow in the darkness squeezing on his heart and mind in a constant grating grip.

The enemy didn’t give him any peace, either. He thought he would be safe on this wretched moon far from anything important and holding onto nothing of value, except for what remained of his sanity. He rose and dressed, sliding on his fatigues and boots. One by one, he slipped his five war medals over his head, kissing them, remembering his brothers and sisters in arms, those who hadn’t lived long enough to walk with ghosts.

Outside, his breath added the only clouds ever to grace Pardeep Station. Not enough water existed on this arid moon for anything so luxurious as a cloud. He trotted out to check on his caches, the places he stashed weapons just in case. Just in case had arrived two weeks ago and his weapons had been too far away to do anyone any good. Maybe he’d move some of the ordnance to the docking tower. But he didn’t want the weapons anywhere the enemy could find them or reach them. The docks weren’t a good idea.

“Keep the best ones on you,” Resitar said. “Then they is always handy.”

“I shouldn’t listen ta ya,” Pauder replied. “Yar dead. Ya died decades ago. I saw ya blow up.”

“Doesn’t mean I don’t have anything to say.”

Pauder stared at the spot the voice materialized from. “Get out of my head, Resitar. Ya was always a bad scout. That’s why I followed ya everywhere. The lieutenant knew ya needed watching.”

“Your neighbors need watching.”

“I know.” Pauder moved on to each cache in turn, checking the bits and bobs he set around each one as sentries. If they remained undisturbed, he knew no one had been here. To be certain, he pulled out his tab and reviewed how the scatter of the bits and bobs matched the image of the last time he’d been there. Each image matched. The Fo’wo’s hadn’t found his weapons, nor their snitcher.

His gaze shifted across the dusty dunes in the direction of Meelo’s farm. He knew she was as shattered inside as he was, but had never pegged her for a Fo’wo agent. He had been as stunned as the others.

“I’m off my game,” he muttered. “Been hanging out with that big goo of a bartender too much.” Craze had a soft spot for most sob stories, especially when the tale was told by a gal. Craze was too young to learn to guard his heart better. Pauder tried to tell him, but Craze never listened.

“The young rarely do what their elders advise,” his father said from across the years and across star systems. He sometimes joined Pauder on these treks across the dunes.

“Not today, Paps. I need a clear head.”

“To do what?”

“I don’t know exactly, but I have ta check up on the snitcher.” He waved the ghost of his father away. Sometimes Pauder would sit a spell and wallow in old sentiments with his paps, but those moments didn’t come often. Pauder had quit handing out his heart ages ago. He didn’t intend to start again.

At the farm, Meelo tended to her fields. Apparently, night didn’t give her much peace and rest either. She wrestled with a stubborn rootbagger and fell on her butt. Swearing, she lumbered back onto her feet, swiping dust off her backside. She kicked at the rootbagger, but it still didn’t budge.

“Why isn’t ya using the harvester?” Pauder asked as he approached.

Despite it still being night, she squinted at him as if the sun shone in her eyes. Her eyes watered a bit too, as if stuck in brightness. “Y-you is up early.”

“Ditto.” He plucked the rootbagger from the dirt and set it in her bin. Like Azta reflected sunlight, she reflected Pauder. The same echoes of grief, horror, and trauma danced in the twitches of her eyelids and cheeks. He wondered if she spoke to ghosts too.

“I-I I’m not going to break our agreement. I won’t talk to the Fo’wo’s again without you being there,” she said.

Nodding, he went over by her shed, which badly needed patching, and examined the harvester. After locating her toolbox, he removed the air intake and cleaned out the dust. Once reassembled, the harvester started right up. He searched the shed for epoxy or resin to fill in the holes in the shed, but didn’t see any. He returned to Meelo in the field, smiling at the three filled bins, proud his moon could produce something.

“Harvester is repaired. Ya got ta keep the dust out of it. Yar shed doesn’t do squat to protect it in a dust storm.”

She swiped the dirt staining her hands on her coat. She wore a black wool coat with more pockets than Pauder could count. Each pocket was made from a different fabric. He figured the pockets meant something like his medals. “R-Rainly is out, ‘n she’s the only one who will trade with me.”

“That’s your fault,” Resitar said from behind Meelo. “You made everyone distrust her ‘n let it be known they’d meet your wrath if they had dealings with her.”

Pauder scowled and raked his sharp fingers over his bald head. “I’ll be by later ta fix the shed.”

“N-no need. I can leave with Doc next time she comes in.”

“Why would ya do that? The Fo’wo’s won’t let ya be. I’m yar best shot a future free of them murderous dastards.” Hate bubbled in a roiling heat from deep inside him. He caught a faint reflection of the same loathing in her eyes before she returned to her usual state of resignation.

“I-I I’m not always sure I want a future,” she whispered.

“Ditto, missy. But our neighbors need us. Me, ta keep us from being killed stupidly. Ya, ta keep us fed.”

“I-I don’t want to be needed, ‘n I certainly don’t want to need anyone else.”

“Me either.” For a second, he saw everything he lost beside her and in her. Her ghosts and his mingled. He stared down at the dirt, hoping she didn’t notice, but Resitar kept poking him. “Meelo, this is a good place for folks like you ‘n me. Some just see ashes ‘n dust. We see a chance to heal. Maybe… sometimes. But don’t forget who ya is in the process. Yar a Backworlder. We gotta look out for each other.”

The words left him before he could think better of them. He couldn’t decide if he was trying to convince her or himself. The silence that followed felt like a wound, raw and exposed. He wondered if the fragile idea of healing was worth it. Maybe this was what he had fought for in the war, or maybe it was just another battle with no winners.

Growling, he left to get a can of resin from his place.

 

 

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