Christina Bauer's Blog, page 46
April 6, 2019
Sample Chapter Live – ALIEN MINDS
Dear readers,
I’m super-excited to share this preview of Chapter One from ALIEN MINDS, the first full novel in my Dimension Drift Series.
Thanks for taking a look and I hope you enjoy the sample!
Christina
In this moment, I know four things.
One, I just woke up in a hospital bed.
Two, I don’t remember anything about my life before today. Hello, amnesia!
Three, I want out of here now because …
Four, there’s a creepy couple in my room—Luci and Josiah—who claim they’re my sponsor parents. According to them, I’m a seventeen-year-old science prodigy called Wisteria Roberts.
Huh. That name rings zero bells.
Plus, these two make my skin crawl.
“We sponsor you financially,” explains Josiah. “Then in the fall, we’ll fund your senior year of high school at ECHO Academy.” Josiah’s a lanky guy with slicked-back hair, a frayed suit, and an overly large Adam’s apple.
“Afterward, you’ll pay us back with interest,” adds Luci. “Forty percent. Compounded annually.”
Luci is tall and willowy with white-blonde tresses. By contrast, I’m a curvy girl with brown hair and green eyes. I’m also wrapped up mummy-style with bandages. According to Luci and Josiah, I took a spill on Newbury Street and lost my memory. So sketchy.
Some small voice in my head cries that I should be terrified right now. Instead, I just feel numb. Must be a happy side effect of having no memory. Like an amnesia bonus.
“You’ll love living in our dorm,” says Josiah. “In fact, think of me more as your sponsor friend than your sponsor parent.”
At this point, that small part of me screams how Josiah is a disgusting pig. But more of me is still happily numb, so the warnings go nowhere.
Screech, screech, screech!
A chorus of alarm bells sound. Red lights flash in the outer hallway. An overly calm female voice drones through hidden speakers. “Cleansing search commencing … cleansing search commencing. All hail the Authority … All hail the Authority.”
With that, the inner cogs of my brain connect and whir. Feelings return. My blood chills over with fear. I may not recall my personal history, but I do remember how our evil government—what we call the Authority—conducts cleansing searches. They find the sick or poor, label them as undesirable, and slate them for cleansing. It’s a fancy word for murder.
The alarms wail louder. My heart rate skyrockets. If there’s a cleansing search, I’m a slam dunk to be undesirable.
A cat-like animal slinks into the room. My eyes almost bulge out of my head. This is one of the Horde, which are genetically altered attack animals. In this case, the creature has a feline body paired with the hide of a serpent and bat wings. A golden collar encircles its throat. The creature sniffs at me once before letting out a high-pitched howl.
Yee-oooow!
I grip my sheets and shiver. At this point, I’m only inches away from death. The way that cat-snake-bat yowls, the animal is calling for its master.
Sure enough, a warrior bursts through the door. He wears black body armor that’s patterned with charred-out bones and paired with a skull-like helmet. I know that particular uniform. This guy is one of the Merciless, warriors who specialize in cleansings.
I’m so dead. Literally.
“I’m Captain Vargas.” The Merciless gestures toward the cat-snake-bat. “This is Marro.” He then points straight at my nose. “My animal called me here because it scents you as undesirable.”
Bolts of worry move through my torso. This is not good news.
Vargas lifts a gash gun from the holster at his waistline. “Prepare to be cleansed.”
I look over to Luci and Josiah. In response to the threat to their supposed sponsor child, they gasp, pale, and retreat to a far corner. Thanks for nothing.
Closing my eyes, I wait for the inevitable.
No blast sounds.
Instead, the alarms fall silent. Reopening my eyes, I see a wisp of a man stroll into the room. Tufts of gray hair encircle his balding head. Small round glasses sit atop his thin nose. The name tag on his loose lab coat reads Dr. Godwin.
My heart sinks.
Yup, it’s that Dr. Godwin, the guy who runs the attack Horde, of which Marro is only one example.
Things keep getting better and better.
Although Godwin stands far shorter than Vargas, the doctor swaggers toward the towering warrior.
“What are you doing here?” snaps Godwin.
“Routine visit,” replies Vargas.
“Then why are you holding your gash gun?” asks Godwin.
Vargas quickly reholsters his weapon. “No reason.”
I raise my hand. After all, Godwin looks on my side here. “He was totally about to cleanse me,” I state.
Godwin frowns. “We’ve been through this a hundred times, Vargas. You are forbidden from killing my patients.”
My eyes almost bug out of my head. I’m Godwin’s patient? Luci and Josiah said I’d gotten in an accident, but not who was treating my memory loss. Godwin’s on the government’s Star Council, which means he’s the nastiest of the nasties. Having him as my doctor will not end well.
“Did your animal bite her?” asks Godwin.
“Not yet,” replies Vargas.
“Good. Be sure to keep your beast away from my patient.” Godwin glares at Vargas. “And don’t you go near her again, either.”
For the record, I like the direction this conversation is taking. Not being killed by Vargas is a good plan, even if it does come from Godwin.
“Near or not, I’ll keep tabs on her.” Vargas pulls out a metal cuff from somewhere. A second later, he snaps the device on my wrist. Cool steel presses against my skin. I have to hand it to Vargas—the guy moves pretty quickly for a massive dude in heavy black armor.
Still gripping my forearm, Vargas lifts my wrist up for a closer examination. For the first time, I notice a small screen embedded into the metal. The display reads: Wisteria Roberts, private staff for Dr. Godwin, goal loading in process.
I try yanking my arm free from Vargas’s hold. The guy’s grip is like iron.
“I didn’t give permission for that,” snarls Godwin.
Vargas folds his arms over his chest. “Everyone gets a wrist cuff, even if they’re a legitimate citizen. If you don’t like it, take it up with Humboldt.” General Humboldt runs the Merciless; Dr. Godwin leads the Horde of genetically enhanced killer creatures. The two have a hate-hate relationship.
Turning away from Godwin, Vargas focuses on me once more. “Now I can track your every move,” he explains.
“Oh.” That numb feeling returns. It’s like I’m a mindless pawn on a chessboard—no idea what the real players are doing. I find myself staring at the cuff. “This says something about goals.”
“Soon you’ll receive updates on the Liberation Celebration.” Vargas sighs, as if simply saying the words Liberation Celebration were some kind of prayer.
His attitude is not a shocker. Every August, the Liberation Celebration commemorates the day the Authority took power. It’s a huge deal.
“This year, we’re adding a contest to the event,” adds Vargas. “It’s between the Merciless and the Horde.” Vargas nods in the doctor’s direction. “Godwin’s side is losing.”
“Leave,” orders Godwin.
Vargas winks. “As you command.”
With that, Vargas marches off down the outer hallway. Marro slinks along behind him, the little creature’s bat wings fluttering with each step. Poor Marro. If that golden collar were off, then he’d probably scamper away to chase mice. Horde animals aren’t naturally mean.
“Impossible man.” Godwin steps back to my bedside. As the doctor moves closer, my skin prickles with fear. This doctor is super familiar. Although I can’t remember where we met or anything, I know one fact.
Godwin is a dick and I hate him.
“It’s true that I’m behind in terms of the competition,” continues Godwin. “But in order to take the lead, I need top scientists. You’re supposedly a prodigy, so I’ve spent weeks rescuing your mind. Now you owe me everything. Will you help me win?”
I pretend to consider this before replying. “It’s tempting, but no thanks. Just send me back to where I came from, and I’ll be fine.”
Under the bedsheets, I cross my fingers. Please send me back.
Godwin points toward Luci and Josiah. “You met your sponsor parents. Don’t you want to live in safety and comfort while attending ECHO Academy, the world’s greatest school for science? In return, all you need do is provide a little assistance for the celebration. Swear to help me and it’s all yours.”
I wince a bit, like I’m seriously thinking this through once more. “Nope. Still not interested. I’m just—” I pat my head bandages “—recovering from brain surgery and everything.”
Godwin rounds on Luci and Josiah. “You two. Out.”
“What do you mean?” Josiah’s mouth falls open. “Wisteria’s not our sponsor child anymore?”
Godwin’s thin nostrils flare with rage. “Wisteria will stay under my personal care. If I have need of you, I’ll let you know.”
Luci slumps. “But I thought—”
“Go!” orders Godwin.
In another display of fake-parent awesomeness, Luci and Josiah skitter from the room. A pang of disappointment fills my soul. It’s as if I knew Luci and Josiah, but expected more from them.
A sneaky look lights up Godwin’s bland face. “Since you aren’t willing to help, I must resort to more brutal motivations. I’ve found a private guard for you.” He snaps his fingers. “Enter.”
A boy stalks into the room. Wearing fitted black body armor, the guard looks about eighteen years old with broad shoulders and a lean, muscular body. His hair is cut short—military style—and sets off the heavy angles of his face. But what stuns me are his eyes.
Large.
Brown.
Soulful.
My breath catches. I definitely know this boy. He’s important. Every cell in my body wants to remember more. Stupid amnesia.
Godwin sets his hand on the guy’s shoulder. “Introduce yourself.”
If the boy recognizes me, he doesn’t show it. His eyes stay cold as his gaze locks with mine. “I’m Thorne Oxblood.”
My throat tightens with grief. I don’t remember this guy, so why does this moment feel like such a betrayal? After all, I handled waking up with amnesia no problem. I sailed past the Luci and Josiah Show like some part of me was expecting it.
But Thorne? His empty stare hits me like a body blow. Despite my best efforts, a whimper escapes my lips. This is horrible.
I glance over to Godwin. The word smug pretty much sums up the doctor’s face. “Now, that’s more the reaction I was expecting.” Godwin focuses on Thorne. “Tell her what I’ve hired you to do.”
“I’m here to ensure your compliance,” states Thorne. “Dr. Godwin requires your unique services to meet his goals for the Liberation Celebration. You will help him or die.”
All my sass melts through the floor. Something about Thorne tears at my soul in a deeper way than anything from Godwin, Luci, or Josiah.
This can’t be happening.
Once more, Godwin claps his hand on Thorne’s shoulder. “Make sure the girl’s ready for testing first thing tomorrow morning. I must confirm her skills before moving forward.”
Thorne stiffens his stance. “Yes, sir.”
“Did you say testing?” I sit up straighter. “Don’t I need more time to recover?”
“Let me clarify a few things.” Godwin’s voice transforms into a sinister whisper. “I don’t want your help. If I weren’t so desperate for scientists, I wouldn’t even consider you. And if you’re any good, you’ll become nothing but a whisper and a shadow. Every success you achieve will be attributed to me. I trust we understand each other.”
Without waiting for a reply, Godwin presses a button on the wall. “Knock her out.”
A young woman’s voice sounds from hidden speakers. “Yes, Dr. Godwin.”
Blue fluid fills my IV tube. I frown. That particular shade of drug is familiar.
Tranquilizer.
In this moment, one thing becomes clear. I’ll never help Godwin win at the Liberation Celebration. In fact, I’d love to explode the whole thing in his smarmy face.
Within seconds, my eyelids droop. A low whir sounds as the blinds auto-close on my bay windows. Godwin takes off. The door shuts behind him with a soft click, leaving me in shadows.
Thorne stands against the wall, silent and staring. He could be the cover boy for Cruel Killer magazine, the guy’s so intimidating.
As my consciousness fades, I focus on my wrist cuff. Words flash in a dim green glow.
Update Complete
Star Council Level Access: Godwin
Humboldt-Merciless Undesirables Tagged: 1,342,109
Godwin-Horde Undesirables Tagged: 443,808
Total To Be Announced At Liberation Celebration: 1,785,917
What in the ever-loving Darwin?
That’s what this is all about?
According to this readout, Godwin and Humboldt are racing to tag the most undesirables for death … with their grand totals to be broadcast at the Liberation Celebration. A sick taste crawls up my throat. President Hope has made a game from marking people for execution.
Maybe I don’t know who I am, but I must have family somewhere. A word appears in my mind: mother. I don’t know my mom’s name or where she is, but I feel certain of one fact. My mother’s an undesirable. To keep her safe, I must help the others as well. As my consciousness fades, my thoughts reel through options.
An idea appears.
Perhaps I can put Godwin in jail, escape this scary scene, ruin the Liberation Celebration, and save every undesirable—including my mother—all at once.
I just need a team.
As my eyes flutter closed, I notice how Thorne watches me with extra interest. Now that Godwin’s gone, my badass guard looks all things wide-eyed and sweet.
That settles it.
He’ll be my first team recruit.
Order Now: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / iBooks / Googleplay
The post Sample Chapter Live – ALIEN MINDS appeared first on Monster House Books.
April 2, 2019
How To Find Your Review URL On Amazon
In case you’re wondering, my email is cbauer (at) monsterhousebooks.com and I love hearing from readers. Y’all are the best!
The post How To Find Your Review URL On Amazon appeared first on Monster House Books.
March 31, 2019
MOTHER EFFING SQUIRRELS By Ruby The Dog
by Ruby the Dog
I see you out there
Going through my human’s trash
Mother. Effing. Squirrels.
You are fat. Smelly. And not too afraid of me.
YET.
This is my yard, you furry little fools,
And although I’m terrified of garbage bags, plastic dogs, Christmas tree lights and statues of Jesus,
I am not afraid of you,
MOTHER. EFFING. SQUIRRELS.
Hear my roar-like bark through the window-thingy at the bottom of this door!
Any moment now, I shall break free from my human’s den, race onto the lawn, and then?
PAYBACK.
Ah, HA!
The woman-human let me out and now I chase thee with abandon
Bark! Bark! Bark! Grrrrrrrrrrrrr-OWL!
Fear me, for I am doggie-death!
Leave my lawn now or I shall…
Hey, did that woman-human drop half a french fry here last week?
Oh yeah, she did.
Cool.
Nom Nom Nom.
DAMN, that was good.
Maybe she dropped some more nearby.
Better sniff around.
Oh.
Hey, squirrels.
You’re still here.
Whatever.
Because MOTHER EFFING FRENCH FRIES!
The post MOTHER EFFING SQUIRRELS By Ruby The Dog appeared first on Monster House Books.
March 28, 2019
VLOG – On Toilet Paper Rolls & Writing
To celebrate the launch of my new book, UMBRA, I recorded a VLOG about the influence of toilet paper rolls (the little cardboard inserts) on my science fiction writing.
Yes, you read that right.
Toilet paper rolls.
I can’t share more without spoilers, so check out the video below! And if you like that vid, there are more VLOGs at my YouTube Channel.
Video not playing? Refresh your browser or click here to viist YouTube directly.
The post VLOG – On Toilet Paper Rolls & Writing appeared first on Monster House Books.
March 26, 2019
Happy Book Birthday to UMBRA!
As of March 26th, the new Dimension Drift Prequel 2 is live at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, iBooks and Googleplay … along with a cool launch Rafflecopter!
Here’s more about UMBRA …
UMBRA, Book 2, Dimension Drift Prequels
By Christina Bauer
Print ISBN 9781945723674
eBook ISBN 9781945723384
One day, eighteen-year-old Thorne could become the Emperor of the Omniverse, the single being who rules countless worlds. Trouble is, his father Cole–who’s also the current Emperor–is a sadistic freak.
In fact, Cole won’t even keep his promises to the very humans who got him his throne.
Thorne won’t stand for it. He decides to travel to the human world and make good on his father’s promises. What he doesn’t count on is falling in love….
Buy Now: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / iBooks / Googleplay
Check Out: Fav Book Quotes / Sample Chapter
Dimension Drift Reading Order
Dystopian adventures with science, snark, and hot aliens
Prequels
1. Scythe
2. Umbra
Novels
1. Alien Minds (Spring 2019)
2. ECHO Academy (Spring 2020)
3. Drift Warrior (Spring 2021)
The post Happy Book Birthday to UMBRA! appeared first on Monster House Books.
March 24, 2019
If I’d Written GONE WITH THE WIND…
I recently saw Gone With the Wind on the big screen in honor of its 80th birthday and wow, some shit has not aged well here. I couldn’t help but think how I’d rewrite the story, so here goes.
If I’d Written GONE WITH THE WIND…
***SPOILER ALERT***
To begin with, I’d keep Scarlett as a 16-year old (same as the opening of the book/movie.) Something else that would remain: at the start of the story, Scarlett falls for Ashley, who is in his mid-twenties. However, when Scarlett professes her love, I’d have Ashley tell our girl no while using very clear language, like “you’re sixteen and this is illegal.” He’d then go and explain things to Scarlett’s mother, who clearly runs that house, since this shit is not okay.
In retaliation for Ashely’s rebuff, Scarlett would still want to marry Ashely’s relative Charles Hamilton, but she WON’T because she is 16 and not yet of the age for legal consent. Can’t hit that point too much.
Just as in the original book/movie, the O’Haras would leave their Tara plantation to Scarlett. Big difference, though: in my version, Mom and Dad would realize that maybe their daughter needs more stimulation in her life because, let’s face it, Ashley is a bit of a zero. As a result, they’d send Scarlett to one of the MANY women’s colleges open in the United States before the Civil War because hello, LOGIC !
Now things get really good. While at school, Scarlett overcomes her crush on Ashley from when she was 16 because that’s just how life works. Just as in the book/movie, Rhett would show up and make some moves on our girl. However, in my telling, Scarlett points out that the guy has anger management issues, a drinking problem and possible syphilis … so no, thank you.
Did I mention that Scarlett never marries Ashley’s even more wimpy cousin, Charles? Well, she doesn’t and it’s worth saying twice. Along the same vein, Scarlett definitely doesn’t marry Frank Kennedy. That said, Scarlett does love college and totally gobbles up all the info on how to run Tara. While at school, Scarlett also discovers that slavery is fucking awful and makes a bunch of friends from all different walks of life. Yay, education!
After the war, Scarlett and her sisters rebuild Tara like a boss by using low interest loans (Scarlett made a ton of great contacts at school). The plantation soon looks awesome and none of the sisters get married because they’re having such a good time being together and running things. Scarlett then joins a movement to hold a series of tribunals (like the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission after apartheid) in order to give some peace and compensation to the slaves who suffered both on her plantation and across the South. On the lighter side, Scarlett and her sisters also raise puppies and crush it at Westminster.
Many years later (after Rhett both manages both his temper and his syphilis), our hero returns. He and Scarlett hook up as equals and he doesn’t make any creepy statements about wanting to dry her nose or treat her like a baby. The sex is great.
The end.
The post If I’d Written GONE WITH THE WIND… appeared first on Monster House Books.
March 23, 2019
UMBRA Launch Tour: Meet The Bloggers
There are tons of goodies for this tour; check out the list below to find some inside secrets, top ten lists, and other cool content. You may even discover your next favorite book blog!!! And as of March 26th, you can pick up a copy of the new Angelbound Book 2 at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, iBooks and Googleplay !!!
Thanks for checking out the tour …
Week One
March 25th
–tfaulcbookreviews >> Excerpt
–Valerie Ullmer | Romance Author >> Excerpt
–diary of a wannabe writer >> Review
March 26th
–Movies, Shows, & Books >> Excerpt
–Book Addict >> Review
–Book Reviews by Steph >> Excerpt
March 27th
–Adventures in Writing >> Playlist
–Viviana MacKade >> Top 10 List
–The Book Junkie Reads . . . >> Review
March 28th
–Character Madness and Musings >> Guest post
–BooksBooks&More >>Excerpt
–Declarations of a Fangirl >> Guest post
March 29th
–Alternate Futures >> Review
–Stormy Vixen’s Book Reviews >> Excerpt
–The Avid Reader >> Review
Week Two
April 1st
–Two Ends of the Pen >> Interview
–Christine’s Book Corner >> Review
–My Books-My World >> Interview
April 2nd
–Megan O’Russell >> Guest post
–Bookworm for Kids >> Review
–808bookdr >> Review
April 3rd
–The Adventures of SacaKat >> Top 10 List
–Books a Plenty Book Reviews >> Review
–NytOwl’s Horror >> Excerpt
April 4th
–cupcakesandbookshelves >> Excerpt
–Country gals book blog >> Excerpt
–Jazzy Book Reviews >> Review
April 5th
–Smada’s Book Smack >> Review
–Oh Hey! Books. >> Interview
–Fiona Reads and FoodSpots >> Review
The post UMBRA Launch Tour: Meet The Bloggers appeared first on Monster House Books.
March 16, 2019
My Top Five Alpha Heroes
Recently, the lovely folks at Angel’s Guilty Pleasures asked me to list my top five alpha heroes. (Honestly, they asked for ten but I got blabby, so it’s five.) That said, all my alpha favourites share certain characteristics: they are honest, protective, passionate, and noble.
So with that prelude, behold my top five!
Fav Alpha Hero Number Five Is …
Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen because DUH.
This is Jane Austen’s world, I’m just creating top five lists in it.
Fav Alpha Hero Number Four Is …
Robin Hood from folklore … although I’d like to imagine hooking up with him before he got to living in the woods. Camping is not my bag. Neither is cleaning up after lots of stinky men. So Sir Lord In A Castle Robin Hood, yeah!!!
Even Robin Hood can use some pointers for shooting a bow.
Fav Alpha Hero Number Three Is …
King Arthur (also from folklore) and if he were with yours truly, I’d keep my skirts down (you know I’m talking about you and Lancelot, Guinevere!)
A medieval king, like Arthur, only he hangs with his dogs instead of the Knights of the Round Table. Don’t blame him. Dogs are awesome.
Fav Alpha Hero Number Two Is …
Odysseus from Greco-Roman myth. He gets points for being super-clever as well as for hauling his ass home over ten years. That said, he then loses points for getting most of his men killed and also nailing Circe, but on the whole, he makes the list. Mitigating factor: Ten years is a long time and Circe was a witch, so there.
Odysseus tied to a mast so he can survive listening to sirens. And not wearing clothes for some reason.
Fav Alpha Hero Number One Is …
Aragorn from the Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien. For the record, I’m talking the pre-Viggo version here: a rough and un-pretty dude from the original text. Yet he’s also so protective, dedicated and gritty, YES!
I’d imagine Aragorn looked like this, only without the curlicue hair. And not being made of rock.
So there you have it; my top five alpha heroes! Want to check out more of my blogs? Click here.
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March 13, 2019
The UMBRA Raffle Is Here!
Here’s the rundown of goodies — be sure to enter today!
The post The UMBRA Raffle Is Here! appeared first on Monster House Books.
March 9, 2019
Sample Chapter Live – UMBRA
Dear readers,
I’m super-excited to share this preview of Chapter One from UMBRA, the second prequel in my Dimension Drift Series. Thanks for taking a look and I hope you enjoy the sample!
Christina
“Wish to travel the omniverse? First try leaping off a hovercraft without a power chute. Should you live, then you might survive in alternate realities as well.” – Beauregard the Great, Instructions for Visiting Parallel Worlds
Nine minutes.
That’s how long before this planet implodes.
I’m talking about a version of Earth that supports thousands of cities. Millions of buildings. Billions of people. Not to mention what’s beyond counting. Like photographs. Sunflowers. Bowling trophies. Baby carriages. As of this moment, I’m the only barrier between all that and instant annihilation.
Welcome to my Tuesday.
I’m Thorne Oxblood, and I fight inter-dimensional disasters.
For my current mission, I’m at placelet 92.248.908, planet X3894-B, strand BT704.35, and branch point 1T.783-50E. The locals have a simpler name for this location, though. Clyde’s Gym. Over the last hour, I’ve memorized every inch of this space, searching for the schism—meaning the inter-dimensional breaking point—that could tear this world apart. Nothing has shown itself yet. Nervous energy corkscrews up my shoulders and neck. What am I missing? For the umpteenth time, I inspect the gym.
Large, square space made from concrete blocks? Check.
Rickety slats in a worn-out floor? Check.
Faded girly calendars lining the walls? Odd decoration, but it’s not my gym. And check.
Points of access? Three. Main entrance up-front, an office side door, and a small emergency exit along the back wall. Since I arrived, no one’s entered or left.
Huge letter K glowing on the wall? Check. Thsi is something only I can see. It means that my family’s arch-enemies, the Komandir, stopped by this gym at some point. Doesn’t help me find the schism, though.
Humans? Nine. Two boxers pound away in the sparring ring. Another six guys slam into punching bags, lift weights or jump rope. One teenage girl scribbles on papers behind the door marked office. Then there’s me. To the humans, I’m just an eighteen-year-old in gray sweats. Nothing about my muscular build, short hair, and brown eyes screams, this guy’s an alien.
But I am from another world. Umbra.
And as an Umbran, my body stores tiny cybernetic organisms called sentient. These minute creatures enable me to guard the omniverse, which is the universe of universes. Tonight’s mission marks my seventy-first rescue. For the record, my own sentient are extra jacked up for this trip. They keep sending me mental images of this planet exploding in a silent shower of blinding light.
Not for the first time, I try to calm them. I got it, I whisper in my mind. There’s trouble at Clyde’s Gym.
Another explosion image follows. Not helping.
I rub my temples and try to focus. Think through the problem, Thorne. Since I saw the glowing K, I’ve assumed the Komandir are behind the trouble here. But maybe the symbol is a distraction. Perhaps something else is at work. Maybe these humans are about to develop drift science along with the ability to open alternate realities. Once you can visit other worlds, it’s easier to implode your own. Drift science would also explain why my sentient keep sending images of exploding planets instead of pics showing Doc Zykin, the Komandir assassin.
Closing my eyes, I reach out to my sentient. Is drift science the real problem here?
In reply, my sentient show me beauty queens jumping up and down after winning a pageant. It’s their way of saying, yes already. Amazing how, even though they can’t speak, my sentient still manage to be sarcastic.
Fresh pictures flood my mind. This time, my sentient review my last mission.
I stand in a huge white space. A sign for New Cosmos University hangs above. Equipment of all kinds surrounds me. Tall monoliths hold computer arrays. A patchwork of workstations cover the floor. Round hoverbots zoom through the air while recording results. I stand at the drift science station, dressed in a white lab coat. All in all, it took me two weeks to register for New Cosmos University as a research student. After that, I spent days hacking into their systems so anyone with Umbran DNA would be immune to university security. Yet the real time-suck on this mission has been my target, Helen Robbins. She’s whip-smart with long black hair, cocoa skin, and a gaze that could melt titanium.
She thinks I’m up to something.
She’s right.
Trouble is, my secret agenda is to stop this version of Earth from imploding. For that to happen, Helen must ace her latest set of drift science calculations. How do I know? My sentient keep making her data pad glow red. For weeks, I’ve tried to help her, but she blocks any attempt at conversation. My only chance is that the school board wants fresh numbers today.
“How’s it going?” I ask. “I know you’re on a deadline.”
Helen presses her tablet against her chest. “What’s it to you?”
“I want to help. That’s it. Honestly.”
Helen pauses. Little by little, she starts handing me her datapad.
At last.
I could cheer.
Behind me, the lab door thuds open. My brother Justice bursts into the room. He’s a bulky figure dressed in cowboy boots, a black T-shirt, jeans and a Stetson. In some kind of nod to science, he holds a pocket protector in his left hand. He stomps over to my side.
“How’s it going?” Justice closes his eyes. I know what he’s doing—accessing his sentient. “Seems like you met the smartest filly in this here lab.” Justice increases intensity as he says ‘smartest filly.’ I get it. Justice means that his sentient pinpointed Helen as the target for this mission. Sadly, my brother already has a loud and gravelly voice. Upping the volume only makes the words ‘smartest filly’ boom through the chamber. Everyone stops working to stare.
My jaw muscles lock in frustration. Justice came here to check on me, clear and simple. Did it take me a few days to determine Helen was my target? Sure. I don’t have Justice’s power over sentient, so I figured it out on my own. Now, I’m finally finishing my work here, and my brother shows up to ‘help.’
He could ruin everything.
I look to Helen. She’s clasped the datapad so tightly against her torso, the girl’s knuckles flare white. “That’s your brother?” she asks.
I pinch the bridge of my nose. “Yup. Can you ignore him?”
“I don’t know.” Helen narrows her eyes. “He’s really really really big.”
Justice tips the brim of his Stetson. “Thank you, sugar.”
“Wasn’t a complement,” deadpans Helen. Justice keeps right on smiling. He’s convinced every woman loves him. Mostly because he’s the most eligible bachelor on Umbra and all the women do adore him. Or at least, they act that way.
I step closer to Helen. “Please. You only deal with him once. I’ve got him for the rest of my life.”
Helen pauses, then cracks a smile. “I’ve an older sister, too. Name’s Polly.” She hands over the datapad. “Poll’s a lot like your brother.”
“Is that right, now?” Justice flashes Helen a thousand-watt smile. “Is this Polly of yours all charm and sunshine, just like me?”
Helen chuckles. “Nope, she’s more of a busybody. Thinks I can’t do anything without her.”
“So.” Justice puffs out his lower lip. “Not like me.”
While Helen and Justice chat, I scan the data pad, make a few notes, and hand it back. “Your results from the dark matter tests are wrong,” I explain. The data comes another team, and I’m not surprised their work sucks. That group’s more interested in clubbing than science. “Rerun the tests yourself and your calcs will be fine.”
Helen scans the screen. “Thanks. If these calcs were off, it could have caused an explosion.”
“Through space and time,” adds Justice.
Helen gives me the side eye. “How could you know those tests looked wrong? This is all new. No one’s seen proper results yet.”
Justice taps his temple. “My little brother here’s a thinker. He’s got to be, considering how he’s low on sentient and all.” Justice closes his eyes for a moment. “Good news. Now those numbers are put to right, this here universe is now safe. Nice how things work out, huh?”
Helen frowns. “Did you say sentient?”
“Yes indeedy,” replies Justice. My brother then turns to me. “Speaking of sentient, did you catch how mine said our work here is done? We aced this mission together, little bro.”
“I caught that, yes.” I’d add that Justice did no actual work to ace said mission, but that will only lead to more humiliating speeches about my weakness with sentient.
Justice slaps his hand on my shoulder. “Let’s get back to Umbra.”
Helen’s brows lift. “Umbra?”
I shake my head. “Oh, it’s definitely time to leave.”
The memory replay ends. It’s obvious why my sentient showed me that scene. In Helen’s world, fixing drift science was the key to saving her planet. The same could be true here as well. Even so, Helen’s mission lasted for weeks and took place in a laboratory. This time, I’ve only got eight more minutes and a gymnasium.
Not gonna lie.
I’m at a loss here.
The main door swings open; five teenage guys step inside. All of them sport pomeade-slick hair, white T-shirts, and cuffed jeans. Classic greasers. Which makes sense. After all, this parallel Earth broke off from the prime reality sometime in the 1950’s. Branch worlds often get stuck on their exit point.
The tallest in the group pauses just inside the door. He’s got a square face, a flat nose, and a great swoosh of blond hair. His stocky body seems ready to burst from his leather bomber jacket. A smaller teen pulls at the tall guy’s elbow.
“Axel,” he begins.
“Quiet, Runt.”
“The name’s Ralph,” squeaks the little guy.
“You’re whatever I call you.” Axel elbows the smaller kid in gut. Ralph gasps in pain, but he doesn’t fight back. Interesting. So whatever this group is, Axel is both their leader and a total dick. Not good. Axel’s beady eyes narrow as he inspects the room.
He’s looking for someone.
Beep… beep…
My earpiece lets out a soft tone that only I can hear. Based on the rhythm, I already know who’s calling. Justice.
“Accept inbound comm,” I say.
My brother’s gravelly voice echoes across the line. “You’ve got less than seven minutes left, little brother. Vamoose.”
“Not an option,” I declare. “My mission isn’t over.”
“Then I’m coming after you. Now.”
Right. Justice would be here already if I hadn’t hidden my placelet data. After the disaster with Helen, I figured out that trick.
“Any news for me?” I ask.
“The S-Man got us some info.”
By S-Man, Justice means Slate, our youngest brother. Together, the three of us make up the royal family for Umbra. As Emperor of the Omiverse, our father Cole wields the all-powerful Crown Sentient, while Slate’s sentient focus on visions and knowledge.
“This Earth is developing drift science tech,” continues Justice.
“My sentient already showed me that.” In my head, images of cheering crowds appear from my sentient. They rarely beat out Slate in getting me news.
“Come on, now.” Justice sighs. “You know what that means—most worlds destroy themselves once they reach this stage. Why save this planet so they can just kill their own selves?”
“Universes are born and die all the time. Sentient pick which ones to save. You know that.” While I chat with Justice, I can’t help but notice how Axel keeps glaring at the office door. Something tells me I should take another look in there. “Unless you’ve got other news, I’m signing off.”
“Hold your horses, now. Be reasonable. Saving this world isn’t possible. You’re not like me and Slate.”
My voice lowers. “I’m aware.”
Both Justice and Slate are far stronger with sentient than I am. Hell, there are grandmas on my planet with more sentient power than I carry. And I get what Justice means. In this mission, he and Slate could escape an imploding planet much faster than I ever could. Which is why I must succeed here or else. I’m about to say precisely that when something happens.
The side office door opens. My sentient stop sending images of cheering crowds. Instead, fresh sensations course through me.
A buzz of excitement.
The pang of anticipation.
A rock-solid weight of willpower.
These aren’t my emotions, though. It’s all coming from my sentient. This is their way of saying, the schism is closeby.
“Hold on,” I tell Justice.
A girl steps through the newly-opened side door. She’s the same teenager I counted before, only now I can catch a better look. She’s young, red-haired, and wearing a poodle skirt. The name Emma is embroidered on her sweater. A pile of books and papers lie cradled in her arms. To my eyes, the documents glow with crimson light. As with Helen, my sentient are telling me that I found it.
The schism.
At last, this is familiar territory. If this mission is like Helen’s, then those papers will carry drift science calculations. Once I fix a few numbers, then the schism will close. I check my watch once more.
Five minutes.
More than enough time.
Emma steps out the emergency back door. Axel stalks along after her, his thin tongue flickering hungrily over his thick lips. I pause. On second thought, there may be more work here than simply fixing calculations. Axel and his buddies might put up a fight.
I take it back. That’s a lot for five minutes.
Suddenly, long cracks form in the gym walls and ceiling. Red light peeps out through the fissures, casting odd patterns across the space. My pulse speeds. I’ve seen this effect before, and it means one thing. This world is pulling apart. On reflex, I scan the nearby faces. Everyone still goes about their business. Punching. Jumping. Lifting. The breaks are only visible to me, thanks to my sentient. Doesn’t make them any less real, though.
“I got it,” I tell Justice. “The schism centers on a girl named Emma; she just moved into an alley. Some guys trailed her. I’ll go after them.”
“No way.” Justice’s voice takes on a frantic note. “A bunch of guys sneak into a dark alley and you’re following? You’ve no idea what kind of tech they’re packing. I’m coming in to help you.”
I prowl across the gym floor. More fissures appear beneath my feet. “Justice, I got this.”
“No! Your hero complex is plum out of control. Give me your exact placelet location and—”
I click the earpiece off, ending our connection. As I march toward the back door, my brother’s words echo through my mind.
Your hero complex is plum out of control.
Justice is wrong.
I don’t have a hero complex.
It’s more of a death wish.
My brothers and I make up the royal family of Umbra. We’re expected to wield exceptional powers with sentient. Slate and Justice do; I don’t. That makes me the chipped jewel in an otherwise-perfect crown.
I’m the extra prince.
Weak brother.
Unworthy royal.
Someone to be pitied as he’s pushed aside.
Fuck that.
With each mission, I get one step closer to either proving myself a true royal … or checking out of this game entirely. The question always hangs over me. Am I a real prince or a dead fool? Yanking on the back door, I step out into the darkened alley.
Maybe tonight’s when things get settled, one way or another.
–end of sample—
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