Richard Paolinelli's Blog, page 37
July 19, 2020
Superversive Sunday Spotlight: Colin Glassey
Welcome to this week’s Superversive Sunday Spotlight. Every week we will chat with a Superversive author that you really should be reading.
This week we welcome Superversive author, Colin Glassey:
[image error]How long have you been writing?
I published a history “A Thousand Blocks of Jade – Vietnam from 900 to 1800” in 2007. I published my first fantasy novel, “The Burning Tower” in 2017. Earlier: I started my own blog back in 1995 (the old site was www.teleologic.com). Before that, I wrote my first unpublished short story just after I graduated from college in 1983.
Which writers inspire you?
J.R.R. Tolkien, Gene Wolfe, Roger Zelazny, David Brin, Feng Menglong.
So, what have you written?
“The Burning Tower”, “The Fire Sword” (2018), “The Flame Iris Temple” (2020).
What draws you to Superversive writing?
I believe that writing has a moral purpose. Although I am not a Christian story-writer (the best of whom was Charles Dickens), never-the-less, my characters, my stories, they have to portray a good world. It is what I believe. We live in a world where flawed, but good people try to make good choices, to make the world a better place. I do not believe in despair or nihilism and I reject writers who portray evil as a “viable alternative”.
[image error]What are you working on at the minute?
I’m working (fitfully thanks to the disruptions caused by the VIRUS of 2020) on three different projects. First, I’m working on a memoir of my two months in South Korea in the year 2011. I wrote the first draft soon after I returned, and now I’m re-working it.
Second, I’m working on my 4th novel in my series. It is a sequel (of sorts) to “The Flame Iris Temple”. And I’ve also started work on a new series set around the time of the collapse of the Ming Dynasty.
Do you read much and if so who are your favorite authors?
These days I mostly read Chinese history. I used read a great deal of science fiction and fantasy. I think I’ve read all the Hugo Award winning novels from 1950 to 1985. Favorite authors: J.R.R. Tolkien, E.R.R. Edison, Gene Wolfe, Roger Zelazny, David Brin, Vernor Vinge, John Keegan, Mark Twain, Neal Stephenson, Feng Menglong, Ling Mengchu.
How can readers discover more about you and your work?
I have my author’s web site at : www.historicfantasybooks.com – My three fantasy novels are available on Amazon. I also created audiobook versions of the three novels, for people who are too busy to read (like my children).
Thanks for sharing Colin. Be sure to check out Colin’s books and be sure to check back next Sunday for our next chat with a Superversive author.
July 18, 2020
1K Weekly Series: The Calling: Part 2, Chapter 4
A Work Of Star Trek Fan Fiction By Richard Paolinelli
© 2020 RICHARD PAOLINELLI . ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO COPYING OR ANY OTHER REPRODUCTION OF THIS STORY IS PERMITTED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION. This is a work of fan fiction based in the universe of Star Trek, created by Gene Roddenberry. It is not intended to be sold, to be used to aid in any sale and is not to be copied or used in any other way by any other party.
CHAPTER FOUR
“In orbit above the capital city of Kallita, Captain,” Sulu reported.
“Thank you, Mr. Sulu,” Kirk replied, swiveling the command chair toward communications. “Lieutenant Uhura, please raise the First Counsel.”
“Aye, Sir,” she replied, manipulating her board. “Hailing them now. The First Counsel is responding, Captain.”
“On screen,” Kirk ordered, nodding at the Ambassador standing beside the command chair. “The floor is yours, Ambassador.”
“Thank you, Captain,” Kleine stepped forward and gathered himself just as the Kallitan leader’s image flared to life on the main view screen. “Greetings, First Counsel. I am Federation Ambassador Dan Kleine here to negotiate the release of our diplomatic team, per your request.”
“Welcome to Kallita, Ambassador,” Judnac replied coolly. “We are prepared to receive you and your party at your convenience.”
“Of course, First Counsel. But may I request, as a sign of good faith, that our first meeting take place aboard the Enterprise?”
“Good faith, Ambassador? Is the mighty Federation afraid of one small planet?”
“There is the matter of the current status of our first diplomatic team, First Counsel. Starfleet is naturally concerned about sending a second party down under the present circumstances.”
“Our reasons for detaining your diplomats are quite legitimate, Ambassador. Whether or not we will release them back into your custody is a matter for discussion, down here on Kallita and nowhere else. We will lower our shield over the Capital City in precisely fifteen minutes. Your party will have thirty seconds to beam down before we raise it again. If you do not arrive at the appointed hour, the sentences against your diplomats will be carried out immediately.”
The screen went black as the First Counsel cut communications.
“I suppose that could have gone better,” Kleine remarked as he turned from the screen.
“A thirty-second window isn’t enough time for us to scan for and locate our diplomats,” Forelni added. “Much less beam them up.”
“Shouldn’t we at least try a diplomatic resolution first?”
“Of course, Ambassador,” Kirk agreed. “But given the apparent hostility from the First Counsel, we have to keep all options on the table.”
“Captain,” Spock interjected. “Given what we just witnessed are you quite certain you should be part of the first landing party?”
“Bucking for Chief of Security, Spock?”
“No, Captain. But it does seem likely that there will be some difficulty below.”
“Agreed, Spock. But they are expecting both the Ambassador and myself to beam down. Fortunately they did not object to the inclusion of Mr. Forelni and Dr. McCoy. I am certain Mr. Forelni’s expertise will be adequate should the Kallitans be up to something. And between you and Scotty up here on the ship you’ll be able to beam us back out in good order.”
Kirk caught the quick glance that passed between his Security Chief and his First Officer and resisted the urge to sigh. At least McCoy was still down in Sick Bay otherwise he’d be in jeopardy of being mother henned to death.
“Gentlemen, like it or not, we’ve got less than fifteen minutes to get to the transporter room and beam down to Kallita. I suggest we get started.”
* * * * *
Four figures coalesced into being in a small receiving hall outside of the First Counsel’s chambers. A dozen armed guards greeted them. One stepped forward and addressed Kirk.
“You will hand over all weapons now!”
“We came unarmed,” Kirk replied smoothly. “Just as your First Counsel requested.”
“You will hand over all weapons,” the guard repeated, pointing at Kirk’s communicator and McCoy’s medical tricorder.
“These are our communication devices and that his simply a medical device the Doctor needs…”
“You will hand over all weapons now,” the guard grumbled in a tone only one octave below a volcanic eruption.
“I see. Very well, gentlemen,” Kirk pulled the communicator from his belt and handed it over as the others followed suit. The guard nearly pulled McCoy off balance as he snatched the tricorder from the Doctor’s hands.
“Search them,” the guard commanded.
“Paranoid bunch,” McCoy muttered as he was roughly patted down.
“Bones,” Kirk warned as the search wrapped up. The guard waved for the door to be opened.
“Excuse me, sir,” Forelni chimed in suddenly. “But you missed something.”
Forelni slipped a thin, metallic strip from his left sleeve and extended it toward the guard.
“Careful,” Forelni warned as the guard gripped the object in his hand. “It’s quite sharp.”
A long, razor-sharp blade snicked out to form a lethal-looking blade. Startled, the guard dropped the blade to the floor.
“Sloppy security work,” Forelni chided sadly. “Have you considered an alternative career path in food service?”
The guard’s face turned a shade of red that matched Forelni’s tunic but held his tongue. He grabbed the fallen blade, spun on his heel and led the Federation party into the chambers. The Ambassador entered first while Forelni lingered back with Kirk and McCoy.
“He activated the tracer in the blade, Captain. Spock will hear everything that happens and within the hour he should have all Federation personnel located and ready to beam up as soon as the shield is lowered again.”
“Well done, Mr. Forelni,” Kirk replied as they entered the room.
“That was sneaky,” McCoy remarked. “I see why he likes Riley so much.”
The Ambassador stepped up to the indicated place and addressed the First Counsel.
“Greetings from the United Feder…” Kleine began before being interrupted.
“I do not need greetings from a prisoner,” Judanc’s tone was mockingly lazy.
“First Counsel we were guaranteed…”
“You were, now you are not. I will inform your Federation Council that you have been charged as accomplices and will be punished accordingly.”
Forelni shot a quick look at Kirk. Straight to worst-case scenario, Kirk thought, recalling their strategy session the night before. Kirk gave a brief nod to his Security Chief to proceed as they’d discussed.
“I claim the Right of Challenge,” Forelni announced as he stepped forward. The First Counsel actually looked amused.
“You are willing to battle my three champions?”
“In exchange for the freedom of all Federation and Starfleet personnel when I win..”
“If you win.”
“When I win,” Forelni re-emphasized. “In addition, you will begin good faith discussions regarding your claims, whatever they might be.”
“This might actually be amusing. You really think you can beat all three?”
Forelni shot a disparaging look at the guards before replying.
“I’ve seen better.”
“Oh, my three champions are not among my guards, Commander. These are my champions.”
A large view screen above the First Counsel’s head flared to life displaying a large practice area where the three champions were engaged in various training. All three were behemoths. Kirk imagined he could hear Spock’s eyebrows rocketing up his forehead from orbit above.
“Do you still wish to fight my champions now?”
Forelni favored the First Counsel with a bored look.
“Separately,” he asked, “or all three at the same time?”
July 17, 2020
Free Read Friday: The Last Noah by David Cuff
It’s Friday and that means it is once again time for another installment of: FREE READ FRIDAY!!!!!
This week’s book you can download for free on Kindle without having to sign up for KU is:
THE LAST NOAH by David Cuff
Robin and Miranda go to bed in their separate rooms, but wake up somewhere else. Somewhere that is alien and way outside their comfort zone. However, as they discover more about their new surroundings and have several unusual and action-packed adventures, they begin to suspect that all may not be as it first seemed.
[image error]As the days progress, their passion for each other grows as their relationship develops emotionally and physically. However, is someone or something watching them? Why do they keep discovering things that don’t feel right? And what’s the story behind the various androids who they meet during their adventures?
As well as being a fast-moving action and adventure novel by contemporary British author David Cuff, this book touches on several social topics. Covert surveillance; humanity’s journey after the extinction of Earth; how AI might develop; and whether humans would, one day, upload their minds into robots (and, if so, what sort of society might result?)
As an ‘aside’ to the plot, there are twenty-two hidden references to well-known science fiction movies and TV shows throughout the book. Challenge yourself — can you find them all?
In space, nobody is watching your reality. Or are they?
July 16, 2020
A Rare Weekend Off
We got Planetary: Earth launched last week. The Free Read Friday feature is set for tomorrow. The next chapter of the Calling, my Star Trek fan fiction, is uploaded and ready for Saturday. The next interview in the Superversive Sunday Spotlight is upload and ready to drop on Sunday morning with Colin Glassey sitting in the interviewee’s chair.
Sayyyyyyyyy, I’m thinking it’s about time I took a weekend off!
That’s exactly what I’m going to do. So you won’t see me lurking about on my social media (although I do have posts on both platforms pre-programmed to drop at different points on Friday, Saturday and Sunday) because I’m thinking I need to unplug for three days.
[image error]I might just read a book.
And if that sounds like a good idea to you, might I humbly suggest something from my bookshelf: Richard Paolinelli’s Books
Or, perhaps this weekend would be the perfect time for you to get started on Tuscany Bay Books’ Planetary Anthology Series? Six of the 11 books are now available on Kindle or in print. Pluto is out as an audiobook and Luna should hit that medium in the next couple of weeks.
The price on all of these books has been dropped during this COVID pandemic. Once that bug is chased off, those prices won’t stay that low, so get’em while you can!.
And in the meantime, have a great weekend and I’ll see you on the other side, hopefully with some great news!
July 15, 2020
Just Call Me Sports-tradamus
Well congratulations, Woke Warriors, you finally got your way at last. You got that big scalp you’ve been on the warpath for: The Washington Redskins are no more.
[image error]I’m not even mad. Maybe I’d be a little more irritated if you’d pulled it off a few years back, but nowadays? Naw, Soi dudes and dudettes (and dude-its, dude-theys,… did I miss anyone?), I ran out of fucks to give to any professional or college team/league weeks ago. As far as I am concerned every sports league, every team, every player, coach, official, broadcaster, journalist etc., etc., anyone attached to the entire sports world can take a flying leap off the top of the Washington Monument.
The entirety of the sports world should be burned down to the ground, the soil salted heavily so nothing can ever grow in its place again and as a warning to future generations to never let it happen again. Let’s see these overpaid, underworked, spoiled prima donnas get out there and work an honest job for an honest wage for a change.
[image error]But to be honest, I’m not surprised you finally mounted the Redskins’ scalp on your coup stick, I’m just surprised it took you this long to get it done. Of course, you did have to wait for a weasel to become NFL Commissioner first, so there is that.
You see, back in 2002/2003 (I don’t have a copy of the column saved thanks to a neighbor’s destructive cat that broke into our garage and decided the box of my clips was a perfect litter box. Also, the nitwit in charge of the paper at the time was too incompetent and too worried about cutting costs to make the shareholders another couple of pennies, to have a proper server set up to save anything put up on the paper’s website beyond 30 days) I wrote a piece regarding California’s big push to strike any Native American-based mascot names from high school teams.
Two of our local teams (Gustine Reds and Chowchilla Redskins) would lose their mascot. I asked at the time, which mascot would be the next to be declared “unclean” by the PC Police. That’s what we called the “Woke” back then. Different name, same stupidity.
[image error]As a joke, pure parody mind you, I said the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame had to go, along with Vikings, Browns, Patriots, etc. etc. Fast forward nearly two decades and…
…within hours of the Redskins being stricken from the Washington franchise, this happened: Petition to ban Fighting Irish mascot
And this:
And this:
The Babylon Bee wrote a piece of satire and I will not be surprised if every single team eventually gets targeted by the Wokians for the very reasons the Bee lists in this article:
Roughly 17-18 years later and every word of warning I typed in that long-ago column has now come to pass. I predict it will only get worse and with each passing day more of the [image error]league’s real fan base will walk away as I have. They are the ones that buy the season tickets, buy the gear and support the teams. When they depart, the void will not be filled by the woke mob. They’ll be too busy moving on to their next victim. They are a subversive virus that can only destroy. They cannot sustain or create.
Before the end of this decade, professional and college sports will be no more. And to be honest, after many years of covering sports and enjoying the games, I’m perfectly fine with that. None of the leagues deserve to survive if they and their players cannot remember that the fans are not a captive audience for their respective political platforms. The leagues, teams, coaches and players serve the fans’ interest in one way and one way only: To entertain the paying customers, not to preach at them.
July 14, 2020
Subverting the Superversive Tolkien
I recently trimmed down the amount of time I spend on Twitter. Maybe I need to go back and trim it down again. I came across a real peach of a tweet. The only redeemingly quality it has is that it perfectly illustrates what I’ve been talking about recently: The difference between Superversive and subversive.
Quick refresher, and for those wandering into the topic for the first time, Superversive builds up while subversive destroys.
The tweet in question is a two-parter and here they are for your viewing pleasure:
[image error]
[image error]
First off, we’ll set aside the copyright issues sure to be attached to this. I seem to recall Sony having Lord of the Rings games that came out on PS2 at the time of the Peter Jackson films. I’m doubting either Sony or anyone holding the rights to Tolkien’s works granting permission for this project, with or without the indicated overhaul of the original material. But, for the sake of argument and for this blog post, lets say they get the green light.
First question: Why?
If you want to create a high fantasy game that is in the same vein as Tolkien and checks off all those “woke” boxes you so desperately want to check off, you can easily do so without using any of the characters or places in his classic work. It isn’t that hard to do. I did it. Its called Minya’s Legacy. The game never got produced but I created the entire story and bible for it. I’ve been considering making it into a full-blown novel down the line.
It’s original, doesn’t rip-off Tolkien, and doesn’t completely change Tolkien’s richly-developed characters. It shows respect for Tolkien’s work, respect for the millions who have read and deeply enjoy what he created by creating a Tolkien-like story without crapping on his original work.
[image error]Showing proper respect for original work matters, especially if you are going to dare wander into an established world and try to craft something new within it. I write Sherlock Holmes pastiches. Four have been published, a fifth will be coming out later this year. I’m currently writting a weekly series of Star Trek fan fiction that touches on Star Trek: Enterprise, The Original Series and The Next Generation. In both instances I am being extremely careful to remain true to the canon and established characters. This is Superversively building up, lifting an established universe to even greater heights.
Sadly, it looks like this project intends to take a huge crap on Tolkien’s works, just like we’ve seen done recently with J.J. Abrams’ led reboot of Star Trek and the disasterous Star Wars sequel triliogy. Established canon was trashed, main characters were dramatically altered (Spock and Uhura as lovers? Seriously, J.J.? [image error]Luke Skywalker a bitter old man who tried to murder his nephew and gave up on the universe? Seriously, Rian?) and even the underlying themes of both were changed to fit a more “woke” mindset not shared by a majority of long-time fans of each franchise.
Or, in other words, Star Trek, Star Wars and now the recently targeted Lord of the Rings, has been subversively torn down and twisted into an unrecognizable heap of useless garbage. These are just the more recent examples. There are many more and many more are sure to be targeted soon.
The good news is that there are plenty of old books, movies and shows to rely on so that these franchises can still be thoroughly enjoyed. And there are pockets of resistence to the subversive menace, pockets willing to produce stories true to the originals that can be enjoyed by all.
[image error]This is the Superversive way. It will always succeed and those who follow it will enjoy unmeasurable happiness in their work.
But I do have two questions for the subversive mob.
If you want to make a LOTR/Star Trek/Star Wars that fits your limited worldview, why do you refuse to go out and create something similar to these franchises using new characters that fit your vision? Why must you invade an established franchise and twist it into something that it never was instead?
Fortunately, I have the answer to both questions.
You lack the talent, the creativity and the drive to do so. That is why you are subversive and that is why ultimately you will always fail and be miserable your entire life.
[image error]
July 13, 2020
Superversive Reading List
You’ve seen the list of Superversive Publishers and Authors. Now, you must be asking, where to find Superversive stories to read? Try these listed below:
(Reprinted with permission from the Superversive SF website
July 11, 2020
Superversive Sunday Spotlight: John M. Olsen
Welcome to this week’s Superversive Sunday Spotlight. Every week we will chat with a Superversive author that you really should be reading.
[image error]This week we welcome Superversive author, John M. Olsen:
How long have you been writing?
That’s actually an interesting question. My first published fiction was in 1995 in Internet World magazine. As far as I know, it may be about the only fiction they ever published. After that, I wrote several chapters in books about software development. I didn’t get serious again about writing fiction until 2014 when I started submitting short stories to anthology contests.
Given all that, the most accurate answer is that I’ve been writing seriously for about six years now.
Which writers inspire you?
I inherited my father’s library a few years back. It had a huge influence on me growing up. Many of my dad’s tastes in writing became my own. That collection contains 48 books by Andre Norton, quite a few by Isaac Asimov, and a long list of old-school authors. Andre Norton in particular gave me a love of stories with cats, crystals, time travel, and ESP. I’ve also come to love books by Lois McMaster Bujold and Jim Butcher as I’ve added new material to the library.
[image error]So, what have you written?
I have my Riland Throne fantasy trilogy (Crystal King, Crystal Queen, and Crystal Empire). In addition to that I have approaching thirty short stories across multiple genres, which is where I experiment and play around with ideas. I’ve written fantasy, science fiction, urban fantasy, horror, dystopian post-apocalyptic, fairy tale retellings, and humor bordering on lit-fic.
What draws you to Superversive writing?
I’m a fan of ordinary people stepping up to do extraordinary things, and that fits in well with the Superversive ideal. I also like to write about the good side of human nature winning in the end. Strong family values are also critical to me personally, and that filters its way into my fiction, even when a story calls for dysfunctional relationships. While I’ve written stories without a happy ending, I try to make even my horror and dystopian works about how people will try to do the right thing in the end because that’s what people should do.
What are you working on at the minute?
I have a lot of irons in the fire just counting what I’ve worked on this past week. I have a WWI novel about Marines, gargoyles, and biplanes going through edits with the publisher. I’m doing first-pass edits on a science fiction novel about miners stuck on the moon of a gas giant. I’ve just got back a short story from an editor-friend that’s targeted at an anthology coming out later in the year, and I just sent a bio in today for an anthology coming out next month. If that wasn’t enough, I started this week to assemble my fantasy short stories into a collection where I mix my reprints with several never-published stories. With luck and some perseverance, that collection should be out by year-end.
Do you read much and if so who are your favorite authors.
Most of my reading time lately has been via audio. That lets me get in an hour during my day job commute each day. A lot of that is to keep up on friends in the business. At the moment I’ve also got Words of Radiance (Brandon Sanderson) on my nightstand waiting for me. I also picked up fresh copies of the first three Dune books (Frank Herbert) to go through before the story gets butchered by another movie. 
1K Weekly Series: The Calling: Part 2, Chapter 3
A Work Of Star Trek Fan Fiction By Richard Paolinelli
© 2020 RICHARD PAOLINELLI . ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NO COPYING OR ANY OTHER REPRODUCTION OF THIS STORY IS PERMITTED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION. This is a work of fan fiction based in the universe of Star Trek, created by Gene Roddenberry. It is not intended to be sold, to be used to aid in any sale and is not to be copied or used in any other way by any other party.
CHAPTER THREE
“Starbase 11 reports they are ready to beam Ambassador Kleine aboard, Captain,” Forelni reported as Kirk, Spock and McCoy entered the Transporter room.
“Very good. Bring him up Mr. Kyle,” Kirk nodded at the man working the console. “Do you know the Ambassador, Mr. Forelni?”
“Yes. I worked with Dan Kleine on one or two negotiations before joining Starfleet. He’s a good, capable man.”
“I’m surprised Starfleet didn’t just ask you to serve as a negotiator when we get to Kallita,” McCoy remarked.
“I imagine my reputation for rescuing hostages and then shooting the hostage takers disqualified me, Doctor,” Forelni quipped. “It seems the Federation wants to continue dealing with the current leader of Kallita instead of being involved in a regime change.”
“I trust Ambassador Kleine has no such rescue now and shoot later policy?” Kirk asked only half-jokingly.
“Dan prefers the live and let live policy, Sir,” Forelni replied, that wicked little gleam in his eye shone brightly. “Most naïve for a man of his age if you ask me.”
The whine of the transporter cutoff any reply as the humanoid form of Ambassador Kleine took shape on the pad. He was a tall man, closer to McCoy’s age, with an almost wiry frame. Wisps of grey wove their way through his jet black hair.
“Ambassador Kleine,” Kirk stepped forward. “Welcome aboard the Enterprise.”
“Thank you, Captain Kirk,” Kleine stepped down from the pad.
“May I introduce my First Officer, Spock, and my Chief Medical Officer, Doctor Leonard McCoy?”
“A pleasure gentlemen, although I wish the circumstances of our meeting were otherwise.”
“And I believe you already know my Chief of Security…”
“Bari Forelni,” Kleine exclaimed. “How long has it been? Seven? No, eight years! Did I every pay off that bet?”
“As a matter of fact, no, you never did,” Forelni shook hands with the Ambassador. “If I were to charge you interest I could bathe in Romulan Ale for a year and still have plenty left over to drink.”
“Serves me right for playing chess with you,” Kleine chuckled. “What do you say double or nothing that you don’t make the finals of the big tournament?”
“I’ll settle for the single bottle you owe me. Besides, I think we have a more pressing issue to resolve right now.”
“Of course,” Kleine sobered a little. “I have already been in touch with the Kallitan government. Upon arrival they will allow a small party to beam down to the planet to begin negotiations to release the hostages and resolve the original dispute.”
Kirk stepped into the conversation to ward off the impending, and likely loud, objection sure to come from his security chief.
“Ambassador, are you quite certain that is a wise thing to do? After all, they have already taken on diplomatic party hostage. It would seem you are giving them an opportunity to add more hostages.”
“Aye,” Forelni muttered in agreement.
“Captain, I have received assurances from their First Counsel Judanc that I and a party no larger than five will have safe passage to and from the ship. It seems the diplomatic party may have overstepped and violated some local law. I fully expect to have the whole matter resolved in a few hours.”
“That sounds overly optimistic, Ambassador Kleine.”
“Not at all, Mr. Spock, not at all. The First Counsel is a reasonable man. Surely he does not think he can stand up against the entire Federation. He is simply posturing. We’ll reach an equitable resolution to the matter.”
“Mr. Forelni will show you to your quarters,” Kirk broke in. “We’ll be underway for Kallita within a few minutes and we should arrive there in two days.”
Kleine headed for the doors and Forelni lingered behind for just a second.
“And after the Ambassador is settled,” Kirk continued in a lower tone, “I will be waiting for you and Mr. Spock, who is going to the bridge and get us on our way, in my quarters.”
“Yes, Sir,” Kirk’s First Officer and Security Chief replied in unison and followed the Ambassador out into the hall. Judging by the look on Forelni’s face, it was going to be an interesting meeting.
* * * * *
“I’ll assume you will enter a formal protest into the log regarding my beaming down to Kallita?” Kirk asked when Forelni arrived.
“No, Sir.”
“Your predecessor would have.”
“Since Ambassador Kleine is insisting on beaming down then you have to accompany him for protocol’s sake. But, I can enter a formal request that I go down with the landing party to provide adequate security coverage. I would, informally, add that the First Officer remain on the ship and that only one other crewman, from Medical, be included.”
“Why?”
“We’re already giving them another Ambassador and a Starship Captain as potential hostages, no need to sweeten the pot any further. And, as First Officer, Spock has the authority to take immediate action when they do decide to add the landing party to their haul.”
“When, not if, Commander?” Spock asked.
“When, Sir. You all read the same briefing material I did. The First Counsel has been in power for a decade now and he is taking his people ‘back to the good old ways’ and that makes Caligula look like a benevolent ruler by comparison.
“He’s brought back gladiator-type games,” Forelni continued. “Stripped certain citizens of rights for any number of dubious reasons. Yes, Mr. Spock, whatever his plan is, we are only adding to the pieces he intends to use to his advantage when we beam down there.”
“Spock?”
“Given what we’ve seen so far, Captain, the Commander’s misgivings do seem justified.”
“Very well, Commander, draw up an action plan and be ready to present it to me…,” Kirk trailed off as Forelni produced a data cube. “Are you telling me you drew up a complete plan in the short time it took you to go from the Ambassador’s quarters to mine?”
“No, Sir,” and damned if that gleam wasn’t back in his eye. “I drew this up ten minutes after the initial briefing when we were ordered to Starbase 11 and I read the last report on the state of Kallita’s politics.”
“You are a suspicious man, Mr. Forelni.”
“Aye, Captain. I intend to live my full three centuries and then some and I’ll not have some want-to-be despot in the middle of nowhere be the reason why you don’t live to see a good portion of your second.”
“We’ll try to see to it that I do then,” Kirk replied with a chuckle. “Very well, Commander, what have you got?”
July 10, 2020
FREE READ FRIDAY: Time Trap (Red Moon Trilogy) by Micah Caida
It’s Friday and that means it is time for another Free Read Friday!!!
This week download a free copy of:
TIME TRAP by MICAH CAIDA
In book one of this unusual science fiction, time travel trilogy, USA Today Bestseller Micah Caida delivers an other-worldly thriller with an explosive finish.
[image error]Rayen wakes up in a strange place called Albuquerque with no memory of how she landed in a desert where she’s captured. While the authorities search for a way to identify her, she’s sent to an unusual institution where she’s shocked to see paper. When a power inside her manifests unexpectedly, she opens a portal, sending her and two unlikely sidekicks to a place harboring a deadly secret that can destroy this world … and the future. All she wants is to regain her memory and go home. The only person who can help her is an elite fighter of the future, who is trapped in a fantastical world where killing the enemy and surviving is all that matters. With one impulsive action to save a child, she proves she’s his enemy.
A breathtaking debut trilogy where Isaac Asimov meets Hunger Games.
