Aurora Springer's Blog, page 88
October 22, 2014
FREE eBook - Rosemary's Quest - Oct. 25-26
Rosemary's Quest. The eBook will be free on Oct. 25-26. Magic novella, witch & wizard fight evil
Rosemary cannot understand why she is bullied and taunted as a witch-child. She does not know any magic. Nor does she understand why no one else in her village fears the encroaching shadow of the evil king Kafkad. She runs away on a quest to destroy the evil king, escaping just before the shadows engulf her village. Rosemary seeks for the once famous, and now almost forgotten, White Wizard Strange. Is he still alive and does he have the power to destroy Kafkad?
Rosemary cannot understand why she is bullied and taunted as a witch-child. She does not know any magic. Nor does she understand why no one else in her village fears the encroaching shadow of the evil king Kafkad. She runs away on a quest to destroy the evil king, escaping just before the shadows engulf her village. Rosemary seeks for the once famous, and now almost forgotten, White Wizard Strange. Is he still alive and does he have the power to destroy Kafkad?
October 17, 2014
Snippet for SFFSat from Dragons of Vkani
For your entertainment, Dragons of Vkani is Free Oct 17-18.Here is another short piece of my published novel for Science Fiction & Fantasy Saturday.
Explanation: Lucy Stannis, a Terran, and Sa Kamizan Veedak, a scale-covered Atrapako, have traveled from their home on the colony of Eden to rescue his sister from his hostile home planet of Vkani. His sister is called the Dragon Lady of Ravenak. In this piece we meet the dragons and the enigmatic Raven.
Read the book to see Lucy rescue her mate from a fate worse than death!
Snippet
The dragon reared up on its hind legs, placing its forepaws on Sa Kamizan’s broad chest and flicked its tongue at him. It stood taller than Lucy, with its long tail sweeping over the ground. “I think they are friendly,” Lucy said. She stood, waiting for the Blue Atrapako, with one hand on the head of the smaller dragon at her feet. Sa Kamizan kept his hand lightly on her shoulder. He shrugged, and patted the head of the dragon leaning against him. The Blue Atrapako approached quickly and they saw it carried a long-barreled gun in a shoulder belt. The Blue slowed, and stopped a few paces in front. It was slim with a short crest of fine spines, and stood perhaps half a foot short of Sa Kamizan’s imposing height. “Who are you, strangers?” the young Blue said curtly. “You are trespassing! I am Raven, the protector of Ravenak. I guard this passage with my dragons.” “I am Sa Kamizan,” he said calmly. Raven gasped with widened eyes, “Sa Kamizan Veedak, who was called to our aid?” “The same,” he said in such a smug voice that Lucy grinned behind her face mask.
To return to SFFSat click here or on the button at the top.
Explanation: Lucy Stannis, a Terran, and Sa Kamizan Veedak, a scale-covered Atrapako, have traveled from their home on the colony of Eden to rescue his sister from his hostile home planet of Vkani. His sister is called the Dragon Lady of Ravenak. In this piece we meet the dragons and the enigmatic Raven.
Read the book to see Lucy rescue her mate from a fate worse than death!
Snippet
The dragon reared up on its hind legs, placing its forepaws on Sa Kamizan’s broad chest and flicked its tongue at him. It stood taller than Lucy, with its long tail sweeping over the ground. “I think they are friendly,” Lucy said. She stood, waiting for the Blue Atrapako, with one hand on the head of the smaller dragon at her feet. Sa Kamizan kept his hand lightly on her shoulder. He shrugged, and patted the head of the dragon leaning against him. The Blue Atrapako approached quickly and they saw it carried a long-barreled gun in a shoulder belt. The Blue slowed, and stopped a few paces in front. It was slim with a short crest of fine spines, and stood perhaps half a foot short of Sa Kamizan’s imposing height. “Who are you, strangers?” the young Blue said curtly. “You are trespassing! I am Raven, the protector of Ravenak. I guard this passage with my dragons.” “I am Sa Kamizan,” he said calmly. Raven gasped with widened eyes, “Sa Kamizan Veedak, who was called to our aid?” “The same,” he said in such a smug voice that Lucy grinned behind her face mask. To return to SFFSat click here or on the button at the top.
October 14, 2014
FREE eBook Oct. 17-18th - Dragons of Vkani
Dragons of Vkani is Book 2 in the series Atrapako on Eden, and the sequel to The Lady is Blue
The meeting and adventures of the Blue, Sa Kamizan Veedak, and Dr. Lucy Stannis are described in the first Book “The Lady is Blue.” The alien Atrapako have scales covering massive humanoid bodies, sharp claws and tall crests. Their scales come in one of four colors, representing their traditional class system. The Atrapako settled on the peaceful planet of Eden send a rescue mission to their native planet of Vkani to bring back family and friends. The rescue teams encounter new friends and deadly foes in the hostile, toxic environment where hostile warlords wage battles amid ferocious sandstorms.
Blurb The happy family life of Sa Kamizan and Lucy Stannis is interrupted when the Space Traders bring a distress signal from his sister, Veela. They must travel to the hostile Atrapako planet of Vkani to rescue Veela, the Dragon Lady of Ravenak. In a radical break from tradition, Sa Kamizan befriends two Reds, the Ziggurak brothers, from the unnamed, dispensable soldier/laborer class. The rescue mission is combined with a scientific expedition led by Dr. Jun Danzho and Te Tamarkis Varenne to probe the Deadlands for evidence of Lucy’s hypothesis of an ancient nuclear holocaust. The rescue teams encounter new friends and deadly foes in the hostile, barbaric environment where warlords wage battles amid ferocious sandstorms. In their search across the inhabited continent, Sa Kamizan demonstrates his prowess with a sword, while Lucy employs explosives, and, of course, the dragons, as they combat treachery by power-hungry Blues.
Excerpt Suddenly, Lucy saw a movement among the rocks at the far end of the narrow ledge. She took hold of her weapons in preparation for an attack. Instead of an Atrapako, she saw a large muscular lizard walking toward them. She reached the end of the ledge and slowed, uncertainly, as the lizard advanced with its peculiar waddling gait.
“Keep back!” Sa Kamizan ordered. “It is a dragon lizard.”
Lucy stepped on toward the dragon, curious about its intent. It resembled a large Terran Komodo dragon with the addition of a fringed crest running from the head down its spine to the tail, like the Atrapako crests. The big lizard had a blue metal collar fixed around its neck. It slowed as it neared, lowered its long body and crept up gradually until it crouched at her feet. She bent down on one knee and held out her hand to the lizard. Its scales were a mottled brown and curved white fangs lined its open mouth, while a long thin tongue stretched out.
“Lucy!” cried Sa Kamizan in an angry, desperate voice, afraid of startling the lizard into attack. He jumped to her side and gripped her shoulder tightly.
“No, it’s all right, Veedak.” Lucy smiled in delight as the great lizard flicked its forked tongue over her hand. “This dragon has been tamed. Look at its collar.” She touched its narrow head. “It likes me!”
The meeting and adventures of the Blue, Sa Kamizan Veedak, and Dr. Lucy Stannis are described in the first Book “The Lady is Blue.” The alien Atrapako have scales covering massive humanoid bodies, sharp claws and tall crests. Their scales come in one of four colors, representing their traditional class system. The Atrapako settled on the peaceful planet of Eden send a rescue mission to their native planet of Vkani to bring back family and friends. The rescue teams encounter new friends and deadly foes in the hostile, toxic environment where hostile warlords wage battles amid ferocious sandstorms. Blurb The happy family life of Sa Kamizan and Lucy Stannis is interrupted when the Space Traders bring a distress signal from his sister, Veela. They must travel to the hostile Atrapako planet of Vkani to rescue Veela, the Dragon Lady of Ravenak. In a radical break from tradition, Sa Kamizan befriends two Reds, the Ziggurak brothers, from the unnamed, dispensable soldier/laborer class. The rescue mission is combined with a scientific expedition led by Dr. Jun Danzho and Te Tamarkis Varenne to probe the Deadlands for evidence of Lucy’s hypothesis of an ancient nuclear holocaust. The rescue teams encounter new friends and deadly foes in the hostile, barbaric environment where warlords wage battles amid ferocious sandstorms. In their search across the inhabited continent, Sa Kamizan demonstrates his prowess with a sword, while Lucy employs explosives, and, of course, the dragons, as they combat treachery by power-hungry Blues.
Excerpt Suddenly, Lucy saw a movement among the rocks at the far end of the narrow ledge. She took hold of her weapons in preparation for an attack. Instead of an Atrapako, she saw a large muscular lizard walking toward them. She reached the end of the ledge and slowed, uncertainly, as the lizard advanced with its peculiar waddling gait.
“Keep back!” Sa Kamizan ordered. “It is a dragon lizard.”
Lucy stepped on toward the dragon, curious about its intent. It resembled a large Terran Komodo dragon with the addition of a fringed crest running from the head down its spine to the tail, like the Atrapako crests. The big lizard had a blue metal collar fixed around its neck. It slowed as it neared, lowered its long body and crept up gradually until it crouched at her feet. She bent down on one knee and held out her hand to the lizard. Its scales were a mottled brown and curved white fangs lined its open mouth, while a long thin tongue stretched out.
“Lucy!” cried Sa Kamizan in an angry, desperate voice, afraid of startling the lizard into attack. He jumped to her side and gripped her shoulder tightly.
“No, it’s all right, Veedak.” Lucy smiled in delight as the great lizard flicked its forked tongue over her hand. “This dragon has been tamed. Look at its collar.” She touched its narrow head. “It likes me!”
October 10, 2014
Snippet for SFFSat: A Tale of Two Colonies
October Snippet For the Halloween month of October, I'm boosting my SF story set on a planet inhibited by giant arthropods.
A Tale of Two Colonies
. There is no respite from insect attacks on planet Delta, where Lily is scouting for remnants of the lost colony. Conley is a descendant of the original colonists and familiar with the hazards.
Snippet:
Lily leaned against Conley and relaxed with the boulder supporting her back. She closed her eyes sleepily under the warmth of the afternoon sun. Conley shifted slightly. “Lily?” he said softly.“Yes,” she opened her eyes. He was gazing into her face. “Thank you,” he said, and kissed her warmly. She slid her arms around his neck and leaned into his embrace. It was peaceful lying in the sun with a faint humming sound in the distance. As they kissed, the sound grew louder. Suddenly, Conley broke away and leapt to his feet with a warning yell, “Stripers!” Looking up, Lily discovered the source of the sound was orange striped insects flying above. She struggled erect and pulled out her laser. Conley jumped high in the air to slash with his long sword at the zooming insects, which were attacking in formation.
Comments are welcome!Please return to SFFSat and read any other snippets.
A Tale of Two Colonies
. There is no respite from insect attacks on planet Delta, where Lily is scouting for remnants of the lost colony. Conley is a descendant of the original colonists and familiar with the hazards.Snippet:
Lily leaned against Conley and relaxed with the boulder supporting her back. She closed her eyes sleepily under the warmth of the afternoon sun. Conley shifted slightly. “Lily?” he said softly.“Yes,” she opened her eyes. He was gazing into her face. “Thank you,” he said, and kissed her warmly. She slid her arms around his neck and leaned into his embrace. It was peaceful lying in the sun with a faint humming sound in the distance. As they kissed, the sound grew louder. Suddenly, Conley broke away and leapt to his feet with a warning yell, “Stripers!” Looking up, Lily discovered the source of the sound was orange striped insects flying above. She struggled erect and pulled out her laser. Conley jumped high in the air to slash with his long sword at the zooming insects, which were attacking in formation.
Comments are welcome!Please return to SFFSat and read any other snippets.
October 8, 2014
Flash Fiction: Alone on Mars
I'm sharing a short story (<500 words) composed for Kindle Write On
Alone on Mars
Bump! Lucilla woke, blinked in the dim light and lay still, waiting with all her senses alert. It was almost midnight from the time on the display. Her hammock swayed gently. No, that motion was wrong! She checked her air intake and sat up cautiously, holding the sides of the hammock. Crack! The whole room shook violently, tossing her onto the floor. Pain stabbed as she hit a hard object. She rolled against the interior wall, and dragged herself upright. It was a quake, a major quake judging by the rocking of her domed shelter. Fear quickened her breathing as she scanned the room, checking for damage. Most of the furniture was bolted down. Her chair lay on its side. The precious com was fastened securely. But, her disks littered the floor, and a coffee mug rolled to the opposite side of the cabin. The shelter grew quiet. She seized advantage of the lull and scrambled to her feet. She rushed to the transparent wall, and gazed outside. The piercing beauty of the stars struck her as always. More and brighter stars than were visible through the grimy smog of overpopulated Earth. The dense pinpricks of stars in the spiral arm of the galaxy cut diagonally across the black sky. The dim shape of Phobos hung in the lower east quadrant. As she noted the moon’s position, her com beeped to announce an incoming signal and she saw the hawk icon. “Phobos to Mars 1. Lucilla, are you all right?” She felt a surge of relief mixed with exasperation at the sound of his voice. Jason never kept to the formal protocols for communication. He was only the voice in their daily exchanges. Still, it was good to know he was watching. “Mars 1 to Phobos. Lucilla here. I am fine. I am assessing damage from quake. Over.” “Roger, Lucilla. Seismic monitors went crazy. It’s a big quake. The epicenter is fifty kiloms west of your dome. Over.” “Mars 1 to Phobos. The dome is intact. Minor disruptions inside. I’ll check the surface outside. Over.” “Roger. Watch out for aftershocks! I have a shuttle, but Phobos sets in one hour. Over.” She gazed outside at the orange rocks. A distant rumble increased in volume. Boom! A chasm cracked open and roared towards her dome. She screamed. The jaws of the crack rushed underneath. The dome lurched at a crazy angle and slid into the gaping hole. “Jason!” she yelled. Bump! The floor buckled and she smashed against a wall, losing consciousness. She woke, battered and dizzy. A blurry shape swam into her view, and resolved into a man’s face with bright blue eyes and unruly brown hair. “Who are you?” she whispered, blushing at the sight of a live person after two solitary years. He blinked, “Jason. I came as fast as I could and dug you out. Your dome has sunk beyond repair. You’re stuck with me until the relief crew arrives.” She smiled. It would be interesting.
I am expanding the theme of this piece into a novella set in the near future. Comments are welcome!
October 2, 2014
SFR Brigade Showcase - Captured by the Hawk
Captured by the Hawk
I have been composing science fiction and fantasy stories for decades, but only became a self-published author this year with 2 full-length novels and 3 novellas. SFR Brigade membership has proved a valuable resource for me as an author and a reader. For October’s Showcase, I will highlight my Space Operetta with its feisty heroine and charming rogue of a space pirate. The eBook is free Oct. 3-4.
Description:
Interstellar spy, Grey Kat, is captured by the enigmatic Black Hawk, renegade captain of the Rogue Star, who terrorizes the Emperor’s spaceships. He persuades her to assist in his next piracy attempt, which plunges them into a series of comical misadventures traveling through several ships and different planets. Will she discover the secrets of the mysterious Black Hawk before she suffers the fate of his unfortunate ex-wife? 5* review on Amazon
Character Interview with the heroine, Katrina Sligo
Interviewer: You go by several names in the story. Which one do you prefer?
Heroine: The different names come from my full name and reflect different aspects of my personality. I am both Grey Kat, the interstellar spy, and Mistress Trina Sligo, daughter of the Solarian ambassador. Not many people call me Katrina, but they include my favorite people.
Interviewer: What is Captain Hawk’s best feature?
Heroine: His green eyes of course! They are the only visible part of Black Hawk’s face in his sexy black outfit. Interviewer: People say he is a charming rogue. What is your opinion?
Heroine: He’s not charming me! I like to see a man’s face when he kisses me. And, what about his dead wife? Her cabin on his spaceship hasn’t been touched since her death. He has too many mysteries in my opinion.
Interviewer: Didn’t you agree to help him steal a ship?
Heroine: Yes, and it was a total disaster. It went from bad to worse; I was knocked unconscious three times! And all he can say is “Kiss me Kat!”
Excuse me, I have a man to fix. She hisses, If he doesn’t stop singing “When Irish eyes are smiling.” he’s in real trouble! Cormac must have told him how much I hate that song! She reaches for the nearest heavy object and runs out.
OK, it is a four-leaved clover not a shamrock. But, I found it in our backyard!
Please return to check out the other authors' contributions at SFR Brigade Presents
Comments are welcome!
September 30, 2014
FREE 10/3-10/4 Captured by the Hawk
A Space Operetta; 5* review on AmazonFun, Fast and Full of cliches. FREE eBook 10/3-10/4/2014Interstellar spy and expert code thief, Grey Kat, is captured by the enigmatic Black Hawk, renegade captain of the Rogue Star, who terrorizes the Emperor’s spaceships.
Excerpt:
Later in the day, she was escorted again to the Captain’s cabin. The Black Hawk was seated as usual at his table, looking at star charts. He glanced up when she was ushered into the room. His eyes lingered, registering astonishment at her red hair and fair, freckled skin. He stood and paced around her with the supple and deadly grace of a prowling tiger. He spoke in a deep resonant voice, “A dramatic change! Grey Kat is entirely washed away.” Trina was attracted strongly by the feline grace of his body in motion. When he stood still, the image of raw, feral power was replaced by the enigma of the Black Hawk, clothed entirely in black. She raised her chin provocatively, and spoke in the haughty accent of the Solarian upper class. “I am grateful for your kindness in providing me with clean clothes and a luxuriously comfortable room.” Black Hawk circled her again, insisting, “I know your face! Where have I seen it?” He halted in front of her, staring at her face with narrowed eyes. She remained motionless and silent, only her eyes revealing her insolence. “Wait,” he cried, with a confident smile curving his lips. “I have it! You are Mistress Trina Sligo, daughter of the Solarian diplomat.” She made a slight bow and said, tilting up her chin with a mocking, regal air, “You are correct, Captain Hawk! In this guise, I am Mistress Trina Sligo.” “Amazing!” he said appreciatively, shaking his head. “No one would guess you were Grey Kat, the dock thief.”
Excerpt:
Later in the day, she was escorted again to the Captain’s cabin. The Black Hawk was seated as usual at his table, looking at star charts. He glanced up when she was ushered into the room. His eyes lingered, registering astonishment at her red hair and fair, freckled skin. He stood and paced around her with the supple and deadly grace of a prowling tiger. He spoke in a deep resonant voice, “A dramatic change! Grey Kat is entirely washed away.” Trina was attracted strongly by the feline grace of his body in motion. When he stood still, the image of raw, feral power was replaced by the enigma of the Black Hawk, clothed entirely in black. She raised her chin provocatively, and spoke in the haughty accent of the Solarian upper class. “I am grateful for your kindness in providing me with clean clothes and a luxuriously comfortable room.” Black Hawk circled her again, insisting, “I know your face! Where have I seen it?” He halted in front of her, staring at her face with narrowed eyes. She remained motionless and silent, only her eyes revealing her insolence. “Wait,” he cried, with a confident smile curving his lips. “I have it! You are Mistress Trina Sligo, daughter of the Solarian diplomat.” She made a slight bow and said, tilting up her chin with a mocking, regal air, “You are correct, Captain Hawk! In this guise, I am Mistress Trina Sligo.” “Amazing!” he said appreciatively, shaking his head. “No one would guess you were Grey Kat, the dock thief.”
September 26, 2014
Snippet from A Tale of Two Colonies for SFFSat
Science Fiction & Fantasy Saturday presents <15 lines from participating authors for your enjoyment. When you have finished here, please use the SFFSat button to return and read the other snippets.
A Tale of Two Colonies (eBook FREE on Saturday)Lily is a member of the scout team searching for the colony lost 400 years earlier. They have found two men, Brent and Conley, who must be the descendants of the original colonists. Their customs have changed and communication has been tricky at times. Here, Brent has been injured, and there seems to be a slight misunderstanding. There was a groan from Brent as he turned his head. “He’s in pain,” Lily remarked quietly. “I can cure that.” She selected a needle and filled the syringe. She held the injector up to check the dose, and leaned toward Brent. Suddenly, her arm was seized in a vice-like grip. “No!” Conley cried urgently. Lily stared at his angry face, “I want to give him an analgesic to dull the pain. What did you think I was doing?” His expression relaxed a little, but his grip on her arm did not loosen. “Leg broken, Brent cannot walk. Leave him!” “Oh, we can’t leave him here. He would die,” she relied automatically. Then, she had a horrific thought, “Did you think I was going to kill Brent?”
Comments are welcome :) Please return to read the snippets from other writers. SFFSat
A Tale of Two Colonies (eBook FREE on Saturday)Lily is a member of the scout team searching for the colony lost 400 years earlier. They have found two men, Brent and Conley, who must be the descendants of the original colonists. Their customs have changed and communication has been tricky at times. Here, Brent has been injured, and there seems to be a slight misunderstanding. There was a groan from Brent as he turned his head. “He’s in pain,” Lily remarked quietly. “I can cure that.” She selected a needle and filled the syringe. She held the injector up to check the dose, and leaned toward Brent. Suddenly, her arm was seized in a vice-like grip. “No!” Conley cried urgently. Lily stared at his angry face, “I want to give him an analgesic to dull the pain. What did you think I was doing?” His expression relaxed a little, but his grip on her arm did not loosen. “Leg broken, Brent cannot walk. Leave him!” “Oh, we can’t leave him here. He would die,” she relied automatically. Then, she had a horrific thought, “Did you think I was going to kill Brent?”
Comments are welcome :) Please return to read the snippets from other writers. SFFSat
September 24, 2014
New Covers for My Novels
I have a set of new covers for my works.
New cover illustrating Tiger Lily:
Covers for the series Atrapako on Eden
Cover for Magic Novella
New cover illustrating Tiger Lily:
Covers for the series Atrapako on Eden
Cover for Magic Novella
September 19, 2014
SFFSat - longer excerpt from The Lady is Blue
Welcome to SFFSat with my excerpt from The Lady is Blue. When you have finished, please return to read the excerpts from the other authors. Use the button at the end of the post. The Lady is Blue: Free today
An alien ship crashes on the planet Eden which has a small colony of humans. The Atrapako have scales, with the color indicating their class, and sharp claws. Lucy was Sa Kamizan's guest at an Atrapako dinner. She slipped away while he was distracted in a chess-like game, and she was knocked unconscious while snooping in a prohibited area. Sa Kamizan has a problem. The humans hold him responsible for her accident, and his people blame him for letting her enter a prohibited section. This longer excerpt describes his solution, and his discovery of Lucy's unexpected talent.
Excerpt: Red is for Blood
Lucy was sorting contentedly through her work in the office, when she heard a knock on the door. “Come in!” she called and swiveled round to see Te Suzzaine enter. The Green Atrapako was breathing heavily as if she had run all the way from the Trapie dorm. She leaned against the wall, panting while she gathered breath to speak. “What is it, Sukla?” Lucy cried in alarm and ran across to the alien. “Lucy, you must come at once,” gasped the Green. “Sa Kamizan is fighting the Red.” Her eyes were wide and fearful. “He may be killed!” Lucy slid a charged laser onto her belt, and both females rushed down the corridor to the elevator. “Can you explain what is happening? What can I do?” Lucy asked. “It is because of your assault. The verdict was no punishment, since you violated our privacy. Blue verdict, Lucy!” she said emphatically while gripping the human’s arm. The elevator arrived and they rode to the ground level. “What about the fight?” Lucy prompted. “The duel is an ancient custom to settle disputes. Sa Kamizan made it his personal dispute and challenged the Red who attacked you.” The Green pulled roughly at Lucy’s arm and cried, “He could die because of you!” “It was his decision,” said Lucy harshly, jerking her arm free. “When is this duel?” “It may have started already.” “Let’s hurry!” This time, Lucy grabbed the Green by the hand and ran at a faster speed across the lawns. Sukla found renewed energy and raced alongside. When they reached the entrance to the Trapie dorm, no one was in sight. This was unusual. Normally, a Red and a Yellow Atrapako stood by the door to examine visitors. Once inside, the two females hurried along silent corridors. Their footsteps echoed from the yellow walls. “What are their weapons?” Lucy gasped. “None,” was the reply. “The Red has the advantage of physical adeptness compared to a Blue.” The Green’s voice sounded despairing. “Sa Kamizan is no weakling and he has the advantage of greater intelligence,” Lucy reassured the Green. Sukla flung open the door to the recreation room. It was packed solidly with Atrapako of every color. The Green forced her way through the crowd, dragging Lucy along. Lucy was scraped against solid Atrapako bodies several times due to their rapid progress through the crowd. They were all taller than the human, so she could see only scaled bodies on every side. The oily, acrid odor of Atrapako bodies was intense, and Lucy felt queasy with the smell and the nervous tension. “It has begun,” hissed Sukla as she shoved aside the Atrapako who blocked her passage. The crowd was unnaturally quiet. Lucy heard the dull thud of blows before the contestants were visible. Finally, they broke through into the central space. The Green pushed Lucy to the front and whispered, “It is your privilege to attend this duel. The fight is over when one surrenders, or is incapacitated.” The Blue Sa Kamizan and the unnamed Red stood naked in the middle of a cleared area about twenty feet in diameter. The two combatants were circling warily. The arena was separated from the spectators by a wide white line. Lucy stood right at the edge of the line. “Do not cross the white line,” whispered Sukla. “Anyone who enters the circle has joined the fight.” Lucy could not take her eyes from the combatants. The Red was slightly shorter than Sa Kamizan, but much broader and appeared more muscular. The thought flashed through her mind that she had never considered Sa Kamizan as slim or lacking muscles until today. The Red attacked with clenched fists and Lucy felt the Green flinch behind her as some of the blows landed on Sa Kamizan. The Blue jumped back lightly and warded off most of the attack. Suddenly, his fist thrust out and the Red jerked back momentarily before continuing the assault. Lucy thought she understood. Sa Kamizan was deliberately drawing a rain of blows in order to gauge the fighting style and weaknesses of the Red. Only now did she fully appreciate the impressive power of the Atrapako physique. A human boxer would have little chance against an Atrapako adversary. And, she noticed it was not just a boxing match. The Atrapako used their sharp claws as well as their hard, scaled fists. The Red struck out straight-handed at Sa Kamizan’s head and blood dripped down his face. Lucy shuddered. She did not want him to be killed or maimed on her behalf. However, he would certainly not approve if she interfered in the fight to his advantage. She fingered the laser fastened at her belt. If Sa Kamizan was in obvious danger she would use her weapon. Perhaps she could make it look accidental. The fight continued. The Red thrust repeatedly and more blood appeared on Sa Kamizan’s body, although he evaded many blows with agile leaps to the side. Eventually, Lucy realized the Red was also bleeding in several places, but the blood was obscured by the color of his scales. The outcome was still uncertain. The spectators watched as if in a trance. There were occasional gasps from the audience when a particularly heavy blow struck home. Lucy recognized both opponents were tired and slowing. As the combat span on, the Blue’s stamina was apparent as he nimbly danced around the lumbering Red. Very few blows hit Sa Kamizan now, while he was often successful whenever he struck at the Red. Lucy began to relax and realized she had been holding her breath. Suddenly the Red kicked out, and there was a loud gasp from the crowd as Sa Kamizan fell. The Red dived towards the Blue. Sa Kamizan stopped his fall with one hand, rolling swiftly aside. Then, the Red lay on the floor and Sa Kamizan had leapt upright. “Kill him!” the cry arose from scattered members of the audience. Sa Kamizan ignored the calls and stood silently until the Red clambered to his feet. The battle commenced again. Lucy noted that the Red had lost confidence and was concentrating on defensive tactics. It was too late for him. Sa Kamizan feinted with a kick and then lashed out left-handed. There was a thud as he contacted the Red’s head. The Red swayed, toppled to the ground and lay still. Lucy sighed in relief. Abruptly, she leapt over the line with a warning yell. Just as the Red hit the floor, two Atrapako raced across the line behind Sa Kamizan. Both wielded long knives. Sa Kamizan was alerted to the new threat and tackled the bulky Red close to him. He was still unaware of Lucy and the second assailant. Lucy jumped into the center, drawing the attention of the second attacker. She recognized the gangling Blue youth who had insulted Sa Kamizan to her face at the dinner. The Blue rushed towards her, brandishing a wide blade like a meat cleaver. Lucy grinned in fierce concentration, backing away slowly as if terrified. He was very eager to disable a smaller, more vulnerable opponent. Her combat training was superior. An icy calm settled over her as she crouched alertly before the furious Trapie. Just as she had anticipated, the young Blue swept his blade down with his whole strength. The cleaver slashed toward her head. With an agile sidestep, she avoided the blow and grabbed his arm, jerking down strongly. The thin Blue slammed to the ground and slid across the floor. The knife whirled from his grasp. Lucy straightened and looked up. Sa Kamizan was staring at her in amazement. He was wild-eyed and panting from exertion. Two Red Atrapako lay on the floor, and he held another sword. The crowd was deathly silent. Sa Kamizan picked up the second blade. Lucy rotated to scan the circle of faces. No other assailants appeared. Sa Kamizan stepped over the red bodies to Lucy. “Do you have a weapon?” His chest heaved with every breath and Lucy knew he was exhausted. She drew out her laser. “I’ll demonstrate,” she said fiercely. She swiveled in a half circle, menacing the spectators with her weapon. Then, she raised the laser and sliced through the cord supporting a large banner mounted on one wall. The banner crashed to the ground as several nearby Atrapako jumped out of the way. Sa Kamizan wielded a knife in each hand. “Hold the gun ready, Lucy.” He draped one large arm casually over her shoulders. “We walk out slowly.”
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An alien ship crashes on the planet Eden which has a small colony of humans. The Atrapako have scales, with the color indicating their class, and sharp claws. Lucy was Sa Kamizan's guest at an Atrapako dinner. She slipped away while he was distracted in a chess-like game, and she was knocked unconscious while snooping in a prohibited area. Sa Kamizan has a problem. The humans hold him responsible for her accident, and his people blame him for letting her enter a prohibited section. This longer excerpt describes his solution, and his discovery of Lucy's unexpected talent. Excerpt: Red is for Blood
Lucy was sorting contentedly through her work in the office, when she heard a knock on the door. “Come in!” she called and swiveled round to see Te Suzzaine enter. The Green Atrapako was breathing heavily as if she had run all the way from the Trapie dorm. She leaned against the wall, panting while she gathered breath to speak. “What is it, Sukla?” Lucy cried in alarm and ran across to the alien. “Lucy, you must come at once,” gasped the Green. “Sa Kamizan is fighting the Red.” Her eyes were wide and fearful. “He may be killed!” Lucy slid a charged laser onto her belt, and both females rushed down the corridor to the elevator. “Can you explain what is happening? What can I do?” Lucy asked. “It is because of your assault. The verdict was no punishment, since you violated our privacy. Blue verdict, Lucy!” she said emphatically while gripping the human’s arm. The elevator arrived and they rode to the ground level. “What about the fight?” Lucy prompted. “The duel is an ancient custom to settle disputes. Sa Kamizan made it his personal dispute and challenged the Red who attacked you.” The Green pulled roughly at Lucy’s arm and cried, “He could die because of you!” “It was his decision,” said Lucy harshly, jerking her arm free. “When is this duel?” “It may have started already.” “Let’s hurry!” This time, Lucy grabbed the Green by the hand and ran at a faster speed across the lawns. Sukla found renewed energy and raced alongside. When they reached the entrance to the Trapie dorm, no one was in sight. This was unusual. Normally, a Red and a Yellow Atrapako stood by the door to examine visitors. Once inside, the two females hurried along silent corridors. Their footsteps echoed from the yellow walls. “What are their weapons?” Lucy gasped. “None,” was the reply. “The Red has the advantage of physical adeptness compared to a Blue.” The Green’s voice sounded despairing. “Sa Kamizan is no weakling and he has the advantage of greater intelligence,” Lucy reassured the Green. Sukla flung open the door to the recreation room. It was packed solidly with Atrapako of every color. The Green forced her way through the crowd, dragging Lucy along. Lucy was scraped against solid Atrapako bodies several times due to their rapid progress through the crowd. They were all taller than the human, so she could see only scaled bodies on every side. The oily, acrid odor of Atrapako bodies was intense, and Lucy felt queasy with the smell and the nervous tension. “It has begun,” hissed Sukla as she shoved aside the Atrapako who blocked her passage. The crowd was unnaturally quiet. Lucy heard the dull thud of blows before the contestants were visible. Finally, they broke through into the central space. The Green pushed Lucy to the front and whispered, “It is your privilege to attend this duel. The fight is over when one surrenders, or is incapacitated.” The Blue Sa Kamizan and the unnamed Red stood naked in the middle of a cleared area about twenty feet in diameter. The two combatants were circling warily. The arena was separated from the spectators by a wide white line. Lucy stood right at the edge of the line. “Do not cross the white line,” whispered Sukla. “Anyone who enters the circle has joined the fight.” Lucy could not take her eyes from the combatants. The Red was slightly shorter than Sa Kamizan, but much broader and appeared more muscular. The thought flashed through her mind that she had never considered Sa Kamizan as slim or lacking muscles until today. The Red attacked with clenched fists and Lucy felt the Green flinch behind her as some of the blows landed on Sa Kamizan. The Blue jumped back lightly and warded off most of the attack. Suddenly, his fist thrust out and the Red jerked back momentarily before continuing the assault. Lucy thought she understood. Sa Kamizan was deliberately drawing a rain of blows in order to gauge the fighting style and weaknesses of the Red. Only now did she fully appreciate the impressive power of the Atrapako physique. A human boxer would have little chance against an Atrapako adversary. And, she noticed it was not just a boxing match. The Atrapako used their sharp claws as well as their hard, scaled fists. The Red struck out straight-handed at Sa Kamizan’s head and blood dripped down his face. Lucy shuddered. She did not want him to be killed or maimed on her behalf. However, he would certainly not approve if she interfered in the fight to his advantage. She fingered the laser fastened at her belt. If Sa Kamizan was in obvious danger she would use her weapon. Perhaps she could make it look accidental. The fight continued. The Red thrust repeatedly and more blood appeared on Sa Kamizan’s body, although he evaded many blows with agile leaps to the side. Eventually, Lucy realized the Red was also bleeding in several places, but the blood was obscured by the color of his scales. The outcome was still uncertain. The spectators watched as if in a trance. There were occasional gasps from the audience when a particularly heavy blow struck home. Lucy recognized both opponents were tired and slowing. As the combat span on, the Blue’s stamina was apparent as he nimbly danced around the lumbering Red. Very few blows hit Sa Kamizan now, while he was often successful whenever he struck at the Red. Lucy began to relax and realized she had been holding her breath. Suddenly the Red kicked out, and there was a loud gasp from the crowd as Sa Kamizan fell. The Red dived towards the Blue. Sa Kamizan stopped his fall with one hand, rolling swiftly aside. Then, the Red lay on the floor and Sa Kamizan had leapt upright. “Kill him!” the cry arose from scattered members of the audience. Sa Kamizan ignored the calls and stood silently until the Red clambered to his feet. The battle commenced again. Lucy noted that the Red had lost confidence and was concentrating on defensive tactics. It was too late for him. Sa Kamizan feinted with a kick and then lashed out left-handed. There was a thud as he contacted the Red’s head. The Red swayed, toppled to the ground and lay still. Lucy sighed in relief. Abruptly, she leapt over the line with a warning yell. Just as the Red hit the floor, two Atrapako raced across the line behind Sa Kamizan. Both wielded long knives. Sa Kamizan was alerted to the new threat and tackled the bulky Red close to him. He was still unaware of Lucy and the second assailant. Lucy jumped into the center, drawing the attention of the second attacker. She recognized the gangling Blue youth who had insulted Sa Kamizan to her face at the dinner. The Blue rushed towards her, brandishing a wide blade like a meat cleaver. Lucy grinned in fierce concentration, backing away slowly as if terrified. He was very eager to disable a smaller, more vulnerable opponent. Her combat training was superior. An icy calm settled over her as she crouched alertly before the furious Trapie. Just as she had anticipated, the young Blue swept his blade down with his whole strength. The cleaver slashed toward her head. With an agile sidestep, she avoided the blow and grabbed his arm, jerking down strongly. The thin Blue slammed to the ground and slid across the floor. The knife whirled from his grasp. Lucy straightened and looked up. Sa Kamizan was staring at her in amazement. He was wild-eyed and panting from exertion. Two Red Atrapako lay on the floor, and he held another sword. The crowd was deathly silent. Sa Kamizan picked up the second blade. Lucy rotated to scan the circle of faces. No other assailants appeared. Sa Kamizan stepped over the red bodies to Lucy. “Do you have a weapon?” His chest heaved with every breath and Lucy knew he was exhausted. She drew out her laser. “I’ll demonstrate,” she said fiercely. She swiveled in a half circle, menacing the spectators with her weapon. Then, she raised the laser and sliced through the cord supporting a large banner mounted on one wall. The banner crashed to the ground as several nearby Atrapako jumped out of the way. Sa Kamizan wielded a knife in each hand. “Hold the gun ready, Lucy.” He draped one large arm casually over her shoulders. “We walk out slowly.”
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