Gorg snapped his attention back to the present but found himself unable to form the words at first. The female before him had beautiful coloring and practically oozed with pheromones. How she had not yet managed to stir up the entire cantina into a mating frenzy was beyond his understanding.
"My father owns this place," she explained, as if reading his thoughts.
"You know your father?"
She shrugged. "My birth mother died protecting her eggs from a predator. Most of them didn't survive the attack. I guess he felt a little protective of me after that."
"How peculiar."
"My father is a peculiar guy." She inched closer. "Now what can I get you?"
"I..." Gorg hesitated. He was going to have to be very careful about what he said and who he said things to from here on out. "I heard that your... your father was... umm.... peculiar..."
Zelenca were not normally known for having expressive features but right now the young female was giving him a decidedly skeptical look.
This isn't going anywhere.
Mustering up what little was left of his courage Gorg blurted out, "I need to speak to your father."
"Why?"
"He and I... have similar goals for Shawm."
The female's hard stare remained unbroken but Gorg got the feeling that she was now trying to measure him up. "And what goals would those be?"
"I... I believe that he and I... would like to see Shawm continue as an independent planet."
"You're clearly not from the deep waters. Why should we trust you?"
"Because I have everything to lose by being here. If they find out..."
The stare continued but the female relaxed ever so slightly. "Very well. We shall hear what you have to say. But be warned: I'm not just a pretty face that serves refreshments."
I have no doubt about that.
Dohol Super Battleship (Ship)
Creators: Telma on the planet Shofar
Speed: 9/4
Armor: 2/7
Maneuverability: 4/3
Description: The Dohol super battleship is as extreme as its creators, making it a formidable presence. It is twice as large as most standard battleships and can host an entire battalion of ground soldiers.
Speed: 9/4
Armor: 2/7
Maneuverability: 4/3
Description: The Dohol super battleship is as extreme as its creators, making it a formidable presence. It is twice as large as most standard battleships and can host an entire battalion of ground soldiers.
But the size alone is not what makes the Dohol impressive. This super battleship has two modes that can be switched with the press of a button. This ship has the ability to transform some of its armor plating into additional engine systems, allowing it to arrive at any battlefield in record time. As soon as it arrives those additional engines may switch back into armor plating, allowing the battleship to stand its ground and provide squadron support.
Must like the telma themselves, the Imperium hasn't quite figured out what to make of this ship.
Designer (Profession)
Description: With increased friction between the Imperium and the Rebellion it is no wonder that the demand for specialized assets has become so high. Wether he is working on a new ship or weapon, a designer is always striving to push technology to its limits. In more peaceful times designers might have been considered little more than eccentric artists. Now their creations might serve as a tipping point in the balance of power.
Tempered Flight (Extended Adventure)
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Book 2 of the Calen Natari Saga
Another scrape with Imperium patrols has forced Calen Natari into hiding on the exotic and highly dangerous planet Zink. Born a desert nomad, the confinement is intolerable for Calen but necessary if she wants to stay out of an Imperium prison.
While biding her time, she encounters a man who offers to help her with her less-than-impressive piloting skills. But it seems that this man is no ordinary teacher...
This young adult science fiction novelette is approximately 8,000 words.
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Another scrape with Imperium patrols has forced Calen Natari into hiding on the exotic and highly dangerous planet Zink. Born a desert nomad, the confinement is intolerable for Calen but necessary if she wants to stay out of an Imperium prison.
While biding her time, she encounters a man who offers to help her with her less-than-impressive piloting skills. But it seems that this man is no ordinary teacher...
This young adult science fiction novelette is approximately 8,000 words.
Questionable Cantina (Adventure) - Gorg Chum Saga 9
The cantina--not-so-cleverly named "The Water Hole"--was thriving with life. Gorg wasn't so sure why this took him by surprise. He must have assumed that the poor would have better things to spend their quaves on but from the looks of things this place was the spending destination of choices. The tables were generously spread throughout the establishment but every square inch in between was occupied by every manner of rough-looking individual.
A sharp bone from someone's body connected directly with Gorg's sternum so hard it launched him back several yards into a pack of large, imposing individuals. "Watch it!" One of them snapped at Gorg as he shoved Gorg back in the direction he came from.
"Sorry," Gorg muttered to himself. More and more he was thinking that this might have been a bad idea. Now was the time he could still turn back and it wouldn't be too late. As of yet he had not committed any crimes against his government. He could go back home now to his comfortable home and comfortable job and no one would be the wiser.
No. If I turn back now there will be no home to go back to eventually.
Well, that wasn't entirely true, his more cowardly half reasoned. Your home would simply be under Imperium jurisdiction. And you would probably be able to keep your job.
Snared in the grips of indecision, Gorg did not even notice the breathtakingly beautiful female until she asked with a smile, "You look a bit lost. Can I get you anything?"
A sharp bone from someone's body connected directly with Gorg's sternum so hard it launched him back several yards into a pack of large, imposing individuals. "Watch it!" One of them snapped at Gorg as he shoved Gorg back in the direction he came from.
"Sorry," Gorg muttered to himself. More and more he was thinking that this might have been a bad idea. Now was the time he could still turn back and it wouldn't be too late. As of yet he had not committed any crimes against his government. He could go back home now to his comfortable home and comfortable job and no one would be the wiser.
No. If I turn back now there will be no home to go back to eventually.
Well, that wasn't entirely true, his more cowardly half reasoned. Your home would simply be under Imperium jurisdiction. And you would probably be able to keep your job.
Snared in the grips of indecision, Gorg did not even notice the breathtakingly beautiful female until she asked with a smile, "You look a bit lost. Can I get you anything?"
The Uxel Herum Saga Omnibus Edition (Extended Adventure)
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The Omnibus Edition contains books 1-5 of Uxel Herum's journey.
Orphaned at an early age, Uxel has managed to survive for years on nothing but her wits and cunning. But her difficult childhood has left her craving for power and wealth. When offered the chance to join an ancient order of elite warriors she jumps at the chance, thinking the opportunity an end to her problems and a chance to gain that which she desires most.
Join Uxel on her journey of a lifetime as she encounters strange races and travels to planets that put all of her beliefs to the test.
This collection of young adult science fiction novelettes is approximately 57,000 words.
The Slums (Adventure) - Gorg Chum Saga 8
Gorg Chum eyed his surroundings warily as he steered his small, one-man submarine through the dark channels of water. He had lived on Shawm for all of his life but never once had he ventured this far into the slums.
Up until now he had never had a need.
His had been a privileged upbringing. As a youth he had been given the finest education Shawm had to offer. His birth mother was an important figure with good connections. Gorg had slipped into the higher political levels as easily as he had slipped into the water as a fingerling.
Advocating jobs for the poorer classes and actually visiting said poorer classes were two entirely separate things in Gorg's mind.
The temperature in the submarine dropped as he plunged further and further into the deeper, less hospitable waters. The general lack of sunshine made food and resources scarce in this area and, therefore, cheaper to live.
Gorg shivered as he adjusted the sub's heading toward the main stretch of caves and dwellings. His shiver had nothing to do with the cold. For the first time in his life he felt completely out of his league. Deciding to swim smack in the middle of the resistance had seemed like a good idea from the comfort of his own office. But now he wasn't so sure.
Up until now he had never had a need.
His had been a privileged upbringing. As a youth he had been given the finest education Shawm had to offer. His birth mother was an important figure with good connections. Gorg had slipped into the higher political levels as easily as he had slipped into the water as a fingerling.
Advocating jobs for the poorer classes and actually visiting said poorer classes were two entirely separate things in Gorg's mind.
The temperature in the submarine dropped as he plunged further and further into the deeper, less hospitable waters. The general lack of sunshine made food and resources scarce in this area and, therefore, cheaper to live.
Gorg shivered as he adjusted the sub's heading toward the main stretch of caves and dwellings. His shiver had nothing to do with the cold. For the first time in his life he felt completely out of his league. Deciding to swim smack in the middle of the resistance had seemed like a good idea from the comfort of his own office. But now he wasn't so sure.
First Steps (Adventure) - Gorg Chum Saga 7
Calen Natari had completed her assignment by finding proof of Imperium presence. But her most useful contribution was the report Gorg made her turn in on her findings. Apparently Calen had sniffed around one of the cantinas in the slums. She indicated that the bartender running the shop seemed to be connected to some sort of resistance movement.
I will start there.
Shawm is almost entirely covered in water. And, as such, the natives are rightfully confident that invasion would be extremely difficult for air-breathing invaders. But therein lay the problem. Gorg's people had no standing army. A fatal mistake in a galaxy filled with unrest.
If Gorg could somehow make contact with this bartender and earn the man's trust that would be a start. He needed to know how large the resistance was and if their goals might be in line with his own.
Gorg glanced down at his trademark government uniform. I'm going to need a disguise, though.
I will start there.
Shawm is almost entirely covered in water. And, as such, the natives are rightfully confident that invasion would be extremely difficult for air-breathing invaders. But therein lay the problem. Gorg's people had no standing army. A fatal mistake in a galaxy filled with unrest.
If Gorg could somehow make contact with this bartender and earn the man's trust that would be a start. He needed to know how large the resistance was and if their goals might be in line with his own.
Gorg glanced down at his trademark government uniform. I'm going to need a disguise, though.
Awakening: The Uxel Herum Saga (Extended Adventure)
Book 5 of the Uxel Herum Saga
Everything Uxel Herum thought she knew about her past was a lie and her very identity has been put into question. Uxel must now face her final test in order to become a full-fledged tuner. Running away is no longer an option.
This young adult science fiction novelette is approximately 11,600 words.
Considerations (Adventure) - Gorg Chum Saga 6
"Your argument is strong. But peace requires trust. If we start to prepare for war, it would surely incite the Imperium to do the same. No, we must do nothing."
That was the council's verdict. Gorg Chum was back in his office staring at nothing as he was wont to do when in deep thought.
Zelencan rooms were not like what one might see on a plant with land-based creatures. Zelenca were just as comfortable in the water as they were out. The rooms they built on their native planet did not have what humans would call an "up" or "down."
Gorg floated about the room aimlessly. The Imperium was here. Calen Natari had proven as much.
No, we must do nothing...
The council's verdict bothered him. Gorg was not one to do nothing. He was a zelenca and part of the collective whole. His very nature compelled him to follow their school of thought.
What the council decided was wrong.
This fact was blindingly clear to Gorg. And this feeling that he was right was stronger than his need to conform. But such thoughts were dangerous.
I will have to commit treason.
Ei Hand Cannon (Weapon)
Creators: Telema on the planet Shofar
Power: 11
Range: 2
Accuracy: 3
Description: The Ei hand cannon is the most powerful handheld weapon ever made in recorded history. It is no wonder considering that its creators have an outer skin layer that is impervious to most other types of gunfire. This weapon doesn't come cheap. But with blasting power capable of blowing a hole through a solid metal wall, nothing gets in the way of the Ei.
Power: 11
Range: 2
Accuracy: 3
Description: The Ei hand cannon is the most powerful handheld weapon ever made in recorded history. It is no wonder considering that its creators have an outer skin layer that is impervious to most other types of gunfire. This weapon doesn't come cheap. But with blasting power capable of blowing a hole through a solid metal wall, nothing gets in the way of the Ei.
Telema
Home Planet: Shofar
Affiliation: Rebellion
Description: Such a unique planet requires a unique type of creature in order to survive on its surface. The stubborn telema are the result of billions of years of vicious evolution. The species has naturally armored skin that allows them to handle the dramatic changes in temperature and gravity. Their outer armor layers also serve as a regulator for heat and cold loss.
In calling such a planet home the telema are a hardy species. They require very little nourishment to survive, sleep only a few standard minutes at a time and their skin is impervious to most gunfire. Their only real vulnerability seems to be a need to go into hibernation every few years even while living away from their homeworld.
Affiliation: Rebellion
Description: Such a unique planet requires a unique type of creature in order to survive on its surface. The stubborn telema are the result of billions of years of vicious evolution. The species has naturally armored skin that allows them to handle the dramatic changes in temperature and gravity. Their outer armor layers also serve as a regulator for heat and cold loss.
In calling such a planet home the telema are a hardy species. They require very little nourishment to survive, sleep only a few standard minutes at a time and their skin is impervious to most gunfire. Their only real vulnerability seems to be a need to go into hibernation every few years even while living away from their homeworld.
Glory: The Uxel Herum Saga (Extended Adventure)
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Uxel Herum's plan to infiltrate the Imperium capital world quickly begins to go awry. While she initially hoped to act as a spy for the strozzi she is now little more than a glorified prisoner. Will she be able to complete her mission... alive?
This young adult science fiction novelette is approximately 10,100 words.
Shofar (Planet)
Affiliation: Imperium
Native Race: Telema
Main Weapon Produced: Ei Hand Cannon
Main Ship Produced: Dohol Super Battleship
Description: Shofar has an unusual orbit path. The planet swings dangerously close to its neighborhood star for several standard months and then it travels some distance away before coming back around toward the star again. One complete loop takes many standard Taborian years.
This results in interesting climatic and gravity changes. When closest to its sun, Shofar experiences heats extreme enough to decimate most (but not all) life. The planet becomes volcanic. As it travels away from the sun the climate becomes more temperate and the volcanic activity coupled with heavy rains makes the ground fertile. As Shofar reaches the pinnacle of its orbit everything, including the natives, goes into hibernation in order to withstand the frozen months furthest away from its sun.
Native Race: Telema
Main Weapon Produced: Ei Hand Cannon
Main Ship Produced: Dohol Super Battleship
Description: Shofar has an unusual orbit path. The planet swings dangerously close to its neighborhood star for several standard months and then it travels some distance away before coming back around toward the star again. One complete loop takes many standard Taborian years.
This results in interesting climatic and gravity changes. When closest to its sun, Shofar experiences heats extreme enough to decimate most (but not all) life. The planet becomes volcanic. As it travels away from the sun the climate becomes more temperate and the volcanic activity coupled with heavy rains makes the ground fertile. As Shofar reaches the pinnacle of its orbit everything, including the natives, goes into hibernation in order to withstand the frozen months furthest away from its sun.
Worth the Risk: The Calen Natari Saga (Extended Adventure)
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Book 1 of the Calen Natari Saga
The assassin profession is proving to be more difficult than Calen anticipated. Not exactly overwhelmed with job requests, Calen is forced to land on a nearby planet to repair her badly damaged ship.
A stranger she runs into at the local cantina may be the solution to her problems. He lost his honor but is rich enough to pay Calen to help him regain it. All she has to do is risk her life...
This young adult science fiction novelette is approximately 7,500 words.
Tringle Tank (Ship)
Creators: Humans on the planet Tabor
Speed: 4
Armor: 9
Maneuverability: 3
Description: Designed by the humans for one purpose: conquering. The Tringle tank requires a crew of six to operate at peak efficiency. There are two pilots and four gunners. The number of gunner hutches compensates for the overall lack of maneuverability. The Tingle tank is most often used in offensive action but is also large enough to act as a troop transport for a single squad of soldiers.
Speed: 4
Armor: 9
Maneuverability: 3
Description: Designed by the humans for one purpose: conquering. The Tringle tank requires a crew of six to operate at peak efficiency. There are two pilots and four gunners. The number of gunner hutches compensates for the overall lack of maneuverability. The Tingle tank is most often used in offensive action but is also large enough to act as a troop transport for a single squad of soldiers.
Exchange: The Uxel Herum Saga (Extended Adventure)
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After training on Kortholt for more than two years, Uxel Herum is turning into a powerful tuner. The leader of her adopted clan has a mission for her that, strangely enough, will not only test her skills as a tuner but a merchant as well.
Unsure of how she feels being thrown back into her old life, Uxel finds herself in the thick of black market trading on the planet Zink. While trying to gather information about Imperium invasion plans she is thrown into a rather interesting situation. One that could make her money than she ever dreamed...
This young adult science fiction novelette is approximately 10,500 words.
The Tuning System (Extended Description)
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A descriptive overview of the Tuning System and the abilities of those that wield this power in the Muzik Chronicles universe.
This particular ebook is a background explanation for adventures that take place on muzikchronicles.blogspot.com and is approximately 1,000 words/four pages in length.
Loure Immobilizer (Weapon)
Creators: Weiss on the planet Dulcian
Power: 10
Range: 1
Accuracy: 9
Description: As a method of administering poison into victims, the Loure immobilizer is a tribute to its serpent-like creators. This weapon is a wrist device equipped with a needle capable of a super fast injection. The needle is capable of penetrating the epidermis so quickly that most victims don't even feel the attack.
The level of poison issued may be adjusted. At the highest setting the victim will be dead before he hits the ground. The only real drawback to the Loure immobilizer is that the the user is limited to the range of the needle, a small concession to make if this weapon is used by a skilled and stealthy individual.
Power: 10
Range: 1
Accuracy: 9
Description: As a method of administering poison into victims, the Loure immobilizer is a tribute to its serpent-like creators. This weapon is a wrist device equipped with a needle capable of a super fast injection. The needle is capable of penetrating the epidermis so quickly that most victims don't even feel the attack.
The level of poison issued may be adjusted. At the highest setting the victim will be dead before he hits the ground. The only real drawback to the Loure immobilizer is that the the user is limited to the range of the needle, a small concession to make if this weapon is used by a skilled and stealthy individual.
Fugitive: The Uxel Herum Saga (Extended Adventure)
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Book 2 of the Uxel Herum Saga
Fearing retribution, Uxel Herum flees Gemshorn. Her escape is short lived when her ship malfunctions and she crashes to the surface of a neighboring planet, leaving her completely stranded.
While trying to explore her new surroundings Uxel is captured by the natives who are as formidable as they are fearsome. Their leader offers Uxel a chance to prove her skills, provided Uxel has any skills worth proving...
This young adult science fiction novelette is approximately 12,300 words.
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