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.

Awakening: The Uxel Herum Saga (Extended Adventure)

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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.

Glory: The Uxel Herum Saga (Extended Adventure)

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Book 4 of the Uxel Herum Saga

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.

Exchange: The Uxel Herum Saga (Extended Adventure)

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Book 3 of the Uxel Herum Saga

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.

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.

Reborn: The Uxel Herum Saga (Extended Adventure)

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Book 1 of the Uxel Herum Saga

To any Imperium official that asked, Uxel was a simple fruit merchant. She makes enough to make her business appear legitimate, nothing more. The real money was in selling weapons and information.

She encounters an intriguing stranger in the marketplace. One Uxel hopes will be interested in making a lucrative trade. But this stranger is not all he seems and the deal he offers Uxel has nothing to do with money but a chance to become a powerful tuner.

This young adult science fiction novelette is approximately 13,500 words.

Focused Body, Focused Mind (Adventure) - Uxel Herum Saga 9

"Stop looking around!  I told you: watch one spot, nothing more."

Uxel readjusted herself on her perch, a special piece of furniture her master had put together for her use alone.  He had been extremely meticulous while assembling, careful not to have his orders seem suspicious but at the same time wanting to know exactly what Uxel preferred.  Uxel had been unsure of what to make of such a grandiose gesture.  She barely remembered her parents and since their deaths no one had given a 'vert as to whether she was alive or dead.

"The burdon of learning should never fall solely on the student's shoulders," Master Achushnet had explained.  "Teaching is a skill in and of itself.  I teach you things and you teach me things in return.  A student cannot learn in an environment that feels uncomfortable.  Consider the perch my welcome gift to you."

That had been weeks ago and the excitement had long since been worn off by the acute sense of frustration building up inside of Uxel.  These drills seemed to be going nowhere.  Master Achushnet refused to move her on to other material until she had learned to control her body.  Her very survival had depended on her being in constant awareness of her surroundings.  How was she supposed to override a lifetime of habits with his stupid drill?

"You let your emotions get the better of you, Uxel.  You are only frustrated because you allow yourself to be so.  Patience does not mean an absence of frustration.  It means that you are completely in the moment.  Enjoying and fully aware of everything going on in this instant and not all the things you could or would rather be doing.  Only with patience will you heighten your awareness of your surroundings.  Try it again."

Uxel glared at her master skeptically.  But it did strike a chord with his last speech.  She had never considered that this exercise might make her more aware of the details around her.  At least that, if nothing else, was something she could take away from these lessons.  Readjusting herself on the perch she calmed her mind and went through the steps of meditation.

Her mind instantly recoiled when it realized what she was trying to do.  But instead of fighting the need to wrestle with the frustration she let it wash over her.  There was no where else she needed to be.  No one she had to talk to.  Nothing.

The frustration became less insistent and Uxel began to focus on her breathing.  In and out... slowly... deep breaths.  She made no effort to control the stray thoughts, she let them come and pass through her mind at their own accord.  All that mattered was the breathing.

A sense of calmness started to creep in, not as fleeting as a stray through.  This emotion was much deeper than that.  She felt the need to scratch but ignored it as she continued to breath.  In and out until she suddenly realized that she was thinking about... nothing.

A Brief History (Adventure) - Uxel Herum Saga 8

The master's dwelling was surprisingly cozy and no so very different from the nests on Uxel's homeworld.  Uxel was slightly comforted by this.  Perhaps it would make her stay feel like less of a chore.  Achushnet poured two glasses of amber colored liquid and handed one of them to her.  Uxel took a sip.  It had an earthy tasted and burned going down but creating a pleasing warming sensation inside her stomach.  Interesting.

Achushnet pointed to a chair and sat down on the piece of furniture opposite.  "You are not used to alcoholic drinks I take it.  How old are you, Uxel?  You seem young."

"By my people's standards I have been an adult for several years.  According to the Standard Timeline I am seventeen."  She looked at the indicated chair.  "Do you mind if I perch?  Sitting like a human is... uncomfortable."

"Make yourself at home.  So tell me, what do you know of the tuning system?"

"Just rumors and legends mostly.  I'm sure none of it is accurate."

"Rumors and legends can usually trace their source to fact.  Tell me anyway."

"Well, just that tuners are masters of an ancient power.  They have learned to control themselves to tap into this power.  They usually wield weapons called resonators.  They have their own code and are usually admired but also sometimes feared.  Certainly a force to be reckoned with."

"On a very basic level, everything you have said is so far correct."

Uxel was intrigued.  "So you can control an ancient power?"

"Not exactly control.  We learn to work with the power behind the universe."

"What do you mean?"

"We long ago discovered that everything in the universe has its own natural vibrations, no matter how faint.  You, me, a rock, this planet... we all vibrate with energy.  These vibrations are part of what makes us what we are.  For example, every species vibrates at a different frequency.  So in that sense, a species is the same.  But every individual will have slight variations."

"Frequency?"

"How fast or slow the vibrations are.  Fire has a very high frequency, it's particles move quickly which is why we feel its warmth.  Ice has a lower frequency, it's particles have slowed down in the freezing process."

"How can tuners control this, though?"

"I said already, we don't.  But we can work with our surroundings.  First a tuner must master themselves.  You will have to discover your body's natural frequency.  Once you know that, you can learn to temporarily increase or decrease that frequency level which will allow you to interact with objects in different ways."

Uxel puzzled over this.  "How would it be different?"

"Well, if ice has a lower natural frequency and you apply a high frequency force to it, what would happen?"

"I could melt it!"

"Or shatter it.  Or make it change to steam.  It depends on how precise you are."

"When do we start?"

The Student (Adventure) - Uxel Herum Saga 7

Uxel followed Master Achushnet at an uncomfortable pace.  He was quite a bit taller than her (most species were), so his strides were much longer than hers.  She considered flying but then she would go much faster than him and she had no idea where they were headed.

So Uxel contented herself with examining this new teacher of hers from behind.  Based on what she knew of humans, he had the appearance of one of advanced years.  But he moved with the grace and strength of one much younger.  Like the man she had approached on Corna, this being exuded with power.  Like he was barely containing all the thrumming energy in his body.

They continued to wind their way through the endless Gemshorn caverns.  Occasionally one of the natives would scuttle by.

"Tell me about yourself, Uxel," Master Achushnet asked without turning around.

"There's really not much to tell," Uxel replied while trying not to squawk in fright when she noticed a ramea on the cavern's ceiling.  "I'm a fruit merchant from Corna.  Nothing special."

Master Achushet stopped when she said this and turned to meet Uxel with an unwavering stare.  "No, tell me about yourself, Uxel."

Uxel was taken aback.  No one had ever bothered to ask her this question before.  She considered lying but something told her that this man would know if she did.  "My family died when I was just a hatchling.  I lived most of my life scraping to get by.  I sell fruit as a cover.  Most of my money comes from selling arms and information to the Rebellion.  It's easy work for me since I am often overlooked by the Imperium authorities.  What I crave most is respect.  That is the one thing money cannot buy.  I want others to look at me and not see a lowly merchant from an inferior race."

"To earn respect, you must respect yourself."

Uxel fell into silence and they continued walking until they came to a metallic door imbedded in the rock.

"This is my home.  You are welcome to stay here with me for the time being and, if you prefer, I can arrange for you to have your own quarters since training will take quite a bit of time.  And I think you are wrong, Uxel."

"About?"

"You do not come from an inferior race.  You come from a race that has lost its sense of purpose.  There's a difference.  I think that you have the potential to become one of the greatest tuners the galaxy has ever seen."

The Teacher (Adventure) - Uxel Herum Saga 6

An automated response indicated that Uxel was clear to land on Gemshorn.  For the hundredth time that hour, Uxel wondered if she wasn't making a mistake.  There was a very good reason Gemshorn was not listed on the top tourist destination charts.  There was a high probability she was headed straight to an early demise.  Puffing up her feathers to make herself feel bigger than she really was, Uxel carefully piloted her ship toward one the designated hole in the planet's crust.

All life on Gemshorn was found beneath the planet's surface and Uxel immediately noticed the lack of plant life as she navigated through a seemingly endless dimly lit tunnel.  This planet could not be more opposite from her own homeworld, Corna.

The landing site came into view and Uxel's ship touched down without incident.  She walked out of the cargo vessel and noted with some confusion that the site was completely empty.  No one to greet her.  No one to give her trouble.

One of the native rameans scuttled by, startling her.  The creature paused, tested the air with its pincers and went back to its business, clearly some sort of dock worker.

Uxel shuddered in disgust.  She knew that the rameans were intelligent, sentient beings.  But it didn't change the fact that they looked like the kind of thing one normally avoided in the less habitable portions of her homeworld.

"You get used to them, eventually," a voice said from behind.

Uxel practically jumped out of her skin and whirled around.

"My, my.  A jumpy little thing, aren't you?"

Uxel eyed the elderly human that addressed her.  "A trait that has kept me alive up until now.  I didn't hear you coming."

"Most don't."

"Who are you?"

"You may call me Master Achushnet.  I was told by one of my old pupils that I might expect you."

"And you live her?" Uxel asked, unable to comprehend anyone but the natives wanting to exist in such a place.

"Can you think of a better place for some privacy?  Come and follow me.  I'll take you to my home where we may begin your training."

A New Direction (Adventure) - Uxel Herum Saga 5

Uxel starred blankly at the walls of her small nest, lost in thought.  Her life had come to a crossroad and she was going to have to make a decision.  As much as she loathed to admit it, the human had been correct about her.

She was a bac, a race considered by most to be inferior.  She had always been a nobody and used money and information to feel powerful.  But she realized now that being a weapon merchant had gained her money but little else.

But the human had made her an intriguing offer... one that offered a true chance at the power and recognition that she so desperately craved.

"Have you heard of tuners?" he asked.

"Yes, yes I have," she had said.  "But I always thought them to be more myth than fact."

"No.  They are very real.  Few in number, yes.  But real.  I think you have it in you to become one, my feathered friend."

"What?"

"There has never before been a bac tuner.  Most of your kind are too skittish to take on such a task.  But I see in you ambition and drive.  Plus, I believe that your genetic makeup will give you advantages."

The human smiled.  "You must take my word on it and find out for yourself.  I want you to meet someone on Gemshorn if this interests you."

"Gemshorn!" she had asked, startled.  She had heard stories about the planet through her line of work, none of them good.

"Yes.  I'll send word so he'll be expecting you.  You shouldn't have any trouble making contact.  Just think about it."

And so Uxel had been thinking about it ever since.  This would be an incredible risk on her part.  Many  beings never returned alive from Gemshorn.  But if she had learned anything as a merchant it was nothing ventured, nothing gained.

She got up off her perch.  This prospect was too tempting to resist.

More Than Meets the Eye (Adventure) - Uxel Herum Saga 4

"Excuse me good sirs... yes, I couldn't help but notice the both of you from across the marketplace."

The two men gave each other a speaking glance and then looked at her.  Uxel was treading dangerous ground here and they all knew it.

"What's your name?" the human asked suspiciously.

"Oh... names!  Such trivial things aren't they?  Trust me, you'll forget all about names when you hear my offer."

A faint noise floated about the air and a strange power seemed to vibrate from the human.  An interesting sensation, nothing Uxel had ever felt before.  Not unpleasant but still not all together enjoyable.  She felt compelled to trust this stranger.  Like they could work together.

"You will tell me your name and then we will hear what you have to say."

"Uxel.  Uxel Herum," she said, unable to help herself.  The noise stopped.

"Very well Uxel, what would you have of us?"

She shook herself, trying to puff her feathers a bit to look bigger, more confident.  "Nothing much... I just thought you two looked to be the types interested in... information."

"What kind of information?"

"Good information.  Involving, say, important Imperium activities."

The human crossed his arms.  "I am an Imperium citizen as are you.  What would make you suppose that I had any interest in information of this nature?"

"You were speaking to this zelenca here," Uxel pointed.  "Something most humans won't lower themselves to for casual conversation.  You spoke to this zelenca as an equal as well not some servant class.  Also unusual for your species."

The human laughed.  "Well, you're very observant.  We are not, unfortunately, interested in your information right now, little friend.  However...."

The noise started again.  Uxel realized now that it was coming from the human.  She felt power exude from him.  Like he was producing invisible waves and they were enveloping her own body.  She again felt connected to him.  As if they were moving together on a molecular level.

The human's gaze was very intense.  Uxel felt immobilized.  He was connected to her essence and there as nothing she could do about it.

The noise stopped as suddenly as it began.  The human breathed in deeply and then spoke.  "You're an interesting being, Uxel.  So full of petty greed yet so full of untapped potential.  You've been overlooked often.  Money makes you feel important."

Uxel gaped.  She felt completely exposed.  She had not been prepared for a conversation such as this.  All she had wanted was to sell the information she had.

"I think you should meet a friend of ours, Uxel.  He would be the person to help you."

Uxel was confused.  Help her?  Did this mean he would be buying her information?

Nothing to See Here (Adventure) Uxel Herum Saga 3

"Fine fruits, yes, very fine," Uxel chirped at the passersby.  "The best on Corna!  Best flavor, best price!"

Every so often a being would stop and make a show of examining the exotic fruit.  Occasionally they would buy.  Normally Uxel reveled in selling the fruit she gathered every morning at such a high price. But today she was distracted.

Today she was scouting for a very special kind of potential buyer.

A few Imperium soliders paced by, completely ignoring her as they did most of her kind.  "Nothing to see here except the best fruits in the galaxy!" she continued.

Then something caught her eye.  A zelenca and a human had been conversing on the other side of the marketplace.  But when the soldiers appeared they stopped abruptly and made a casual attempt to cover their features.

Very interesting indeed.

The Factory (Adventure) - Uxel Herum Saga 2

Ah yes... the factory was still there.  Her little secret.  Her fortune.

To any Imperium official that asked, Uxel was a simple fruit merchant.  She sold native foods that most tourists considered to be novelties.  But this business was nothing.  She made enough to make her business appear legitimate, nothing more.

No, the real money was in selling weapons.  The Rebellion was constantly in need of supplies and she was more than happy to sell them.  She never went out of her way to smuggle the weapons.  No, that was a job for beings bolder than her.

She preferred to think of herself as a distribution agent.  Corna was the perfect spot.  So many tourists came and went that no one thought twice about the comings and goings of different species.

But this factory... this would put all of that to shame.  She had long heard rumors of such a place.  That the Imperium had set up a factory in the dark forest.  The lower levels of the forest that no bac dared to venture.

It was the perfect spot, really.  Ego combined with a sizable compliment of guards must have made the Imperium believe that they were impervious to the perils of the dark forest.

For the past standard month, she had flown to the factory location and crept as close as she dared to take notes on her data pad.  The more notes, the more this information would be worth to the Rebellion.

It was a ship factory.  They seemed to mostly focus on the smaller fighters so as not to attract too much attention.  Uxel had already counted the number of guards and was now trying to figure out guard rotations and worker schedules.

She sat on her perch and took a calming breath as she prepared to spend yet another day taking notes and comparing them to her old ones.  It was tedious work.  But her patience would pay off.  She was sure of it.

Overlooked (Adventure) - Uxel Herum Saga 1

The soliders always overlooked her.  If only they knew.  It would serve them right.

Uxel's eyes darted to left and right.  The Imperium soldiers thought they were so high and mighty.  They called her people bird faces or flock of freaks.  Like having feathers made you lesser.

If only they knew what she knew.

She really couldn't understand how the flightless could get so superior.  They were probably just angry about being stuck on land.

The Imperium didn't bother her much.  She was, after all, just a lowly merchant.  For all they knew.

Her eyes darted around again and she quickly glanced up and down.

But she had now intention of being a lowly merchant forever.  She knew things now.  She had figured out what the Imperium was really up to.  And she was going to make a tidy profit from it.

She just had to figure out who would want to pay to know what she knew.