#iamwriting — Public Fediverse posts

The small team of rebel commandos had been sneaking through the Overlord's palace for days.

It had started with covertly entering hidden inside a routine delivery of food. They had blocked off parts of the refrigeration units, and hidden themselves there. They could not bring any form of weapon with them, because of the scanners on the palace entrance, and had to be sedated so that their hostile thoughts would not be detected.

From there, they had first infiltrated the kitchen staff, and gradually migrated their way into general maintenance.

Once in general maintenance, they had been able to construct weapons using the palace's own resources. It had been a slow process, as they had had to conceal what they had been doing from the overseers.

Now, though they were armed, and following the old secret passages that had been hidden for decades, they headed for the throne room. They would appear behind the throne, and be able to take the Overlord by surprise.

They snuck out of the secret door, closing it behind them, and then burst out from the wall hangings onto the dias.

The throne was empty.

The entire throne room was empty, except for one old lady, sweeping.

She looked up, and gasped in surprise. Then she shrugged and went back to sweeping.

The commandos looked around. Nothing. Finally one of them walked over to the servant.

"Don't make a mess" she said as he approached, "go that way" she pointed, "I haven't swept there."

He looked and saw there was still dust and grime on the floor there, and walked to her from that direction. "Where is the Overlord? Why is he not here?"
"Oh, deary, this is Thursday."
"Thursday?"
"The Master always takes Thursday off. He's in his studio, throwing."
"Throwing what?"
"Clay, deary, clay. Unless he's glazing today, but I think he's throwing."
"Uh, where is his studio?"
"Oh, I can't tell you that. No one is to disturb him when he's making his pots. I'm guessing you are here to assassinate him. You'll just have to come back tomorrow. After 11. Before 11 he's still getting his neck seen to."
"Neck?"
"You know, his bad neck, from wearing that really quite ridiculous crown."

The commando went back to his team. "Uh, we're to come back after 11 tomorrow. It's his day off."

#SF #SFF #SciFi #Humour #Fantasy #IAmWriting

Inspired by this post from @NickEast_IndieWriter https://mastodon.art/@NickEast_IndieWriter/117223620969685939

62 Years ago, Mother of All, Horsebreeder Clan lands

Joy had fifteen summers to her name. The following year she would be expected to commit to a path of learning. One that would lead to the sort of life she wished to live. Most of her friends would continue in the Horsebreeder Clan.

Far above, she could feel Dives Swiftly. She had spotted a large waterbird. It would make a fine dinner for the family. And a good feed for Dives Swiftly as well. Joy sent approval, and the hunting bird, true to her name, dove on the unsuspecting bird, breaking its neck with the impact, and then steered the limp body to the ground near Joyful Finder.

"Good strike" Joy said, as Dives looked at her. She took out her knife, and neatly cut the belly of the bird open, and Dives started to feed.

"I am thinking of leaving."
Dives paused, and looked at her, whistling a query.
"Next year a Scout will visit. I think I will go with them."
Dives whistled again.
"There probably will be little chance to hunt."
Another whistle.
"I know better than to try and talk you out of it."
Dives went back to eating.
"Now I have to tell Dad and Father."

After Dives finished her meal, Joy finished bleeding the bird, and then carried it home, sending an image of a roast ahead.
She felt Father's excitement at the idea.

At dinner, late that evening, her parents paused in their eating, and looked at her. Dad spoke first "Joy, is there something on your mind? You feel, well, a bit off."
Joy sighed.
"It isn't that Copper Digger kid again is it?"
"No, Dad, it isn't that. I think she's learned her lesson."
"Then what?"
"I know what I need to do."
"Great!" her Dad exclaimed.
"What is it, Joy?" asked her Father.

Joy poked her plate.

"Oh no! She wants to join the Sailmakers! Shipping will be doomed!" her Father cried out. Joy's lack of skill with a needle and thread was infamous, even now.
"No", Joy smiled sadly, "But you might wish it was."
Her Father grew serious "What then?"
Dad spoke up "You know that we will always support you. No matter what."
"I intend to go with the Scout that will visit next year."

There was a stunned silence.

Her Dad reacted first "You mean to go to the stars?"
"Yes. I want to be what Lorn was. To learn the ways of the Stars, so we can be enough to end the Raiders for good."
"You will have to tell the Council."
Joy nodded "But they cannot deny me."
"No, they cannot. The treaty says as much."
"We will miss you, Joy" her Father said softly.
"And I'll miss everyone here. Except Dives."
Both her parents looked surprised at this, and she shrugged. "Dives inists that she'll come along."
Shaking his head, her Father gave a wry smile "I swear, she thinks you are chick that still needs to fledge."
"Maybe she's right, if this is what Joy means to do" Dad replied.

The following day, her parents started to make arrangements to take a message to the Council. And showed Joy how to read Lorn's diaries.

#SF #SciFi #SFF #SpaceOpera #microfic #tootfic #MicroFiction #ShamanSpace #IAmWriting

Mother of All, Divesen Station, ten minutes after Athena's docking.

Alaine was shutting down the systems, when an STC broadcast came in. He monitored it, and then called out "Captain? You'll want to hear this!"
Engel twitched a little, and then gestured to Alaine, who rewound the message and played it back over a speaker.
"Bright Sky, Bright Sky, we have new approach data for you. Proceed to planetary coordinates attached, and make planetfall. Flight patch attached, you are cleared to enter restricted airspace."
Then came the reply "Divesen Control, please confirm planetfall."
"Bright Sky, confirmed. Rerouting ordered by Scout Commander Finder."
At that, Seeker, who had also been listening, gasped.
Engel turned "Seeker?"
"Uh, Captain, that is my grandmother. Only she retired from the Scouts over forty years ago. And she was just an ordinary Scout."
"Do you know why Bright Sky is being ordered planetside?"
"No, no idea at all."
"Sir?" Alaine cut in.
"Alaine?"
"Sir, I've heard of this before, surely you have too?"
"What do you -" he paused "Reactivation? Of course, but Scout Commander? They only -"
Alaine finished his sentence "are found at Scout bases. So they have a base here now."
Seeker took over "But that means the treaty has been rewritten. Scouts were forbidden to be on planet unless they were part of a clan. What..." and she broke off.
"Seeker?" Alaine looked worried.
"Uh, I have been summoned to the Council Chambers. We all have. Now." Seeker reached for the intercom.
"Hold!" Engel commanded.
Seeker stopped and looked at him.
"I am, apparently, the Captain."
"Sorry Captain. Permission to summon the crew?"
Engel shook his head and stepped over, taking the intercom "All hands, secure your stations, and proceed to the bridge immediately."
Seeker nodded.
A few minutes later everyone aboard was in the bridge.
"Right, we are being summoned to the Council. Best behaviour. Meantime the Captain is heading planetside," Engel announced, "Dyani, lock safe?"
"Inner and outer green, sir!" she replied.
"Very good, break seals."

The crew moved out into the station. There was no-one waiting.

Seeker took the lead "Follow me.""

#SF #SciFi #SFF #SpaceOpera #microfic #tootfic #MicroFiction #ShamanSpace #IAmWriting

Mother of All, Divesen Station, ten minutes after Athena's docking.

Alaine was shutting down the systems, when an STC broadcast came in. He monitored it, and then called out "Captain? You'll want to hear this!"
Engel twitched a little, and then gestured to Alaine, who rewound the message and played it back over a speaker.
"Bright Sky, Bright Sky, we have new approach data for you. Proceed to planetary coordinates attached, and make planetfall. Flight patch attached, you are cleared to enter restricted airspace."
Then came the reply "Divesen Control, please confirm planetfall."
"Bright Sky, confirmed. Rerouting ordered by Scout Commander Finder."
At that, Seeker, who had also been listening, gasped.
Engel turned "Seeker?"
"Uh, Captain, that is my grandmother. Only she retired from the Scouts over forty years ago. And she was just an ordinary Scout."
"Do you know why Bright Sky is being ordered planetside?"
"No, no idea at all."
"Sir?" Alaine cut in.
"Alaine?"
"Sir, I've heard of this before, surely you have too?"
"What do you -" he paused "Reactivation? Of course, but Scout Commander? They only -"
Alaine finished his sentence "are found at Scout bases. So they have a base here now."
Seeker took over "But that means the treaty has been rewritten. Scouts were forbidden to be on planet unless they were part of a clan. What..." and she broke off.
"Seeker?" Alaine looked worried.
"Uh, I have been summoned to the Council Chambers. We all have. Now." Seeker reached for the intercom.
"Hold!" Engel commanded.
Seeker stopped and looked at him.
"I am, apparently, the Captain."
"Sorry Captain. Permission to summon the crew?"
Engel shook his head and stepped over, taking the intercom "All hands, secure your stations, and proceed to the bridge immediately."
Seeker nodded.
A few minutes later everyone aboard was in the bridge.
"Right, we are being summoned to the Council. Best behaviour. Meantime the Captain is heading planetside," Engel announced, "Dyani, lock safe?"
"Inner and outer green, sir!" she replied.
"Very good, break seals."

The crew moved out into the station. There was no-one waiting.

Seeker took the lead "Follow me.""

#SF #SciFi #SFF #SpaceOpera #microfic #tootfic #MicroFiction #ShamanSpace #IAmWriting

Mother of All, Divesen Station, ten minutes after Athena's docking.

Alaine was shutting down the systems, when an STC broadcast came in. He monitored it, and then called out "Captain? You'll want to hear this!"
Engel twitched a little, and then gestured to Alaine, who rewound the message and played it back over a speaker.
"Bright Sky, Bright Sky, we have new approach data for you. Proceed to planetary coordinates attached, and make planetfall. Flight patch attached, you are cleared to enter restricted airspace."
Then came the reply "Divesen Control, please confirm planetfall."
"Bright Sky, confirmed. Rerouting ordered by Scout Commander Finder."
At that, Seeker, who had also been listening, gasped.
Engel turned "Seeker?"
"Uh, Captain, that is my grandmother. Only she retired from the Scouts over forty years ago. And she was just an ordinary Scout."
"Do you know why Bright Sky is being ordered planetside?"
"No, no idea at all."
"Sir?" Alaine cut in.
"Alaine?"
"Sir, I've heard of this before, surely you have too?"
"What do you -" he paused "Reactivation? Of course, but Scout Commander? They only -"
Alaine finished his sentence "are found at Scout bases. So they have a base here now."
Seeker took over "But that means the treaty has been rewritten. Scouts were forbidden to be on planet unless they were part of a clan. What..." and she broke off.
"Seeker?" Alaine looked worried.
"Uh, I have been summoned to the Council Chambers. We all have. Now." Seeker reached for the intercom.
"Hold!" Engel commanded.
Seeker stopped and looked at him.
"I am, apparently, the Captain."
"Sorry Captain. Permission to summon the crew?"
Engel shook his head and stepped over, taking the intercom "All hands, secure your stations, and proceed to the bridge immediately."
Seeker nodded.
A few minutes later everyone aboard was in the bridge.
"Right, we are being summoned to the Council. Best behaviour. Meantime the Captain is heading planetside," Engel announced, "Dyani, lock safe?"
"Inner and outer green, sir!" she replied.
"Very good, break seals."

The crew moved out into the station. There was no-one waiting.

Seeker took the lead "Follow me.""

#SF #SciFi #SFF #SpaceOpera #microfic #tootfic #MicroFiction #ShamanSpace #IAmWriting

Mother of All, Divesen Station, ten minutes after Athena's docking.

Alaine was shutting down the systems, when an STC broadcast came in. He monitored it, and then called out "Captain? You'll want to hear this!"
Engel twitched a little, and then gestured to Alaine, who rewound the message and played it back over a speaker.
"Bright Sky, Bright Sky, we have new approach data for you. Proceed to planetary coordinates attached, and make planetfall. Flight patch attached, you are cleared to enter restricted airspace."
Then came the reply "Divesen Control, please confirm planetfall."
"Bright Sky, confirmed. Rerouting ordered by Scout Commander Finder."
At that, Seeker, who had also been listening, gasped.
Engel turned "Seeker?"
"Uh, Captain, that is my grandmother. Only she retired from the Scouts over forty years ago. And she was just an ordinary Scout."
"Do you know why Bright Sky is being ordered planetside?"
"No, no idea at all."
"Sir?" Alaine cut in.
"Alaine?"
"Sir, I've heard of this before, surely you have too?"
"What do you -" he paused "Reactivation? Of course, but Scout Commander? They only -"
Alaine finished his sentence "are found at Scout bases. So they have a base here now."
Seeker took over "But that means the treaty has been rewritten. Scouts were forbidden to be on planet unless they were part of a clan. What..." and she broke off.
"Seeker?" Alaine looked worried.
"Uh, I have been summoned to the Council Chambers. We all have. Now." Seeker reached for the intercom.
"Hold!" Engel commanded.
Seeker stopped and looked at him.
"I am, apparently, the Captain."
"Sorry Captain. Permission to summon the crew?"
Engel shook his head and stepped over, taking the intercom "All hands, secure your stations, and proceed to the bridge immediately."
Seeker nodded.
A few minutes later everyone aboard was in the bridge.
"Right, we are being summoned to the Council. Best behaviour. Meantime the Captain is heading planetside," Engel announced, "Dyani, lock safe?"
"Inner and outer green, sir!" she replied.
"Very good, break seals."

The crew moved out into the station. There was no-one waiting.

Seeker took the lead "Follow me.""

#SF #SciFi #SFF #SpaceOpera #microfic #tootfic #MicroFiction #ShamanSpace #IAmWriting

Mother of All, Divesen Station, ten minutes after Athena's docking.

Alaine was shutting down the systems, when an STC broadcast came in. He monitored it, and then called out "Captain? You'll want to hear this!"
Engel twitched a little, and then gestured to Alaine, who rewound the message and played it back over a speaker.
"Bright Sky, Bright Sky, we have new approach data for you. Proceed to planetary coordinates attached, and make planetfall. Flight patch attached, you are cleared to enter restricted airspace."
Then came the reply "Divesen Control, please confirm planetfall."
"Bright Sky, confirmed. Rerouting ordered by Scout Commander Finder."
At that, Seeker, who had also been listening, gasped.
Engel turned "Seeker?"
"Uh, Captain, that is my grandmother. Only she retired from the Scouts over forty years ago. And she was just an ordinary Scout."
"Do you know why Bright Sky is being ordered planetside?"
"No, no idea at all."
"Sir?" Alaine cut in.
"Alaine?"
"Sir, I've heard of this before, surely you have too?"
"What do you -" he paused "Reactivation? Of course, but Scout Commander? They only -"
Alaine finished his sentence "are found at Scout bases. So they have a base here now."
Seeker took over "But that means the treaty has been rewritten. Scouts were forbidden to be on planet unless they were part of a clan. What..." and she broke off.
"Seeker?" Alaine looked worried.
"Uh, I have been summoned to the Council Chambers. We all have. Now." Seeker reached for the intercom.
"Hold!" Engel commanded.
Seeker stopped and looked at him.
"I am, apparently, the Captain."
"Sorry Captain. Permission to summon the crew?"
Engel shook his head and stepped over, taking the intercom "All hands, secure your stations, and proceed to the bridge immediately."
Seeker nodded.
A few minutes later everyone aboard was in the bridge.
"Right, we are being summoned to the Council. Best behaviour. Meantime the Captain is heading planetside," Engel announced, "Dyani, lock safe?"
"Inner and outer green, sir!" she replied.
"Very good, break seals."

The crew moved out into the station. There was no-one waiting.

Seeker took the lead "Follow me.""

#SF #SciFi #SFF #SpaceOpera #microfic #tootfic #MicroFiction #ShamanSpace #IAmWriting

Chapter 36 is now finished, and two more to go until this draft of my Urban Fantasy is finished! :D Had fun, but might need a nap honestly...

#IAmWriting #Book #Fantasy #UrbanFantasy #Writing #IndieAuthor

Chapter 36 is now finished, and two more to go until this draft of my Urban Fantasy is finished! :D Had fun, but might need a nap honestly...

#IAmWriting #Book #Fantasy #UrbanFantasy #Writing #IndieAuthor

Chapter 36 is now finished, and two more to go until this draft of my Urban Fantasy is finished! :D Had fun, but might need a nap honestly...

#IAmWriting #Book #Fantasy #UrbanFantasy #Writing #IndieAuthor

Chapter 36 is now finished, and two more to go until this draft of my Urban Fantasy is finished! :D Had fun, but might need a nap honestly...

#IAmWriting #Book #Fantasy #UrbanFantasy #Writing #IndieAuthor

Since we will be cleaning tomorrow, today should be the day I get chapter 36 down and absolutely torture my poor MC's to remind them, and the reader, why the ending is necessary and inevitable. <3 Either they fight, or perish.

No turning back.
The plan is in motion.
And then is only 2 more chapters to go~!

#IAmWriting #Writing #IndieAuthor #UrbanFantasy #Draft #WIP #Fantasy

Since we will be cleaning tomorrow, today should be the day I get chapter 36 down and absolutely torture my poor MC's to remind them, and the reader, why the ending is necessary and inevitable. <3 Either they fight, or perish.

No turning back.
The plan is in motion.
And then is only 2 more chapters to go~!

#IAmWriting #Writing #IndieAuthor #UrbanFantasy #Draft #WIP #Fantasy

Since we will be cleaning tomorrow, today should be the day I get chapter 36 down and absolutely torture my poor MC's to remind them, and the reader, why the ending is necessary and inevitable. <3 Either they fight, or perish.

No turning back.
The plan is in motion.
And then is only 2 more chapters to go~!

#IAmWriting #Writing #IndieAuthor #UrbanFantasy #Draft #WIP #Fantasy

Since we will be cleaning tomorrow, today should be the day I get chapter 36 down and absolutely torture my poor MC's to remind them, and the reader, why the ending is necessary and inevitable. <3 Either they fight, or perish.

No turning back.
The plan is in motion.
And then is only 2 more chapters to go~!

#IAmWriting #Writing #IndieAuthor #UrbanFantasy #Draft #WIP #Fantasy

3 Months ago, Council Offices, Divesen Station.

Joy looked across her desk at the Scout. They were not human, but one of the many species that had been derived from Earth-species stock in the distant, distant past. Probably by the same unknown race that delivered Joy's ancestors to Mother of All.

"Well Scout Instructor you certainly are an unexpected reply to my request."
The vocoder on the Scout's chest translated the burst of colours that surged across their skin. "Arriving with the answer seemed an efficient solution to the restrictions limitations of travel times."
"You did cause something of a stir when you emerged. The biggest thing we've seen here before was a depot ship, and that was back in Lorn's day."
"Are apologies compensations regrets required?"
Joy smiled, and made a complex sign with her fingers, indicating a matter of little import "No, just a surprise."
"We sign now?"
"Yes, I have been authorised by the Council of Elders to sign this modification of the treaty."

The Scout Instructor picked up the papers with one tentacle and looked through them. "All is in order correct." And it took a small box out of a harness, pressed the tip of a free tentacle into it, and then at the bottom of each page.

Joy took them back, and pressed her inked thumb against each page, and then signed her name.

A sign indicating an important query, "Are the lands territories properties clear for us to land arrive?"
"Yes, and airspace restrictions have been agreed to."
"Good pleasing efficient."
"It is for our benefit that we asked you to establish a Scout school here. Will the Maui be here long?"
"Apologies error, we understood thought you had knowledge. The Maui is permanently assigned to this station. In case of dramatic major intervention."

Joy sat back in surprise. "They've assigned us a Frontier Class cruiser? In case we need to do a full interdiction?"
"Correct."
"I see. Well, thank-you instructor, I'll let you return to your ship and your duties."
"Very good yes Scout Commander."
"What?"

A burst of bright colours washed across the sophonts skin and it handed an envelope to Joy "Your orders Scout Commander. You have been reactivated."
Before she could answer, it flowed out of her office.

After a few minutes, Joy opened the envelope. Inside was a new Scout ID card, and her orders to establish a new Scout Base on Mother of All. Starting with a locally-based school.

So much for retiring.

#ShamanSpace #SF #SFF #SciFi #SpaceOpera #Microfiction #Microfic #tootfic #IAmWriting

3 Months ago, Council Offices, Divesen Station.

Joy looked across her desk at the Scout. They were not human, but one of the many species that had been derived from Earth-species stock in the distant, distant past. Probably by the same unknown race that delivered Joy's ancestors to Mother of All.

"Well Scout Instructor you certainly are an unexpected reply to my request."
The vocoder on the Scout's chest translated the burst of colours that surged across their skin. "Arriving with the answer seemed an efficient solution to the restrictions limitations of travel times."
"You did cause something of a stir when you emerged. The biggest thing we've seen here before was a depot ship, and that was back in Lorn's day."
"Are apologies compensations regrets required?"
Joy smiled, and made a complex sign with her fingers, indicating a matter of little import "No, just a surprise."
"We sign now?"
"Yes, I have been authorised by the Council of Elders to sign this modification of the treaty."

The Scout Instructor picked up the papers with one tentacle and looked through them. "All is in order correct." And it took a small box out of a harness, pressed the tip of a free tentacle into it, and then at the bottom of each page.

Joy took them back, and pressed her inked thumb against each page, and then signed her name.

A sign indicating an important query, "Are the lands territories properties clear for us to land arrive?"
"Yes, and airspace restrictions have been agreed to."
"Good pleasing efficient."
"It is for our benefit that we asked you to establish a Scout school here. Will the Maui be here long?"
"Apologies error, we understood thought you had knowledge. The Maui is permanently assigned to this station. In case of dramatic major intervention."

Joy sat back in surprise. "They've assigned us a Frontier Class cruiser? In case we need to do a full interdiction?"
"Correct."
"I see. Well, thank-you instructor, I'll let you return to your ship and your duties."
"Very good yes Scout Commander."
"What?"

A burst of bright colours washed across the sophonts skin and it handed an envelope to Joy "Your orders Scout Commander. You have been reactivated."
Before she could answer, it flowed out of her office.

After a few minutes, Joy opened the envelope. Inside was a new Scout ID card, and her orders to establish a new Scout Base on Mother of All. Starting with a locally-based school.

So much for retiring.

#ShamanSpace #SF #SFF #SciFi #SpaceOpera #Microfiction #Microfic #tootfic #IAmWriting

3 Months ago, Council Offices, Divesen Station.

Joy looked across her desk at the Scout. They were not human, but one of the many species that had been derived from Earth-species stock in the distant, distant past. Probably by the same unknown race that delivered Joy's ancestors to Mother of All.

"Well Scout Instructor you certainly are an unexpected reply to my request."
The vocoder on the Scout's chest translated the burst of colours that surged across their skin. "Arriving with the answer seemed an efficient solution to the restrictions limitations of travel times."
"You did cause something of a stir when you emerged. The biggest thing we've seen here before was a depot ship, and that was back in Lorn's day."
"Are apologies compensations regrets required?"
Joy smiled, and made a complex sign with her fingers, indicating a matter of little import "No, just a surprise."
"We sign now?"
"Yes, I have been authorised by the Council of Elders to sign this modification of the treaty."

The Scout Instructor picked up the papers with one tentacle and looked through them. "All is in order correct." And it took a small box out of a harness, pressed the tip of a free tentacle into it, and then at the bottom of each page.

Joy took them back, and pressed her inked thumb against each page, and then signed her name.

A sign indicating an important query, "Are the lands territories properties clear for us to land arrive?"
"Yes, and airspace restrictions have been agreed to."
"Good pleasing efficient."
"It is for our benefit that we asked you to establish a Scout school here. Will the Maui be here long?"
"Apologies error, we understood thought you had knowledge. The Maui is permanently assigned to this station. In case of dramatic major intervention."

Joy sat back in surprise. "They've assigned us a Frontier Class cruiser? In case we need to do a full interdiction?"
"Correct."
"I see. Well, thank-you instructor, I'll let you return to your ship and your duties."
"Very good yes Scout Commander."
"What?"

A burst of bright colours washed across the sophonts skin and it handed an envelope to Joy "Your orders Scout Commander. You have been reactivated."
Before she could answer, it flowed out of her office.

After a few minutes, Joy opened the envelope. Inside was a new Scout ID card, and her orders to establish a new Scout Base on Mother of All. Starting with a locally-based school.

So much for retiring.

#ShamanSpace #SF #SFF #SciFi #SpaceOpera #Microfiction #Microfic #tootfic #IAmWriting

3 Months ago, Council Offices, Divesen Station.

Joy looked across her desk at the Scout. They were not human, but one of the many species that had been derived from Earth-species stock in the distant, distant past. Probably by the same unknown race that delivered Joy's ancestors to Mother of All.

"Well Scout Instructor you certainly are an unexpected reply to my request."
The vocoder on the Scout's chest translated the burst of colours that surged across their skin. "Arriving with the answer seemed an efficient solution to the restrictions limitations of travel times."
"You did cause something of a stir when you emerged. The biggest thing we've seen here before was a depot ship, and that was back in Lorn's day."
"Are apologies compensations regrets required?"
Joy smiled, and made a complex sign with her fingers, indicating a matter of little import "No, just a surprise."
"We sign now?"
"Yes, I have been authorised by the Council of Elders to sign this modification of the treaty."

The Scout Instructor picked up the papers with one tentacle and looked through them. "All is in order correct." And it took a small box out of a harness, pressed the tip of a free tentacle into it, and then at the bottom of each page.

Joy took them back, and pressed her inked thumb against each page, and then signed her name.

A sign indicating an important query, "Are the lands territories properties clear for us to land arrive?"
"Yes, and airspace restrictions have been agreed to."
"Good pleasing efficient."
"It is for our benefit that we asked you to establish a Scout school here. Will the Maui be here long?"
"Apologies error, we understood thought you had knowledge. The Maui is permanently assigned to this station. In case of dramatic major intervention."

Joy sat back in surprise. "They've assigned us a Frontier Class cruiser? In case we need to do a full interdiction?"
"Correct."
"I see. Well, thank-you instructor, I'll let you return to your ship and your duties."
"Very good yes Scout Commander."
"What?"

A burst of bright colours washed across the sophonts skin and it handed an envelope to Joy "Your orders Scout Commander. You have been reactivated."
Before she could answer, it flowed out of her office.

After a few minutes, Joy opened the envelope. Inside was a new Scout ID card, and her orders to establish a new Scout Base on Mother of All. Starting with a locally-based school.

So much for retiring.

#ShamanSpace #SF #SFF #SciFi #SpaceOpera #Microfiction #Microfic #tootfic #IAmWriting

3 Months ago, Council Offices, Divesen Station.

Joy looked across her desk at the Scout. They were not human, but one of the many species that had been derived from Earth-species stock in the distant, distant past. Probably by the same unknown race that delivered Joy's ancestors to Mother of All.

"Well Scout Instructor you certainly are an unexpected reply to my request."
The vocoder on the Scout's chest translated the burst of colours that surged across their skin. "Arriving with the answer seemed an efficient solution to the restrictions limitations of travel times."
"You did cause something of a stir when you emerged. The biggest thing we've seen here before was a depot ship, and that was back in Lorn's day."
"Are apologies compensations regrets required?"
Joy smiled, and made a complex sign with her fingers, indicating a matter of little import "No, just a surprise."
"We sign now?"
"Yes, I have been authorised by the Council of Elders to sign this modification of the treaty."

The Scout Instructor picked up the papers with one tentacle and looked through them. "All is in order correct." And it took a small box out of a harness, pressed the tip of a free tentacle into it, and then at the bottom of each page.

Joy took them back, and pressed her inked thumb against each page, and then signed her name.

A sign indicating an important query, "Are the lands territories properties clear for us to land arrive?"
"Yes, and airspace restrictions have been agreed to."
"Good pleasing efficient."
"It is for our benefit that we asked you to establish a Scout school here. Will the Maui be here long?"
"Apologies error, we understood thought you had knowledge. The Maui is permanently assigned to this station. In case of dramatic major intervention."

Joy sat back in surprise. "They've assigned us a Frontier Class cruiser? In case we need to do a full interdiction?"
"Correct."
"I see. Well, thank-you instructor, I'll let you return to your ship and your duties."
"Very good yes Scout Commander."
"What?"

A burst of bright colours washed across the sophonts skin and it handed an envelope to Joy "Your orders Scout Commander. You have been reactivated."
Before she could answer, it flowed out of her office.

After a few minutes, Joy opened the envelope. Inside was a new Scout ID card, and her orders to establish a new Scout Base on Mother of All. Starting with a locally-based school.

So much for retiring.

#ShamanSpace #SF #SFF #SciFi #SpaceOpera #Microfiction #Microfic #tootfic #IAmWriting

GOOSE CREEK HOLLER received a great editorial review (IMHO) from BookLife Reviews for Publishers Weekly, online now and featured in the October 5th Publishers Weekly Magazine. I'm sharing it here in case you want something to read. Or just read the book👍 😎 The book is available at most online retailers, y'all. #books #bookstodon #bookReview #editorial #indieAuthor #indie #indieAuthors #author #authors #publishing #publishersweekly #booklover #book #booklovers #thriller #suspense #crimeFiction #crime #scribesAndMakers #reading #readingCommunity #fediverse #social #socialnetwork #iamwriting #ebooks #ebook #print #mastodon #reviews #review #mountains #money #murder #rural #ruralnoir #familyStory

GOOSE CREEK HOLLER received a great editorial review (IMHO) from BookLife Reviews for Publishers Weekly, online now and featured in the October 5th Publishers Weekly Magazine. I'm sharing it here in case you want something to read. Or just read the book👍 😎 The book is available at most online retailers, y'all. #books #bookstodon #bookReview #editorial #indieAuthor #indie #indieAuthors #author #authors #publishing #publishersweekly #booklover #book #booklovers #thriller #suspense #crimeFiction #crime #scribesAndMakers #reading #readingCommunity #fediverse #social #socialnetwork #iamwriting #ebooks #ebook #print #mastodon #reviews #review #mountains #money #murder #rural #ruralnoir #familyStory

GOOSE CREEK HOLLER received a great editorial review (IMHO) from BookLife Reviews for Publishers Weekly, online now and featured in the October 5th Publishers Weekly Magazine. I'm sharing it here in case you want something to read. Or just read the book👍 😎 The book is available at most online retailers, y'all. #books #bookstodon #bookReview #editorial #indieAuthor #indie #indieAuthors #author #authors #publishing #publishersweekly #booklover #book #booklovers #thriller #suspense #crimeFiction #crime #scribesAndMakers #reading #readingCommunity #fediverse #social #socialnetwork #iamwriting #ebooks #ebook #print #mastodon #reviews #review #mountains #money #murder #rural #ruralnoir #familyStory

GOOSE CREEK HOLLER received a great editorial review (IMHO) from BookLife Reviews for Publishers Weekly, online now and featured in the October 5th Publishers Weekly Magazine. I'm sharing it here in case you want something to read. Or just read the book👍 😎 The book is available at most online retailers, y'all. #books #bookstodon #bookReview #editorial #indieAuthor #indie #indieAuthors #author #authors #publishing #publishersweekly #booklover #book #booklovers #thriller #suspense #crimeFiction #crime #scribesAndMakers #reading #readingCommunity #fediverse #social #socialnetwork #iamwriting #ebooks #ebook #print #mastodon #reviews #review #mountains #money #murder #rural #ruralnoir #familyStory

GOOSE CREEK HOLLER received a great editorial review (IMHO) from BookLife Reviews for Publishers Weekly, online now and featured in the October 5th Publishers Weekly Magazine. I'm sharing it here in case you want something to read. Or just read the book👍 😎 The book is available at most online retailers, y'all. #books #bookstodon #bookReview #editorial #indieAuthor #indie #indieAuthors #author #authors #publishing #publishersweekly #booklover #book #booklovers #thriller #suspense #crimeFiction #crime #scribesAndMakers #reading #readingCommunity #fediverse #social #socialnetwork #iamwriting #ebooks #ebook #print #mastodon #reviews #review #mountains #money #murder #rural #ruralnoir #familyStory

Done! 1197 words drafted, edited, and finalized in about 2 1/2 hours. I just sent it in to the editor for his feedback. I still need to find and send some photos to go with it, but I don't expect that to take more than about a half hour.

It's good to know that I've still got it. #IAmWriting #writing

But for now, will you look at this incredible day? Now you can understand why my desk doesn't face the window and this view. I would never get anything done.

One more Urban Fantasy chapter down, and THREE more to go before I get to start the editing phase. :D

This one had me feeling big feelings, and if I was a crying type, I would have probably cried a little for my poor main characters....man do I put those buddies through a wringer.

#WIP #IAmWriting #book #UrbanFantasy #Fantasy #Bookstodon #indieauthor #Author #writing

One more Urban Fantasy chapter down, and THREE more to go before I get to start the editing phase. :D

This one had me feeling big feelings, and if I was a crying type, I would have probably cried a little for my poor main characters....man do I put those buddies through a wringer.

#WIP #IAmWriting #book #UrbanFantasy #Fantasy #Bookstodon #indieauthor #Author #writing

One more Urban Fantasy chapter down, and THREE more to go before I get to start the editing phase. :D

This one had me feeling big feelings, and if I was a crying type, I would have probably cried a little for my poor main characters....man do I put those buddies through a wringer.

#WIP #IAmWriting #book #UrbanFantasy #Fantasy #Bookstodon #indieauthor #Author #writing

One more Urban Fantasy chapter down, and THREE more to go before I get to start the editing phase. :D

This one had me feeling big feelings, and if I was a crying type, I would have probably cried a little for my poor main characters....man do I put those buddies through a wringer.

#WIP #IAmWriting #book #UrbanFantasy #Fantasy #Bookstodon #indieauthor #Author #writing

Also, MS2 plot is solidifying in my head and it feels so good to finally move all of my projects forward. Writing feels so good, and it also feels like I have unlocked something inside me with it.

It has even given me a bit of energy boost, as long as I also pair it with FROOSH (not sponsored :P). I can take some extra discomfort couple times a week and skip a nap so I can do some extra art and writing. <3

#IAmWriting #writing #plotting #books #bookston #indieauthor

Thanks for coming in to discuss this contract.

Like many industries, the demolition industry is pretty tight-knit. Our teams all know each other, and we keep in touch. Sure we compete for contracts, but the work is stupid dangerous, so there is no room for cutting people out - they might know something you don't, and save you and your crews lives.

So when I got your call to bring down a hotel from the 1910s, I had a look around, noted the incomplete demo work, and told you I'd get back to you. That is this meeting.

I asked around.

Turns out almost everyone has had go at that place. And I mean almost everyone. In fact the only local company that hasn't is mine.

So I had to ask "Why is the place still standing?" The answers were weird, to say the least.

I know you know the stories, but let's go over them.

Two teams tried to implode the place. Whenever they got ready to blow the place, they'd find det lines disconnected, fuzes pulled out of charges, even the charges themselves not where they were meant to be. And not once or twice. This went on for months.

Some other crews were going to go the traditional wrecking ball and bulldozer path. Except that every time they went to start, equipment failed. Wrecking balls came off cables, dozers lost tracks or hydraulics, engines would be be missing critical parts.

And then there were the other things. Lights in the windows. Security guards hearing noises, but finding nothing. Security guards who would, one morning, just resign, and never explain why.

Everyone agreed that it was the same problem. The locals. Only not the neighbours, or do-gooders, or NIMBYs.

The locals in the hotel.

The dead ones.

Ghosts.

All the teams were convinced that the place was haunted.

Big Mike, who isn't scared of anything, hired an exorcist. They lasted half a night, and now live on the other side of pond.

Which is why I am declining this contract. If you want my advice, not that you'll take it, stop trying to knock it down.

Either sell it as is, or fix it up, and turn the liability into an asset. You have what looks like a genuinely haunted hotel. Clean it up, renovate, and charge a premium.

Just make it clear to both the ghosts and and the contractors what is going on. You'll want them on your side, after all.

#SF #SFF #SciFi #Horror #Aughost #microfiction #microfic #tootfic #IAmWriting

Mother of All.
On approach to Divesen Station, two hours out.

"Captain to the bridge" Engel opened his eyes, confused for a couple of seconds. Even after nine days, he was not used to being called 'Captain'. After a few moments, he got up and went forward. They were still at least two hours out, what was going on? Opening the bridge door, the rest of the skeleton crew were clustered around the sensor station. "Captain, over here!" called Alaine.

He came over and looked at the radar display. There, in orbit above Mother of All, was a massive ship, easily over a hundred times the size of their tradeship. And the profile the radar returned said 'warship'. Not a piddly little raider, not even one that could overpower Athena twice. This was huge and deadly.

"Do we have a beacon ping from it?" he asked.
"Yessir" Alaine replied "She's a Scout Service cruiser. The Maui. We'd fit inside her main gun like a pea in a straw."
"Any word from the station?"
"Yes, we have an approach, but they are directing us to the low port. And there is a Notice to Spacers with a traffic exclusion between the cruiser and the planetary surface."
Engel turned "Seeker? What do you make of this?"
She frowned "I don't know. They must be here at the Council's request, unless they had some sort of catastrophic failure."

He shook his head. This was like finding a friendly 400kg ridgehorn in your garden.

"OK, follow the approach they've given us. They know about Bright Sky?"
"Yes, we've flagged it as a prize vessel captured from raiders" Dyani supplied.
"Good. Give me a call when we are fifteen out from the atmosphere."
"Yessir."

Back in his cabin, he called the engine room.
"Sparks. Go" was the prompt reply.
"Sparks? Just a heads up, there's a scout cruiser in orbit."
"Which one?"
"The Maui. Does it matter?"
"Just asking. Did Seeker offer anything up?"
"No, she's as clueless as the rest of us."
Sparks hummed. "I guess we find out when we make planetfall."
"I guess so. Out."

Engel lay back down, and failed to get back to sleep. He lay there wondering what was going on for the next hour and a half.

"Captain, Bridge. We are fifteen minutes out."
"Thank-you." He scrubbed his face, and went forward again. Maybe they would have answers soon.

#SF #SFF #SciFi #SpaceOpera #Microfiction #Microfic #tootfic #ShamanSpace #IAmWriting

She had been running, she was not sure for how long. She had not really been paying attention to her surroundings, just making sure she did not touch anyone. She was scared of what might happen if she did.

Prithi looked up from the engine of the old Escort she was working on to see a barefoot, white-haired young woman in sports gear stagger toward her unit. Then she fell over and did not move.

Prithi did not hesitate, she grabbed the emergency kit off the wall, and ran over. There were no cars around, so she knelt down and asked if the woman was OK. Nothing. She gave her a shake. Nothing. She started CPR, and then got the defib out. No sooner had she attached the pads than the unit shut down, batteries exhausted. What the heck? She'd checked them yesterday!

Then the woman gave a gasp and sat up.

Prithi moved to support her, but she fended her off "No! Don't touch me! I might be dangerous!" she yelled, her voice sounded hoarse, like it had been screaming for hours.

"Easy! I've already given you CPR, I think if you were going to hurt me by touching, you already would have. I'm Prithi, are you OK?"
"Um, I guess I'm still Mara. And no? Maybe?" She moved to get up, and then fell back again. "I think I need more charging. You wouldn't have a power point handy, would you?"
"Power point? And 'still'?"
"It's a long story. Can you help me over to some electricity?"

Prithi got her arm around Mara and stood up. She had been an auto mechanic for some years, and had a pretty solid build. Even so, Mara was a lot heavier than she looked. Slightly staggered by the unexpected weight, she helped Mara into her workshop, and sat her down next to a power socket.

Mara turned on the switch, and held her hand against the socket. A few seconds later the main breaker tripped. "Shit. Can you, please?"
Prithi went over to the switch box and flipped the breaker back on. Eyes closed, Mara's brow furrowed in concentration. "There, that's it. Gently, gently..."

As Prithi watched, Mara sat up straighter and finally opened her eyes. "Hi. I'm what's left of Mara de Rue. A mad scientist filled me full of tiny robots, and they are all there is of me now. I was scared they would start to take you over if you touched me, but it seems like they know their place. What day is it?"

Prithi sat back on her heels. "Um, Thursday. The twenty-first. You've been in the news, but you looked different."
"Three weeks, huh? And different?"
Prithi hunted around and pulled out an inspection mirror. She held it up.
"I'm blonde?"
"Yep. And paler than a ghost."
"I guess I don't have any blood now. I wonder if I still have finger prints?" She held a hand in front of her face. "Yep. I hope they're mine."
"Mara? Can I call you that?" Mara nodded "Um, what happened to the scientist?"
Mara cupped her free hand, and a ball of fire formed "This." It disappeared before Prithi could reach towards it. "Can you call my family? Please?"
"Of course."

A sequel to https://aus.social/@rdm/110755143970645568

#SF #SFF #SciFi #IAmWriting #microfic #tootfic #Microfiction

I am satisfied with how my autobiographical novel is taking shape, it's not yet finished at all, but if you are interested, take a look, always looking for beta readers: https://abuseofnotation.github.io/mind-against-the-machine/
#iamwriting #creativetoots

Chapter 34 done of my Urban Fantasy story, and 4 more to go before I can start editing it. (: This is a long boy, but man is it fun to take some hours to make the world come alive.

Especially the last chapter was fun and full of strange creatures from crab people, to cursed humans. <3

#Fantasy #UrbanFantasy #IAmWriting #Writing #author #indieauthor

@ami_angelwings
Tails of Lady Miller's Memorial Catgirl Trust
Catgirl University (part 3)

Biba stretched out on the lawn, while Natasha sat nearby, looking miserable. Antoinette-Sussanah was off hunting down some lunch from one of the food vans that had pulled up near the campus.

After a few moments, Biba spoke up "Tash, you apologised, and he's going to be OK."
"But what if they expel me. Or all of us?"
"Then Twilly will get on the case and smooth things over."
"But what if he doesn't let me back into his class? It is a pre-requisite for everything I want to do."
"Tash, you're starting to whine."

Natasha threw herself forward onto the grass, and started to sob. She had always been a drama queen. Biba sighed, and moved over to her, picking up the larger catgirl like she weighed nothing, and giving her a gentle hug, making 'shoosh'ing sounds.

A shadow fell over them, and Biba looked up, ready to switch to combat mode if it were a threat.

It was a small group of other students.

Biba shut down the combat modules. "Can I help you?" she asked politely.

One of the young ladies, in full goth regalia, crouched down "We're in Stats 017 with you. Is your friend OK?"
Biba looked them over again. Yes, they had all been in that first class. "There was an accident in her Mech Eng class, and she's worried about fallout from it."
"Was that what the ambulance was about?"
Natasha started to cry more, and Biba just nodded.
The girl didn't say anything for a few moments, clearly thinking. Biba opened her mouth, only for a hand to come up in a 'stop' sign. She closed it again.

One of the boys whispered to the guy next to him "Is Maddy doing that thing again?"
"Yeah, the whole brain thing."

The newly named Maddy didn't react.

Finally she nodded, "I see. Well, he could not have been that bright, could he?"
Natasha looked up along with Biba "What?"
"He could not have been that bright. I mean Prof Tepford worked it out. I worked it out. How come he didn't?"

"You weren't there. How do you know what happened?" Tash asked, her confusion overcoming her worries.
One of the group, wearing a dress covered in stars, grinned "The little grey cells, eh?"

Tash and Biba looked blank.

"What Terri means is that I deduced it from the available evidence. I love murder mysteries. They're quoting Poirot".

Antoinette-Sussanah came up behind the group and asked "Is everything OK?"
"Yes, A-S. Maddy here is a bit of sleuth" Biba explained "What's for lunch?"
"Sashimi", she had barely finished the word before Tash was wrapped around her. "Hiiii Antoinette-Sussanah... you're the best friend ever."

Shaking her head, she sat, opened the paper bag she had been carrying and handed Tash and Biba trays of sashimi. A quick glance at Biba, and she gestured to the lawn "Join us?"

The others sat, and got out their own lunches.

Maddy watched Tash happily attacking the raw fish, and looked across to Biba, who shrugged. Maddy gave a small sigh and started eating.

#SF #SFF #SciFi #microfiction #Microfic #tootfic #IAmWriting #Catgirls

#writer #writing #author #IamWriting #blackhillswriter inventingrealityediting.com/2...

Project Bible Useful for Keepi...

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https://aboutgrau.com/blog/blarkrevisited

#blog #writing #iamwriting #art #mastoart #fediart #photography #ios #app #monochrome #bnw #blackandwhite #promotion

@ami_angelwings

Tails of Lady Miller's Memorial Catgirl Trust
Catgirl University (part 2)

Memo: Laser Pointers in Lectures
From: Prof H Tepford (School of Mathematics)
To: Academic Teaching Staff

Please utilise caution in using laser pointers in lectures. There are some students who will focus on the pointer rather than the material being covered.

Unfortunately, privacy rules do not allow me to identify the students in question, but I believe it should be reasonably obvious on a quick visual inspection of the attendants.

Hamish.

-----

From: Dr A. De Jeune (School of Medicine)
To: Prof H Tepford (School of Mathematics
Subject: Laser Pointer Memo

Hamish,
I have one of them in my BioChem 100 class. Thanks for the warning.
Alyce.

----

From: Dr G Cranbourne-Wilson (School of Engineering)
To: Prof H Tepford (School of Mathematics
Subject: Laser Pointer Memo

Hamish,
I have one in Mech Eng 101.

Unfortunately your warning came too late. She apologised afterwards, and made sure to stay with me until the ambulance came.

I should be back on campus next week, albeit with a moonboot.

Greg.

----

To: HR Safety Team
From: Felicity Ambrose - Safety Investigator
Subject: OH&S Incident in Mech Eng 101 dd/mm/yyyyy 09:41

Team,
Attached is my report on the OH&S incident last Wednesday in which Dr Cranborne-Wilson broke his ankle.

There is sufficient documentary evidence that he could have reasonably assessed the risks of the activities he was taking part in, and could have avoided the hazardous situation.

At this point, I am satisfied that we have no legal obligations beyond medical leave.

Flick.

#SFF #SF #SciFi #IAmWriting #microfic #tootfic #microfiction #Catgirls

Tails of Lady Miller's Memorial Catgirl Trust
Catgirl University

Professor Hamish Tepford was always intrigued to see what new fashion each new year of first-years brought to the lecture hall. As a statistics professor, he encountered students from most schools at the University, because most courses outside of the fine arts required at least one unit.

So he got to see a very broad spectrum of students, from the very staid (post-grad or mature age business) to the outlandishly extreme (almost anyone else). Unlike his fellows, he enjoyed teaching the bridging and introductory courses. Seeing the new faces, and seeing the light of understanding kick in at various points was a delight he could not pass up. But then, he was regarded as a little odd by his peers.

As the new class filed in, he made mental notes. In hair, hot pink was replacing the silver, and strips rather than a fade in or out. Piercings and tatts were still 'in'. Oh, and it looked like animatronics were...

Wait. Those ears were not animatronics. Were they some sort of cosmetic surgery? There were three of them, all sitting together. One stood, and he saw a tail curl around her waist before she sat down again.

That was when he realised that this was not a fashion statement. He had seen the replay of the press conference from a month or two back. Catgirls. But what were they doing in his class?

He mentally slapped himself. "Taking introductory statistics 017", obviously.

He checked his roll. There they were, three mononymic students. Biba, Natasha, and Antoinette-Sussanah.

He took first attendance - the only one he ever bothered with. He had a good head for names and faces. Then he started his introduction.

Part way through, while he was highlighting some of the course objectives, he suddenly felt his neck prickle. He looked over his shoulder at the lecture hall, and immediately saw the three pairs of eyes with absolute and complete focus on the screen.

The other students were taking notes or just nodding along. But those three were utterly fixated on ... Oh.

He turned off the laser pointer.

#SF #SFF #SciFi #IAmWriting #microfiction #microfic #tootfic #Catgirls

As usual, for @ami_angelwings .

9 Months ago, Council Chambers, Horsebreeder Clan lands.

Joyful Finder stood after the immediate business had been dealt with. Since taking to space Clan Council meetings had become longer, and she knew everyone was tired. But this had to be raised, and if not now, then at the end of another meeting - when again, everyone would be tired.

"The Council hears Joyful Finder of the Horsebreeders" the chair announced.
"Thank-you", she paused and straightened before continuing "Although it is unlikely that Seeker will obtain the information she has been tasked with locating in this first tour, we must make plans for what we will do when the home of the raiders is found."
One of the elders from the Fisher Clan spoke up "I presume you have ideas, Joyful?"
She shook her head "Unfortunately, no. I have been studying the histories brought back from the Scouts' archives. They are extensive, and go back to before humans took to the stars. There are even hints of when our ancestors were taken from the human homeworld."
The same elder asked "But?"
Joy sighed. "But in all that time they have recorded only two instances where an invader successfully replaced the rulers of a land without causing resentment that took generations to resolve. And frequently never did."
The Forester Clan elder cleared his throat "So we do what they did."
"If only it were that simple. In both cases the lands in question had made open war against a coalition of other nations. After initial successes, they were beaten back, and then crushed absolutely. The coalitions then spent vast sums rebuilding the nations they had just defeated."
The Forester elder grunted "Seems simple enough then. It seems that things mostly match our circumstances."
"Except for one thing. In both cases the lands were subject to totalitarian and authoritarian rulers. We know nothing of how the raiders are ruled or the structure of their society."
"So why are you raising this?" that was the Fisher elder again.
"I am hoping the Council is wiser than a single ex-Scout, and can find a solution."

There was silence.

Several minutes passed, and various elders whispered to each other. Then one of the elders of Weaver Clan stood. "You present a problem to us, but you have already given us the solution."
Joy frowned in puzzlement "I have?"
"Indeed. Our first course of action is to learn what their society is. And you are our best resource there."
"I am?"
"I move to the council that Joyful Finder be charged with recruiting and training a Scout force, whose task will be to learn all there is about the raider society."

Around the chamber was a sound of agreement.

Joy swayed a little in shock, and then asked "May I seek aid from the Scouts themselves in this?"
The chair stood "That would be prudent. Despite the treaty."

Joy sat heavily, feeling her years. There was a mail ship expected in a few weeks. She'd have to write to the sector commander. Convincingly.

#SFF #SF #SciFi #microfic #tootfic #microfiction #IAmWriting #ShamanSpace

This morning my best friend, Rikky, handed me a sheet of paper between classes as we passed.

Then during lunch she yelled at me, said some really horrible things, and stormed off saying that she never wanted to see me again. I almost threw out the paper, but I decided to read it. We had been friends since primary school, after all.

Scribbled at the top in her writing was "I'm sorry. I don't mean any of it. I'll see you in seventeen years. Stay alive."

Under that was this email.

"The day after tomorrow your best friend, Janice, is going to get pulled up in front of the school. There will be news cameras and reporters and government officials.

Janice Southward will be the next Chosen One.

How do I know? Because seventeen years ago my best friend was chosen. And I've been trying to keep him alive ever since. That is going to be your job now. I'll help, but you know her best.

But you can never been seen anywhere near her. If you are, you will get your mail and email screened, and you will be watched so you cannot interfere.

Why?

Because the Chosen One of each generation is not picked by some prophecy or seer or test of skill. They are picked at random. They have no special powers, no great destiny. They get a little stipend, enough so they don't have to work if they don't want to.

So what are they? They are bait. For every two-bit villain who comes along. They will have it shoved in their faces that there is a Chosen One - and even who it is. So they will go after them. And the government will know where they are going. So they can finish them off.

About one in ten of the Chosen Ones make it to 34. I want Janice to be one of them. Why? Because I've kept Callum alive. And I want his successor to do the same.

I worked my way into the Statistics Bureau. They are the ones who deal with The Chosen One and the idiots who go after them. The day after tomorrow I hope to see Callum for the first time in seventeen years.

And I will be waiting for you in the Bureau. Join me. And help keep Janice alive.

Show this to Janice, and then have a very public fight with her. Tell her to destroy this. No one can know. Especially not the Bureau. "

I sat back, and went to the loo. I tore the paper into tiny tiny bits and flushed them.

It all sounded insane. But there is going to be a big assembly tomorrow.

I guess I'd better destroy this as well.

#SF #SFF #microfiction #Microfic #tootfic #IAmWriting #MaybeDistopia

Here’s the original introductory post for my #Writing Tips series. What makes it useful is that it lists about 2 dozen related posts I wrote during my first four years of blogging. https://aneclecticmind.com/2008/09/29/writing-tips/ There are 19 years of blog posts after that. #IAmWriting

I’m #blogging today and the first thing I did was to modify my blog to include a “Human Made” image right at the top of the sidebar. I urge other bloggers to do something like this if they, like me, refuse to lean on an AI crutch to write original content. #NoAI #FuckAI #IAmWriting #writing https://aneclecticmind.com

@leoboulton Have you considered pen and paper?

I started doing "morning pages" as recommended in The Artists Way by Julia Cameron (a book I do NOT recommend) and it has been great. It puts #writing on a schedule that I do not skip. This morning was my 69th entry and I have only missed two days.

If all you care about is getting words out, pen and paper is the way to go. No distractions from clunky interfaces or unnecessary formatting. Just write it down. #IAmWriting

Yippee! The new issue of PassageMaker magazine is out and my article is in there! I just found it in Libby on my iPad, but I think my subscription went in soon enough to get it in the mail. Photo shows the title page spread; I shot the photo from my dinghy at one of our stops. Also, my author bio on the contributor page.

My first magazine article was published in 1989 and it wasn't anything special but I still get a kick out of seeing every single one in print. #IAmWriting #boating #writing

Shaman Space Part 5
14 months after leaving Mother of All. In final jump to Mother of All.

Sparks and Alaine were in the engine room checking over the engines before exiting jump. It had been a much busier jump than usual, as the Captain and Suri, the navigator, were bringing in the captured raider ship. At least, the crew hoped they were. Once they entered jump, there was no way of communicating or even locating the other ship.

"How are you and Seeker holding up?" Sparks asked, without looking up from the diagnostics display.
"One point five seven - what?"
"How are you and Seeker holding up? It was a pretty intense thing with that raider ship."
"We're" Alaine paused and started again "I'm still having some rough nights. I'm looking forward to meeting with a counsellor at Mother of All. Seeker says they are very good at dealing with trauma."
"And Seeker?"
"She's not as shaken up as the first time. Partly because of the first time, and partly because those people were her ancestral nemesis. But I think she's looking forward to some counselling as well."
"Good. How's that coil looking?"
"Uh, one point five seven above spec. Within acceptable limits."
"One point five seven? That's about as close to perfect as you could hope for."

The intercom chimed "Bridge to Engineering. Are we clear?" the voice of Engel the First Mate came from the grill next to the diagnostic station. Alaine glanced at Sparks who nodded.
"All clear bridge" he replied.
"All hands, all hands, stand by for re-entry into normal space."

Alaine watched as the jump engines collapsed their private universe around them, and dropped them back into normal space.
Engel's voice came over the intercom again "We are now in normal space. Resume duties."
"Reaction drives active" Alaine reported after checking his instruments.
"Confirmed. All systems online" Sparks responded as she did her own checks.
"Confirmed" Alaine replied.
"OK, off to the bridge with you, Alaine. I've got things here."

He nodded, and started to head forward. He paused at the hatch "Sparks?"
"Yeah?"
"Thanks for asking."
"No problem. We're as good as family on this ship. We look after each other."
"I know, but still, thanks."

Alaine continued forward to the bridge. Engel, Dyani, and Seeker were there.
"Any word from Bright Sky?" he asked as he entered.
Seeker looked up from the comms panel "Not yet, but they could be a few minutes away."
"I'm not picking up any other ships in the immediate area" Dyani added.

Seeker frowned "Hold on" she tweaked the gain control, and listened. There was a pause. "I have Bright Sky. She's about fifteen light minutes away. She came out just before us. Sending our position."
Engel looked back at Seeker "Are they OK?"
"Yes, yes, all systems nominal."
"OK, Alaine, calculate a rendezvous that we can make into an approach to Divesen Station. Dyani, stay on the scope for any trouble."
"On it" they both replied.

Seeker looked towards the distant sun. She was almost home. She had news.

#SFF #SF #SciFi #microfic #tootfic #microfiction #IAmWriting #ShamanSpace

As you know Bob, back on April 19 I self published my first book, a collection of my microfiction from the preceding three years.

So, how is that going for me?

To date, I have sold 20 copies (combined print and electronic) via online sales through third party channels. For some reason Germany appears to be particularly fond of my writing. Go figure.

I have also sold seven copies through local bookshops, and eight at Swancon. I have six more copies on consignment.

I am pleased to say that Boundless Books still have me in stock, and Dymocks Subiaco are carrying me, as is Shadow Kissed Books. This is in addition to all the usual online suspects.

I am thrilled to say that I now have a direct online sales channel via my printer/distributor. So you can now buy direct from me! I would, however, prefer you to buy from your friendly local bookshop. My RRP in Australia is the same at a bookshop as it is direct, because your local store needs your support. If they don't stock it, ask them to order it. And if they refuse, then come to me.

I will also have it for sale at Genghiscon in January.

https://rdmasters.lympago.com/p/my-book.html

#Microfiction #IAmWriting #SelfPublishing #ShamelessSelfPromotion #Books