Issue 42
March 15, 2008
Ray Gun Revival
Pg. 2
Table of Contents
Overlords (Founders / Editors):
2 Table of Contents 3 Overlords\u2019 Lair Venerable Staff: A.M. S\ue003ckel - Managing Copyeditor 5 The Space Knights T\u2019mplaar Shannon McNear - Lord High Advisor, grammar consultant, listening ear/sanity saver for Overlord Lee by R. Cruz Paul Chris\ue003an Glenn - PR, sounding board, strong right hand 12 The Great Escapade L. S. King - Lord High Editor, proofreader, beloved nag, muse, webmistress by Alice M. Roelke Johne Cook - art wrangler, desktop publishing, chief cook and bo\ue004le 17 Featured Artist: Francis Tsai washer 20 The Adventures of the Sky Pirate Slushmasters (Submissions Editors): Chapter 21, For Blood and Glory Sco\ue004 M. Sandridge by Johne Cook John M. Whalen David Wilhelms 34 Memory Wipe Shari L. Armstrong Jack Willard Chapter 19, The World of Fire Serial Authors: by Sean T. M. Stiennon Sean T. M. S\ue003ennon John M. Whalen 41 The RGR Time Capsule M Keaton Lee S. King March 1 - March 14, 2008 Johne Cook, L. S. King, Paul Chris\ue003an Glenn
Paul Chris\ue003an Glenn Johne Cook
Cover Art: \u201cCan You Fix It?\u201d by Francis Tsai Without Whom... Bill Snodgrass, site host,
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Rev: 20080315a
Issue 42, March 15, 2008
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Overlords\u2019 Lair
One of the things that fascinates me about the reclaim a relationship with her as his singular shut out the world while I write. Or would, writing life is the unexpected\u2014and sometimes motivation, and that kept me watching long if I had a real cave or office. However, my unintended\u2014collaboration that occurs after between others gave up on the show or on him. computer at home takes up one entire wall of an author and his muse, his surroundings, his what used to be the dining room. So in lieu of So to make a long story short, I took no offense friends, and his fans. a physical cave, I create a virtual one with good when my friend disliked one of the characters in noise-cancelling headphones. I pop those on TSP . However, that discussion came at a crucial John Gardner has said that an author is \u2018a and the rest of the world goes away for awhile, in the development of this latest chapter. gregarious loner.\u2019 That describes time me very well. leaving me free to lose myself in the characters, I\u2019d actually written the first draft ofthe thissituations, section the ramifications of invention. I like being around other people, and I always the way back in November of 2004, and when benefit from rubbing elbows with others.allFor it came time to update it for 2008, I discovered the author, anything can serve as inspiration, I\u2019m immensely pleased with how our that the action sequence I\u2019d draftedcollaboration no longer grist for examination. turned out. I may have an edge made sense. I was casting about for what to do because I know what the ultimate character For me, the impetus this time around camenext when I had my discussion with Dan.arcs are, but how these gaps are filled in is as from my friend Dan, my minister, who is a triedmuch a mystery to me as my readers, and I\u2019m and-true fan of The Adventures of the Sky Pirate. And then the miracle occurred (a shout-out fascinated by the things I see that perhaps others We were talking about this latest chapter intothe D$, if you\u2019re listening, heh.) I realized that at least not yet. I trust that when it al don\u2019t, saga and he mentioned in passing how much he I was facing was the perfect opportunity what is revealed, this collaboration between author disliked one character in particular. As a fan to of get inside the mind of said character a and reader is a mutually fulfilling project. other works by other authors, I know how that little more, and that started the sequence of goes. Everybody\u2019s temperament isfalling different\u2014 dominoes that led, in short order, to the Thanks, Dan, for sharing your opinion, and everybody values slightly different things. overdue I completion of this latest chapter. thank you, the readers, for sharing in this think of the reality tv series Big Brother on CBS. collaboration with us. It wasmy a collaboration of ideas where what I This last season, many viewers\u2014including had originally planned on doing was subverted The Space Knights T\u2019mplaar by R. Cruz wife\u2014hated Evel Dick Donato. However, I was by a plot device that no longer worked and intrigued by his focus on the game and his love The young Space Knight called Grey wanted a a discussion that revealed the appropriate for his estranged daughter. As an a author,by I was simple, routine mission, but what he got was replacement element. fascinated by the brash, brazen, but ultimately much more than he ever imagined. cunning way he played the game. I didn\u2019t Once Ilike knew where I was going with the new him because he was likable, but because hedirection for the story, the rest was pretty cut\u201cGree\ue004ngs, Brother Turin,\u201d Grey did what he did despite being likable. In the his com-system. \u201cPlease explain your ac\ue0 and-dried. As a guy, I retreat to my cave and end, I saw love for his daughter and a desire to at the Huygen and Keel treaty signing, so I
Ray Gun Revival magazine
Issue 42, March 15, 2008
Pg. 4 may stand beside you and give suppor ng around the ny metal room; the prisoner addict. He’d leap when he should walk, winced. Baxter sat down opposite the man. tes mony during the hearing.” innovate when he should stand pat, a ack
“I suppose you’ve been informed of your when he should retreat. Sir Turin was a Quest Knight. Of the ten rights?” And where the captain went... thousand ac ve T’mplaar knights this small
fac on were undoubtedly the most spiritual.“Only that I didn’t—” began the man in
Wipe, Chapter 19, The World of Fire a twangy voice. His head snapped Memory up. Upon heeding the call, they dedicated their by Sean T. M. Stiennon every waking moment to greater study and “Jem! It’s you.” A smile su used his long mastery of their connec on with T’mplaar features. Takeda finds an unexpected ally on Caulthor, metal. Some even possessed the ability to Zartsi and Esheera are at the mercy of the Baxter blinked. transform their armor beyond the standard Suto Enclave Council, and Sherri fights three con gura ons. imprisoned in isolation. The Adventures of the Sky Pirate, Chapter madness 21, For Blood and Glory by Johne Cook For Grey there simply had to be a logical
reason why Brother Turin was present Alacrity’s
“On your mark,” she said to Milsu.
R&R is interrupted by an Zartsi stepped back, along with Ratch and during the shu le’s explosion and theoverwhelming fleet of Sylvan warships. One the other guards, as Rizzik stepped into young T’mplaar was obligated to discern of the crew thinks they can even the odds the polished circle. It was no more than the brother knight’s ra onale beforewith a little rash action. twelve feet in diameter—no room for no fying the proper authori es. Protocol much maneuvering. Esheera splayed out demanded no less. Captain Flynn whirled to search the horizon. her feet. The sails of the enemy ships were distant
The silent Turin’s response was a ver cal but dis nc ve. The Sylvan war
eet was
sweep of his broadsword, aimed at the sailing straight toward Roarke’s Island. “Begin,” Milsu said. young brother knight’s head, barely missing Then Rizzik charged her. him. “That was fast,” murmured Flynn. “Too fast.” His black eyes hardened. He stroked his jaw The Great Escapade by Alice M. Roelke as he did when deep in thought. Collaboration is where you find it. Keep The prisoner claims to be Baxter’s buddy. From Clarissa said, “Do we ee or do we ght?”your eyes and ears open—you never know a parallel universe. when the next miracle will occur. Eggplant watched Flynn turn to Clarissa A single bulb hung from the ceiling in the and he saw, in the space of that moment, Johne Cook windowless room. A guard stood by the the re light behind Flynn’s eyes, sparkling Overlord, RGR table, and a seated man. The prisoner’s fair Breezeway, Wisconsin as they did in the face of overwhelming head bowed as if from the weighty glare ofodds. If Eggplant didn’t know be er, he’d the bulb. He didn’t look up. think the captain was crazy. Baxter nodded to the guard, who saluted But he did know be er. It was worse than and le . The door’s slam reverberated insanity—the captain was reckless, a thrill
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The Space Knights T’mplaar by R. Cruz
fingers and aggressive nature, were extremely and xenophobia even more. poor and socially disadvantaged. Their homes Suddenly, to his right, Grey noticed a and buildings varied from simple wood-like Surveyor Knight shacks with rusty metal roofs to well main- narrow yard filled with a phalanx of clothes tained stone structures. All suffered from a lines with bed linens and garments fastened he red sun was at its zenith just as the similar malaise of a lack of unpolluted water, on them. It wasn’t what he wanted exactly but religious reenactment was reaching its beggars couldn’t be choosers. Just as the rabid electricity, sanitation and other basic services. crescendo. The church leader spun with mob arrived, there was a brief flash of blinding the freshly decapitated head grasped firmly He diverted from the steady stream of white light. It would be hours later when the within her talon-like fingers and displayed it people in the crowded alley as soon as he crowd begrudgingly dispersed. So ended the to the faithful. The elevated stage where the spotted a vacant small alcove on a side street.chase for the face changing ‘monster’ with the ceremony had played out helped all the peopleRather than wait until he was airborne, Grey P’ranians accrediting the entire experience to filling the town square observe, with bated ordered his face field to lower slightly, which various and, at times, contradicting explanabreath, each step of the long and detailed would help relay a clear message back to the tions of hallucinations egged on by a child’s ritual. Now their chorus roar of approval fillednearest T’mplaar Outpost. He wished to inform hyper-imagination. the air and gave the priest her cue to continue them that the surveying mission on P’ran was executing the other four sacrificial gifts, before ending early. It was a huge mistake! A young # a reasonable facsimile of a downed space ship,P’ranian, similar in age and size to an eight as it had been ordained by their god during year old human, spotted him accidentally. Blessed silence, he sighed happily to every harvest season. Upon seeing the obviously alien creature, the himself. P’ranian opened a mouth filled with blade-like Hidden by long shadows, in a darkened alley Already the angry crowd’s bloodthirsty flat teeth and let out a terrified high-pitched just northeast of the square, a hooded figure cries and the pungent smell of P’ran’s putrid scream. shook his head in disgust. Grey, the T’mplaar alleys were fading into the recesses of his mind. Space Knight, had seen all he had needed The reaction to the child’s alarmed cry was Only the whoosh of the wind could be heard to see, and decided to leave the planet. The swift; P’ranians opened windows searching as he passed from the planet’s troposphere cloak he had chosen to mingle with the P’rana for its origin or stopped walking and charged to the stratosphere. The T’mplaar armor’s was superficially similar to that of a cleric. This towards the sound. Grey spun, sprinting as fast Flight Configuration gave him the aspect of a garb, coupled with a “False Face” field, gave as he could, searching for an isolated corner inhumanoid shaped, sleek silver bullet as the him freedom to walk unchallenged through the dirty back alleyways somewhere. Within armor’s anti-grav impulse field took advantage the overcrowded and filthy streets of the city. seconds the vicious crowd had begun gaining of the planet’s magnetic field and rotation and on him. The knight required only a few micro- flung him towards outer space at a speed of Just like a slum on any other developing seconds of solitude or else he would be forced thirty-six thousand meters per second. planet, Tupigua City was a heavily populated to transform into his T’mplaar armor in their urban area characterized by substandard Just as he crossed the planet’s Karman presence and witnessing that act would exashousing and squalor. The fierce inhabitants, Line, and into the cold star filled vacuum, Grey perate the P’ranians’ already extreme violence despite their black lidless eyes, talon-like To strive, to seek, to find and not to yield. Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Ulysses, 1842
T
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mentally ordered his face mask to re-configure retrieved from Hope’s wreckage seems to be Moreau, a Way minister, a few decades into observation mode. A thin, unbreakable the best explanation of P’ran’s enormous leap older than Grey, owned an ever present smile and friendly eyes. Wearing a wistful expression, tinted glass bubble formed around his head, in science and technology from their Dark Ages, he said, “What an exciting time those years of allowing him to enjoy all of the celestial beauty. at the time of Hope’s launching and subsequent The corners of his mouth turned upwards as disappearance, to the post-industrialization expansion were! If only the Protectorate had he made a wish of peace for P’ran. Grey was city and culture I witnessed first hand.” met and allied itself with the T’mplaar knights still grinning widely as his armor automatiback then. So many ships filled with couracally vented tachyon particles, opening a tiny The male senior knight nodded to his geous families ready to explore and colonize wormhole, and he sped to home base gently female counterpart, and they both deferred toworlds beyond our boundaries. Solving the the Protectorate representative who nodded in carried by the currents of a trans-warp stream. mystery of those few arks we lost is always of agreement also. Father Moreau then addressed great comfort to our High-Father and the Prothe young knight, “The unfortunate incident tectorate citizens.” with the P’ranian child not withstanding, we Outpost Inquiry “T’mplaars are always honored to be of thank you for your detailed briefing. Do you have any final recommendations Sir Grey?” service,” Grey responded. The enormous star shaped space station, T’mplaar Outpost Ten, was more than a rest Grey replied curtly, “A quarantine beacon “Sir Grey, forgive my curiosity, I was spot for weary knights traveling the fringes should be placed in orbit around the planet and wondering what your immediate plans were?” of the frontier of the Hahn Protectorate, it periodical probes sent to monitor and measure Shrugging his shoulders casually, the young was a bejeweled beacon of civilization in the cultural contamination.” knight explained, “I was thinking of passing by this otherwise lawless and harsh quadrant All three nodded again and the male seniorthe outpost’s mezzanine and catching up with of known space. Two senior knights and one Hahn Protectorate representative sat with T’mplaar knight rose, “For the record: this some old friends, then rest in my quarters a concludes our inquiry into the early termina- little. Why do you ask?” inscrutable faces on a slightly elevated bench, while Grey stood on a center dais, his T’mplaar tion of the survey mission on P’ran. This board “Oh, nothing really, I was going to invite ring touching a lighted oval pedestal that was agrees that you acted in a manner that exemyou to a late evening Mass being held at the downloading his holographic briefing. plifies the best of T’mplaar codes of conduct outpost’s chapel but I see you already have and Hahn Protectorate established directives. “...as evidenced by the scans I took You at are excused, Sir Grey.” plans,” Father Moreau patted Grey on the back, the square where the Death to the Demons “Perhaps, another time?” Above ritual was taking place—” Grey pointed The knights began to vacate the briefing with his free hand to the various highlighted room but Father Moreau lagged behind, “Sure,” Grey said, as the Way minister shook hisIhand and took his leave. That was odd, Grey items on the holo-screen, “—you can see that gesturing to the young knight, “Sir Grey, may mulled. Although he was socially familiar with have a word, please?” buried beneath the surface are metal fragment the Hahn cleric, they were not close friends. It remains that match metallurgic compounds “Of course Father,” Grey bowed his head was certainly not unheard of for Way clergy to characteristic to the Space Ark Hope. The slightly. The knight wore his armor in its Repose attempt to convert a T’mplaar knight. Shrugging ceremony itself was, I believe, a reenactment his a shoulders again, Grey walked towards the detailing the ultimate fate of the survivors of Configuration. Its appearance this time was silk-like smooth silver tunic; grey jumpsuit with lift that would take him to the mezzanine level the crash when confronted by the primitives of a metallic sheen and no headpiece. “I wishand I then decided that instead of resting he just that era. had brought back better news.” might volunteer and take another assignment. “Cultural contamination from items
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But something routine and boring this time, the shuttle. Bits of metal and shrapnel from Another brief check of his surroundings he added. the aft section were peeling off! The T’mplaarhelped Grey discover his T’mplaar ring on knight instantly tried to raise the captain on the night table beside the bed. The knight his communicator, but after a few precious replaced the ring on his finger, reestablishing his connection to the T’mplaar metal. He seconds, there was no answer. Knight Escort instantly felt better. Tentatively placing his Diverting immediately towards the bare feet on the cool floor, he paused momenI am really bored, Grey lamented ironiobviously distressed ship, he noticed how hairtarily on the edge of the bed. A short wave cally to himself. Several times his mind drifted -line fractures began to appear and spread of light-headedness and vertigo stopped him. off and he had to catch himself from reliving frighteningly fast throughout the fuselage. When he was confident he found his balance childhood memories aboard the cargo freighter They were followed by tiny explosions, which and strength again, he crept quietly towards his parents operated. cascaded into an enormous blast. As the full the door. Peeking through a small crack, he Flying in his armor at this range, several destructive force wave caught him in its wake, surmised he had awoken late at night or early thousand meters from starboard, the knight Grey sunk into unconsciousness. His thoughts, morning because of the almost complete lack could observe the entire, fin shaped, diplo- before blacking out, were of the loss of life, and of medical staff. matic shuttle. Aboard the five decks of multi- he prayed that their deaths would not signify a Perfect, he thought. For what he was about failure at achieving a new era of peace. colored spacecraft, along with the compliment to do, the vacant terminal in his room would of crew, were two important delegates of the serve nicely. Sitting at the tidy workstation, recently ended interplanetary war. The ProGrey placed his ring against an active monitor tectorate ministry, after years of negotiation, Battle on the Ring with the Outpost’s medical emblem and quickly had accomplished a minor miracle. Before barked instructions. As he perused files, he For what seemed to be an eternity, from the intervention and the recently signed nonsadly confirmed that the Huygen and Keel were aggression treaty the most the Huygen and Grey’s perspective, he had fallen into a limbo indeed on the brink of restarting their war. So comprised of time-lapse vignettes. Faces he the Keel would agree upon would be that they came from planets within the same system. recognized, and others he did not, hovered much for valuing the sacrifice of the lives lost , Such a polarized nature on so many petty of throughout a fog aggravated by the effects ofhe thought angrily. issues had fueled their war for centuries. recuperative drugs and short bouts of semiGrey located—then opened—the video log consciousness. Some seemingly detached of the shuttle’s explosion downloaded from his The escort mission that Grey volunteered voices tried to be soothing: “Don’t worry, Sir armor’s memory cells. With the destruction for, so far, had gone by the numbers. It was Grey there was nothing you could have done.” happening so swiftly, there had been something a simple drive around the “block.” The knight Others informative: “It seems a suicide bomber the young T’mplaar had noticed at the time took solace that as soon as the shuttle docked,sacrificed himself in order to stop the truce.” but had been unable to confirm. He froze the at the space station strategically located at time index just when his sensors noticed When Grey finally awoke, he was alone image in coordinates between both worlds, he could shrapnel detaching itself from the aft section of open a trans-warp stream and go home. And his room at the Outpost’s sick bay. His throat the shuttle. Taking advantage of the Outpost’s this time he would lock himself inside his was parched and he instinctively reached with superior amplification software capabilities, a shaky hand toward a glass of water already quarters and rest until called for. the knight pinpointed and enhanced a section placed for him. He gulped greedily, slowly A chirp announcing a scanning alert quenching his pressing need. His mind imme-of debris that partially hid something...unidenactivated a display screen within his face tified. After closer scrutiny, the revelation of diately felt clearer, Grey then noticed he was helmet and Grey focused more intensely on the partly hidden object stunned the knight wearing a patient’s hospital garments.
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long after he confirmed its veracity.
metal. Some even possessed the ability to Knight needed. transform their armor beyond the standard Turin scored a devastating roundhouse kick, three configurations. # striking Grey squarely on his red, phoenix crest For Grey there simply had to be a logical chest plate, which sent him and his sword flying Travel through the trans-warp stream was reason why Brother Turin was present duringinto the dirt. The silent foe wasted no time easily traceable, and once an entry point was the shuttle’s explosion and the young T’mplaar and pounced, his sword positioned overhead discovered, an exit point could be quickly deterwas obligated to discern the brother knight’swith the intent to deal a final blow. The young mined. This particular exit point led Grey to a rationale before notifying the proper authori-T’mplaar rolled sideways at the last possible star system of gas giants, and specifically to the ties. Protocol demanded no less. second, the point of the broadsword scratchring of one on its farthest edge. The colorful ing his armor and imbedding itself to the hilt ring, surrounding the dour appearing gas The silent Turin’s response was a vertical on the sandy ground. giant’s equator, had many gaps and ringlets ofsweep of his broadsword, aimed at the young iron oxide, silica rock, even ice particles ranging Grey pounced on Turin and both grappled, brother knight’s head, barely missing him. in size from smallest specks of dust to sizes as trying to gain the upper hand from each other. large as shuttles. The unnamed planet’s strong Immediately, the young knight’s sense ofThe silent knight, however, proved too strong. gravitational pull had also captured several decorum vanished, replaced by his training,With hardly any effort, he broke an arm lock house-sized asteroids, and it was towards onebattle experience and innate survival skills. and flipped Grey on his back, allowing Turin Grey grimly realized that dialogue was enough no of these types of rocks that the T’mplaar knight time to retrieve his sword. The young longer possible with this highly-respected knight, however, also had reclaimed his weapon was headed. Quest Knight. He faced, instead, a finely-honed and stood ready. Grey landed gracefully, several feet away warrior willing to take his life. from a brother knight who stood with both “Enough!” Grey roared angrily through hands holding the hilt of a broad sword, its point The knight commanded the amazing his com-system. “You are not Sir Turin, Quest buried in the sandy surface. Grey’s scanners T’mplaar metal to supply him with an equal Knight of the Nova-burst crest! Reveal yourself, confirmed a small gravity bubble maintained broadsword. Responding to his order, at the imposter!” by the other T’mplaar and no doubt enhancedspeed of thought, a tiny cylinder he intuiby the heavy minerals within the asteroid. Both tively retrieved from his armor’s slim weapons Turin’s face mask re-configured into obserwore their armor in Combat Configuration. pod secured at his waist, transformed into a vation mode and through the tinted glass, Grey matching sword. Now Grey would meet Turin’s could see the malevolently grinning face of “Greetings, Brother Turin,” Grey called over deadly force with deadly force. Father Moreau. “How did you know, Sir Grey?” his com-system. “Please explain your actions at the Huygen and Keel treaty signing, so I may Both knights swiftly parried, ducked, and Grey ignored Moreau’s question and posed stand beside you and give supporting testimony jabbed at each other, deftly searching for theseveral of his own, “How is it possible that you during the hearing.” slightest weakness in the other’s defenses. wear T’mplaar metal? Where is Sir Turin?” Although Grey’s mind was mostly clear and Sir Turin was a Quest Knight. Of the ten focused on his opponent, he telepathically “Ah, yes,” he cynically replied, “The fabled thousand active T’mplaar knights this small felt a minute sense of despondency from the gene making it impossible for any one else, faction were undoubtedly the most spiritual.T’mplaar metal of both armors. Engaging in other than ‘knights,’ to take advantage of this metal’s amazing properties. After years Upon heeding the call, they dedicated their deadly combat with a fellow knight was strictly every waking moment to greater study and forbidden. That mere micro-second of distrac-of experimentation our scientists finally synmastery of their connection with T’mplaar tion was all the opening the deadly Quest thesized a generic compound, which enables
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anyone to connect with the incredible T’mplaar our secrets. Yet, you all share his blindness to mercy. Repent from your actions, and I will metal. Of course, sadly, the unwilling donor the truth of T’mplaar metal. How naïve for youplead that the armor spares your life.” fails to survive the extraction operation. We all to think that T’mplaar is a simple tool that haven’t quite perfected that yet.” anyone can easily study and master. This divine Images ripped from Moreau’s memory at him, he vividly recalled the smell of metal was old when the universe was new; itflashed is It nearly took all of Grey’s mental discipline burnt flesh; the cries for mercy as he supera unique, wise, and powerful life form. A knight to not charge and attack anew. “Why are you may exhaust his lifetime in communion with itvised and participated in Turin’s torture. It was doing this?” and never fully understand all of its secrets.the T’mplaar metal! It was invading his mind, judging him and finding Moreau, his heart Moreau shook his head. “The correct “The Way only sees the metal’s military and soul... lacking. The ghostly visage of the wording is: why are ‘we’ doing this? I am not potential...a means to further the High-Fa- wounded Turin suddenly appeared before him, the only one to master this divine steel. Therether’s and Protectorate’s ambitious goals, like and the shock of the ephemeral image made are many more of our new knights and even restarting wars. We see a capacity to freely the Way holy man drop the broadsword. The other collaborators within the Protectorate travel through the stars, to further enlighten ghost Turin did not react and simply waited. that help us monitor and track all of you. It ourselves of things both spiritual and physical. “What say you, Father Moreau?” Grey amazes me. How can you knights survive for so With the added gift to defend ourselves from long traveling through the darkest reaches ofthose that seek to do us harm and a sacro- demanded. space by being this naïve? Can’t you see? The sanct calling to assist those in dire need. We “No!” Moreau screamed. “What I did, I did Way guided you and brought you to us. are not some elite chosen or special individufor the glory of the Hahn Protectorate and my als. This ‘gene’ your scientists discovered is “Our alliance has been nothing if not faith! I reject your mercy...I reject you and—” nothing more than a marker that highlights our mutually beneficial. It granted you T’mplaars voluntary submission to a life of righteousness, “Then so be it,” Grey replied flatly. unfettered access to the bounty of our worlds, peace, and truth. while we enjoyed stability and growth with the The image of Sir Turin charged at Moreau, space knights as champions of our causes. But “By your words and actions, the Hahn Protecand as it approached, its appearance became from the very moment we became allies, every torate has offended our august body, betrayed distorted and menacing. Moreau screamed. High-Father since had been charged by the the spirit of our alliance, and murdered knights. Grey turned away, leaving his com-system Way to possess and learn the secrets of this And for that, there is a price to be paid. You active. He heard Moreau’s terrified cries until holy metal for the glory of the Hahn Protector-wondered how I knew that Sir Turin was not they cut off abruptly. ate.” in possession of his armor. As we grappled the Lingering in silence for a few seconds T’mplaar metal of my armor began to reestab“Accept the inevitable and you will be more, he slowly turned his gaze at the spot lish the psychic link your scientists had successspared, Sir Grey.” The minister extended his fully circumvented.” where the traitorous Way clergyman stood. hand. “As I tried to back at the outpost, I offer All that remained was a hovering ring of silver you now an opportunity to join us, believe and Father Moreau began hearing unintelligible T’mplaar metal. Opening his palm, the ring trust in the Way, and become a true Protector- whispers and fleeting movements from the floated smoothly towards him. When Grey ate citizen.” corners of his eyes, “Wha–what is happening?” and the other ring touched, the T’mplaar knight promised that he would find it a worthy Grey sighed. “It may be true that every Grey solemnly replied, “The T’mplaar metal successor. High-Father since our arrival in this quadrant of Sir Turin’s armor has finally discovered your has been longing with covetous eyes to possess masked presence. You still have a chance forThe young T’mplaar knight transformed his
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armor into Flight Configuration, leaving the gas His publishing credits, under the pseudonym giant’s icy debris behind, and headed towardsRCee are The Year of the Tiger, in the Success Outpost Ten. As the trans-warp stream opened, by Design SF & F website edited by Dr. Howard he sadly concluded that the actions in the W. Penrose. Bushi: Tales of the Warrior upcoming future required to root out the corruption would make for long days and even Class known as Street Samurai, in Chaos Theory: Tales Askew edited by Dr. Arthur longer nights.
D. Roberts. Spike in Beyond Centauri and Weapon of Mass Consump on, in Aoife’s Kiss (website)botheditedbyTyreeCampbell. The Future Present an online essay, in Brew City Magazine, edited by Kenneth Brosky. Red Eyes in Mul verse Magazine (online), Ricky Cruz edited by Ma hew Wayne Selznick. Tale s of the Silver Knight in CyberPulp Magazine, Ricky Cruz has had varied experience both as edited by G.W. Thomas. The Adventures an Air Force veteran and a civilian employee of of Crimson Falcon: Trickster in Adventure theFederalgovernment. Hisresumeincludes Fic on Online,editedbyJonahLissner. The jobs as a Personnel Specialist, Correc ons Courier in The Fi h Dimension, edited by O cer,MailHandler,anATFInspectorand a J. Alan Erwine. The Tic-Toc Detecvein IAR(Ini alAssistanceRepresenta ve)forthe Neometropolis issue 0x02 and Inheritance IRS. in Neometropolis issue 0x06 both edited by On his o days, he is a licensed Private John Jacobs. T he Worl d’s Greate s t O l y mpian Inves gator for Puerto Rico opera ng his in A Thousand Faces Issue #3 edited by Frank small rm, Ronin Inves ga ons, out of his Bryns. home. On occasion, under the pseudonym Old School, he contributed reviews of movies and television science c on programs such as Lost and Ba lestar Galac ca and Op-Ed pieces, in both Spanish and English, for (the now defunct) Geekea nd o.Com. He is enrolled at the Interamerican University ofPuertoRico,withhopestocompletehisB.A. inEduca on(EnglishasaSecondLanguage for Elementary Students).
Ray Gun Revival magazine
Issue 42, March 15, 2008
The Space Knights T’mplaar by R. Cruz
Ray Gun Revival magazine
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Issue 42, March 15, 2008
The Great Escapade by by Alice M. Roelke
Pg. 12
The Great Escapade by Alice M. Roelke
“W
twangy voice. His head snapped up. “Jem! It’s “I come from a parallel universe where you.” A smile suffused his long features. the United States had a war in Vietnam. The “James McLean. We got that off Jeremy Baxter from my world died there. I his ID. Funny one, though—not a very good Baxter blinked. know there’s not a chance in a million you’ll forgery.” The guard stood by the closed door listen to me, but hear me out. I got to this McLean’s smile faded, and he slumped. “I in the long hall. world with a device I was testing. It broke should have remembered it wouldn’t really be during the trip. Some cops arrested me, and “And he won’t tell you anything?” Baxter you.” they’ve been trying to get me to talk ever since. accepted the metal and plastic baseballI don’t quite know what to tell them. I’m not a “Who did you think I was?” Perhaps this shaped device, regarded the wires connecting spy like they seem to think.” would be a good way to begin the interrogadifferent parts of it and the cryptically labeled tion. buttons. Baxter stared at him. “Of course you’re a spy. Why else would you have a Confederate “No sir. Boys at the lab never seen anything “I thought you were Jeremy Baxter.” accent? Why else would you have been found like it.” The side of Baxter’s face twitched. Just lurking in a sensitive government area?” how good was their information on U.S. gov“You sure it’s safe?” McLean leaned forward. “I was trying to get ernment staff? “That’s my name.” something for my device. Where I come from “Near as they can figure, it doesn’t do McLean gave him a searching look, and there is no Confederacy. The Union won the anything.” nodded. “Yeah.” Civil War, and there’s only one America, not “All right.” Baxter slipped the device into two obscure little countries always feuding. his pocket. He straightened his threadbare All right, so they knew his name. “How did Where I come from, the USA is a world power. you find out my old nickname?” No one had suit jacket and moved towards the door. called him that in years. “You and me got to be buddies in Vietnam. A single bulb hung from the ceiling in the I probably know almost everything about McLean stared at Baxter for a long moment. windowless room. A guard stood by the table, your past, assuming it’s the same here. Listen, McLean’s pale eyelashes made his eyes look could any spy know this? Your favorite color’s and a seated man. The prisoner’s fair head bowed as if from the weighty glare of the bulb.naked and unguarded. “This is going to sound sky blue, although you don’t like to tell people nuts. But maybe you will believe me if you’re that because you think it sounds stupid. You He didn’t look up. Jeremy Baxter.” had your first kiss when you were twelve— Baxter nodded to the guard, who saluted Jenny Digby, behind the butcher’s. Your wife’s and left. The door’s slam reverberated around Baxter frowned at him, but sat back, maiden name was Sara Polanski, and you were crossing his arms. the tiny metal room; the prisoner winced. sick for a week before the wedding when you Baxter sat down opposite the man. “I suppose “The Jem Baxter I knew died in Vietnam.”were writing your own vows.” you’ve been informed of your rights?” Baxter glared at him, ashen-faced. “I don’t Baxter blinked. “Where?” “Only that I didn’t—” began the man in a have a wife. She died three years ago in the
hat’s his name?”
Ray Gun Revival magazine
Issue 42, March 15, 2008
The Great Escapade by by Alice M. Roelke smallpox epidemic.”
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again.”
At the front gate, the guard glanced at Baxter’s ID. Beside him stood McLean, looked “Oh. I’m sorry. On my world, there was no Baxter watched him closely. “What do you disreputable in a guard’s uniform that didn’t epidemic.” push to get home?” quite fit. “This guy new?” The guard reached a hand out for McLean’s ID. Baxter hit him. Baxter frowned at the wall. This interroga-McLean stuck the device into his pocket. tion was not his best ever. “Can’t do it in a building.” Together they dragged the unconscious man into a small booth by the gate. Baxter McLean’s spoke. “But I’m not lying. You’ve # drew the guard’s gun, stood back, and fired a got to believe me. I’m no danger to your govshot into the mechanism that opened the gate. ernment. I just want to get home. I wish I’d Baxter punched a button on the intercom “Might slow ‘em down a bit.” He tossed the gun never agreed to test the stupid machine for beside the door. “I’m ready to come out,” he into the shrubs on their way to his car. that inventor. Help me get out of here. Join me told the guards. and—” # “All right.” A voice replied through the gate, “What? ‘We will rule the galaxy as father sounding not unlike a stormtrooper’s. “We’re and son?’” Baxter tried not to smile. Baxter pulled away from the stop sign, the coming in first.” fuzzy dice on his rearview mirror flying about “Well, at least that’s the same.” McLean Baxter nodded at McLean and they in terror. grinned. “So will you help me?” flattened themselves against the wall, one on “I’ll pull over and let you start up that device.” either side of the doorway. Baxter’s shoulders inside his jacket relaxed, Baxter kept his eyes on the road. and he shrugged. “Why not? I could use a good The door opened and one of the guards adventure.” But he thought: Sara! Alive! “Actually...” stepped inside. “What? Hey! Where’d—” McLean smiled. “Thanks, Jem. I knew you McLean jumped forward and hit him. The other Baxter’s fingers tightened on the wheel. “Well?” wouldn’t let me down. I didn’t want to mentionguard jerked back, reaching for his gun. Baxter this earlier, but I did save your counterpart’s leaped from behind the door and yanked him “I need plutonium.” into the room. life once.” “One time too few, apparently,” said Baxter. The first guard dropped. McLean shook out “Thought you said it broke down?” his hand and turned in time to punch the other He grew still when he saw McLean’s face. “It did. It malfunctioned, needs extra fuel to guard who was swinging at Baxter. “Sorry.” function. I need another batch to get back.” McLean leaned back and stuffed his hands Baxter nodded curtly, breathing hard. He pointed to the taller guard. “He’s about your Baxter turned his hands one over another into his pockets, wrinkling the area around his on the steering wheel. “Why were you trying eyes in a strained smile. “Any idea where my height. Better change quickly.” He stepped to get it from the government?” outside to keep watch. A few minutes later, device is?” McLean emerged and Baxter locked the door. “Well, where else would I find it?” “Right here.” McLean’s eyes roved the halls until Baxter hissed for him to knock it off. His long, loping Baxter snorted. “That proves you’re no spy. “Thanks.” McLean accepted it and turnedstrides it kept pace easily with the shorter Any fool knows you can get plutonium on the over in his hand. “I never thought I’d see this Baxter’s quick steps. black market, if you’ve got money.”
Ray Gun Revival magazine
Issue 42, March 15, 2008
The Great Escapade by by Alice M. Roelke “What?” McLean gaped. “Why doesn’t the “Keeps me running. government do something about it?” something and let’s go.”
Pg. 14 I’m
ready.
Grab had joined two belts together.
“Unstable item,” he said. Baxter McLean pulled a bag from behind a jar of spaghetti sauce. “All right! Your mother’s prize-“What kind of unstable item, in particular?” winning fried chicken!” “Plutonium.” “Well, you know someone who can sell us some?” Baxter stopped with his hand on the door. Al drew back, his three chins quivering. “Now, how’d you know that?” “That’s hot stuff.” “I work for the government, remember? If I knew anyone selling radioactive material, “I used to be your best friend, remember?” “I can pay.” I’d have turned them in long ago. But I’ll findHe grabbed a soda. “Come on, I’m ready.” someone.” “How much plutonium are we talking # about?” Al’s eyes flicked to the chicken. Baxter drove to his apartment above a garage, and they slipped in. “Hope the Baxter turned at McLean, and waited. The bar looked small and dirty despite the neighbors didn’t see you. It won’t be safe for poor lighting. They sauntered inside. Actually, McLean wiped his mouth on his sleeve. long. Soon as they figure out what hit them, Baxter sauntered, looking mean and dangerous they’ll come here.” “Um,” he said, his mouth full, “Bout a grain.” despite his lack of height. McLean strode, his limbs long and loose, glancing around as he “Then why’d we come here at all?” McLean “So how much you asking?” Baxter turned gnawed a drumstick. tossed clothes off one chair and on to another to Al, who gazed longingly at the fried chicken. so he could sit down. Baxter cleared his throat. Baxter leaned across the bar. “Is Big Al here?” “I need some things. I don’t suppose you “Uh, eight thousand.” Al pulled his gaze have any money?” away. The steak-faced barman opened his mouth to answer. “Nope.” “Eight thousand!” exploded Baxter. “That’s outrageous! I won’t pay more than six.” “Didn’t think so.” Baxter swept around the “Who wants to know?” asked a gruff voice messy apartment, fetching a gun, ammuni- from the shadows. An obese man with a gray-“Seven,” said Al promptly, without turning tion, and an envelope from under his mattress.and-black beard stepped towards the bar. from the chicken. He stuffed rumpled clothes into a knapsack. “A potential customer,” said Baxter. “Six and a half.” McLean blinking once or twice, watching him. Then he wandered out into the kitchenette and Big Al jerked his head toward the back room. “And the chicken,” said Al. looked in the fridge. “Follow me.” The two men did. McLean still held the bag of fried chicken, eating slowly. “Okay.” “Make yourself at home,” said Baxter sarcastically. “What kind of customer?” In the greasy They left carrying a small, silver-colored kitchen, Big Al hooked his fingers through big cylinder. McLean hunched, frowning, his “Hey, I’m hungry.” McLean pulled out a limp leather belt. Baxter glanced at it, noted the hands in his pockets. “You didn’t ask me what slab of pizza. “You call this food?” rivets that made it look as though someone I thought.” He kicked at a stone on the weed“We’re muttered.
trying,
we’re
trying,”
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The Great Escapade by by Alice M. Roelke grown parking lot.
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McLean blinked.
He shrugged. “Couldn’t find a number for myself, but they had one for my mother. She “It was my chicken.” “Hi. Excuse me.” Baxter leaned on the hasn’t heard from me in six months. Apparentcounter. “We’d like ten minutes internet.” ly I’ve been away working for the government, While Baxter drove, McLean got out his haven’t been in contact.” device, and slid the cylinder into it. “There.” He“That’ll be a dollar ten,” slurred the gumleaned back and sighed. “All ready to go.” chewing clerk, eying the two with sullen green “Maybe you really are a spy.” orbs. Baxter shelled out the money and she “Seems like it should have been more “Ha ha. Let’s go. I want to get out of this pointed. difficult than that,” remarked Baxter. world.” “It’s getting more expensive all the time,” “I don’t see why. Stop whenever. Needs Baxter a muttered as they walked over and slid # clear, open space to work properly.” into the booth. “Can you wait a minute?”
Baxter typed furiously. A few minutes later, The dice flew and the car dipped up to reach he turned his head towards McLean, without the road. McLean cradled his device in his lap, “Sure, why?” McLean raised his eyebrows. removing his eyes from the screen. “Anythingand peered out the window, looking around. “Something come up?” you want to see online? We still have another “We need a secluded place.” five minutes.” “I want to turn in Big Al.” “Yeah,” said Baxter. “Sure.” His brows furrowed. He tapped the steering wheel with “No, but—” He nodded towards a telephone “And that won’t take more than a minute?” booth in the corner, just as someone vacated his fingers. “About Sara. Is she...” McLean “Barely.” Baxter pulled into a parking space. it. “I’d like to see what my counterpart’s up toturned to look at him. “I’ll lock onto the web and drop an anonymous on this world. Can we call West Virginia from Just then, two cars with flashing lights and hint on the FBI’s homesheet.” here?” sirens pulled behind them. “Don’t you mean log on? And homepage?” “It’s a bit expensive, but sure. You know the Baxter groaned. “Trouble.” McLean shut his door. number? It’s probably different here.” “How’d they find us?” McLean whirled in Baxter blinked. “No. Why would I? Keep “I’ll call directory inquiry.” He waited while his seat and craned a look back at the vehicles. your voice down. You kind of stand out when Baxter dug into his pocket, and accepted a you talk.” McLean gave a laconic nod. handful He of change, then hurried to the phone. “Someone must have spotted my car. That’s pushed the device into his jacket pocket. Baxter watched as he dialed, spoke. Watchedwhat I get for being a respectable citizen. he emotions play on his face, surprise, discomShouldn’t have stopped for that tip.” His voice They crossed the threshold. Inside, peoplefort, and something like embarrassment or tightened. “We may have to forget about that sat at tables eating, or in front of computers pain. He turned his back when he saw Baxter secluded spot.” in booths. Some typed, others wore earphoneswatching. and intense expressions, and moved their “Fine by me. But I still need an open area.” fingers rapidly over keys. “This is a good set-up,” McLean returned. “Should’ve known that murmured McLean, looking around. would be a mistake.” “I know, I’m pulling off.” Baxter wrenched the car towards the frail, wooden guard rail. “It’s kind of a necessity. Who could afford “What happened?” The car smashed through and bounced along their own computer?”
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Issue 42, March 15, 2008
The Great Escapade by by Alice M. Roelke
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Alice M. Roelke a stubbled field. The trooper vehicles bumped earlier.” along behind them. “You got that thing ready?” Baxter grinned. He nodded, and stepped yelled Baxter over the sound of cornstalks through. The purple doorway began to collapse hitting the bumper, and a grinding noise from Alice M. Roelke could count as a starvbehind him. The policemen approached, gaping. the engine. One of the men’s faces hardened. He reached ing ar st, if she were a bit hungrier and “You bet!” shouted McLean. for his gun, raised it. McLean nudged Baxter, wrote more ar ul stories. She lives in and they stepped sideways past the doorway, Baxter sped up to get ahead of the police on either side. McLean fiddled with his device,the United States, and hates Wonderland cars, which had slowed at the dip. He revved apoked a button. jokes. last burst of speed from his car, then slammed The doorway fell shut, and its strange light on the brakes. They jumped out. McLean punched buttons on his device. Sweat shone and noise ceased. Baxter and McLean stood inHer specula ve c on has appeared in a suddenly-silent field. The sounds of wind and on his forehead. several publica ons, and she has a webcrickets prevailed. “Hurry it up,” Baxter muttered. site at http://aliceroelke.googlepages. McLean turned to Baxter, clapped him on com/home. McLean held the device out in front of him. the back. “Welcome to my world.” “C’mon, c’mon!” Baxter glanced around and gave a short A distorted, purple doorway-like outline nod. “Looks all right.” They started walking. appeared midair with a rushing sound. The same field showed through it, following all the Baxter stopped, half a step short of McLean. same dips and curves, only instead of a corn- And hit himself on the head. “I forgot my bag!” stalks grew proficient weeds. McLean laughed. McLean stepped through and jerked his head. Purple light shone on his face and hands.“So tell me what Sara’s up to,” said Baxter. “Tell me.” “Come on!” he shouted over the roaring. Baxter glanced back. The sky was turningTalking, they walked towards the road— situated in the same place, but this one with to red sunset, the troopers closing in. a sturdy-looking metal guard rail. They walked Now’s the time I’m supposed to say, ‘I through the tall weeds and gathering dusk. have to stay and help my world,’ he thought. But there’s nothing here for me, except maybe a life sentence. And he’d wanted to go, since McLean first said Sara’s name. Wanted in the worst way to see her again. McLean wore a lazy-looking expression, grinned at him through the entryway. “Sara’s still single, if that’s what you were wondering
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Issue 42, March 15, 2008
Featured Ar st: Francis Tsai
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Featured Artist Francis Tsai
Name: Francis Tsai Age: just turned 40—holy crap! Country of residence: U SA Hobbies: art, music, cars Favorite Book / Author: Too many to list—Leonard Shlain writes some pre y interes ng stu . Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson is probably in my top ve most of the me. Favorite Ar st: Even more too many! When did you start crea ng art? Don’t remember a start date. What media do you work in? Mostly some combina on of pencil, pen, markers, Photoshop, Sketchup. Where your work has been featured? Um, I’m not going to remember everything... but a few examples are Spectrum, Expose, Marvel Comics, ImagineFX magazine, PCGamer magazine, Wizards of the Coast products, various video game magazines, “art of” books, etc. Where should someone go if they wanted to view / buy some of your works? M y site, or in some of the products listed above. How did you become an ar st? Good queson. I don’t know a good answer for that. What were your early in uences? Comic books, Star Wars—this is when I was a wee lad. Ray Gun Revival magazine
Issue 42, March 15, 2008
Featured Ar st: Francis Tsai
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What are your current in uences? Anything that catches my eye, art or otherwise. What inspired the art for the cover? I don’t remember exactly. Just wanted to try to capture a certain kind of moment. How would you describe your work? A halfassed mish mash of all my in uences.
Where do you get your inspira on / what inspires you? When I see or hear something cool or exci ng that I don’t think I would have done on my own.
Have you had any notable failures, and how has failure a ected your work? Tried three mes to get a job with Lucas lm. Some things are not meant to be I suppose. Otherwis I don’t feel like I have failed at anything I have tried. I would describe it more as being made to gure out a di erent way around a par cular obstacle. What have been your greatest successes? How has success impacted you / your work? I think just being able to con nue working as an ar st and being able to make a good living at it counts as success in my mind. Or maybe I just have low standards! Ray Gun Revival magazine
Issue 42, March 15, 2008
Featured Ar st: Francis Tsai
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What are your favorite tools / equipment for producing your art? For personal sketches and doodles, I have a few nicely designed pencils and pens that I like. For most of my commercial work, the old standby of Photoshop + decent computer 23” Apple Cinema displays. What tool / equipment do you wish you had? Hm. If anything, maybe a large format scanner. Otherwise, I have prey much everything I need on a daily basis. What do you hope to accomplish with your art? Fortune and glory, kid.
Ray Gun Revival magazine
Issue 42, March 15, 2008
The Adventures of the Sky Pirate, Chapter 21, For Blood And Glory by Johne Cook
The Adventures of the Sky Pirate
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Chapter 21, For Blood and Glory by Johne Cook The story so far:
his sleep and furrow his brow.
Eggplant knew his loyalty was a doubleedged sword, and privately suspected it would It was ironic that one such as he, who fre- be the death of him. As the crew settled in for some much deserved rest and relaxation, Flynn and Clarissa met withquently felt so paralyzed in the face of everyday the local village elders and revelations were life, was the pilot for the airship Alacrity, whose “I told you a storm was brewing,” he said. made that informed them and infuriated her. job it was to place them all squarely—and pre-It was a burden to be right all the time, but the adept are their own reward. cisely—in harms’ way. They went for a late night walk and spend the Eggplant believed in Cyl, but privately Captain Flynn whirled to search the horizon. time together, baring their souls (but that’s it). wondered if others noticed Him play the The sails of the enemy ships were distant but They were awakened by a breathless Eggplant, who informed them that trouble was on thetrickster too, or if that was an epiphany distinctive. The Sylvan war fleet was sailing horizon. exclusive to him. straight toward Roarke’s Island. And so, when Eggplant first saw the many “That was fast,” murmured Flynn. “Too sails highlighted against the distant horizon, fast.” His black eyes hardened. He stroked his ggplant was terrified. he knew exactly what it meant, and how muchjaw as he did when deep in thought. additional jeopardy they were all in. And he His greatest strengths were also his Clarissa said, “Do we flee or do we fight?” knew whose job it would be to deliver them all greatest curses—he was highly intelligent, right into the midst of all that oncoming peril. loyal to a fault, and physically unremarkable; Eggplant watched Flynn turn to Clarissa and And he suspected that Cyl was gently amused thin, wiry, a head shorter than the burly sailors he saw, in the space of that moment, the fire somehow at his terror. on the crew, and much shorter than somebody light behind Flynn’s eyes, sparkling as they did like Bola, who could kill him by accident, much Eggplant was never exactly sure what in tothe face of overwhelming odds. If Eggplant less if she really put her mind to wounding think about all that. didn’t know better, he’d think the captain was him. crazy. Thank Cyl that he, of all people, should Not that she would ever notice one like have been seeking Captain Flynn at that place But he did know better. It was worse him. She had her fair share of troglodytes. Heat that time to make the first sighting. With than insanity—the captain was reckless, a doubted she’d even know what to do with a such an early alarm, perhaps some people’s thrill addict. He’d leap when he should walk, real man such as himself. innovate when he should stand pat, attack lives would be saved as a result. when he should retreat. Honest assessment of a situation was a Pity his own would likely not be among the And where the captain went... strength of his, however, that attribute mani- blessed ones. fested itself in his life as a state of perpetual The captain would see the sails as opportu- Flynn was practically beaming as he turned worry, ranging from cynical self-doubt to full-on panic. Not that there had to be any nity, not threat, and where the captain went, to face them, his decision already made. “Liberty’s over! It’s time we earned our keep.” obvious threat to elicit daily dread in him—theEggplant went, so long as he was living. world itself was dangerous enough to trouble Which is precisely what terrified Eggplant.
E
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The Adventures of the Sky Pirate, Chapter 21, For Blood And Glory by Johne Cook
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#
town, Flynn pulled up to a stop and pulled up they served a variety of teas and kava and a bucket of water. He passed around a wood tropical juices, and the smell of frying bacon ladle to drink from. Flynn waited until everyone and sausage wafted out from the kitchen. EggThey trotted back down the sand toward drank and then slaked his thirst directly from plant’s mouth watered suddenly, but he had town. the bucket, pouring the rest of it over his things to do. Clarissa fell in beside Flynn, running easily, head. He wiped his face off and set the bucket He walked around the place, peering into her copper hair shining in the sun. “You sound down. corners and looking under tables. He spotted like you expected this,” she said. Flynn said, “Mr. Pitt, gather the crew and a waitress from the night before. “Klari, I’m Flynn looked over at her as he ran, shoo them back aboard and meet us at the looking for someone,” he said. managing to look both calculating and sheepish Barnacle. Oh, and if you see Mr. Gillings, I have at the same time. “It would add to my already something special for him. Captain MkDougal, She smiled knowingly at him and bumped him with her hip. “Aren’t we all?” enigmatic reputation if that was explicitly true, please assemble the officers of the two airships. however, I won’t lie to you. Yes, I expected a We’re going to need to coordinate this quickly. He colored and took a step back. “It’s not quick token counter-attack. And by ‘quick,’Eggplant, I I’d appreciate it if you’d be so good like that. I...” Eggplant swallowed and struggled was thinking ‘sometime this month.’ However, asIto rouse or release Bola. And if you get a to regain his composure—the story of his life. didn’t expect a full Sylvan war armada showing chance, please stop by the local chapel and “She’s hard to miss—a tall, athletic woman up all the way down here at Roarke’s Island less alert Cleric Vaneras that we’ll need him on the with large...” than a week after the fact. The only thing that ship. If I’m any judge of character, you’ll be able makes any sense is if they were preparing an to find Bola back at the Barnacle or sleeping Klari winked. “Coconuts?” attack of their own, and we beat them to the something off at the local stockade.” Flynn dug punch at Yempher by pure dumb luck. In fact, something out of an inner pocket and tossed it Eggplant’s face was getting redder by the they must have only been hours away from over. “You may need this. Here’s a purse I set moment. “Appetites.” He must have looked Yempher when we left. I daresay some Sylvan aside to release Bola. Get her and meet us pretty at mournful. admiral is extremely vexed with me right about the ship. “ His pretty tormenter took pity on him. Klari now.” Flynn looked around at everyone. “Everyone said, “If you’re looking for Bola, head down to “If you didn’t plan this, do you have a continclear? Let’s get busy.” the stockade. She and her three boyfriends are gency plan on how to handle their armada?” down there sleeping off a night of carousing.” Eggplant nodded and trotted off. The rest Flynn snorted. “A contingency plan for Three? Eggplant shook his head sadly and of them split up at the village and ran their being outnumbered by a surprise armada that respective ways, ringing the warning bell andasked for directions to the stockade. outnumbers us six to one?” rousing sleeping sailors and locals. He passed by the chapel on the way. He “Yes.” found a quiet man reading a manuscript and # making notes with a quill on parchment. His laugh was his answer. Flynn didn’t “Excuse me, I’m looking for Cleric Vaneras. Is Eggplant jogged over to the Brazen Barnacle appear to see Eggplant’s face go white to he here?” the left of him, but Clarissa couldn’t help butand noted that even though it was just an hour past dawn, the place was already busy catering The man put his quill down. “Hello. He notice. to those looking to break their fasts from the was, but left last night, and I haven’t seen him As they reached the well on the edge of night before. Instead of ale and flavored rums,since.”
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The Adventures of the Sky Pirate, Chapter 21, For Blood And Glory by Johne Cook
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Eggplant was puzzled. “He didn’t stay here “Dropping off or picking up?” The voice in Having an embarrassing nickname was bad last night?” his ear startled him and he jumped. He must enough. Having that moniker butchered was have shouted because the denizens in the celleven worse. The holy man shook his head. all woke and looked in his direction. Through gritted teeth, Eggplant said, “Bola’s “Do you know where he was going?” Including Bola. a member of our crew. We need her on-ship right away.” Eggplant produced the coin pouch “He stopped in, we spoke for a couple of “Picking up,” said Eggplant, his traitorous and tossed it to the jailor. hours, and then he excused himself and left.” voice shamefully husky. That serioused Genson right up, which “Did you happen to see which way he The bearded man pulled a dagger and surprised Eggplant a little, but not nearly as went?” started trimming his fingernails with it. “I’m much as when the jailor tossed the pouch back Lieutenant Genson,” he said. If he was trying to him. “Keep your money. Despite appear“I’m sorry, no. When the wind kicked up, to intimidate Eggplant with the steel, he was ances, I run a clean stockade here.” he wrapped up his conversation and made his doing a pretty good job at it. “And you are...” departure. It was dark, and I didn’t see which Eggplant wasn’t able to keep the surprise way he went after he stepped outside.” “Egon Palance, but everyone calls me from showing on his face. ‘Eggplant.’” Eggplant thanked the man and continued Genson relented and explained. “The on to the stockade, deep in thought. Genson nodded as if the nickname made stockade, here, was the closest place to the sense. Barnacle to let her sleep it off. There are no When he arrived at the stockade, he saw charges. If you can get her out of there, she’s a bamboo door without any apparent handle. Eggplant nodded toward Bola with his free to go.” He laid a hand on the door, and it swung open head. “I need her.” And then he had to fight into the room. not to hang his head. ‘I need her?’ That was Eggplant thought that was a strange way of artless. phrasing it, but he didn’t think anything further Eggplant stepped inside and saw a desk of it at that time. to his left and three cells straight ahead with Genson chuckled. “You and every other bars made of sturdy bamboo. He didn’t see scurvy dog visiting Parrot Bay.” He looked He walked to the cell door. “Bola, you can anybody behind the desk that bore the placard Eggplant up and down and pointed the dagger come back to the ship with me if you come “Lt. Genson.” He spied a thick younger man at Eggplant. “You’re a brave one. I’d think she’d here.” with a bushy beard snoring in a hammock to break you like a twig.” his right off from the main room. Eggplant left “On my way, Eggpants!” him snoring there and walked back to the cells Eggplant was not amused to hear his own Genson sat behind his desk and tipped back thoughts coming out of the other’s mouth. looking for Bola. This day was getting worse and worse, and hein his chair, watching the exchange. She was sitting in the corner with her headhadn’t even had breakfast yet. Bola extricated herself from the tangle back, sleeping. Her beautiful hair fell across Bola spoke up from the corner, her speech of drunken sailors and approached the door, her face, obscuring it from his view. She had weaving a little. She looked suspiciously at the one arm around a burly sailor and another slurred. “Eggpants! Nice to see yah!” door, and then started to push on it. slept with his head in her lap. The bearded jailor raised an eyebrow. Nothing happened. Oh, Bola. You really are infamous.
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Eggplant looked at the jailor, who seemed We’ll back shortly!” Chain nodded and went below. vastly amused by it all. Bola pushed again, And with that, Alacrity rose up out of the Flynn sent a sailor down to Chain to be a harder. The bamboo creaked with the effort, water, gathering speed straight up, her hull runner in case things got too hot—literally, and but the door still didn’t open. She dug in and thrumming with the exertion but otherwise then made for the deck to get his first aerial really heaved, and the entire assembly creaked light as a feather. view of the incoming ships. He left the altitude impressively, but held firm. to Eggplant and took the spyglass up the bow. Bola gave up and returned to her corner Captain Flynn popped his head in the wheel house. “Take her up until I tell you to Flynn noted two tall ships immediately but and promptly fell asleep again. stop—this is going to be an up-and-down job.” the rest of the story didn’t become apparent Eggplant turned to the jailor, who was He then sprinted down the steps, taking three until after they picked up some serious otherwise no further help. “I’ll be back,” said at a time. altitude. One part of his head was entirely too Eggplant. clinical about the fleet in front of him as it was “What’s the plan?” asked Chain as Flynn gradually revealed, another was marveling at Genson got up out of his chair and returned arrived in the engine room. the altitude this boat was racking up, and the to his hammock. “I’ll be asleep,” he replied as last was gibbering in fear at the increasingly “We’re going to make a run for the sky, Eggplant left the stockade. high distance that they were above the water straight up as far as we can safely go, and and mother Menda. Flynn would not like this. He would not like get a crow’s-eye view on the incoming fleet. this one bit. We need a count of the ships and a view of He started to get a good view of what was their presentation so we know what we’re up going on. He saw two ships of the line there in against. Do you have any idea what the max the middle—the sails that they’d seen initial# altitude is for this beast?” ly—in the vanguard with another ten ships of Running to Alacrity, Captain Flynn yelled, various smaller classes, raider ships all, five on “No clue, Flynn. My one concern is heat.” “We need to cast off as quickly as possible. I each flank. want to take her straight up and get a crow’s “Heat?” “Wow,” he said. “Twelve ships total, two eye view of the incoming fleet.” of them ships-of-the-line battleships.” He put “The higher we go, the more electricity it Chain and some of the other crew sprintedwill take to excite the impregnated timbers away his spyglass and bounded up to go see down to the dock. Flynn motioned Chain and and push against the water plane, and heat is Eggplant. five sailors on board, and then Flynn stowed the by-product. I can vent some of it, but after “How high are we,” he asked. the gang plank himself. “Cast off!” he ordered. a certain point, it could get too hot to handle, “When we’re free, Eggplant, take us up as soon and we’d run the risk of catastrophic failure. I “Fifteen thousand feet, if I’m reading these as Chain gets the engine going!” just don’t know if that’s at one thousand feet instruments right.” or ten thousand or something else entirely.” Flynn spun and ran to the railing to yell “Amazing! Menda looks so much different something to those who were assembling there. “Ok,” said Flynn. “Just keep an eye on your from up here. Seeing the world from this per“Get your belongings together and preparegauges to and raise Eggplant when we need to spective is almost god-like.” board,” he said. “When we come back down, reverse altitude and descend again. You have I want to get everyone on three minutes and the override, Chain. Don’t be afraid to use it if Eggplant looked thoughtful. “You want to take off again. Also, man all the available ships necessary.” hear something interesting?” in the bay and have them prepare to launch.
Ray Gun Revival magazine
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The Adventures of the Sky Pirate, Chapter 21, For Blood And Glory by Johne Cook “What’s that?”
two. I want to get a closer look.”
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Glorifizers down there.”
“We’ve only gotten to the fifth notch. There They passed by high overhead and Flynn # are five more.” looked down on the lead warship with his best telescope. Flynn saw Eggplant standing in the door Flynn exchanged a wordless glance with of the wheelhouse, pensive, but not saying Eggplant. “That is very interesting. Good work.Mr. Yhen said, “What do you see?” anything. “Eggplant, bring us about and take “ He clapped Eggplant on the shoulder and “The usual—sailors, cannons, grapples, lots us back.” then went below to talk to Chain. of sails, and far too many of the enemy.” Flynn “How is she doing?” continued to scan the decks, working his way “Yes, Captain.” from stem to stern. Suddenly, he groaned. He Flynn looked at Eggplant. ““Well, what do Chain looked up from his instruments. passed the telescope to Yhen. “What do you you think?” see down there mixed in with the sailors?” “She’s handling it well,” he said. “One interEggplant was busy turning the ship, and let esting thing, though.” “Uh, barrels, crates, officers, sailors, slip his real question. “You’re not thinking of soldiers...” “What’s that?” attacking them, are you?” “Are you sure about those last?” “My hunch was right—the higher we go, Flynn said, “Is that what you were worried the hotter she gets. She’s well within her limits Yhen concentrated. “They’re men with about?” at the moment but I can’t imagine what it’d bearms, rifled guns and a variety of cutlery.” Eggplant played it cool, shrugging, but not like it if we maxed her out. She’d probably burst “Yes. What do you notice about them?” admitting to anything. her guts and blow up herself up in a massive fireball.” “Their haircuts are different. Instead of Flynn said, “Fear not. Sometimes, you have to change things up. Sometimes, you have to “Interesting. Stay close—we’re going to Sylvan be Navy regular short-cuts, they sport long push, and sometimes, you have to pull. This heading into battle just as soon as we set back hair tied back.” time, we pull.” down.” “Anything else?” “Pull, Captain? We only have two airships “Aye,” said Chain, absently, intent on the “Instead of Sylvan sailor uniforms of white to their twelve sailing ships.” gauges. and blue, they’re wearing bright yellow garb.” “Ah,” said Flynn, walking to the railing and # Flynn said, “Blast! Those aren’t just solpointing down to peaceful Parrot Bay, and the diers—they’re mercenaries.” lightly-armed ships arrayed below. “That’s “There are a total of twelve ships, mostly where the local merchant fleet comes in!” smaller raiders, but they are led by two large “Mercs?” Flynn walked away to find Mr. Pitt. warships right in the center.” “Right. And not just any mercenaries...” Eggplant’s eyes lit up. “Change things up,” “Do you have a plan?” he whispered to himself. “You know who they are, Captain?” “I’ve got a number of things cooking, but # none of them look very attractive at twelve to Flynn was grim. “I’m afraid so. Those are
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They’d drifted a bit while ascending and over those tall ships. I’m thinking of sending Then, you’ll bring them around and drive them Captain Flynn had them put out enough sail the ships we have here to mop up on the flanks,right into the collapsing flanks. We’ll turn their to bring them back to port. They had quite a left and right, while we go after those two line forces against each other and chew them up.” crowd waiting for them when they put down ships.” With that, he noticed Birot of Haw and his at the dock. Flynn told one of the sailors to put tribe hanging around the edge of the dock and out the rope ladders when they got down close “How do you propose taking them over?” motioned them over. and told Eggplant to try to get down within she asked. twenty feet of the dock so they wouldn’t have “Those decks are sturdy but the men “Hello, Birot,” he said. “Are you interested far to climb and they could take on a full crew aren’t.” He went on to explain his plan—inin joining in this fight?” as quickly as possible. cluding a cobbled weapon—that would take “You know it,” he said. “The Haw stand Flynn said, “We’re going to have a short out crew on-deck while preserving the ships ready to do whatever we can.” window of opportunity when we put down. I’dthemselves. like to rouse the troops, coordinate with the “You mentioned Yempher earlier. How’d To her credit, she was shocked by the sugmerchant captains, and then I’d like to get back you like a chance to get a more intimate view gestion but admired the audacity of his plan. in the air as soon as possible.” They compared notes on what they’d need to of that stronghold?” make it work, gave each other a quick hug, and Eggplant asked, “How long do you think Birot of Haw smiled and broke into his dispersed again to get moving. we’ll be in port?” native tongue, still facing the captain. The Flynn jogged back to the dockside where Hawsians broke into cheers. “Maybe an hour at most.” he found the other captains and their crews. “Does that answer your question, Captain Eggplant nodded mechanically. “AlacrityHe waved the captains over together. Flynn?” will be ready to go when you get back,” he said. “Captains, we have a situation here. We He earnestly hoped that would be true. “Indeed it does, Birot. Have you men gather have twelve incoming Sylvan ships led by whatever they need and meet up with Mr. Pitt. When they were still fifty feet or so above two large warships. Captain MkDougal and He’ll explain what and where.” the deck, Flynn checked his skypack and I will meet those two warships with Tanith dropped over the edge. He put down lightly onand Alacrity. We will take care of those ships. “Thankyou, Captain. This is a great opporthe dock and ran back to HMS Tanith. However, we need to divide our forces and tunity for the Haw to help.” flank them on both sides, pushing them back Clarissa MkDougal met Captain Flynn on into the center. That’s where you come in. “The pleasure is all mine, my friend,” said the dock. She greeted him with a salute. Flynn Flank them and force them in and we’ll take Captain Flynn with a smile, then he took Mr. saluted back, but added a sly wink just for hercare of the rest.” Pitt and Mr. Ipness aside and told them what he benefit, and then he brought her up to speed, was looking for. They gave him the same look He waved Captains Smythe and Kend to that MkDougal did, and then they got busy. quickly sketching out his hastily-constructed him. “Captains, we have other plans for your plan. crews. Captain Kend, you and your crew will # “We have it worse than I thought. Instead board the Tanith and Captain Smythe, you and of mere Sylvan soldiers, they have enlisted theyour crew will board Alacrity. We will clear Eggplant jogged back to the stockade. services of the fiercest mercs I know of. I thinkthe decks of those two ships of the line and The day was warming up, and the door was we have to split their forces to pick them off you and your crews will take over the ships. now open to let the breeze carry through the better, and the best way to do that is to take
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thatched-roof building.
moment that she wasn’t going to cooperate. Eggplant left the stockade and walked back And then he had an idea. to the ship by himself. His heart was hammering Contrary to his statement, the bearded in his chest. A burst of energy flooded his body, jailor, Genson, was sitting behind his desk as “And Flynn gave me something for you.” and he felt he could take on the Sylvan fleet Eggplant walked into the stockade. “Ah, Mr. He produced the coin pouch and held it in his all by himself as Bola’s whisper repeated itself Eggpants! So good of you to return.” He grinned hand. over and over in his head; “Thanks,Egon.” and waved his left hand toward the cell door. She raised her eyebrows in the classic well, And, strangely, Eggplant began to under“Round two!” it couldn’t hurt to try gesture, and she reachedstand Flynn’s recklessness just a little better. Eggplant said, “I won’t be here long,” and out and hooked one finger around a bamboo walked straight up to the cell door. “Bola,” he bar. She flicked it in toward her. # said, “it’s time to go.” The cell door swung easily open. Mr. Gillings was milling around by the docks She opened one bleary eye and gazed at Genson clapped from his vantage leaning when Flynn came striding toward him. He was him suspiciously. “We’ve already been through back on his chair, and Bola whooped, startling talking to Mr. Humble. “Oh, and get as many this.” the sleeping sailors in the cell. brooms as you can and split them between Alacrity and the Tanith. Eggplant thought of everything he could tell Eggplant grinned and stood aside. Thank her, considering and discarding four different “Brooms?” intricate arguments why she should do as he Cyl, it worked! asked. However, this was Bola, after all. Finally, Bola said, “Later, boys,” and strode out of “Yes. I’ll explain later. Mr. Gillings! Did you it came down to one simple thing. “Trust me,” the cell. gather the merchant captains?” said Eggplant. She stopped by Eggplant. She snagged the Gillings fell beside the captain as they With a groan, Bola pushed a sailor’s head pouch, whispered something in his ear, and walked. “They’re in the square waiting for your off her lap, and he tumbled to the floor with a address.” kissed him chastely on his forehead. Then Bola thump. She shrugged another off her shoulder turned. “See you next trip, Genson.” with her left forearm, and she extricated herself Flynn said, “How was your liberty?” from the pile of great unwashed. She stood, He tossed a lazy salute in her direction. “I’ve been in port for a week. I’m ready to all six foot two of her, yawned and stretched, “Take care of yourself, Bola.” get back to business.” showing the details of her chest to the room. She nodded in return and sauntered out of She slowly walked over to the door, cracking “That’s the spirit! Very well. Let’s not keep the stockade, waving a hand indolently over her neck and stretching her arms. She stood on them waiting.” the other side of the cell door from Eggplant. her shoulder. “I’m here,” she said. “Tell me what to do.” Eggplant smiled to himself. “Thank you, Flynn and a small entourage of available officers and crew walked over to the square Eggplant spoke to himself as was sometimes Lieutenant.” and found a colorful group of sailors gathered. his habit when he was thinking. “’Change it up,’ Genson nodded respectfully in his direction Some were dandies, some were obviously Flynn said. ‘Pull, not push.’” and wearily let his chair drop. “Who wants wealthy by their extravagant clothes, some Bola looked at Eggplant like he was the dimbreakfast? I’m buying.” were like Flynn—capable, if landless, men of witted one, and he thought for one terrified the sea.
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All were curious.
needn’t worry. We’ll be taking all the risks Eggplant followed not long after that. Flynn ourselves. If we’re successful, they’ll have said, “Did you have any trouble?” Flynn jumped up on a table and addressedgotten a good thrill, but no actual damage.” them. “My fellow captains, we have little time, Eggplant just shook his head and smiled “And if we’re not successful?” mysteriously. so I will state my case plainly. A fleet of twelve Sylvan ships, including two ships-of-the-line, “Sylvans don’t react well to those who run. Flynn said, “When you were in town, did is on the horizon. They will be here within They track them down and utterly destroy you see the cleric?” hours.” them. If we’re not successful, the merchant Eggplant said, “I stopped by the chapel A startled murmur went through the captains will surrender without a fight and group. they’ll be able to curse my name in peaceful earlier. The padre hadn’t seen him since last night. The cleric did not stay there, but left captivity. They’ll be bitter, but alive.” before midnight.” “And as it happens, fortune—or Cyl, take “That sounds like the voice of experience.” your pick—has brought to Parrot Bay not one, Flynn nodded gravely as Eggplant boarded. but two battle-tested airships in Her Majesty’s Flynn looked over at Clarissa. “That’s it, I guess. “I fled from Sylvans once. I was able to get Navy. We will not allow you to come to harm. However, in order to make that guarantee, we away, but it cost me an heirloom vessel near It’s time.” and dear to my heart. Keeping the merchant need your help.” Tanith and Alacrity were the last to leave, vessels here is doubly wise. They don’t know giving the sailing ships a chance to board up, “Help?” the Sylvans as I do; it is not only best for me, it cast off, and make way, heading towards the two is also best for them.” “In order for this to work, we’d like to have flanks. When those ships were well underway, you report to your ships and take them a mile “Why not just tell them that?” Captain Flynn gave the word for Eggplant to offshore.” take Alacrity up, and Tanith followed. “It all goes to intent— one giant victory “And then what?” justifies a multitude of tiny deceptions, and my # intentions are good.” “And then stay there.” So you say, thought Gillings. I hope you’re Onboard Alacrity, it seemed like Flynn was A stunned silence settled over the group.right. everywhere. First, he spent a few moments with Eggplant, then he worked his way up to Captain Dohannon, one of the most the sailors on deck, telling them what they # obviously wealthy merchants, said, “But needed to do to get into position to approach Captain, we’ll be sitting hens!” the warships, then he spoke with Captain It was time to cast off. The merchant captains Smythe and Mr. Gillings on their roles if the Flynn grinned impishly. “That’s the idea!” were on their way to the Flynn welcomed Bola gambit was successful. back aboard with a broad smile. “How was As they wrapped up and started walking your liberty?” “The plan is for you to get your men on back to the docks, Mr. Gillings said, “Captain, deck as quickly as possible and take the ship between you and me, do you really think the “I drank fast. Lieutenant Genson sends his by force. We’ll clear the decks for you and then battle will play out that way?” regards,” she said with a wink and walked up it will be your job to board the prize as quickly the gangplank. as possible. Watch your hands and feet—there Flynn snorted. “Not a chance, but they will be all manner of sharp things, can’t be
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helped. If you need additional help clearing used to my hammock. I’m a creature of habit, Mr. Pitt rumbled, “Those Sylvan warships out the ship’s interior, we’ll send it, otherwise,I’m afraid.” maintain something like one hundred and fifty we’ll be strafing the nearest raider ships while men, if you count sailors and armed forces. Flynn roared with laughter and slapped the you prepare to come about and attack the The captain had this idea to take barrels and nearest ships to the East. Meanwhile, Tanith cleric on the shoulder. “At any rate, I admit I’mfill them half-full of gunpowder and nails and very relieved you’re here. We could use your broken glass. We rigged them up with a fuse and Captain Kend’s crew will be doing the same thing to the West. One more thing—keep half influence with Cyl in advance of the coming with oil-soaked rags and wax and will drop an eye on the other warship. If they aren’t ablebattle.” them down onto their decks. It’s a relatively to take her over, she’ll become your new first clean way to take out a man while preserving Vaneras was guarded. “My what? Before target. Hopefully, it will never come to that. If the ships themselves. Then would drop Captain the what?” you manage to accomplish everything and we Smythe and his crew down on deck and to win the battle, make for port at Roarke’s Island Flynn grinned. “Let’s go get Bola. I’ll explain finish the task of clearing the ship below deck. for cleanup and to take on fresh supplies. Thenit to you both at the same time. I’m very glad After that, we would use the one large Sylvan warship against the remaining one.” prepare to head out again right away—we’ll be you’re here.” sending this fleet back to where it came from, The cleric looked quizzical and skeptical. The cleric was sober. “Sounds like a lot of Yempher, and from there, points on the way bloodshed, to me.” right up to Sylva itself. Any questions? Ok. “This Go can’t be good,” he muttered. with Cyl!” Flynn nodded. “It’s worse than you know. # Those aren’t just any mercs, they’re GloryfizThe men roared in approval and prepared ers.” to board the Sylvan warship, which loomed Flynn took Bola, the cleric, and Mr. Pitt ever larger in front of them as they descended Bola was so stunned that she stopped over to the wheelhouse. “Eggplant, I want you on it from on high. to listen in on this. Here’s what we’re looking twirling her dagger in mid-sequence. “Red or at. We’re tracking an incoming fleet of twelveYellow?” Flynn called for Bola and spoke to Mr. Pitt. Sylvan ships; two warships, and a collection “I wish I knew where the cleric was. We could “Yellow,” said Flynn, watching her closely. of smaller, faster sloops. We don’t yet know if really use him today.” they were assembled as a direct result of the Cleric Vaneras looked very troubled. Bola, Vaneras climbed the stair from below. “Did attack on the cliffs of Yempher, or if they had however, couldn’t have looked any happier. I hear my name?” already been assembled before then and we Flynn watched the two of them closely. just missed them by pure dumb luck. After a Flynn whirled. “Cleric Vaneras! I was afraid quick reconnoiter earlier, we have reason to Eggplant asked the question from the we’d lost you at port!” believe this is a fleet cobbled together on the interior of the wheelhouse. “Uh, who are the spur-of-the-moment using particularly fierce Glorifizers?” The cleric looked puzzled. “After seeing mercenaries instead of Sylvan soldiers.” everything I needed to see at Parrot Bay, I met Flynn said, “Mercenaries.” the doctor and we came back to the ship.” Bola perked right up. “Mercs? Who? Which outfit?” Cleric Vaneras added, “Not just any merceIt was Flynn’s turn to look puzzled. “You naries. Menorran mercenaries.” didn’t spend the night at Parrot Bay?” Flynn said, “I’ll get to that in a moment. Mr. Pitt will explain the practical plan.” Eggplant said, “I thought Menorra was just The cleric looked sheepish. “I’ve gotten a legend.”
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Flynn said, “Not only is Menorra real, I’ve arguments do not sway them, and they have already know that you have the mettle to take been there, and I’ve seen these mercs in action utterly no mercy. But give them a chance to part in any battle. But while many of us can first-hand.” enshrine their names in history, and they’ll gofight, only you can, uh.” to the end of the world to battle the Adversary Mr. Humble walked by. “What’s real?” himself.” Vaneras looked at him. “Cooper Flynn, are you asking me to sit this battle out to focus “Menorra.” Flynn said, “Exactly. Which is what makes on communing with Cyl on behalf of the crew them so completely implacable. But that’s not during the battle?” “Who?” to say they can’t be influenced.” He turned Flynn looked at his feet, took a deep breath, and looked at his own mercenary. “And Bola, “It’s a place. Menorra is a utopian society and then met his eyes. “Yes. Please.” And then that brings us back to your part in this. I have on the other side of the world, a city state he went to talk to Bola. where the denizens don’t believe in labor.” something for you so dangerous that I wouldn’t even think of recommending it for anyone Cleric Vaneras went below. He passed “Who does the work, then?” else.” Chain walking past the galley. “That’s their dirty little secret. Anyway, the “I’m in!” she said. Chain said, “Are you going to board those common Menorran believes in the doctrine of ships with Mr. Pitt and Bola?” Cleric Vaneras put his hands up. “Uh, Bola, Requiescence—peace, calm, breathing space, happiness, rest, relaxation. It is a religion you really might want to ask what the plan is Vaneras shook his head and said, “The of prosperity and ease. However, not all before making any rash decisions...” captain asked me to stay here and entreat Cyl Menorrans believe in peace and relaxation.” She whirled and looked down at the cleric.on everyone’s behalf in battle.” He was a good sized man at six feet two, but Mr. Humble said, “Let me guess—these Chain didn’t quite roll his eyes. “Ok, then. she was another couple of inches taller even mercenaries are a rogue offshoot?” Best wishes with that.” than he. “Why, ‘Rash’ is my middle name!” Flynn nodded. “They don’t officially exist. As Chain went his way to the engine room, Mr. Humble exploded in laughter until he However, they are lucrative enough that the Vaneras nodded his head to himself. He started city fathers indulge their borderline heresy caught her glare, and then choked it into a to walk again. However, instead of going to his as long as the coffers keep sailing in, and the thinly-manufactured coughing spasm. hammock, he went to Flynn’s cabin, quietly Menorran Mercenaries are some of the best entered the room and closed the door. He # in the trade. Their one affectation comes in walked around behind Flynn’s desk and sat in the form of their appearance—their garb and his chair. He put his face in his hands. “Oh, Cyl,” As Alacrity approached the incoming fleet,he whispered. “I think I’m in deep trouble.” their hair. Unlike common mercenaries, they care little about filthy lucre. It is a means to anCaptain Flynn had Mr. Pitt bring up the barrels end.” and make ready with a lit torch, just in case. He # saw cleric Vaneras walk past. Flynn reached a “What do they fight for, then?” hand out and grabbed the cleric’s arm. Flynn found Bola. “I’d like you to take a Cleric Vaneras said, “Glory. That’s how they Vaneras stopped and looked over at Flynn. stock of rifled muskets and pour down fire on got their nickname, ‘Gloryfizers.’ They fight those mercs. Keep them on their toes. It will His expression was unfathomable. for posterity, to put their personal stamp on dangerous because you’ll be up front in the history. They don’t listen to reason, normal Flynn said, “Cleric, I have a favor to ask. I exposed to the deck. Can’t be helped. nets,
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However, you’re a crack shot, and I trust you toThe next fell halfway down and broke on Despite popular opinion and all recent make your presence felt.” a lower yardarm. It was almost better, raininghistory to the contrary, this time, Bola knew fire and sharp bits down onto the deck. Mr. Pitt exactly what she was doing. “Aye, Flynn,” she said, her eyes sparkling. dropped four more until they had covered the Her job. ship from stem to stern in raining death. Flynn went back to the wheelhouse. “Mr. Pitt. Are we ready?” “Bring her around to Starboard, Eggplant, She fell toward the Sylvan warship with considerably more confidence than the first and take us close enough to board. And bring Pitt steadied the first barrel and prepared time she’d tried this maneuver. She’d ended up out the brooms.” to light the fuse. He nodded. in the water that time. This time, she watched “Aye, Captain,” said Eggplant. the ship get larger and larger beneath her and Flynn watched Mr. Yhen for the signal to aimed herself at the band of yellow tunics indicate when they were approaching the first “The what?” said Bola. beneath her. She engaged her skypack enough warship. “On my mark, cant her to Starboard to arrest the bulk of her fall until she was ten “The foredeck is essentially impassable and keep her steady as she goes until you feet above the deck, and then she cut it again. hear my mark, and then heave to hard to right now. We need to make another pass to Starboard.” clear the central deck, and then we’ll need She fell into the midst of the fiercesome to get a lot of bodies down onto that ship as Menorran Mercenaries, flattening four of them “Aye, Captain.” quickly as possible. After the next pass, we’ll with her fall, and knocking over another ten by drop sweepers off to clear paths and then dropsimple chain reaction. She bounced to her feet “Three, two, one... Now, Eggplant! as many sailors as possible to follow them up and whirled her sword over her head in a circle, and finish taking the ship below deck. Inciden-slicing everything around her. Before the mercs The ship started to rotate to Starboard, and tally, I’d like you and Mr. Yhen to provide covercould get their bearings, she’d darted forward Mr. Pitt lit the first keg. fire for the sweepers while they’re making and dropped three more of their number. She “We’re going to get one shot at this,” said their first pass. Keep a sharp eye on the stairs waved her sword in front of her and charged Flynn. Mr. Pitt, you drop the kegs. You men coming up from below. Mr. Pitt. Please keep into the press of shellshocked mercs in front bring them forward for him to light and drop, one keg ready in case we need to make one of her, bulling through the crowd, felling last drop.” and we’ll clear the decks for the sailors. Ready? mercs left and right with her sword. She broke Let fly!” through the line and sprinted toward the wall Bola rushed to the railing. She yelled, “I of fire left by the dropped kegs. She bounced Mr. Pitt braced his foot against the rail andhave another idea. Cover me, Yhen!” lightly and engaged her skypack, alighting on had a rope tied around his waist. He lit the the far side of the maelstrom. first keg and heaved it overboard. Flynn ran to And then she kicked off over the edge. the rail, and looked over, ready to punch his She turned and faced the hired killers, her “What is she doing?” growled Mr. Pitt. skypack. hair whipping around her face in the wind, Flynn bellowed, “Hold your fire! Mr. Pitt, blood dripping off her sword, a feral smile on The keg fell down, down, and landed on prepare the attack squad. Eggplant, bring us her face. deck, exploding as it did. There were screams. about as quickly as you can! Bola’s down there Her heart beat within her chest as she got by herself.” “Well, that worked,” said the Captain, her breath and assessed the impact her surprise grimly. “Keep ‘em lighting and dropping until attack had on the deadly mercenaries. # we pass over.
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There were so many times she felt like It was hard to tell from his vantage, but it “Prepare to take us down on my mark,” bellowed Flynn. what she was, an orphan without a home, a looked like he was clapping. warrior woman in a society that didn’t know what to do with her skills. The only man who’d # # ever treated her as a peer was Cooper Flynn, and the only place she ever felt at home was The effect was muted through leather Gravin was sprawled on the deck with on Alacrity. But even there, she was a freak, a gloves, but the merc was clearly clapping. The Bola’s sword at his throat when Flynn’s boots long blade in a short scabbard. She never really thuds were slow, deliberate, menacing. The hit the deck. “I beg you,” said the compromised had a chance to redeem herself. merc was of average height, slim but wiry, mercenary, “are all your swordsman as good as possessed of cold, intelligent eyes. He was you?” Until now. Cooper had bit off more than he smiling, but it was a humorless appearance. “I could chew this time. The only reason Glorifiz“Nah,” she said. “Better,” she said. “I’m not am Gravin,” he said. ers understood was brash, brazen, completely even the second best swordsman on the ship. I hopeless action. “I am Bola,” she replied. just happen to be more rash than the others.” Which, as it happened, was her one true “That was some show you put on. Do you Flynn approached, his signature sword specialty. do anything else that doesn’t rely on surprise, buzzing and snapping as he activated the stud or is that it for you?” in the hilt. “So, Bola, did you leave any glory for She waited on the far side of the fire as they the rest of us?” collected themselves and got their bearings. “Come over here and find out,” she said, her mind curiously calm as she weighed her “I’m afraid not, Captain, unless you want to And then things would really get interestnext move. tackle that sister ship over there.” ing... Gravin’s eyes flickered down and took in “Perfect!” said Flynn. “Sword hasn’t drunk # the scene. And then, meeting her steady gazefrom the sanguine pool yet today.” and holding it, he strode though the flames, Gravin said to Flynn, “Is that what I think “Well, that’s it,” said Mr. Humble, mournand her next move was made for her. it is?” fully. “She’s stone crazy.” “They will sing tales of your bravery when “Crazy like a fexi, perhaps,” mused Captain you are dead,” she said. And then she drew Flynn looked at Gravin. “You’re from Menorra? You know what this is?” Flynn, trying to keep an eye on her exploits her sword. “Which will be about thirty seconds down below as Alacrity fought her way aroundfrom now.” Gravin nodded, looking more intrigued in a circle to come back to the warship below. than cowed. He saw her drop into the midst of the mercs # like a stone and then saw bodies fly every “I’m not giving it back. I won it, and I’m which-way like an explosion. He saw her blow The smoke from the fire kept obscuring hiskeeping it.” through the mob and flip over the fire to a view, but Flynn saw enough—the Merc leader Gravin stood without permission from clear part of the deck. walking through the fire, the two of them anybody, receiving the attention of two swords trading jibes, their briefly furious exchange, And then he watched one merc approach pointed at his chest. He appeared utterly the sword that went flying. her by himself. unconcerned. “Are you serious about taking
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The Adventures of the Sky Pirate, Chapter 21, For Blood And Glory by Johne Cook over the other warship?”
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warships, one was sent fleeing back north to Sylvan waters with a skeleton crew to relate Bola said, “Just as serious as I am about Bola looked at Flynn with a droll expresthe news, and the rest docked at Roarke’s taking over this one.” sion. “Yes, Captain. I promise I’ll have themIsland. go As far as casualties went, ten mercenaron the paper.” ies fell in the space of a single minute to Bola’s Gravin thought for a moment. “We could sword, but achieved great glory in the process help you with that.” Flynn laughed. “There’s no way that should according to their way of thinking, and their have worked.” brethren privately envied the place those ten Bola snorted. “I don’t need your help. I names would have in history. Legends would don’t want your help.” Bola said, “Only a lunatic would ever have be written, songs would be sung. Seventyattempted it.” And then she smiled and walked Gravin scratched his cheek lightly with through his five Sylvans died when they foolishly resisted the fire. index finger. “Please?” the turncoat mercenaries.] Okay, I’m tired, “Crazy like a fexi,” murmured Flynn so to maybe that’s it, but I don’t get this... Not Bola looked at Flynn. “Captain?” himself, and he followed after them. one Haddirronian was so much as scratched, although two in particular were a little singed. Flynn said, “Don’t look at me. This isn’t my # decision.” Flynn returned to his cabin and strode into the room. The light of the setting sun Bola sighed and rolled her eyes. “Captain, The rest of the day was an exercise in surstreamed in from the window, revealing a silFlynn, can I keep them?” reality. Alacrity disappeared into the clouds, houette slumped over the desk. Flynn heard the SRN Gumpter suddenly changed course quiet whispering. Flynn corrected. “May I.” and veered over to the other warship, SRN Drender, and then, inexplicably, fired a shot “Cleric?” Bola said, “I thought you said it wasn’t your over the bow of her sister ship. decision.” Vaneras took a deep breath. “Thank you,” The Gloryfizers on the Drender rushed tohe whispered, “So say we all.” And then he Gravin laughed. the railing to repel an invasion when they were sat up. He stretched and rose. He looked a greeted with the first wave of mercs dropping Flynn said, “Figure of speech. Gravin, are question at Flynn. you and yours willing to come fight with us over with skypacks, led by Gravin and Bola. Flynn smiled. “You’d better go topside. I for the sake of glory alone, doing what I say asThere was a brief discussion between the long as I deliver to you moment of opportunitymercs in yellow, and then the Sylvan sailors have no idea how to explain what happened. were unceremoniously herded below-deck How, uh. How did it go for you here?” on a regular basis?” and locked into the brig. The Drender fired Gravin’s eyes were hungry, but he played one cannon and Alacrity reappeared out of the Vaneras grinned gently. “I have no idea it calm. “Walk through the fire with me, and clouds, dropping sailors onto the decks of the how to explain what happened.” you have an agreement.” And he strolled back two warships. After that, the Gumpter turned Flynn snorted. “Fair enough.” through the maelstrom to the mercs on the west and the Drender turned east, and they other side of the deck. started pulling up alongside the sloops, one by Vaneras slipped by and started to leave. one. Flynn looked at Bola. “You really are As he reached the door, he heard, “And amazing. I’m still not cleaning up after an army The ‘battle’ was over before the sun set cleric…” of mercs. You want them, you can have them, for the day. Of the twelve incoming Sylvan
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Vaneras stopped and cocked his head.
Eggplant chuckled and then told him about Flynn to support my impulse without landing the battle: how Bola knew something of the all the troops and spoiling my gambit. Thanks, “Thanks,” said Flynn. history of the yellow Glortizers and literlly flew Egon,” she said, and she winked. to the attack on the Menorran mercenaries by Vaneras waited a moment and then herself. He told about the skirmish on the deck, The cleric’s brow raised. “I think that’s the nodded, once, closing the door behind him. As and how Flynn had joined her down there, two first time I’ve heard you call you by your given he walked down the narrow corridor, to past name.” against many. the galley, he passed Chain, who said, “Well done, cleric.” “The captain’s real genius was building on Eggplant grinned despite himself. “You Bola’s success recruiting the Menorran mer- need to get out more—that makes twice Vaneras stopped. He opened his mouth, cenaries. He split their forces between the today.” closed it again in thought. He shook his head Alacrity and the Tanith with the understandThe cleric laughed out loud and clapped slightly. “Chain, I think I don’t know that I really ing that there would be ample opportunity for did anything,” he said. Eggplant on the back. blood and glory. For her part, after spending the night in the stockade at Parrot Bay, alone Chain adjusted his glasses. “I think I believe # among all the hangers-on, Bola found herself you really did.” He clapped the cleric firmly worshipped as the warrior goddess of her own on the shoulder and went back to the engine Hovering high overhead above the scene, mercenary army. And Captain Flynn won a room. as twilight faded to evening, a black albatross major battle without losing a single soul.” observed everything with unblinking eyes of Vaneras bobbed his head once to nobody in neon green. particular and climbed the steps to the deck. Eggplant cut the power and settled Alacrity into the water at the dock. “It seems the The cleric stretched his back and cracked merchants’ trust in Flynn was redeemed, and his neck as he reached the deck. He walked tonow you have a new flock to minister to.” the rail and saw they were descending to make port again at Parrot Bay. He could see the two The cleric smiled softly. End of Chapter 21 Sylvan warships making for the port. At that moment, Bola walked past the The Adventures of the Sky Pirate continue next wheelhouse. She reversed her steps and stuck He heard a sound behind him and watched month. her head in. “Hey, cleric. Thanks for asking to as a group of yellow-clad fighters walked calmly past, chattering among themselves about your god to help me. That idea came clear out the action seen during the day. One of them of the blue—maybe it was you, and maybe it was me, but it saved many lives today, and I nodded at him, and he nodded back. Johne Cook have a great story to tell.” He walked to the wheelhouse and stuck his Vaneras seemed comically stricken. “Does head in. “Hello, Eggplant.” everybody know about my private prayers?” Johne is a technical writer, help author, creative writer, and editor. Eggplant looked over. “Hello, cleric.” Bola grinned. “What’s the expression? Vaneras said, “What did I miss while I was ‘No private nobility goes undisciplined.’” She He likes prog rock, space opera, film noir, below-deck?” turned to Eggplant. “And you,” she said. “Mr. and the Green Bay Packers. Pitt told me how your quick thinking persuaded
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Memory Wipe, Chapter 19, The World of Fire by Sean T. M. S ennon
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Chapter 19, The World of Fire by Sean T. M. Stiennon
T
akeda’s muscles were so sore he could Tong. He couldn’t make any noise, just in case He jabbed one finger at Takeda. The last barely walk. An awkward hobble was the a crewman above heard him and pried up a joint was missing. “Those aren’t proper clothes, best he could manage, even drawing on his panel or two to investigate. and you don’t walk like one of the Hands. What you doing in this quarter?” powers, and he had to keep one arm braced against the concrete wall of the building at his Still, he had survived, and he had really Takeda racked his exhausted brain for a side. It still felt warm hours after sunset. thought he’d be caught only once. Inspectors boarded the ship a few hours before landing. response. Even his mouth felt stiff after weeks Crimson panels mounted on eight-foot He had been able to hear their boots on the of inactivity. “I’m...I came with a merchant poles spread garish light across the dirt streets. panels above him, hear their muffled voices. ship. Just looking for a drink.” Deep ruts had been worn in the roads from Caulthor’s night lasted seventy hours. “No one here’d give you a cup of thirddecades of vehicles grinding along the same Takeda estimated that about five of those had round piss. What, you think Rockmen have routes. Gray dust drifted up with every weary already passed. He had waited through many fancy wine ready to spare for any spacer with step Takeda took. Every metal door he passed a few coins?” long hours of unloading, hearing shipping was closed, and there was light underneath only a handful of them. The buildings were crates scrape and thump overhead, hearing the crewmen swearing at each other, praying that Takeda opened his mouth to answer but largely identical lumps of gray concrete, made none of them would notice missing rations or was cut off. “We got nothing, and your coins lurid by the red lights. aren’t worth shit. You go haul your white hide the panel he had forced up. back to your ship and leave hard-working men He looked up at the sky. Deep, unbroken At last, however, the cargo bay had grown in peace.” black, reflecting nothing, showing nothing. silent, and Takeda had wormed his way out of It was like one of his nightmares, but every Another door swung open, just behind and throb of his muscles and every breath of dry the ship’s guts and into the city. to Takeda’s right, and a second voice—just as air reminded him that he was fully awake. On “Hey, you!” a raw voice barked from behind raw and even more thickly accented, barked some level, he knew it was a massive dome him, Imperish and heavily accented. out, “Quiet, Jace, and give us some peace! I’ve dark enough to filter Caulthor’s harsh sunlight got another hour left before my shift’s over, during the planet’s day cycle. Takeda turned, surging energy into his and I’d appreciate quiet.” muscles so that he might stand a chance of For two weeks of voyage, Takeda had running. A man had emerged from a doorway Jace stabbed his cut-off finger at Takeda. remained curled up in a dark crawl-space fifteen feet behind him. He wore a pair of “Look at him! He’s no Rockman, Metalman, or beneath the cargo hold. Occasional runs for battered gray workpants smeared with thick Wheeler. Just some soft-finger who thought food or water when he thought the crew was he’d chase our women a bit.” black dust and a jacket of some rough material sleeping only made it more difficult to go back over a bare chest. His skin looked like it was into the darkness. The air and metal around him The new man looked even more careworn colored a deep, burnt red, but that might just had been so cold, sometimes he had worried than the first, but his beard had been hacked have been the streetlights. He probably wasn’t he would freeze to death in his sleep. He had older than thirty-five, but the creases in his short recently, and his hair was tied back in a thought about everything and nothing—Sherneat braid. He shifted his bloodshot eyes to face ran deep and ash-gray stained his hair and ri, Zartsi, Esheera, Lashiir, Vass, Walking Evils, Takeda. “You know...the Domemaster’s got a beard.
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tavern for your kind. Loose girls there. You can“Put that down,” the man David said. a“I minute before he let the energy dissipate stay away from ours.” think he’s telling the truth, Jace, at least about throughout his body. the stowing away. He doesn’t look like any Both men were lean with muscle, and spacer I’ve seen, and he’s not one of us.” “You want to come in?” David asked, holding his door open. The light inside seemed Takeda felt a twinge of fear. He should have Jace’s face went a paler red as blood drained bright after the darkness of the streets. found someplace to rest, recover his strength and speed, before venturing into these red out of it. “You don’t think...he’s a Hand after “What will you do if I don’t?” streets. “I’m sorry,” he said, “I wasn’t looking all? Or one of the Lord’s men?” for trouble. I’m just lost.” “If he was, you’d have lost your eyes the “Lock my door, get another hour of sleep, then head to my shift in the pits. Nothing “Lost going where?” the new man asked. moment you stopped him. The Lord doesn’t much, and you’ll still be wandering around like His voice was hard, but not angry. Takeda need seeing men for the deep mines.” a sixty-hour drunk.” thought he might have some chance of getting Takeda back-stepped away from Jace, away without having to run or fight. “And don’t Takeda felt himself smiling for the first time give me some story about deserting your ship.putting David fully into his field of vision. Energy since he had left Zartsi and Esheera behind. crackled in his palms, making his skin tingle. That’s no spacer uniform.” The Lord—Tong. The man who had kidnapped There was no danger in this man, and he didn’t That knocked Takeda off-balance, and he Sherri and summoned Takeda to Caulthor in have any better place to begin his search for a way to rescue Sherri. He nodded. spent long seconds scrambling for another the first place. lie. Jace growled behind him. “We should just “All right. I’ll stay for a few minutes.” knock him over the head and be done. I haven’t David turned to him and raised one heavy eyebrow. “You want to come in an talk for a got time to haul him back.” David held the door open, then shut and minute? You’re the strangest thing I’m likely to barred it after Takeda had entered the room. It The truth. Nothing else would do him any see before these bones stop moving. Plenty of was lit by a single bulb that cast weak yellowgood. “I was a stowaway,” Takeda said. our boys try to leave, but I’ve never heard of tinted light. The few pieces of furniture were anyone trying to get in.” molded from rough, dark-colored plastic: two “You mean they caught you and kicked you chairs, a table, a locker, a stand with a screen out?” the second man asked. “You sure that’s a good idea?” Jace growled. on it, a few cupboards. An open doorway Takeda noticed that he had stuck his hammer “No...no, I mean I stowed away to get here. across the room led into darkness. Takeda felt back into its place on his belt. I wanted to find work.” fresh beads of sweat welling up from his skin “Don’t you have a shift to be getting to? as he entered the room’s heat. Jace’s laugh sounded like a whip cracking. You don’t want whippers knocking down your “Damn, and I thought I had trouble lying. I think “Just your basic one-man unit,” David said, door, mate.” two chances is enough, don’t you, David?” gesturing with one hand. “Have a seat if you Jace grunted. “Right. Careful, though, like. It’s been a while since my last hand-out, A hammer had appeared in Jace’s hand—not David. Don’t die earlier than you have to.” but if you want some food, I can probably find one of the tiny utility hammers Takeda rememsomething.” “I don’t plan on it.” bered from the casino, but a sledge that must Takeda pulled a hard-angled chair out from have weighed four pounds. He tensed, drawing energy into his hands. “I’m not lying,” he hissed.Jace gave Takeda another hard look, thenthe table and sat. “You live here alone?” strode away into the crimson twilight of the “I stowed away to come to Caulthor.” “I had a wife and a couple boys. Boys died dome-city’s streets. Takeda watched him for
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when the rock-chewer they were working went a little confused...or maybe just thought he’d “Don’t mention it. So...given that I already wrong, wife died of exhaustion. The Hands sneak out and get a look at our homes firstknow enough to bring the Hands down on you, haven’t decided to give me a new woman yet, hand.” won’t you be honest with me? I’m not exagand I don’t think they’re going to.” gerating when I say you’re the most interesting Takeda tensed once more. Perhaps this thing ever to wander down that street.” “The...Hands?” hand been a mistake. Did David have some way of contacting these “Hands”? Takeda licked his cracked lips with a dry “The Lord’s men,” David said, sitting down tongue. He didn’t have anything to gain and across from Takeda. “Now, are you ready to tell “Would you earn a reward if you turned me everything to lose by telling this miner why me the truth about why you’re out here in the in?” he asked. he had wormed his way onto Caulthor. But if Rockman quarters? Hell, why’d you come close the man was lying...he was good at it. Better “Yes. They’d probably let me have a wife to this damned province in the first place?” than Takeda could imagine a poor miner being. again, up my water ration, maybe give me a What reason would David have to lie? If he had “I don’t think I can answer that,” Takeda grog ration too.” wanted to contact the authorities, he would said, staring at the pebbled pattern on the He met Takeda’s gaze evenly, and his voicehave made some excuse, offered Takeda his table-top. was completely honest. His honesty made bed, and went to fetch them. “Imperial spy, huh?” Takeda feel more at ease than if he had tried “Count Tong took a friend of mine,” Takeda to downplay the benefits of handing him over. said, softly. “I’m here to save her.” Takeda jerked his head back up. David’s “Have you contacted them?” worn face was creased with a wry smile. “Am David’s blood-cracked eyes widened in I right?” “No.” leathery sockets. “I didn’t know he took offworlders. She in the mines?” “No,” Takeda said. “No, I’ve never worked “Would Jace?” for the Empire.” “I don’t know,” Takeda answered. “I don’t “I doubt he has the guts.” think so. But he took her...and I can’t let him “Ah, well. It was a fine guess. Your kind “Will you tell your foreman as soon as keep I her. I’ll take her home even if I have to kill usually go the Domemaster and tell him you’re leave?” Tong to do it.” beginning an inspection. Then they crush you, and a message goes back to the Emperor that David shrugged. “I like being honest. It David’s breath wheezed out of his lungs you never arrived.” would be a great comfort to be allowed to in something halfway between a cough and a marry again. And a man can never have too laugh. “You know, there’s a man in my pit who “Not much information seems to get out of much water. I’d like to. But I’m not going to. thinks little worms live in his ears and talk to Caulthor,” Takeda said. You know why?” him at night. He rants every minute they aren’t “Right. You’re probably surprised I even beating him. Still...I don’t think I’ve met a crazy “Why?” know there’s an Empire. We figure things out. man until today.” The spacers and their whores talk sometimes, David bent forward, narrowing his eyes. He scratched his beard with one hand and the Hands can’t keep everything out. I “Because life is too bad as it is without making while staring at Takeda as if he had started to know that what goes on here would boil some it worse for anyone else.” combust. “You realize that you’ll probably die blood in other provinces. Offworlders come before you see the sun again? I can see you’ve sometimes, asking questions, and precious few Takeda sighed. “True enough. Thank you.” got muscle, but the Hands...they aren’t like of them ever leave. I think you’re one who got
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Memory Wipe, Chapter 19, The World of Fire by Sean T. M. Stiennon workers. They have power.”
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David rolled his eyes up towards the ceiling and curled his cracked lips. He tilted his head Takeda could have melted the table resting “Not your fault. We Rockmen...we don’t in one direction, then rolled it back the other between them in seconds and could probably know much. There are programs on the vid- way. “You know...there actually might. But have demolished the concrete house with a screen, but only ones the Lord allows, and wetime’s getting on and I have a shift to make. little bit more time. He suspected he could do don’t move around much.” You can stay here—I’ll just have to kill the more than most of David’s Hands. Showing him lights. Anyone comes knocking, hide under the He bent forward slightly, putting his elbows that might make the temptation to turn him in mattress and keep quiet for your life’s sake. up on the table. “I can tell you this, though—the too great. Have a drink, but leave me a liter or two.” Lord lives in a mountain near Caulthor’s south “I know it’s dangerous,” Takeda said. “But I There’s a small settlement there, with pole. He pointed to one of the cupboards, then have to try.” a little spear-gem mining and not much else. stood up. A rough smile cracked his features. But there’s another spot about...maybe eighty“You know, I never asked your name. What is David tapped his fingers against the table.miles away, where they strip out raw iron. A it?” Takeda couldn’t help but notice how rough lot of men work there. They tend to take older his hands were, criss-crossed by so many miners who they can afford to lose.” “Takeda,” he said. Tong knew the name, old wounds that scar tissue seemed to have but David seemed to be taking a great risk by replaced his skin. He was missing entire finger- “Why’s that?” letting Takeda stay in his apartment. nails. “The volcanos down there are active. The “Good to meet you, Takeda,” he answered. “You know, I think you’ve been telling deeper mines get hot enough to kill a man, and He collected a belt with a few simple tools the truth since you sat down. I won’t try to sometimes there’s a magma leak.” from a peg to one side of the door and put it dissuade you. I’d just ask you how you plan to Takeda tapped his fingers. “I see,” he said. accomplish that.” on. Then, without another word, he stepped “How far is that from here?” out into the crimson street and shut the metal Takeda shrugged. “Good information about door after him. “Three thousands miles, give or take a few Caulthor is hard to find. I couldn’t figure out exactly where Tong’s capital is located, and Ihundred.” There was still a chance that David was don’t think he allows any ships to land there. going to bring Tong’s enforcers down on him. The despair touching Takeda’s heart I thought I would worry about getting myself They’d take him, torture him, kill him. And deepened just a bit as he thought about the here first, then find a way to get to Tong.” Sherri would die with him—they’d have no use number. “Not possible,” he said. for her, once they had him. He noticed that David flinched slightly “You bet your ass it wouldn’t be possible to every time he pronounced Tong’s name. “Are But if he didn’t trust David...attempting get that far on foot. Caulthor soil can support you all right?” he asked. three thousand miles of blasted wasteland plants in some places, but I don’t know of many would be like trying to voyage between galaxies edible without engineering. Water would be David shook his head. “It’s nothing. Nothing in an atmospheric jet. Impossible. to you, at least. But here...any of the hands even harder. It’s just not there.” And Takeda had forfeited his life the heard me talking about the Lord so casually, “Is there any way an offworld stowaway moment he had snuck aboard the Gallant they’d whip me into bloody rags and send me could make his way down there, then?” Takeda Snatch. He could hardly consider himself fully out on a triple-shift.” asked. alive until Sherri was safe once more. There
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Takeda nodded. “I’m sorry.”
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was no way to avoid mortal danger—he could female with lines of golden beads gleaming infrom trade, passenger hauling, smuggling, or only select which risks he would take from the snow-white of her hair. A robe of deep red mercenary activity. among the thousands facing him. hung from her shoulders. The ice-haired female answered without a “Ratch Suto,” she said, in a voice just above pause. “Ridiculous.” He chose to trust David. He seemed to be a whisper. “Who do you bring before us?” a good man. Takeda accepted the miner’s offer The warrior who had spoken before added, of a drink, taking just enough to wet his throat, Ratch—a lean warrior with his black hair with a snort, “You’re not content to show your then turned out the light and groped his way back to his chair through the darkness. When tied back in a steel chain—stepped in front of ugly snout here in the first place. You have to David returned from his shift, they would Esheera and gave a stiff bow. He had been all try and rob us into the bargain.” talk about how Takeda might cover the three swagger greeting Esheera. Esheera felt anger burn away a little of her thousand miles separating him from Sherri. “Esheera Nii and her companion, Zartsi,” fear. She was the daughter of Eshmauk and he hissed. Raidi, the wife of Jaago Laan. She had worked # hard all her life. No being had any right to insult One of the councilors made a loud chokingher. The Suto Enclave Council held court deep sound, and Esheera looked up to see one of within the moon’s crust, in a chamber that the warriors rise to his feet, shaking his wing“I’m a widow,” she hissed, tilting her head looked as if it had been hacked of the gray stone flaps loudly. “And why do we need Nii bastardsto display the gray beads in her hair. “I have no money, no home, no ship, no livelihood. I am with rocksaws. The walls gleamed with speckshere?” he spat. Nii, but I haven’t let my pride prevent me from of quartz in the pale gold light that poured from The old female turned towards him. “Quiet, coming to you.” ornately decorated lanterns hanging from the Rizzik,” she said, and those two words were ceiling on chains. Rich hangings obscured much enough to silence him. “Pride?” the warrior hissed. “It’s pride to of the raw stone, depicting events ranging from think the Suto owe you a can of used oil.” the romance of Sheetis and Vak to the slaying She turned to Esheera. Her gaze was of the Hot Fang. anything but comforting—Esheera felt a fresh “Quiet, Rizzik,” the old female said again. The Suto warrior Ratch led Esheera and wave of cold wash over her as she looked intoThen she turned back to Esheera. Her gaze was Zartsi down a curved ramp to stand in a circlethose deep-set eyes. “Speak, Nii,” she said. cold. “I will give you one more minute before I have Ratch space you.” of smooth rock. Abstract carving embellished Esheera breathed deeply and released the the circle’s perimeter and Blacksnout guards She spoke in the Rover tongue, but Zartsi breath slowly, trying to calm herself and slow surrounded them. Esheera’s insides wormed the pounding of her heart. “Aged councilors, understood—he dropped into a fighting crouch themselves into knots as she looked up at the and his hands went to his daggers. “If they I’ve come to request the Jallinza right from the stone dais looming above her. Suto clan.” attack, I kill,” he hissed to Esheera in Imperish. Nine Vitai sat on the council, every one Under the terms of that right, Esheera would The warrior councillor, Rizzik, twitched his wearing the black face paint of the Suto. A be allowed to draw upon whatever reserves of wrist, cocking his volgi. “Are the Suto so weak couple were obviously warriors, with bladescrap parts and hulks the enclave possessed. they have to kill widows?” she spat, anger throwing volgi strapped to their arms and In exchange, she would operate her new ship superseding fear. iron rings in their ears and noses, but others in the name of the Suto clan and give them a showed streaks of white in their hair and deep “You knew our clan when you came here,” substantial portion of any money she made lines in their skin. The eldest sat in the center, a the female said.
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Memory Wipe, Chapter 19, The World of Fire by Sean T. M. Stiennon
Pg. 39
“Yes. I thought you would enjoy seeing how wrestle?” Rover men gave their women a knife at the much I’ve debased myself. You think my family beginning of the courtship. It symbolized his would like to know I came crawling to you?” Shocked expressions appeared on a few desire to defend her, and in practical terms it faces. The elder female—Milsu—looked gave a woman a way to defend her virtue from The female shook her head. “Your request surprised for the first time since the hearing him if he grew too eager. Jaggo had pressed remains denied.” had begun. Esheera heard Ratch snort, and this blade into her hand over a decade ago. one of the other guards laughed harshly. Zartsi The male sitting next to her—a merchant, tensed further. Esheera prayed to all the kind She lifted it to her lips and gently pressed judging by the silver chain looped around his stars he wouldn’t do anything stupid. the back of the blade against her nose as she neck— snorted loudly from her side. “That’s kissed the grip. Jaggo, she thought, give me not entirely fair, Ash Milsu,” he said, his voice “So that’s going to be your demonstrathe strength to throw this Blacksnout down. smooth like snake-skin. “We haven’t given thetion?” the merchant asked. “Show us what Whether he would have approved of this of poor Emshi a chance to prove her worth.” strong arms you built up beating your sluggambit or not, he wouldn’t want to see her a Laan mate?” killed by Suto. “How do you suggest?” Milsu asked. She clenched her fists. “No. I’ll show you And if she did fail...she’d see him all the The merchant waggled an ear at Esheera.that a Nii widow is more than a match for a sooner. “What do you say? Anything you can do to Suto warrior.” prove you’re worthy of being a Suto Jallinza? Esheera held the blade and offered Zartsi Juggling or rope tricks, perhaps?” The reaction from the council—particularly the grip. “Keep this safe for me,” she said. the warriors—was immediate. Wing-flaps She ignored his scorn. “Zartsi will confirm “What happens?” the Lithrallian hissed. flushed a deep, dark red and nostrils flared my honesty.” wide. Earrings and bracelets jangled. Even the snow-haired Milsu was angered—Esheera “Rover grappling,” she said. “I just need to “A Lithrallian who can barely keep his saw her eyes narrow deep within shriveled get his shoulders pinned, and I think I’ll have all weapons sheathed? I don’t think so,” the the scrap parts I want.” sockets. merchant answered. “All right, Ash Milsu. You’d better have them hauled away. Watch Rizzik stood and leapt off the dais, already “Are you certain you wish to do this, Rizzik?” the lizard.” working to unfasten the buckles of his volgi. the elder female asked, her voice cold. “Yes,” the warrior said. “Someone has to Ratch took a step towards her. Esheera “I accept, Nii,” he said. show the woman her place.” glared at him, saw the uncertainty on his face. He handed the volgi to one of the guards. Would he really force her out an airlock if She let out a long, weary sigh. “Very well. ordered to do so? He was young, but the Suto Three knives, a twelve-inch stiletto, a tiny Esheera Nii, if you can defeat Rizzik Suto in four-shot revolver, and the pulser holstered were hard warriors by any standard. grappling—judged by the council—the Jallinza on his hip followed. Esheera pulled out her Warriors. A last, desperate gambit occurred own knife—the only weapon she carried. Theright will be granted to you.” to Esheera—one she would almost certainly weapon was simple but functional, with a Rizzik pulled off the red leather jacket he lose. But she couldn’t let Jaggo’s ghost see six-inch strome blade. Her eyes went to the her suffocate in space without at least trying words engraved in the dark wooden grip: To wore and tossed it to one of the guards. His chest was left bare. He crossed his arms, and something. Esheera, my only love. thick ropes of muscle strained against his skin “Wait!” she barked. “Do any of you as he tightened them.
Ray Gun Revival magazine
Issue 42, March 15, 2008
Memory Wipe, Chapter 19, The World of Fire by Sean T. M. Stiennon
Pg. 40
Sean T. M. Stiennon Esheera spat on the stone at her feet. She She wondered if she had gone insane, or shook her arms to loosen her joints, ignoring if she had only imagined light and her life on Sean is an author of fantasy and science cRizzik’s scowl. Belar. She thought of her father, her friends, onnovelsandshortstories,withmanypubher co-workers, Takeda, the routine of work lica ons under his belt. His rst short story “On your mark,” she said to Milsu. at the Silver Sun and wondered if any of it collec on, Six with Flinteye, was recently had ever been real. Her hair never grew back.releasedfromSilverLakePublishing,andhe Zartsi stepped back, along with Ratch and She wondered if someone shaved it while shewon 2nd place in both the 2004 SFReader. the other guards, as Rizzik stepped into the slept. com Short Story Contest and the Storn Cook polished circle. It was no more than twelve feet Razor-Edged Fic on Contest with his stories in diameter—no room for much maneuvering. Infinite amounts of time passed. “Asp” and “ The Sultan’s Well,” respec veEsheera splayed out her feet. Then, some time after she woke up from a ly. “ The Sultan’s Well” has been published “Begin,” Milsu said. particularly deep sleep, an opening appearedin the anthology Sages and Swords.Sean’s overhead. The light was blinding, seemingly short story “ Flinteye’s Duel” was published Then Rizzik charged her. too bright for her to tell the color. She instinc-in Ray Gun Revival, Issue 01, and “ Flinteye ’s Sabotage” waspublishedinIssue35. tively moved away from it, clutching herself to # hide her nakedness. A raw croak came from Sean’sworktendstocontainlotsofac onand her throat. Only the fresh bowls of water and dry food adventure, but he o en includes elements of that appeared in her stone cell gave Sherri any Her eyes filled with tears, preventing her tragedy and loss alongside roaring batway to track time. She couldn’t tell how many from seeing more than a dark blur standing intles. A lot of his work centers around contimes they fed her each day, or even what a the light. The voice that called to her, however, nuing characters, the most prominent day was. She ate and drank as a necessity andwas soft and gentle. Feminine. “Are you hurt? of whom is Jalazar Flinteye (Six with FlinHow long has it been?” slept curled against the curving wall, her knees teye). He also writes tales of Shabak of tucked against her chest. No light broke the Talon Point (“ Death Marks,” in issue #9 of Sherri was too surprised to do more than darkness. Sometimes she sang, hummed, or Amazing Journeys Magazine), Blademascroak. The voice went on, “I’m sorry, I can’t ter (“Asp,” 2nd place winner in the 2004 slapped her hands against the stone just to break the silence. Even the food came silently,stay. He won’t kill you yet, I promise. I’ll comeSFReader.com Contest), and others who out of a panel in the floor which no amount of again soon.” have yet to see publica on. clawing or scraping would open. Then the door slammed shut, and Sherri Sean loves to read fantasy and science cShe cried often but quickly stifled her was smothered in darkness. on alongside some history, mysteries, and tears. She feared that someone, somehow, historical novels. His favorites inwas watching her every minute, staring out clude Tim Powers, Declare by of the darkness at her nakedness. Sometimes the Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn she crawled over every inch of the stone pit, trilogy by Tad Williams, Stephen Lawhead’s sweeping the floor with her hands to make Song of Albion trilogy, and King Solomon’s sure there was nothing alive in her cell but Mines byH.RiderHaggard.Hehasreviewed her. Once it occurred to her that there might books for Deep Magic: The E-zine of High be spiders swarming over the ceiling and she Fantasy and Science Fic on, and currently would never know it. reviews books at SFReader.com. Ray Gun Revival magazine
Issue 42, March 15, 2008
Pg. 41
The RGR Time Capsule
March 1 - March 14, 2008
Sci-Fi news from the Ray Gun Revival forums RGR Date: March 08, 2008
Mutterings among critics and writers indicate I frankly don’t read much SF, haven’t for a long that space opera may be on the rise again. What time, so I don’t know if space opera has taken are some themes from classic space operas of over the written word, but it sure dominates http://raygunrevival.com/Forum/viewtopic.php?t=1807 on the silver screen. Even one of the few movthe 50s and 60s that you’d like to see SF writers Haven’t been keeping up in Ba lestar Galactaking on again? And what are some themes ies I’ve seen recently that seemed to be trying ca? Here’s your 8 minute synopsis to catch for at least a smidgen up (and it’s frakkin’ of scientific accuracy, hilarious). Sunshine, was pretty stupid. Do I really have to slap the Spoiler tag on this?
Ba lestar Galac ca in 8 minutes
h p://io9. com/364874/ba lestar-galac ca-backstory-in-8-minutes The last survivors of the human race join up in a rag-tag eet of ships following the Galac ca through space, where cameras have a di cult me keeping up.
RGR Date: March 13, 2008
Speaking of space monkeys http://raygunrevival. com/Forum/viewtopic. php?t=1822
h p://io9. com/367243/thegreatest-space-monkeys-of-all- me
Space Chimps, coming this summer, is an animated movie about the grandson RGR Date: March 10, 2008 you’d just as soon leave behind? of the rst chimp in space. Ham III gets blastJohn Varley: “Space opera... has conquered all” ed into space by an unscrupulous senator. http://raygunrevival.com/Forum/viewtopic.php?t=1815 Space opera has not only arrived, it has conThen, somehow, he gets zapped to a faraway star system, where he has to help overthrow http://io9.com/365907/io9-talks-to-john-varley-quered all, since the release of Star Wars. Don’t get me wrong, I loved that movie (and none of the evil ruler of another inhabited planet. about-climate-disaster-and-space-opera the sequels), but I don’t see it as science fiction. Good thing two other smart, resourceful Space opera was the topic of a question in an The 50s and 60s, as I remember them, was the chimps are on board his spaceship. interview with noted sci-fi author John Varley. time when SF was moving away from the pulp crap of L. Ron Hubbard and hacks like him, and This is how it went: into more concerns of sociology and character.
Ray Gun Revival magazine
Issue 42, March 15, 2008