Sometimes even the Leader of Humanity just wants to get Out and About by herself... ----- Chapter 28. "So, Captain Austin, how do you find the Arena, now that you have returned and had some time to accustom yourself?" Ariane felt that she did quite well not to visibly jump at the deep, sonorous voice that she associated with the most severe beating she had ever taken. True, she'd emerged victorious, but despite that great and dramatic victory, what she remembered most about her battle with [ Continue reading... ]
Spheres of Influence: Chapter 27
August 12, 2013 By 1 Comment
Well, they weren't on board Zounin-Ginjou just as travellers; they had somewhere to *go*... ----- Chapter 27. Impressive, DuQuesne thought. Not quite up to the standards Seaton and I set, but then, this is real. As he'd guessed, Zounin-Ginjou was a luxuriously-appointed battleship, a warship with an admittedly thick coat of ocean-liner paint. The fact that Orphan was the lone member of the Liberated had obviously driven him to push the limits of automation in the Arena – and had drastically [ Continue reading... ]
Spheres of Influence: Chapter 26
August 9, 2013 By 11 Comments
Finally, Orphan gets to show off one of his favorite toys... ----- Chapter 26. "And finally," Orphan said, with a dramatic bow and sweeping gesture, "I shall complete the introduction so rudely interrupted these many months ago. My friends and allies, the flagship of the Liberated, the Zounin-Ginjou." Compared to the many kilometers-long dock extending from Nexus Arena, the Zounin-Ginjou might have seemed small, but at this range Ariane realized that the ship was huge – and beautiful. The [ Continue reading... ]
Spheres of Influence: Chapter 25
August 7, 2013 By 14 Comments
There was a little promise DuQuesne and Wu made to Orphan earlier... ------ Chapter 25. Ariane rose slowly to her feet, favoring her side. "Okay, I think I know when I'm beaten," she said, bowing to her opponent, Orphan. Wu Kung had been expecting her to yield earlier. But she's a real fighter, he thought with admiration. Won't give up even in a play fight without showing what she's got in guts. Orphan leaned back on his tail with a buzzing chuckle. "Oh, now that I [ Continue reading... ]
Spheres of Influence: Chapter 24
August 5, 2013 By 9 Comments
It had been mentioned that they needed more people... ------ Chapter 24. "I know it's only thirty people, but that's a hell of a crowd compared to us," DuQuesne murmured. He glanced in the direction of the group that was waiting, mostly patiently, outside the entrance to the Guardhouse area, then looked back down at the cable he was rigging. Going to need a lot more power here. Carl Edlund paused in the middle of fixing the last brace for the table. "I don't think they even outnumber you," [ Continue reading... ]
Spheres of Influence: Chapter 23
August 2, 2013 By 17 Comments
Simon may be on his way, but Ariane has other problems to deal with... ----- Chapter 23. "I shall not waste more of your time this day," Selpa said, and rose from the cradle-like seat that his species used. "And I will assuredly tell you of our decision when it is reached, so that you need not wonder what has happened. If you have not heard from us, then we have not yet decided." "I guess I can't ask for more than that. Thank you, Selpa'a'At. May your course be ever your [ Continue reading... ]
Spheres of Influence: Chapter 22
July 31, 2013 By 2 Comments
We've mentioned Simon several times earlier, let's see what he's up to... ------ Chapter 22. "Simon!" Laila Canning said, and there was honest surprise in her voice. "What in the world… or worlds, I suppose… are you doing here?" Simon looked around at the soaring lines of the Faith's great hall, and the lines of people of all species filing in. "Well, partly I have never been here before,and I admit to a great curiosity as to the workings of a faith which is held by members of almost [ Continue reading... ]
Spheres of Influence: Chapter 21
July 29, 2013 By 17 Comments
They'd finished the meeting, but there were still a few points left untouched... ----- Chapter 21. "I'll want to talk to you later, Wu," DuQuesne said as they got up to leave. "But first I have to talk with the Captain. Privately, if she will." Wu looked to Ariane, who nodded. "Stay in the Embassy, Wu Kung," she said, warningly. "I already promised… " Wu Kung began, then, seeing her start to straighten, quickly said, "I mean, yes, Captain!" Once the room [ Continue reading... ]
Spheres of Influence: Chapter 20
July 26, 2013 By 5 Comments
Well, it's time to convene the emergency beating...er, MEETing... ----- Chapter 20. "What the living hell is wrong with you, Sun Wu Kung?" Despite her anger, Ariane found it difficult to maintain the grim expression; the Hyperion Monkey King looked so utterly hangdog that part of her wanted to laugh, and another wanted to give him a hug. But I can't. This is far too important. I have to make this point. None of the others looked like they were laughing. DuQuesne's [ Continue reading... ]
Spheres of Influence: Chapter 19
July 24, 2013 By 13 Comments
And it was DuQuesne who'd left Wu alone, wasn't it? Where was *he* when all this went south? ------ Chapter 19. One Sky Gate located,DuQuesne thought in satisfaction. And if we didn't just get lucky at the opening gun, we might have quite a few Sky Gates leading to a bunch of places. It was true that there was some danger inherent in that, but overall it was probably a good thing; more options, more possible places to explore. As long as one of them doesn't lead to the Molothos homeworld [ Continue reading... ]
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