Sharp-eyed readers will notice there's one edit that needs to be done in this chapter; missed it when I changed something during the writing process. So Simon had something to tell Ariane... ------ Chapter 5. "All, right, Simon; you insisted we have breakfast in private today," Ariane said; per Simon's request, she'd even had Wu Kung stay outside the meeting room. "What is so important?" Simon was uncharacteristically sober; his usual smile was a shadow of its normal self. "I would have brought this up yesterday, but by the [ Continue reading... ]
Challenges of the Deeps: Chapter 1
September 30, 2016 By 4 Comments
Today we begin snippeting the third Arenaverse novel, Challenges of the Deeps, which will be released March 2nd, 2017. The eARC will be released in early December, by which point about one-half of the book will have been snippeted. Re-Enter the ARENA! ------- Chapter 1. Ariane Austin felt the peculiar jolt that the Sandrisson jump always gave her, and found a smile on her face. "We're back," she said. "Out of the political frying pan and into the Arena's fire," DuQuesne said, chuckling. "Feels good, doesn't [ Continue reading... ]
Women and the Adventurer’s Census (Kicking Ass and Taking Names)
August 19, 2013 By 9 Comments
I've on occasion been asked "what made you decide to have a woman as your main action character?", or something to that effect. Honestly, I don't really work that way. I don't sit down and say "Hey, I should write a story with a character that is X". I think of some neat story idea, and the characters I create are the ones that fit the story. That said, I suppose the fact is that it would never have occurred to me NOT to have at least some of my stories with truly kickass heroines. Looking over my books published thus [ Continue reading... ]
Spheres of Influence: Chapter 28
August 14, 2013 By 4 Comments
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 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 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 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 17
July 19, 2013 By 5 Comments
And now, it's time to meet up again with another Faction we haven't seen in a while... ----- Chapter 17. "May the Minds show favor on this meeting," Sethrik said formally, as he seated himself before the conference table in one of the split-back seats designed for his species. "It is a pleasure to meet more of your people, Captain Austin." "It is a pleasure to meet with you as well, Sethrik of the Blessed," Oscar Naraj said, and Michelle Ni Deng echoed the sentiment. Oasis Abrams was [ Continue reading... ]
Spheres of Influence: Chapter 14
July 12, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Let's get out and about in the Arena, shall we? ----- Chapter 14. "I thank you for being so open-minded, Captain," Oscar Naraj said to her with a more genuine smile than he had given in the first few hours after learning the truth. A couple of days to look at things and mull it over has at least given him some perspective… I hope. "I won't say I'm open-minded on this subject, Ambassador – actually, I'm pretty certain I know exactly what's going to happen – but I'm willing to let you and Deputy Ambassador Ni [ Continue reading... ]
Spheres of Influence: Chapter 11
July 5, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Now Ariane has some difficult questions... ----- Chapter 11. "Arena," Ariane said to the empty air of her own room in the Embassy of Humanity, "I have serious questions with respect to the operation of a new Faction, and it would seem unwise to trust other Factions for the answers. Will you speak?" She knew from experience that the Arena – or whatever intelligence controlled it – would rarely speak on its own, and even if addressed directly would only speak if the request fit [ Continue reading... ]
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