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Eloquent Tales & Blues

Steven Meehan

Welcome to Eloquent Tales & Blues, where the art of storytelling is infused with original blues. On this channel, I’ll be weaving captivating tales with my own blues riffs, creating a space where words and melodies come together to evoke your emotions and spark your imagination. With original narratives and riffs, each episode will open a door to a new world.

Whether you’re here for thought-provoking stories or a fun blues riff, Eloquent Tales And Blues offers something for everyone who appreciates the power of words and music. Join me on this journey of creativity, nostalgia, and soulful storytelling.

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S2 · E97
Saturday · 6 min
Bound Shadows
Tyrel retreated into the shadows, letting the darkness consume him. He glanced to his left and nodded as he raised a finger. When he saw Malik nod, he gestured down the trail, indicating the woman traveling by herself. He then turned toward his companions beside him. “Once she’s between our positions, we’ll spring the trap and collect our bounty.” “Are you sure about this?” one of the shadowy figures asked, pulling his weapon from its sheath. The blade caught the pale moonlight as he peered through the foliage. “Something about this woman is making me feel uneasy.” “Why are you bothered?” the last brigand asked as he elbowed his companion. “There’s no way this ends well for her.” “You shouldn’t ignore Ballard’s concern, Adlar,” Tyrel said as he retrieved his own blade. “Given that most caravans avoid this road at night, and our target is casually braving its dangers, I’d be concerned if Ballard wasn’t uneasy.” “Do our superior numbers put you at ease?” Adlar asked as he withdrew an arrow and placed it against the string. “I’m also wondering if that’s why you insisted that half of us use bows.” “The individual who hired us was the one who laid that obligation on our shoulders,” Tyrel said as he resumed studying her. “Though given her demeanor, and the lack of traveling companions, I’m glad he insisted.” As she neared, Tyrel nudged each companion’s shoulder before placing a finger across his lips as he tightened his other hand around the hilt of his dagger. Their target eventually passed by them, and when she reached the halfway point between the two parties, Tyrel and Ballard emerged from the shadows. They brandished their daggers while a massive thug stepped out, blocking the woman’s path. “Valerian Thorne, your success has angered your betters,” Tyrel said, stepping toward her. “We’re here to bring you to them. While they expressed a preference for how you’re escorted, killing you is an available option, one we’re willing to take.” Moonlight illuminated the woman’s form as she casually turned toward them, her laughter warm yet sinister, echoing along the trail. “Do you know more than my name?” “We were given all we needed to know.” Tyrel’s gaze flicked to his left as he raised his dagger. “Ready your arrows!” “How many do you possess?” Valerian asked as she crossed her arms over her chest. A smug grin touched Tyrel’s lips as he took a step to his right, giving his archer a clear shot. “There are three excellent marksmen with their arrows trained on your heart.” “That’s an insultingly low number.” Valerian shook her head as her hands fell to her side. A mocking tsk filled the quiet road as she raised her hands. “Had you tripled that number, you may have had a chance to escort me.” “What are you doing?” “Educating you,” Valerian said as she winked at Tyrel. Before any brigand could react, guttural growls ripped through the forest as vibrant, glowing red eyes, like ancient coals, blinked open all around them. “Unfortunately, whenever I’m forced to tutor the uneducated, despite my unparalleled success, my methods are considered cruel.” Tyrel shook his head as he thrust his dagger at the woman. “Fire!” However, the only response was a trio of yelps and cries, then snapping twigs. He turned toward Ballard, only to see a massive hound made of living shadow crash into him. Before Tyrel could react, the hound fixed its gaze on him and dragged his limp companion into the woods...
S2 · E96
October 31 · 6 min
Discovery: Forged Circuit
Gilras’s foot tapped the ground with a slow, steady force, like an axe splitting wood. Between strikes, Jarvis rested his hand against the dwarf’s shoulder. “Cecile will be out shortly.” “Why not produce more... drones?” Jarvis wiped his lips as he grinned. “Those drones are magnificent for their purpose.” “You don’t have enough to dent the horde.” “Gilras, their purpose was to pave the way to Cecile’s newest prototype.” The king dropped his axe’s twin blades to the ground, his grip tightening around the shaft. He glared at Jarvis as he pointed at the dwarves and humans toiling at the breach. “You say that while we’re repairing your wall.” Jarvis took a deep breath and clapped Gilras’s back. He clasped his hands behind him as he paced toward the construction site. About ten paces away, he bent down and lifted a piece of rubble. He tossed the hunk into the air and caught it. “The wall didn’t fall because we lacked enough drones.” A rough scoff escaped the dwarven king’s throat as he eyed Jarvis and shouldered his axe. “Are you suggesting that we could have helped prevent the damage?” “A dragon and a shapeshifter created this hole.” Jarvis shook his head as he hefted the rubble and threw it over the wall. He brushed a swath of rubble out of the way and sat down, laying his hands on his knees. Jarvis lifted another piece of rubble and squeezed it. “While Cecile’s drones are impressive, they lack the firepower required to pierce their thick scales or flush out the shapeshifters.” Gilras rested his battle axe against a larger hunk of rubble, then broke a piece off it. He lifted the small hunk, and his finger rubbed the edge of the stone. “Especially since they could be anyone.” “With luck, that’s changing.” Jarvis tossed another stone into the air. He inclined his head toward the dwarven king as his lips curled into a smile. Gilras jostled Jarvis’s leg with his boot. “How’s it going to change?” Jarvis tapped the stone against Gilras’s larger piece. “Cecile has engineered a few innovations that should help protect everyone.” “What does your tinkerer have for us?” A hum echoed throughout the courtyard. Jarvis grinned as he rose and pointed into the sky. “Her first creation is the source of this sound.” “What benefit does an annoying sound like that provide to anyone?” Jarvis chewed on his lip and chucked the piece of stone over the wall. He sauntered beside Gilras and dusted off his pants. Jarvis lifted his radio, his gaze lingering on the king. “Join Gilras and me at the gaping hole in our defense.” “Roger that,” Cecile answered. Gilras swapped the stone for his battle axe and prodded Jarvis with the end of the shaft. “Using that magic box to talk with your tinkerer doesn’t answer my question! What’s causing that racket?!” “You’ll see it in a moment.” Jarvis silenced Gilras’s objection by pressing a finger to his lips. As the hum intensified, he pointed upward, and a strange object whizzed into view. Gilras raised his battle axe, ready to hurl it at the looming intruder, but Jarvis caught his wrist...
S2 · E95
October 24 · 6 min
Transformation: Solara's Descent
As flames raced up the prow of the ship, Isaac sank into his chair and groaned. “What’s wrong with you?” Jasmine asked. Isaac shook his head and tightened his grip on the controls. His brow furrowed as he inched forward. “Only someone who didn’t fly this tub in an atmosphere would ask that question.” “This craft is a self-contained colonization ship.” Isaac grumbled as he fought the yoke. He bit his lower lip as the control pulled to the left. “Bah! I know what it is and why we created it. But it is an impossibility to construct a small city and expect it to be aerodynamic.” “Weren’t you the pilot who claimed you could fly anything?” Jasmine grinned, hooking her finger. “I’m certain that was you, boasting to Quinn.” “Yeah…” Isaac half-smiled before his attention whipped back to his console. “I may have been boasting to shut Olyver up.” “That’s always your problem.” “Yup.” Isaac’s fingers tightened around the controls. “Can you please try alleviating the drag against the city?” Jasmine’s hands shot to her controls as she shook her head. “You’re so needy.” “I figured you’d want to walk away from this landing.” She cocked her head at the pilot and watched beads of sweat trickle down his brow. Her grin dissolved as she gripped her chair. “Tell me you’re joking?” “I find it tasteless to joke about crashes because of their nasty side-effect.” With a grunt of effort, Isaac centered the controls. “I’m in no hurry to experience death.” Jasmine cursed, adjusting some dials. “Did that help any?” “A little…” Isaac strained against the trembling yoke, keeping it in the proper position. With a grunt, he reached for another console. “I need more lift. You’ll have to fire up the emergency thrusters!” “On it!” Jasmine leapt from her chair and dashed across the room, slamming the button, igniting the extra engines. “I didn’t want to use those right now.” Isaac glanced at a tiny display tucked to his left and grunted. “It was too early.” She wet her dry lips and peered at Isaac. “Please tell me we didn’t just blow this bucket’s last-ditch cushion.” “Can’t. If you’d look at your displays, you’ll notice that we’re still coming in too fast!” “Did we waste the emergency engines?” Jasmine asked as she raced for her seat. Her hand flew across the console, and she lifted her headset. “Everyone needs to secure themselves for a rough landing.” “No,” Isaac said as he struggled with the yoke. “At least I don’t think we did.” “I never know when you’re serious,” Jasmine said, securing herself. “Is the city going to crash?” Isaac’s eyes flitted between the display and his copilot. “That depends…” “The answer to my question was yes or no,” Jasmine said with an icy glare. “You shouldn’t have to qualify your answer.” “Incorrect,” Isaac said. “To give you a true or false response, I need to know how you define crashing.” “There isn’t a sliding scale!” Jasmine turned towards the pilot, her eyes widening...
S2 · E94
October 17 · 7 min
Discovery: Shadow Within
Ferrek kicked the metal wall. “No way this contraption kept anyone alive.” A wry laugh escaped Fenton as he looked over at Ferrek. A slow smirk crossed his lips as he laced his hands behind his head. “As it stands, you’re right. This ship was cannibalized to construct the walls. After a century exposed to erosion and neglect, of course the thing won’t fly.” “How’s it possible that this structure,” Ferrek said, indicating the decaying walls, “once transported people from another planet?” Fenton nodded and dropped his gaze back to the computer. When the screen flickered, Fenton whacked the terminal, cursing. He eased back, dropping his head into his hands. “While the secondary systems are failing, the computers appear to hold the data.” “Can you retrieve what Jarvis wanted?” Fenton shrugged. “I’m hopeful.” “What’s taking so long?” As the screen went black, Fenton cursed. “I’ll have to find another terminal. Though if this console had failed a year earlier, we’d have lost a piece of history. This isn’t just scrap. It’s a landmark of endurance.” “So, this is a wasted trip, then.” Fenton inhaled sharply. “No, there’s a chance I’ll be able to retrieve the information if it hasn’t been corrupted.” Ferrek leaned back and placed his foot against the bulkhead. The dwarf chewed his lip while he ran his hand through his beard. “How can you retrieve anything if the magic box isn’t working?” “Think of it like a window. Everything inside looks good. We just need another one to use,” Fenton said, abandoning the broken system. Ferrek’s shoulders slumped as he pushed off the wall and chased after Fenton. “What does that even mean?” Fenton’s head whipped around as he stalked down the hallway, his fingers tracing the wall. “Sorry, that’s not something you understand, is it?” “Who understands this sorcery?” Ferrek asked with a wry chuckle. Fenton stopped and turned back to Ferrek. “You don’t have to understand the tech to help.” “Why not bring one of your people?” Fenton scanned the hall, then resumed his march. “You dwarves are hardier than my people, considering the creatures we’ve seen.” Ferrek huffed, pounding the wall...
S2 · E93
October 10 · 7 min
Thread Bound
Mira walked out of her house and instead of finding her street, she discovered a vibrant forest, thick with golden light filtered through layered leaves. The branches overhead swayed in a rhythm too slow to feel like wind. The scent of damp moss mingled with aged bark that hung heavy in the air. She looked to the sky, only to find more layered foliage where the blue sky should have loomed over her. A shudder ran down her spine as she stepped back, colliding with a round surface. She whirled around, finding another tree instead of her home. She retreated a few steps as her body quivered. “I’ve never liked nature.” She pulled out her phone, waiting for the GPS to connect. When it did, she found that she was miles away from her home, deep within the forest she’d grown up avoiding. Everyone who lived there whispered it was haunted. As another shiver coursed through her body, Mira collapsed to the ground. Her grandmother once told her that no one truly entered these woods. Not unless the forest wanted them. Until now, Mira found it a laughable idea. “This forest was always too quiet, too large, and full of too many old stories about what happens at night.” After several panicked breaths, tears flowed down her cheeks as a glowing thread of light emerged from a nearby tree, gliding gently through the air. As Mira sobbed, the thread shimmered like spun glass, looping through the trees in slow motions, leaving brief motes of light in its wake. Its movement was playful, but deliberate, like it was choosing her. Yet Mira couldn’t see the glowing thread through her tears. After several moments of silent observation, the thread whirled about her. The abruptness of the motion halted the young woman’s tears. She looked up, studying the pulsing light. “What do you want?” It answered with a brighter pulse, circling her in a blur. Mira climbed to her feet as her head whipped about, searching for her home. “I don’t want to be here!” The light paused, as if waiting. She glanced over her shoulder, finding nothing but endless, silent trees, each one watching without eyes. Without making a conscious decision, she turned and followed the glowing thread. Her gaze snapped back to the light dancing around her face as she strode through the trees, as if drawn by an invisible tether. Drawn forward, each reluctant step brought her across moss covered trails, under arching boughs twisted by time, and past trees that seemed to breathe and whisper amongst themselves. With the light’s companionship, Mira passed stones marked with time and roots coiled like sleeping beasts. Nothing in the forest felt idle. Rather it seemed to be eager for something. With every passing step, the fear etched upon her brow lessened as memories of stories filled her mind. Though her fear had ebbed, a cautious awe took its place. She knew she wasn’t safe, but maybe she wasn’t supposed to be. After all, nothing so ancient offered safety...
S2 · E92
October 3 · 7 min
Discovery: Forced Decision
“There’s some information about my father in here,” Gilras said, sliding the tablet across the table. As Jarvis collected it, the king leaned back, grabbing his drink. “While most of those stories don’t concern me or my father, I found it all extremely interesting.” Jarvis tossed the device onto the desk. Leaning against his chair, he asked, “Have your people ever encountered the shifters from Tarian’s logs?” With a hearty laugh, Gilras lifted his goblet and peered inside. His gaze sank as his lips turned into a frown. He laid the cup down and jerked his thumb towards the door. “Can we move this conversation back to the banquet hall?” A curse slipped from Jarvis’s mouth as he buried his face in his palm. He grabbed his tankard and poured the amber liquid into Gilras’s empty mug. The moment he finished, he thumped his now empty mug on the desk and retrieved the tablet. “We have things to discuss before we return to the festivities.” “The shapeshifters from Tarian’s logs?” Jarvis nodded, sliding the tablet to the edge of the table. “You’d think with creatures like those described in here, this planet couldn’t surprise me anymore. But they still do.” Gilras gulped down more of his ale and belched before retrieving the pad and flipping through the entries. When he located the first entry that described a chemical that could counter the shifters’ abilities, he grinned. He tossed the pad to Jarvis and gulped more of his drink. “You’ve obviously retrieved information from your world’s previous expedition, but while you searched those records, did you come across the substance that Tarian’s people created to fight the shifters?” “Unfortunately, when Fenton retrieved the logs, he found nothing more useful. He didn’t have time for a proper search.” “Have you considered sending another team to Tarian’s shipwreck to retrieve more of the data it contains?” Jarvis wiped his mouth and shifted in his seat. As his gaze drifted away from Gilras, he grabbed a small ball and squeezed it absently, weighing their dwindling manpower. After a few seconds, he pocketed the ball, licking his lips. “We still haven’t had the manpower to send anyone up there.” “You have an ally that you didn’t have previously.” A grin spread across Gilras’s lips as he lifted his mug. He drained the last of the beverage and slammed the tankard onto the desk. He scooted to the seat’s edge and leaned forward, tapping the tablet. “Not to mention you possess interesting weapons that should free defenders from the wall for such an expedition.” “The drones won’t replace the men on the wall or in the tower.” Gilras rose, circling the desk, and with a powerful jerk, he pulled Jarvis to his feet. He clapped Jarvis’s back and pushed him toward the exit. “With threats like these shifters, we can’t afford to be careless. We’ll need every advantage we can get,” Jarvis said. Gilras grabbed a tankard from the table and shoved it into Jarvis’s gut. “Despite the horde, you need to learn how to relax. Death is this world’s constant companion...
S2 · E91
September 26 · 7 min
Transformation: Christened
“Aurora, are you there?” Olyver’s head whipped towards the comms. “Didn’t Escort One land?” “Yes,” Caitlin said. “This is Aurora.” Olyver rose and crossed the room, his eyes bouncing between the other triumvirs and the comm system in their shared office. He plopped onto the chair beside the unit with a sigh. “Who’s this?” “Escort Two,” Beatrix said. “Is everything okay?” Quinn asked, propping himself up. “You weren’t supposed to check in until you returned.” “We’re fine,” Beatrix responded. “We just wanted to give you all the information about the last planet in the system.” Olyver grinned, cocking his head to glare at Quinn. “Thank you, Beatrix. It’s nice to know that some people will follow the proper procedures.” “Save it, Olyver.” Quinn rolled his eyes and collapsed into his chair before groaning as he covered his face with his hands. “Beatrix, why are you calling in with an update?” “With what we found, we didn’t feel waiting until we returned would be all that beneficial,” Sarra said. “Sarra, you are not the comms officer for Escort Two,” Olyver said. “Shut up, Olyver,” Quinn said. Olyver’s lips curved into a snarl as his fingers wrapped around the chair’s arms. Quinn lifted a stylus and pulled a pad from his desk. He stared at the other triumvir until Olyver looked away. Quinn ran a hand through his hair and broke the tense silence. “Sarra or Beatrix, I don’t care which of you gives the update, as long as someone gives it to us.” “The last planet in the system has a pair of moons,” Sarra said. “Satellites, Sarra,” Beatrix said. “Of the pair, only one can be colonized.” “In only the loosest definition of the word,” Lora said. “Don’t sugarcoat the status of that toxic moon.” “Won’t the terraforming process clean the moon’s atmosphere?” Caitlin asked. “I mean, isn’t that the whole purpose?” “That would be the point,” Beatrix said. “Unfortunately, this environment is highly corrosive. It’ll eat through our equipment long before the surface is safe for colonists.” “Among other issues,” Lora said. “Don’t forget the laundry list of minor inconveniences that moon possesses.” “Yes, Lora, it will take a lot of work to colonize that satellite,” Beatrix said. “But that’s not the point behind our expedition.” “Thank you for the update, Escort Two. End the connection...
S2 · E90
September 19 · 6 min
Discovery: Forged in Necessity
“You or your messengers popping into my workshop daily aren’t going to expedite my work, Jarvis.” Cecile’s shoulders sagged as she rolled her eyes. Her fingers wrapped around the tool as she slammed it against her workbench. She tossed the implement onto the counter before cracking her knuckles on the table’s edge. “In fact, the more you pester me, the longer it’ll take to fabricate whatever you’re asking for. If you want it done, stop asking when I’ll complete it!” “Are you finished with your tantrum?” Her mouth scrunched, tugging her lips into a scowl. “Excuse me?” Jarvis leaned against the doorframe as he chewed his lip and tapped the edge of the door. “When you’re stressed and frustrated, it’s not uncommon for tirades like that to rush out of your mouth.” “Fine, maybe I’m a little worked up.” Cecile closed her eyes as she rubbed her temples, and a tense silence filled the chamber. When her eyes opened, she drew several breaths as she pulled a stool out from under the workbench. With a huff, Cecile plopped onto the seat and folded her arms across her chest. She reached out and plucked a bolt from the table and twirled it about her fingers. “Regardless, stop harassing me for a timeline. There’s no clear finish line for this, and you know it.” “I know it’s not easy, but you’ve had some success with the flight engines.” Jarvis stepped inside and leaned over the workbench, examining the collection of parts. “Especially considering the drone you were playing with during our previous visit.” “It’s a matter of scale.” Cecile dropped the bolt as she pulled a box out from under the table. She eased it onto the counter and pulled out seven of the mini-drones. “I’m capable of creating all the toys you want. However, I’m unsure they’ll do much good in providing the aid you’re expecting.” Jarvis lifted a drone and turned it over in his hands. One eyebrow rose as his voice carried an edge of urgency. “Could you alter the design to carry some of our weapons?” “Are you looking for remote-controlled attack drones?” “These won’t counter the enemy’s aerial threat that’s been mercifully absent recently.” Jarvis laid the drone down before clasping his hands behind his back. He reached up and massaged his brow with one hand. “Though depending on what you attach, they may help thin out the enemy’s ground troops.” Cecile shoved the box down the table and lifted a drone to examine it. “You’d need a swarm to make a dent in anything substantial. And no matter what weapon I attach, it won’t pack enough punch to drop anything the size of the monsters we’re up against...
S2 · E89
September 12 · 6 min
Chaotic Crescendo
Sebastian’s foot tapped as his head whipped about. Two figures approached from different directions. The nearest figure was his friend, carrying a sack over his shoulder. The other was an elegant man with hands clasped behind his back and a baton tucked under an arm. When Jimmy reached his friend, he dropped the bag next to Sebastian with a muffled clatter. Sebastian grasped his friend’s arm. “Look, the maestro’s on his way. Please don’t do anything to scare him. Just act like a normal person.” “That’s offensive.” Jimmy shook his head as he opened the bag and removed a tambourine. “I’m the poster child for normal.” “What did you haul over here?” Jimmy tapped the tambourine with a grin as the cymbals rattled and gestured at the approaching conductor. “I brought everything I’d need for my big musical debut.” Sebastian examined the sack and groaned. “You brought a collection of tambourines.” “Not just tambourines,” Jimmy said, pressing the one in his hand against his stomach. He stepped forward, lifting a finger. “I also brought tuning forks. And one triangle, for the emotional range.” Sebastian shook his head, burying his face in his hand. “Don’t embarrass me.” The conductor stopped a stone’s throw away from the friends, licking his lips. He eyed the bag, the pair, and the bandstand. It wasn’t much, but it would do for this impromptu audition. He gestured to the stands. “Mm, there’s a moody sky. We should have excellent resonance. Let’s begin with the Largo. Two bars in, you cue me and then follow my lead.” “Understood,” Sebastian said with a nod as he hustled to the stand. The conductor smiled as he withdrew the baton and tapped his thigh. “Finally, a flutist who listens.” Jimmy paused halfway to the bandstand and brandished his tambourine like a royal scepter. “I don’t play a flute. I’m here to add the percussion.” The conductor’s gaze whipped from Sebastian to Jimmy several times before he closed his eyes. “You’re with him?” “Unfortunately,” Sebastian said, his head dropping. “Very well.” The conductor tapped his baton on his thigh and took a deep breath. “One note out of time and I’ll leave.” Jimmy dropped his bag and elbowed Sebastian. “No pressure!” As the Conductor lifted his baton, raindrops pelted Sebastian’s head. He looked up and found the large hole in the canopy. He shook his head and moved to a drier section. “Why does the universe schedule rain just for me?” “At least you’re pre-watered.” Jimmy said, clapping Sebastian’s back. “This way you’ll grow better.” With a grumble, Sebastian took a brief breath and began a slow, mournful melody. Within moments, the conductor’s baton began controlling the course of the music. At a brief pause in the piece, Jimmy leaned forward. “Is it my cue?” Sebastian’s eyes narrowed as he flashed a glare at his friend. “Not yet.” The conductor eyed Jimmy as he continued to lead Sebastian through his piece. After several more somber moments, Jimmy leaned forward during another lull. “How about now?” “No!” Jimmy’s shoulders slumped as the song meandered in its somberness. However, after a few moments, when the song began to turn brighter, Jimmy’s face glowed as he added the jingle of his tambourine to the song. Sebastian whirled around and leaned toward his friend, waving a finger under Jimmy’s nose. “What are you doing?! You’re not even involved in this!” “What was that?” The conductor rushed forward and slammed his baton on the bandstand’s stone floor. “Why’d you disrupt the piece?!” “It felt like the perfect time to add a touch of the tambourine.” Jimmy eased his friend back as he stared at the conductor. “It was meant to add emphasis, drama, a flourish!” “It sounded like a raccoon stuck in a shopping cart!” The conductor ran his hand through his wet hair as he chewed his lower lip. “That’s interpretation!” Jimmy shook his head as he wrapped his arm around his instrument...
S2 · E88
September 5 · 6 min
Discovery: Dual Assaults
Jarvis' thumbs massaged his temples as a loud grunt tore through the gun encampment. He turned away from the battlefield and plucked his radio off his belt. "Fenton, those monsters are devastating our eastern defenses. Why haven't you dispatched the dwarven detachment to shore up the line?" A garbled reply cut through the heavy din. Jarvis pulled the comm to his lips as his eyes narrowed. "What did you say?" "They're currently supporting our western defense." Jarvis slammed his fist into the wall before dashing across the cluttered chamber and sliding behind another firing position. With a guttural growl, he placed the scope to his eye and studied the skirmish. "They'll survive without our allies. Get them over to the eastern flank." "Do you want them cut to ribbons as they bounce between breaches?" "Fenton, I'm not in the mood. Send them down the tunnel!" "Having them disengage will devastate both fronts." Swallowing a curse, Jarvis's gaze focused on the western defenses as he tapped the closest gunner's helmet. "Do you see what's holding up the dwarves?" The gunner nodded. Jarvis squeezed the gunner's shoulder. "Clear them a path." "Yes, sir," the gunner said, as he shifted his weapon and started thinning the herd. A second later, the other nearby gunners joined him, creating an opening for their allies. Once cleared, Jarvis activated his radio. "They're good to go. The dwarves need to be where they'll do the most damage. We'll do what we can to keep that hole clear and provide them with covering fire." "I need you to confirm that order." "Fenton, open the gate and get our allies out there!" Jarvis spun toward the eastern front and tossed a power supply to a gunner. The soldier quickly snatched it up and began swapping it for the spent one. Once the gunner finished, Jarvis yelled, his voice slicing through the din. "Reinforce the eastern wall!" "Moving the dwarves has left our western defenses dangerously exposed now." Jarvis swore as he rushed back to survey the raging battle, discovering a score of treeants lifting green-skinned monsters onto the wall. Initially, as the beasts landed on the path, the turrets vaporized them. Then a clever treeant grasped the edge, allowing the green-skinned monsters to race past the automated defenses. "Take out the treeants!" The cannon team next to him adjusted its aim and fired at the nearest treeant. The beam tore through the creature's back, splitting it in half, and the monsters racing up its length fell into the flaming ruins of the tree. With the first target and its payload engulfed in flames, the crews shifted their attention to the remaining treeants. Jarvis rushed to the next team and tapped the gunner's shoulder. "Take out the trees! If we don't cut them down, we'll be overrun by those vicious green-skinned beasts!" "The dwarves are clear of the walls!" "Copy that, Fenton." Jarvis lowered his radio and took a deep breath. "There are two objectives! Take out those shambling trees and protect the dwarves!" "Roger that," all the crews echoed. Jarvis spun and pointed at the teams resting against the walls. "Are those cannons ready for use?" Gregory hovered one hand over his heated cannon. "They still need to cool off." Jarvis clenched his jaw, studying the cooling cannons...
S2 · E87
August 29 · 7 min
Transformation: Escort Two
“Are the outer moons within sensor range yet?” Beatrix asked. With a sigh, Lora turned her chair away from her console and buried her face in her hands. “We’ll call you when we arrive at the gas giant.” Beatrix’s glower hardened as she kicked the doorframe. “We don’t have to reach the planet before I scan its satellites.” Zander rested his head in his hand. “You’ll be able to inspect all the moons soon. Can’t you just wait till we get there?” Beatrix walked into the cockpit and claimed the last station. “You’ve kept me out long enough. All the equipment is here.” Lora adjusted her controls before flicking the display. Leaning back, she dropped her head into her hands. “Whatever, Beatrix. Why are we scanning these moons?” “After what destroyed Laria, the triumvirs refuse to anchor us to one world,” Sarra said. Lora twirled in her chair, sighing and shaking her head. “What does that have to do with anything?” “Previously, the Federation would only settle a single planet in a system.” Zander grabbed his canteen and took a sip. “It didn’t care if there were multiple planets that might support a colony.” “But why are we wasting our time with the satellites?” With a smirk, Sarra tapped Zander’s shoulder. “Does it matter?” He capped the canteen and offered it to her. “Not when the triumvirs tasked us with scanning anyplace that might sustain life.” Lora’s eyes closed as her head fell back. “But the moons…” Beatrix activated the console. “Those can support an atmosphere. And we know nothing about what’s already there.” Her fingers worked the dials while she hunched over the display. With a sigh, she glanced over her shoulder. “That said, three of them aren’t large enough for the purpose.” Lora gripped her station, stopping herself. Her head whipped towards Beatrix as a smile grew. “Can we leave?” Sarra tsked at the pilot. “Not yet, Lora. Four more satellites orbit Aurora Three.” Lora slammed her hand to her forehead, muttering, “Aurora Three?” “Don’t you like the name?” Zander asked. Lora’s face scrunched as she leaned toward him. “It’s a little lazy.” “I think Olyver chose the names,” Beatrix said, adjusting her console. “Can you alter our heading?” “Why?” “Based on the preliminary scans we took upon arrival,” Beatrix said as she transferred the adjusted bearing to Lora’s display...
S2 · E86
August 22 · 6 min
Discovery: Relearning
Jarvis shouldered Cecile’s laboratory door open and entered. “What are you doing?” “I’m twiddling my thumbs while the devastating horde amasses for its latest assault.” “Your sarcasm doesn’t help.” “Don’t you have other things to deal with besides bothering me?” Cecile peered over the table, fire sharpening her stare. She cocked her head, leaving one narrowed eye visible. “Like dealing with the influx of our newest allies?” Jarvis ground his teeth and drove his fist into the metallic doorframe. He drew several breaths and flexed his reddened fingers until they steadied. “Cecile, I require your cooperation, not your flippant attitude.” “I’m busy trying to find other ways of defending this outpost.” Cecile pressed both hands against her temples and clenched her teeth around a scream. When she stood, she rested her palms on the counter, and her fingertips started tapping a soothing rhythm. She gestured at the half-finished experiments scattered throughout her lab and pressed both fists into the counter. Seconds later, her knuckles cracked through the silent laboratory. “I doubt the plasma cannons we cobbled together will be sufficient.” “I seem to remember you crafting those with relative ease,” Jarvis said, crossing his arms. Cecile dropped her head as she gripped the edge of the counter. As her fingers turned white, she bit her lip, letting the silence build between them. After several tense heartbeats, a false smile wormed its way onto her face. “You shouldn’t mistake how quickly we finished for how difficult the work was. It only looked simple from outside. My crew and I toiled for days to finish every one of those contraptions.” “Point taken,” Jarvis said as he crossed to her worktable. “You’re right. Against the flying cavalry, those plasma cannons won’t be sufficient.” Plucking a beaker from a nearby counter, Cecile threw it at him. Jarvis leaned back, letting the glass sail past him to shatter against the far wall. When the final shard settled, he rubbed his chin. “That wasn’t called for.” Cecile rounded her workstation and jabbed Jarvis in the chest. “What more do you want?” “We need to be able to negate their aerial advantage.” Jarvis caught her wrist and lowered it. “We can’t continue fighting while their monsters control the skies above us.” With a series of grunts, Cecile’s eyes narrowed as she ripped her hand from his grasp. When her string of protests died away, she turned and slammed her fist on the tabletop. Cecile shut her eyes, easing tension from her shoulders. She released a sigh as she pulled herself onto the table, crossing her legs. “Did you come down to push me to work even faster? Or do you have an impossibility already in mind?” “We need to combat those monsters’ aerial support on an even footing.” “Oh, is that all you’re asking me to accomplish?” Cecile groaned as she slid to the floor. She rounded the table, flinging open a series of cabinet doors. She lifted several models and, after a brief examination, she either returned them or tossed them over her shoulder as she dove for the next one. After searching the cabinets, Cecile dropped to the drawers and rifled through their contents and papers. After ransacking the entire lab, she planted both hands on her hips. “What are you looking for?” “It should’ve been there,” she said through clenched teeth. She rose and rushed across the laboratory to rifle through several small piles. With a squeal of joy, she pulled a pair of devices from the mess, brandishing them as she hurried back to Jarvis...
S2 · E85
August 15 · 6 min
Truth’s Cost
As the first raindrop struck her cheek, Halwen flinched and yanked her foot from the rickety bridge. The forest roared as the wind whipped past, carving furrows in the water’s surface. The rippling water hinted at hidden life in the depths clinging to secrets best forgotten. She withdrew a small book from her bag and read the initial lines. If you desire answers that no soul can provide, there’s a single option. Tread where no soul dares and awaken the sleeper in the swamp. With a sigh, she returned the book and looked past the bridge. Halwen studied the dull green sky behind the treetops, the result of something alien casting the world in an unnatural haze. Pulses of intense light ripped through the clouds overhead, though no sound reached her ears. Beneath the alien light, the crooked cottage slouched against the trees beyond the far side of the water. Halwen’s hand hovered near her chest, as if stilling her breath might quiet thoughts louder than the rain. The structure was half swallowed by moss and forgotten by time. Its warped tiles glistened with the storm’s touch while the windows flickered with light. When she put her foot on the bridge, the rope snarled and the wood whined as her boot settled upon it. Beneath her weight, the plank sagged as if asking a vital question. Are you sure you want to cross? Halwen pulled her cloak about her shoulder as she released her breath and stepped onto the bridge. Another gust tore through the swamp as more rain splashed against her face. Branches creaked like ancient bones as death and decay overwhelmed her in time with a clap of thunder. Despite the rain intensifying, Halwen forced herself onward. By the time she reached the halfway point, she paused and peered over the railing. As she studied the ripples from the rain, the bridge moaned like a giant straining to keep its burden aloft. The rope rails strained, half-severed in places. Below, the black swamp water stirred lazily, reflecting the leaning cottage at the bridge’s end. Her tongue ran over dry lips. One hand gathered her hair, the other dropped to the hilt at her side. A barely held breath preceded her single backward glance. Then, without another thought, she walked forward, ignoring the downpour and the moss-slicked planks. When her foot touched the distant shore, she ran to the building and marched up the stairs. The door hung open as if it had been expecting her arrival. She peered through the opening, studying the contents. In the dim light, a kettle perched on the hearth’s fire. Beyond the touch of courtesy, vines curled up along the walls, racing toward the ceiling. Across from the hearth there was a bed of twisted reeds, with a slumbering figure resting upon it. This strange figure was neither young nor old, just still. The hands folded upon the figure’s chest, with dried hair as vibrant as river grass. The individual’s breath came slow and steady, barely lifting the blanket that clung to the body. Halwen rose and wrapped her fingers around the door. As she was about to open it, she released the wooden slab when she saw the creature standing vigil over the figure, a sheep. Its faintly glowing eyes stared through her, while the wool felt like an undulating fog. It didn’t bleat or back away. It simply stared. Halwen held its gaze for what felt like an eternity. She licked her lips as she opened the door and stepped inside. “I need answers. I was told the sleeper knows all.” Silence answered her question. After several seconds, the sheep blinked in unison with the sleeper’s inhalation. The movement was subtle, but powerful. Like the world taking notice. A harsh voice filled the cabin as the still figure opened pale eyes...
S2 · E84
August 8 · 7 min
Discovery: New Beginnings
Amid the dwarven hall’s merriment, two mighty tankards, brimming with sweet brew, were shoved in front of Jarvis and Fenton. Fenton’s slender fingers snapped around the smooth wooden handle without hesitation, but Jarvis pushed his own stein away as a low groan escaped from his throat. As laughter boomed throughout the hall, Ferrek downed the last of his ale. With a belch, the dwarf slammed the empty mug on the table as his mouth curled into a devilish grin. “Bring me another!” With trembling fingers, Jarvis slid his drink toward his guide. “Here’s a fresh one for you.” The dwarven king leaned forward, placing a thick finger against Jarvis’s tankard as his lips drew to a thin line. With a gentle push, the stein reversed its course, stopping just in front of the human leader. His thick finger tapped the stein’s rim while Gilras’s eyes darkened. “It’s impolite to refuse a drink offered freely.” “I wasn’t trying to offend.” Gilras cleared his throat with a hearty growl. “The only excuse not to partake is that something is wrong with what’s been given.” Fenton’s lips spread wide as he lifted his fresh mug. “I’ve never tasted a better brew.” “Agreed,” Jarvis said, pulling the tankard away from the king’s fingers. “Unfortunately, I don’t share your constitution. If I enjoy more of this marvelous ale, I won’t be able to ask what happened to Tarian’s colony.” Ferrek chuckled as an attendant replaced his stein. He drank half the fresh mug and sighed as he laid the stein down and wiped his face with his sleeve. “Gilras, remember all our stories.” “What about them?” Gilras asked as he leaned back in his chair. “Keep in mind our new friends are just like Tarian’s folk from your father’s time. All our tales from that era highlight their inability to match our tolerance or love for grog.” The king stroked his beard as his gaze drifted toward Jarvis. His stubby fingers combed through the thick hair at his neck while a heavy silence settled across the room. “You’re not wrong, but I expected more from this new batch of humans, considering how you described their battles with the horde.” “After all this time, and despite their mighty weapons, they’re still frail in comparison to us.” Ferrek lifted his tankard and tapped Jarvis’s shoulder. “But even if you are on the verge of collapsing, it’s polite to taste every drink given to you.” Jarvis closed his eyes as he lifted the tankard off the table and took a small sip. As he placed it down, he licked his lips as a sigh rushed out. “Now, what can you tell us about Tarian’s colony and what became of it?” “Not much,” the dwarven king said, clasping his hands. “It was a little before my time.” “Your kin was nothing more than legend,” Ferrek said, waving his brew about. Gilras sighed and took a pull from his tankard. “My father, Fitik, ruled during Tarian’s expedition, Jarvis.” “Is he still alive?” “You are fortunate,” Gilras said as he slowly swirled the ale about his stein...
S2 · E83
August 7 · 7 min
Transformation: Planetfall
“Isaac, wake up,” Jasmine said as she shoved the pilot’s arm. “I’m awake.” The pilot ground his teeth as he cracked one eye open. He exhaled and swiveled toward his copilot. “My eyes needed a rest, nothing more. And you know from experience that poking me isn’t smart.” Jasmine shook her head and adjusted the controls at her station. She leaned back, rested her feet on the console, and laced her fingers behind her neck. “We’re finishing the last circuit, and the sun’s interference muddied three mineral scans. We need to update the triumvirs.” Isaac dismissed her comment with a smile. “You don’t imagine Quinn or Caitlin will be concerned with a trivial delay, do you?” “Those two won’t care.” Jasmine winked and waved him off. “But I’m sure Olyver would complain about it.” The cockpit door opened, and Britt walked to the third seat. “Are we ready to call the triumvirs?” Isaac grabbed his cup and peered inside. He drained the contents before tossing the crumpled cup at Britt’s head. “What are you doing up here?” The older man deflected the improvised projectile and glared at Jasmine. “Can’t you control him?” “Britt, he tossed you out of the cockpit already.” Jasmine clicked her tongue, lowered her feet from the console, and shrugged. “Isaac, we need to report, and Olyver insisted Britt is the communications officer.” “Whatever you say.” Isaac turned back to his controls. Britt adjusted his panel and opened a channel to the triumvirs. “Aurora, this is Escort One. Do you copy?” The comm line remained silent in the cockpit. Isaac glanced at Jasmine and winked before Quinn’s voice came through. “This is Quinn. What’s your status?” “Where are Caitlin and Olyver?” Britt asked. “They’re busy, but we don’t need them right now.” Quinn paused, then leaned closer to his device. “Can you tell me the planet’s condition?” Jasmine strode over to Britt’s station, batting the other man’s hand away. He bristled, but her glare kept him from moving. Jasmine jabbed the communications button. “Initial scans support a settlement. The atmosphere is stable, and the river basin holds enough water and cultivable soil to sustain one. But the solar interference keeps obscuring the northern mountains.” “Will the settlement require additional support?” Quinn asked. Jasmine took a shallow breath. “For the first year. But if the ridge contains what those distorted readings suggest, the settlement could supply resources in short order. Will you approve a landing?” Isaac released the controls, shifted in his seat, and swiveled toward Britt. “Orbital scans cannot tell us whether the landing site holds usable ore or unstable stone...
S2 · E82
July 25 · 6 min
Discovery: Through the Woods
While Jarvis dabbed his forehead, the rough bark dug into the small of his back. After stealing a few precious moments, he shoved the damp cloth into his pocket as he hustled through his people and chased down their guide. When he reached the dwarf, Jarvis caught the stout warrior’s shoulder. “Ferrek, how much further do we have to go?” Hearty laughter exploded from the guide’s mouth as his head twisted. “We’re closer than the last time you asked. However, if you’re not as hearty as you claimed, we can take another break.” “No,” Jarvis said between ragged gasps. He pressed his palm against his chest as his head whipped about, searching the endless trees. “I’ll be fine.” “Provided you survive,” Ferrek said, clapping Jarvis’s side, “you should add exercise into your busy day.” As Jarvis’s knees wobbled, he leaned against a nearby tree. With raucous laughter, Ferrek spun around and continued marching through the forest. As the dwarf wove through the trunks, Jarvis plucked his canteen from his belt and swallowed several gulps. Once the water tumbled down his throat, he wiped his mouth and hustled after the guide. As he crested the hill, a stout hand slapped Jarvis’s stomach. “What was that for?” “Look down,” Ferrek said, pointing at the ground. Squinting his eyes, Jarvis stepped away from the fissure splitting the ground before his boots. He shook his head and inched toward the chasm. “Where do we go from here?” The dwarven guide lifted his hands as his grin tugged at his cheeks. “Patience, Jarvis, there’s a twisting path that leads directly to the bottom of this cliff and the entrance to our home. It’s good that you got your second wind. The climb down will be taxing.” “After you.” With a nod, the guide spun around and marched along the cliff’s edge. When the dwarf reached a gnarled tree, he spun around it and followed the trail as it bent around the cliff face. When they reached the bottom of the cliff, Ferrek clapped Jarvis’s back. “Cheers, you and your friends are the first outsiders allowed inside our halls.” With a nod, Jarvis took another pull from his canteen. “Thanks for the honor.” Ferrek gestured toward the far wall of stone and bowed. “Your courage in battle earned you the right to face our king.” Jarvis’s hand quivered as he grabbed Fenton and pointed at the intricate stonework opposite them. “Can you see that?” “It’s a little hard to miss,” Fenton said as he pulled himself free from Jarvis’s grasp. Jarvis shook his head and rubbed the feeling back into his legs before he resumed chasing after his guide. Silently, their group passed through the massive archway, and the solid stone doors sealed behind them. The torches lining the walls shone brightly, reflecting off the gold and silver inlays. “Your hall could withstand a siege, Ferrek.” “It’s sufficient for our needs.” Fenton cleared his throat as his head swiveled to take in everything he could...
S2 · E81
July 18 · 6 min
Discovery: Uncovered Truths
With a knock on the doorframe, Jarvis stalked into the makeshift laboratory. "Did you complete the study, Myriam?" The scientist's eyes darted to the pad beside her. As her breath rushed out, she clutched the tablet to her chest. "We've run the test multiple times." "What are the results?" One of Myriam's hands fell from the device. "Something has to be wrong with the field samples." "Please give me the tablet." Jarvis stepped forward, reaching out with a weary hand. "I'll examine what you've discovered for myself." The scientist's eyes widened as she thrust the pad into Jarvis's grasp. "Somehow, the horde descended from the original expedition. How's that possible? We do not share any similarities with those monsters." Jarvis pressed the device into the table's edge as he stifled a groan. "I was hoping Diana's findings were flawed, but two studies have turned that hope into denial." "I was repeating someone else's work?!" "Calm down, Myriam," Jarvis said as he pulled the tablet to his chest. "While her results corroborated Tarian's logs, I couldn't leave something like this to a single study." "Did her work provide you with anything useful?" Jarvis's head swayed back and forth as he flicked the device on. "I am not sure, but hopefully, your combined efforts will provide clarity. While I examine everything, please have all the bodies incinerated." "You want me to burn their dead?" Jarvis sighed as his eyes glazed over. "Despite their appearance, these studies prove those monsters have a shared history with us. As a result, they deserve to be laid to rest. Unfortunately, we don't have the time to bury them. Use Cecile's cannons to vaporize the remains." Reaching for her radio, Myriam swallowed a groan. "If you insist." With a nod, Jarvis whirled about and left. As he hurried down the hall, Fenton fell in beside him. He pointed at the device. "There's a rumor spreading that our enemies are related to our ancestors." "I already knew that." Fenton stopped and spun Jarvis around. "I'm sorry, could you repeat that?" Jarvis shrugged out of Fenton's grasp and shoved his face next to his. "Tarian's logs are filled with useful information...
S2 · E80
July 11 · 7 min
Memory’s Weight
With a growl, Calen crumpled the map as mist clung to his face. He wiped his mouth as he leaned against a tree. Calen reopened the weathered paper and examined it. When he finished, he shoved the map into his pocket. “That’s what I get for chasing whispered gossip.” *“Whispers can possess the same weight as facts.”* He whipped around, searching the dense wall of foliage. He inched closer to a dense swatch of bush and thrust his arms inside. With a long breath, he spread the branches, revealing a mist rolling across the ground. He removed his arms, retrieving the map to read the note written on the reverse. > The archive of all walkers can be found where the markings glow faintly and the air empowers the scent of memory. “I should have gotten more information from the traveler I bought this from.” *“You’ve found the path you need for recollection.”* Shaking his head to banish the strange voice, Calen stepped through the foliage. Once through the dense vegetation, he stepped into a moss-draped glade, where light ran through the gaps in the canopy. Filtered light mingled with green foliage, casting shifting shadows despite the stillness. Moments passed as the mist unfurled from the glade’s edge. Calen had studied magic for decades. He’d translated ancient memoirs. He debated the ethics of dangerous spells with high mages. Calen even argued with a vampire, convincing him not to satiate his hunger. However, none of his past achievements prepared him for the weight of this place. He felt it first in his fingertips, the ghost of calluses he didn’t have. He staggered toward the emerging mist as a memory bloomed. Calen ran barefoot through a grassland. Occasional blades brushed his cheek as he chased someone whose laughter reminded him of heavenly bells. When she turned, something inside him surged. The way her eyes crinkled when she smiled, he knew her. He wanted to call out her name, but it refused to come. Yet still, he mourned the loss of his sister. But he’d never had a sister. As he staggered closer to the rolling mist, more vivid memories flooded into his mind. With each new one, his legs quivered. He was whisked through the world to stand on a hillside with a silver-feathered hawk perched upon his arm. The bird’s head twisted to him as its talons dug into the thick leather glove wrapped about his arm. While the pressure on Calen’s forearm squeezed, its eyes mirrored his own resolve. Not affection, not command, but allegiance. It seemed the bird traversed centuries to locate him...
S2 · E79
July 4 · 7 min
Transformations: Direction
When the door slammed shut, Olyver jumped to his feet. “We’re heading back to the stars.” Caitlin sighed, burying her head in her hands. “That’s not what Lambert told us, Olyver.” Olyver sat on the desk’s edge and glared at her. “Lambert said they completed the structure. Last month, the frame needed four weeks before anyone could survive outside of the space dock.” “A projection based on borrowed crews and atmosphere processors.” Caitlin plucked a pen off her desk as she rubbed her brow. With a steadying breath, she whirled it about her fingers. Her eyes narrowed as she stared at him. “Isn’t that right?” “Those workers bought us time,” Olyver objected as he gestured with his hands. “So why are you treating progress like a problem?” “We have to reassign them.” Caitlin slammed her pen down, punctuating her words. Olyver sighed as he gripped his desk’s edge. “When did Quinn enter the office?” She jumped to her feet and leaned over her desk. “You knew this measure wouldn’t last. Every extra week on the ship delays important planetary infrastructure, not to mention vital tools for colonization.” “Such as?” “The eastern anchors,” Caitlin said, rising to her full height, “and the processors Lambert says will miss calibration if their crews don’t return before the next supply cycle.” “Fine,” Olyver waved at her as he paced about their shared office. “The loan ends before it becomes theft.” “We drafted a schedule for shifting the workers’ focus.” Caitlin nodded her head and withdrew a document from a drawer. She walked to Olyver’s desk and laid it down. “Please review and sign the official transfer.” Olyver lifted it and reviewed the words. When he finished, his gaze rose to hers. “When did you and Quinn find time to draft this?” “Soon after arranging for the influx of workers.” She turned and returned to her seat. Caitlin reclaimed her pen and pointed at the document resting on Quinn’s desk. “Lambert warned us that the loan had a hard edge. Keep them longer, and the first colonists may have a ship before they have somewhere safe to settle.” Olyver looked away as he dropped the transfer. “But why didn’t you talk to me about it?” “We did.” Caitlin’s smile warmed as she thrust her pen at the document. “You’re voicing your concerns now.” Olyver’s knuckles whitened as he forced a question through his sneer. “Why not bring this kind of decision to me earlier?” “Because you were talking with your constituents,” Caitlin said. “Sign it. Then you can tell them the ship gained three weeks without stealing six from the platforms.” Grumbling Olyver plucked the pad off his desk and read through the proposal again...
S1 · E78
June 27 · 6 min
Discovery: Replenished
As the radio crackled to life, Jarvis pulled it to his ear. “Fenton, talk to me.” “This is the third thrust the horde’s prepared today. Where are they finding more bodies?” “Who knows?” With a grunt, Jarvis peered through a hatch. “Just remember your targets. We can’t waste energy targeting the same creatures.” “We’ll handle the medium threats, but we’d appreciate proof that those upgraded cannons exist and work.” “Cecile should have more soon.” “Are you talking about a normal person’s definition... or hers?” Jarvis pulled a rag from his pocket and wiped his face. As he returned the damp cloth, he nudged the gunner wielding the altered prototype. “I’m hopeful we’ll receive more soon.” “That means we’re using Cecile’s ambiguous interpretation.” “She’s converting several at once, and she insists the process is complicated. We have one flexible weapon capable of eradicating huge swaths of these monsters.” Jarvis switched the radio for a scope and examined the assembling creatures emerging from the distant treeline. “While you handle the infantry, my gunners will deal with those walking trees.” “Roger that. Then we’ll trust you to neutralize whatever air support materializes.” “This assault doesn’t have any of those pesky flyers,” Jarvis said as he moved to another hatch. “But that doesn’t mean they won’t appear once the charge starts. If they do, they’re our problem. I don’t want your attention drifting off those green skins.” “Roger that.” “Get ready.” Jarvis switched the radio’s channel and activated it. “Cecile, where are those upgraded cannons?” “We need another thirty minutes for the full batch!” Jarvis’s fist slammed into the bulkhead, and as he pulled it away, a few droplets of blood tumbled from his fingers. “I don’t expect our relentless enemy to sit and wait while you finish tinkering. Bring whatever weapons are finished!” Jarvis switched off his radio and rushed to the gunner wielding the prototype. He squeezed Gerald’s shoulder and kneeled beside him. “Gerald, target the most densely packed sections of their infantry.” When the gunner activated the weapon, the hum thundered through the chamber. “I remember the warnings, though I’d rather start thinning them out now.” “I understand the frustration, but they seem to have an endless supply of bodies.” “That doesn’t mean I have to like our problem.” “Don’t worry. They’re not going to keep us waiting long.” Gerald pulled the scope to his eye as his fingers whitened around the weapon’s grip. “That wasn’t comforting. Hopefully, my stomach will settle once they charge.” A woman to Gerald’s right snorted as her head twisted. “I’ll remind you of that once the onslaught reaches us.” Jarvis stepped between them as he studied the undulating creatures...

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