Adult Space Opera

En un futuro distópico, donde el comportamiento humano finalmente ha llevado la destrucción al planeta, una raza alienígena ha salvado a algunos de los que estaban dispuestos a escapar de una Tierra condenada. Viviendo en su enorme nave nodriza, con todo lo que necesitan, un antiguo juego se reinventa a partir de un deporte nativo americano. El Nuevo Batey se convierte en su entretenimiento y surgen nuevos héroes para jugarlo. Chilly es uno de ellos. Pero, ¿cuánto tiempo podrá soportar la adulación de la multitud?

Grady has led a serene and perfect life within the Compounds, self-sustaining living units that are sealed off from the rest of the world. His existence has been comfortable, having never wanted or desired anything that wasn't provided for him. All of that is about to change.

"Mein Herz klopft. Eigentlich müsste ich sofort die anderen rufen, aber das mache ich nicht. Ich fühle mich wie der gestrandete Robinson Crusoe. Auch er dachte, die Insel wäre unbewohnt. Doch das war falsch." Endlich erreicht das Raumschiff den Planeten Kepler62. Ein wahres Paradies mit saftigen Graslandschaften und wunderschönen Wäldern! Doch der Planet birgt dunkle Geheimnisse. Jonis rätselhafte Krankheit wird immer schlimmer und als Marie seltsame Spuren entdeckt, ist gewiss: Sie sind nicht allein.

Fresh out of the Academy, Cal must learn to fit in on an antiquated, intergalactic space freighter with a much older, multiracial crew. With the rocket's destination and mission kept secret, Cal works closely with his crewmates to keep operations safe and running smoothly. When sabotage is discovered that could end in a catastrophic explosion, the chief engineer risks his life to save the spaceship, and Cal jumps in to help. Can they stop a core meltdown to save the ship and crew? How will Cal perform under pressure, being the "new kid" on this "old bucket of andirons"?

This short story is one of those things that literally took a village to accomplish. From bouncing around ideas to coming up with the characters to listening to me ramble on and on and on about it. In itself, it is a fun little piece that the author fell in love with while trying to flesh out a few of the main characters of his fLUX Runners series.

Operative Jena Morane is the kind of Justice Keeper who can't resist the urge to poke her nose where it doesn't belong. Bored with her current assignment, she flies off to investigate strange readings from a neighboring star system. But something is lurking in deep space, and what she finds there will haunt her until the day she dies.

Athena is sent to Mars on a secret mission to help capture a war criminal responsible for the deaths of thousands. He is hiding on the Planet Mars. Athena has family she had never met on the Red Planet. This is her chance to visit them. The Cabal has given the fugitive shelter and is plotting to rule. Mysteries and plots abound as Athena discovers the meaning of her inheritance.

Starwing engineer Skye is used to taking on dangerous engineering missions that others turn away, but when she's assigned a rescue mission on a remote research colony following an alien attack, her engineering abilities are put to the ultimate test. As the only Starwing presence in the sector, it's up to Skye to use her engineering abilities to face the unknown alien threat and solve the mysteries at Fori Research Facility.

Far from Earth in another galaxy, three lonely Earthmen follow a star on Christmas Eve. Are they the new wise men? What will they find in the stable? A short story that asks important questions about man's place in the universe.

Rory Kovax's life could use a little sprucing up. But lately, his choice of clients has left a really bad taste in his mouth, and lots of bumps and bruises on the rest of his considerable anatomy. Ahh, life as a P.I....