Tag: excerpts

“How do I figure into all of this?” Reva asked, her voice trembling. “What do you want from me?” Gulchina looked her squarely in the eye. “I want you to take us there, Reva. I want you to be a mother to my men. To them, I may well be a god, but I am… Continue reading Captives in Obscurity — excerpt 9

Gulchina’s private quarters were unlike any other place on the ship. A stunningly ornate rug covered the floor, its intricate woven design mesmerizing the eye. The table that sat in the center was made from authentic wood and inlaid with mosaic patterns of burgundy, teal, and mother-of-pearl. The wallscreens were set to show planetscapes viewed… Continue reading Captives in Obscurity — excerpt 8

Isaac turned down the next side corridor and walked quickly, his heart beginning to race. At the end of the corridor, a hatch led to the maintenance shaft for the docking bay equipment. It was the only way to get close enough to the outrider shuttles to sync with one without being seen. Isaac was… Continue reading Captives in Obscurity — excerpt 7

“What thinkest thou of the execution?” A chill ran down Reva’s back as she remembered watching the corporal get sucked out the airlock. “It was… unpleasant,” she said, understating her own horror. “Indeed, but ‘twas also necessary,” Gulchina told her. “Mutiny is a disease which must be purged. Every soul which doth not fulfill his… Continue reading Captives in Obscurity — excerpt 6

“Shh! Someone is coming!” Without warning, Reva pulled him back into a passionate embrace. His hands migrated to her hips of their own accord, and as she lifted her chin, he buried his face against her neck. The feminine curves of her body reminded him of how he’d found her: lying naked in a cryochamber,… Continue reading Captives in Obscurity — excerpt 5

Instantly, the door swung open. A pair of small hands reached under his arms and pulled him up. He stumbled to his feet and half-fell inside. A dim green overhead light protected by a wire cage revealed the person who’d been waiting for him. Reva. He had only a momentary glimpse of her dark, round… Continue reading Captives in Obscurity — excerpt 4

Isaac covered his face with the breathing filter and tried to ignore the stench of the septic tank as he scrubbed the walls. Black mold and fungal rot caked the sides of the chamber, necessitating a deep clean. His protective gear was worn thin and torn along the sleeves—it was only designed for single-use, but… Continue reading Captives in Obscurity — excerpt 3

Gulchina reached for her holster and pulled out an energy pistol. Reva’s breath caught in her throat, and for an instant, her heart stopped. Behind the glass, the corporal’s eyes went wide. “Mercy is for the weak,” Gulchina continued. “Victory is for the strong. Will the stars show you mercy? Will the universe hear your… Continue reading Captives in Obscurity — excerpt 2

“Who is this?” Gulchina asked in a loud voice as she surveyed her men. No one answered. The silence made Reva shiver. “Who is this man?” Gulchina repeated, her voice booming. The second-in-command stepped forward, a stocky man with a thick black beard and a cybernetic eye implant. His only name, so far as Reva… Continue reading Captives in Obscurity — excerpt 1