Tag: disability

Wheelchair Wars: First Tark Encounters – Etreides 451 P3

A cinematic science-fiction illustration inspired by a tense military intelligence interview: inside a dark imperial command chamber, a stern alien general in futuristic armor sits across from a covert agent at a metallic table, holographic star maps and a vast hostile armada glowing in the background. The mood is ominous and strategic, suggesting an interstellar religious war and the threat of an insectoid species. Dramatic blue and crimson lighting, detailed space-opera concept art, no text, no logos.

Agent: What’s the capability of their weapons?

General: Every bit as good as ours. The problem was they underestimated us. They thought that our military strength would be similar to that of our colony worlds. We learned so much from those that we captured. It was my express order that at least a handful of prisoners be taken.

Agent: And what did you learn?

General: A great deal. This species is unlike anything we’ve come across before, and is a threat to the Empire. It sees us as food. They smell horrendous and reproduce through the laying of eggs. This armada that attacked us is what they consider to be a war band. It’s from one world amongst possibly millions. They have no central authority like the Empire, and are as likely to fight amongst themselves as anybody else.

Apparently, though, in their past many worlds have banded together to fight together against a common enemy. A religious war with them, of this nature, could cause major problems throughout the quadrant.

Agent: What do you recommend?

General: For the best armies of the Empire to be sent. We must immediately wage war. Pick off their worlds one by one.

Agent: Thank you for your time. Your thoughts will be forwarded, and a transcript of this interview will be archived. For The Emperor.

General: For The Emperor.

Wheelchair Wars: First Tark Encounters – Etreides 451 P2

A cinematic science-fiction editorial illustration for a post titled “Wheelchair Wars: First Tark Encounters – Etreides 451 P2”: a tense futuristic battlefield on a distant desert planet, fortified city walls and orbital defenses beneath a dramatic alien sky, with a determined wheelchair-using space marine commander in the foreground. Serious, atmospheric, literary sci-fi tone; no text, no logos, landscape composition.

Agent: What did this involve?

General: Plans for future colonies or any civic programmes were halted. Money was transferred to fortifications, a space force and the creation of a space marine unit, as well as armies to defend each city.

You have to remember that this played out over decades. I awakened from my cryonic chamber every few years to check on progress.

Agent: When did it become clear an attack was imminent?

General: Our orbital spy satellites picked up communications between their ships. It was indecipherable till after the battle, but it was clear that they were approaching. Our lead scientist indicated that their language was incredibly complex, more ancient than that of humans.

Agent: Tell me about the battle. Take your time to go through every relative detail.

General: I was wakened and informed that the Tarks had entered the atmosphere. That’s what the people had taken to calling them due to the sound of their speech. I immediately ordered the anti-aircraft batteries to fire, to limited success. Most managed to land.

They were ferocious fighters, especially in close hand to hand combat. I received many reports of them literally tearing soldiers apart.

But we were well prepared. Mines and artillery cut through them like a knife.

To be continued –

Wheelchair Wars: First Tark Encounters – Etreides 451

A cinematic science-fiction illustration inspired by a tense military interview about Etreides 451: a vast alien planet under Imperial militarization, an ominous chain of distant colony worlds going dark, heavily armed futuristic forces preparing for an unknown threat, and a bleak monumental command outpost beneath a dramatic star-filled sky. Dark, serious, atmospheric, mysterious, epic scale, detailed concept art, no text, no logos, no recognizable existing franchises.

The following is a further transcript submitted by the ISS. It is from an interview with Supreme General Malthus Oppenheimer in 75823 EY.

Agent: Thank you for meeting me. The Service believes that the information you provide will prove invaluable to the Empire.

General: Anything for the glory of The Emperor.

Agent: Please begin from the start.

General: I was assigned to planet Etreides 451 to protect what was envisaged to be a rapidly expanding part of the Empire. Colony ships had been set to many of its surrounding systems. All seemed to be going well at first, and each colony ship gave an update every few years. Then, the most distant stopped. This can happen. Perhaps due to faulty equipment or a local disease that wipes everyone out.

Agent: And when did you become aware that it was something more than that?

General: When over a number of years communications stopped abruptly from two further colonies. A sequence leading to Etreides 451 had formed.

Agent: What action did you take?

General: I invoked Imperial Decree Number Five, of course!

Agent: Indeed General. But for people who will review this interview in future, perhaps tens of thousands of years in the future, please detail what this involved.

General: All resources are transferred to the militarization of the planet. The Governor became subordinate to my command.

(To be continued)

Wheelchair Wars: First Tark Encounters P3

A cinematic science-fiction horror illustration for a short story titled “Wheelchair Wars: First Tark Encounters P3”: an isolated alien camp at dawn on a distant planet, strange lights descending in the far background, a tense survivor watching from concealment, and several tall humanoid reptilian creatures with thick grey skin forming a menacing circle around the camp. Ominous atmosphere, dramatic blue-grey light, dust and mist, cinematic composition, suspenseful and non-graphic, no text, no gore.

Agent: Then what?

AC: Life carried on. On the third day everything changed. It was early morning. The first thing to hit me was the noise. Then I saw lights that seemed to land in the distance. All hell broke lose in the camp. There was much chatter but then they went back to their routine. I decided to wait where I was.

About two hours the monsters appeared without warning. They had formed a circle around the camp. It was..

Agent: Take a moment. Then continue.

AC: They were humanoid in form, at least six foot, but their skin was thick and grey like that of a lizard. No attempt at communication. They just set about tearing each person apart with their teeth, usually starting with their faces. It was all over quickly, but then settled down to eat the remainder.

Agent: Did they notice you?

AC: No. I could watch no more and fled. I came across our ship. Honestly, what are the odds? I inputted the coordinates for the Empire and here I am. They must be stopped.

Agent: Your testimony has been noted and will be archived appropriately. By your own admission, you are a traitor to the Emperor and you will now receive punishment under Edict 671 (a).

AC: No. Please don’t. Not after everything.

Wheelchair Wars: First Tark Encounters P2

A cinematic science-fiction illustration inspired by the short story “Wheelchair Wars: First Tark Encounters P2”: a tropical alien planet with dense swamps surrounding a rare dry settlement, a small human colony of about three hundred survivors, and a tense sense of isolation and difficult first encounters. Dramatic atmospheric lighting, literary sci-fi cover-art composition, detailed environment, no text, no logos.

AC: Yes, that’s correct. All we’d to do was show up.

Agent: Tell me about the planet.

AC: It was tropical. Our settlement was in one of the rare expanses not covered by swamps. There was about three hundred of us. Thinking back, we were so happy to finally leave that ship.

We found local edible plants and brought grain and pea seeds. But life was hard in the heat. And the local fauna proved difficult too. Our leader, sympathetic at first, grew increasingly erratic and demanding.

Agent: In what way?

AC: It started with requests to spend more time working and listening to his sermons. By the end, every second moment was either working or listening to him proselytizing. Then he wanted turns with each of the women, even some of the younger ones. That was when the first instance of dissent occurred. They were banished. Never heard from again. One day, he got in the ship and left us, before returning hours later.

Agent: Tell me about the monsters.

AC: Eventually, I could take no more. Told him to shove his sermons. Well, I was thrown out. What they didn’t know, was that I’m somewhat of a survival specialist. I climbed one of the trees near the settlement and made a little hut up in the sky.

To be continued.

Distant Love (Part 89)

Glowing digital neuron structure emitting blue and orange energy in a server room

Maeve waves for Derek to follow her into the ship and then to the bridge. It is much cooler inside.

She holds his hand. “Are you sure about this?” She rubs his face. “You are risking so much for me, for the cause.”

Derek gazes into her eyes. “Anything for you, my love.” He takes her hand. “We can do this.”

She nods. “Do we need to go over the plan again?”

“No, everything is okay. The computer virus has already begun its infection. We will attack from the air while they plant the explosives.”

She flicks her hair. “I wish I could share your optimism.”

“Trust me, I got you out of jail, didn’t I?”

“You did.” They kissed. For

“Actually, I’m looking forward to trying out some of these new weapons on the ship,” Derek says with a smile.”They should do a lot of damage.”

They hear a loud clanging.

A few moments Aaron enters, sweat dripping from his brow. “That’s everything sorted now. Try to rest. Save your energy for later.” A wide grin appears on his face.

Maeve slams his back. “None of your business what we get up to, isn’t it, Derek?

“Definitely, Maeve.” A burst of laughter breaks out.

Wheelchair Wars: Addition to Chapter 7 Part 6

Silhouetted couple embracing under a crescent moon with stars above and ocean below

Audrey leaned over and gazed into his eyes. “You are my everything.”

Her deep, blue eyes dazzled him. They kissed.

“Keep it somewhere safe on your battle, and if you ever need to sell it, do. I’ll buy you more. I love you.”

“I love you, too. Will I do that thing you like?”

Timothy nodded.

Audrey began to kiss his chest, then moved lower as his heart raced.

Wheelchair Wars: Addition to Chapter 7 Part 5

Woman in pajamas holding a glowing blue cube between fingers.

They entered the residence where they were staying. It was quiet. Timothy shuddered at the thought of his fallen comrades.

His dad waited for him in his room, sitting on a sofa, reading a magazine. “Have a good time?”

Timothy nodded. “A fantastic time.”

“I’m glad to hear it. The two of you deserve it after everything you have been through.” He tapped Timothy’s shoulder. “Proud of you. Let’s get you into bed. You must be tired.”

Audrey had a bath while Timothy’s dad helped him with his nighttime routine.

Lying down, Timothy heard but couldn’t see her enter. “Check out the upper drawer. There’s something I got for you earlier. The thing I wanted to show you from earlier.

He hears the sound of the wheelchair motors as she moves.to the drawer. Then the sound of paper being removed.

“Oh my Emperor! She climbs into the bed beside him. “What is this?”

She held the blue diamond up for him to see.

“It’s from a Tamorian mine. A symbol of our love.”

Audrey frowned. “Was it expensive?”

Timothy smiled. “There is no reason for us to worry about money. You are my everything, and this is what you deserve.”

Wheelchair Wars Addition to Chapter 7 Part 4

Seared fish fillet on vegetable risotto with edible flowers and herbs

“That sounds lovely,” Audrey commented as she looked down at the menu once more. “I’ll go for it.”

“Yes, me too,” Timothy added.

“Great.” The waitress smiled and took back the menus before heading to the kitchen.

The delivery of the food was fast. Audrey helped Timothy to eat. It tasted unlike anything he had before. Different flavors swirled in in his mouth.

Almost a shame to swallow it.

“Enjoying it?” Timothy asked.

“Yes, it’s lovely. But would be nothing if you were not here with me.” Audrey rubbed his arm.

“I feel the same,” Timothy replied. “There is something I want to show you after we come back from the theatre.”

“What is it?”

“You’ll see.”

A few hours later they are returning from the theatre going down one bright corridor after another.

Timothy frowned. “What did you make of it?”

She was quiet for a moment. “I was surprised that the Emperor had to kill so many. I never heard about all the worlds that were slaughtered. They never taught us anything about that.”

I was thinking the same.

“Yeah, but apart from that? I thought the acting was brilliant.” Timothy said.

“Oh, yes. They were brilliant and I’m so happy we went.”

Wheelchair Wars Addition to Chapter 7 Part 3

Concert stage with performers in front of a packed modern theater audience under neon blue and purple lights

Timothy had never seen anything like it before. It was full of cuisines with long, indecipherable names, from a slew of languages.

Audrey looked at him perplexed.

Timothy smiled. “I guess we’ll be taking a recommendation.”

They were positioned close to kitchen doorway of the kitchen giving them a good whiff of the aroma of the food.

It sure does smell good.

“So, what will we do afterwards?” Audrey asked over the chatter in the restaurant.

“Well, there is a thing they call theatre on this layer. It’s like a film except the actors are on what they call a stage right in front of your seat.” He paused looking for her reaction.

Her brow furrowed. “What about all the special effects?”

“Well, you have to use your imagination. This is an ancient art form that precedes technology. There is a play as they are called in three hours about the rise of The Emperor. What do you think?”

“Yea, I’d like that. Something different while we’re on this layer.”

The waitress returned and at Timothy’s request gave her recommendation of Cascadian shark with mushrooms.

“Have you ever been to that planet?” she asked. Timothy and Audrey shook their heads.

She continued. “It’s a large planet almost completely covered in pristine water.  The high gravity leads to denser flesh. It is covered in the most exquisite of sauces.”