Tag: romance

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.

Distant Love (Part 88)

Technicians working on a large futuristic spaceship named Aurora-9 inside an industrial hangar

The next day all the plans had been put in place. Derek shakes at the thought of what he is about to be involved in. He had thought that his role in the plot would be at an end after he had hacked into the system, but now they wanted more.

A trickle of sweat rolled down the side of his face as the suns rays belted down on him. The other men are busy adding weaponry to his ship. Two, large powerful laser guns are being put on the front, and smaller ones on both sides. Derek and Maeve would be providing the air support in just under three hours from now.

Maeve wraps her arms around him from. “You okay, love?”

Derek leans his head back. “As alright as I’m going to be. A bit worried.”

“We’ll get through this.” She kisses his cheek.

“Get a room,” Mick shouts to laughter from James and Aaron.

“You’re just jealous,” Derek retorts.

“Of course,” Mick replies. “That’s even more reason to get one.”

Maeve smiles. “I’d be nice Mick especially if you want to live and see another day. It would be a shame if we decided to fly away. Now, that would be funny.

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.”

Wheelchair Wars Addition to Chapter 7 Part 1

Two knights in full armor clashing swords with sparks in a medieval stone hall

Dear readers, I need to build the relationship between Timothy and Audrey. All feedback welcome.

Their swords clashed once more. “You really need to mix things up,” Audrey scoffed.

“I know, but I like keep you on edge, can’t be showing you all my moves. What happens if we meet in one of the arenas?”

Audrey smiled. “You die, that’s what.” She drives her chair forward, catching Timothy off guard, who powers backwards.”

I love it when she gets feisty.

Audrey laughs. “We need better weapons. It’s too short to really you open you up.”

“I’m really feeling the love.”

She lowers her sword. “Ah, you know I don’t mean it. Not going to go easy on you thought, that will only make you weak. And I can’t have that.”

“I know my love.” With that, they drive their chairs close and they embrace.

The hall they were training in was very different to the ones on a lower level. The walls were all bright whites blues and greens. Everywhere was clean, ordered. The weapons were smaller and blunt.

“How do you feel about going to a restaurant? A proper one? My Dad said there is one close to here. It’s supposed to be the best in the star system.”

“Are you sure? You could have any woman go with you?”

Timothy looked into her eyes. “I only want you.”

She smiled and nodded.

Wheelchair Wars: Luke’s Story Section E Part 7

Muddy battlefield with abandoned World War I weapons, helmets, and a tattered flag.

Their dead bodies had almost reached the ceiling. Still, they continued onwards, slithering through the gaps. Luke tried to put the thought of the guns jamming again out of his mind.

A few minutes later, Lisa shouted out, “Stop firing!”

Luke took in a deep breath. Then rhey listened. There was no sound.

The attack is over.

“They sat.”

“What now?” Lisa asked.

“I spoke to Timothy before the battle. Due to the use of nuclear weapons, he will be leaving the planet whatever the result of the battle. There is a tracker on his, and myself and John are to meet him at a rendezvous point, when he leaves the command center. I’d love for you to join us.”