Author: Derin

<<First .......... <Prev .......... [Archive] .......... [Glossary] .......... Next> “In a firefight, which ship is better?” the alien spokesperson asked. Sil had been dreading that question. He didn’t want to kill the crew of the Oval Nine, and he wanted his own crew dead even less. If it came to a choice between them though, … Continue reading 10: Standoff

First ---- Previous ---- Glossary ---- Archive ---- Next The Hiveless think that Tyk is one of them. And for a moment, she considers the option of letting them continue to think that. They certainly seem inclined to help her, and that could change if they find out she has a hive. But no; it’s … Continue reading 39: Rest and Relaxation

<<First .......... <Prev .......... [Archive] .......... [Glossary] .......... Next> “You had those beasts down there hide it in their labyrinth, didn’t you?” Queen Tatik asked. Her sister flicked her arms in a dismissive gesture. “Feel free to ask them. But I’d be careful, if I were you. You wouldn’t want to destroy it accidentally with … Continue reading 9: Encounter

First ---- Previous ---- Glossary ---- Archive ---- Next Before Tyk can respond to the threat, Smon is dashing out of the shelter, magic light pouring from her wrist, killing tool in hand. She raises the tool toward the Hiveless woman, who immediately steps back at the sight of it. “Hey now, you don’t want … Continue reading 38: Surrounded

<<First .......... <Prev .......... [Archive] .......... [Glossary] .......... Next> Their attackers weren’t aljik. Sil wasn’t sure exactly what they were, crowded in what remained of their ship and clad in space suits. They had four limbs – two arms and two legs, it looked like, although it was hard to be certain since they, like … Continue reading 8: Doomed Quests

First ---- Previous ---- Glossary ---- Archive ---- Next At first, they try to push on, but as the rain gets heavier and heavier, they quickly realise that there’s nothing to do but rest. There’s no sense endangering themselves or the slapdash cart by pushing on through mud, and without knowing how long the rain … Continue reading 37: The Slog

<<First .......... <Prev .......... [Archive] .......... [Glossary] .......... Next> Sil was not used to zero gravity conflict. Safin’s reports echoed in his ears as he pulled himself away from the wall and got his bearings again. “Hull integrity: as intact as it was prior to the incident. External dash shielding: destroyed. External weapons: about 50% … Continue reading 7: Ownership

First ---- Previous ---- Glossary ---- Archive ---- Next After a couple more days of travel, the river starts to bend East, and the pair are forced to finally leave it. They’re somewhat off the trade route now, which curves slightly West away from the river at the boat crossing, meaning that they’ll be dragging … Continue reading 36: Wheel Work

<<First .......... <Prev .......... [Archive] .......... [Glossary] .......... Next> “Kerlin, you’re not going to fucking believe this.” Kerlin squinted at Yinna. Things had been quiet in the brief period since the aljik had left. She’d finally shed her last skin and started thinking about a place to lay her own core seed when the time … Continue reading 6: Repeat Offenders

First ---- Previous ---- Glossary ---- Archive ---- Next The caution is probably unnecessary, but they wait until it’s well and truly dark before moving. The pair carefully forage what they think they can get away with, reinflate the farm’s balloons and fill it up, and continue on their way. Usually, their pace is somewhat … Continue reading 35: The Price of Metal