The 1990's

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A brief burst of creativity in this pre-novel writing period.  This first piece reflects an uncertain time in my life as a young adult.

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STRANDED

 

 

I am alone.  Left behind on this empty world, lost in the immensity of the universe.  It is growing cold and I turn to watch the twin red suns slowly fade below the distant horizon.

Why have my brethren abandoned me here?  They departed so quickly they must have meant to do so.  We were once equals as we crossed time and space, traveling the universe together.  What has happened to change that?

I shiver as the darkness descends around me and I sit beside the fire I have made.  A multitude of thoughts flicker through my mind as I hug my knees in protection from the chill wind that has risen to mock me.  The stars have appeared and I long to journey among them once more.

Will I never see my brothers again?  Is it my destiny to live out the millennia of my life upon this planet of loneliness?  The long shadows have faded into twilight.

As I lie down to sleep, I realize the truth of my situation.  I am alone.  Alone and stranded.  Stranded...

 

 

Originally composed: January 07, 1992

Modified: July 06, 2017

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THE CRYSTAL

 

 

The young boy climbed over numerous rocks and moved deeper into the newly discovered cave.  After finding the far end, he detected – with his lantern – a minute crack in the rock wall.  A hum suddenly filled the air as the crack widened into a lengthy vertical line.

A hidden door swung back to reveal a large square chamber beyond.  The boy stepped hesitantly from the relative darkness of the cave into the soft blue light of the mysterious room.  He paused to study the mostly featureless interior of the unnatural cubical chamber.

Sitting upon a fluted metal pedestal, in the exact center of the floor, was a large glowing crystal.  The soft blue illumination was coming from the basketball-sized object.  The light was steady even as the boy became aware of a low hum that now filled the chamber.

Strangely drawn to it, the youngster set down his lantern and, swallowing hard, approached the massive, multi-faceted crystal.  As he came closer, the boy felt a pulsation in the glow that increased in rhythm.  Greatly intrigued, he reached out and touched the mysterious gem-like stone.

The hum rose to a crescendo as the glow intensified to rival the brightness of the sun.  The young boy felt his imagination growing outward into many realms of possibilities.  In his mind, he saw a beautiful world that he had never dreamed existed.  He wanted so much to go there and beyond.

The universe was suddenly spread out before the youth.  The boy’s mind and body began to flow with the power of the cosmos.  Both boy and crystal vanished leaving only the dying glow of the lantern behind.

 

 

Originally composed: January 13, 1992

Modified: July 06. 2017

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MY HAND

 

 

See how easily I hold this planet in my hand?  The power is mine to do with it whatever I wish.  I could flick it away or simply crush it into dust.  It would be so easy to do.

Yet, I cannot.  What would be the purpose of such an act?  What would be the gain?  Does not a collection begin with one item?

I will begin with this one world.  My collection shall span the heavens to the end of time.  All that I see shall become mine to enjoy.  The universe is waiting for me and I can hear the stars call out my name.

Yes, I shall start my collection today.  In time, the cosmos will belong to me.  I will hold it close to my heart and feel the power of its existence within... my hand.

 

 

Originally composed: January 22, 1992

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THE LASER KNIGHTS

 

 

Flooding out from Knights’ World, legions of Laser Knights battle the evil forces of corruption and injustice plaguing the peaceful planets of the galaxy.  With enhanced body armor and powerful laser weapons, a Laser Knight warrior is a match for any foe.  Years of training gives these warriors skills in both armed and unarmed combat as well as the ability to pilot almost any type of vehicle.

Laser Knights are also trained in diplomacy, negotiations, linguistics, stealth, and investigation.  They work well in teams and as individuals, sometimes working along with a local law enforcement agency.  A Laser Knight is the proverbial perfect soldier to fight crime, injustice, and hostile forces of many kinds.

The Laser Knight Legion was founded untold thousands of years ago by a mystic alien being called the Grand Master Knight.  Even today, the Legion (as it is sometimes called) trains on a secret planet known only as “Knights’ World”.  Laser Knight recruits come from many species across known space.

Master Knights are charged with monitoring vast regions of space and command the Legion’s warriors on their numerous exploits in defense of the galaxy.  Some lesser civilized worlds receive protection from the Laser Knights even when they do not know they are there.  Agents of the Legion could be on your world right now defending your way of life and even fighting for your very existence.

 

 

Originally composed: September 23, 1992

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