A futuristic assortment of work from the opening decade of the 21st Century.
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The 2000's
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THE STAR RAIDERS
Sweeping down out of a night sky,
The star raiders descend from on high.
Some come for riches and some for sport,
While others seek knowledge of a lengthy report.
Adventurers and pirates and smugglers though they be,
They live the life of the wild and free.
Across the galaxy they do roam,
Calling no one place home.
If you should ever happen to encounter one,
You’ll be in for a great deal of fun.
Though a few enjoy a nasty crime,
Many are simply out for a good time.
If you decide that it’s the life for you,
Be sure of it before you do.
While some will make good space traders,
Only a few can be true star raiders.
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Originally composed: September 13, 2000
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THE GALACTIC MARSHAL SERVICE
(Alternative version of The Laser Knights)
Jetting out from Arrdainnia, multitudes of Galactic Marshals battle the evil forces of corruption and injustice plaguing the peaceful planets of the galaxy. With enhanced body armor and powerful energy weapons, a Galactic Marshal is a match for any foe. Years of training give these law enforcement officers skills in both armed and unarmed combat and the ability to pilot almost any type of vehicle.
Marshals are also trained in diplomacy, negotiations, linguistics, stealth, and investigation. They work well in teams and as individuals, sometimes working alongside local law enforcement agencies. A Marshal is the proverbial perfect agent to fight crime, injustice, and hostile forces of many kinds.
The Galactic Marshal Service was founded thousands of years ago by the Grand Council on the world of Arrdainnia to provide law enforcement for the star-spanning Spherrium and protect against the evil, criminal influences of the dying Sorcerer Empire. Even today, the GMS (as it is often called) continues to battle crime across the galaxy. Recruits come from many races across known space and still train on Arrdainnia in the waning days of the Spherrium.
Regional Commanders monitor vast districts of space and direct field officers on their numerous exploits in defense of the galaxy. Some lesser civilized worlds receive protection from the Galactic Marshals even when they do not know they are there. Agents of the GMS could be on your world right now defending your way of life and even fighting for your very existence.
Originally conceived: sometime in 2003-04
Modified: July 06, 2017
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GENDEL’S PROPHECY
When a great thousand eons have passed,
After our mightiest deed was our last,
An evil arises to face the bright,
A cloud of shadows once hidden from sight.
A being of good some thought they slew,
Arises from the dark born anew,
To seek the edge of sharp, blue fire,
With the essence of life's desire.
The fire alone cannot cleanse,
The evil shadows of revenge,
For only with the ring of freedom's flight,
The dark evil will thee smite.
– Excerpted from the concept notes of the unfinished work The Kreeos Journal.
Originally composed: 2003
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This one's lengthy but worth it.
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THE UNFORTUNATE FINDERS
In the 62nd Century...
On a far edge of the Great Spiral galaxy, on a lonely, airless and frigid planetoid, two short beings encased in golden-brown atmosphere suits clumsily make their way across a rock-strewn plain toward a towering gray cliff. At the base of the rock wall is an oddly rectangular cave entrance. The pair of Squirlissian salvagers pause and awkwardly turn to face one another.
One raises an arm and motions toward the pitch-black cave. The other is holding a small scanner and revolves, aiming the device at the dark entrance. They had been drawn to the planetoid by an anomalous energy reading while searching for salvage from old civilizations massacred by the now defunct New Sorcerer Empire.
Switching on helmet mounted lamps, they slowly step through the now apparent artificial entrance. Both standing only one and a quarter meters tall, they are intimidated and awed by the size of the rough walled, smooth floored passage. The pair delves deep into the cliff for hundreds of meters, the tunnel curving gently down and to the right.
Eventually, the pair comes to a massive door composed of a smooth and shiny black crystal. The barrier spans the three-meter width of the tunnel and reaches the four-meter-tall ceiling. After fruitlessly searching for recognizable controls, the salvagers again turn to look at one another.
Without warning, the door suddenly, if slowly, rumbles upward, vibrations felt through their thick-soled boots. Though apprehensive, the pair proceed onward, drawn by the same energy readings on the handheld scanner. The door shuts behind as they lope awkwardly in the low gravity down a short passage, whitish overhead lighting now coming to life.
Both sense rapid pressurization as they enter a huge and circular, cathedral-like chamber with incomprehensible machinery lining the walls. The short beings again turn toward each other, their radio link filled with the squeaky chatter of their native tongue, their suit instruments indicating the presence of a breathable, heated atmosphere. The one without the scanner – but with a comically large, holstered sidearm – throws up its arms in agitation and proceeds to unseal the golden-brown helmet, lifting it off a brownish-red furred, rodent-like head, its short, triangular ears twitching.
Following a series of rapid sniffs from its short muzzle, the Squirlissian motions for its fellow to do the same. The companion only goes so far by lifting the visor but leaving the helmet in place. The first creature does a chittering sigh and waves a gloved appendage toward the center of the enormous sixty-meter-wide chamber.
The other aims the scanning device at a large, spherical, milky-white crystal set upon a light gray, fluted pedestal. With literally hundreds of facets, the thirty-centimeter-diameter object glows with an inner luminescence. A second odd energy reading seems to emanate from the crystal.
Believing they have discovered a potentially rare treasure, the Squirlissians chatter back and forth on which of them will brave retrieving it. The one puts away its scanner and approaches. It uncouples both diminutive gloves revealing a pair of furry, knobby knuckled, claw-tipped hands.
With a quick look at its companion, who has circled around the pedestal to the opposite side, the Squirlissian issues a high-pitched gulp and reaches out to touch the glowing crystal with one small hand. The creature is held immobile by some strange invisible force for a few seconds. It is then thrown backward onto the floor accompanied by a bright flash of light.
The hapless being slowly sits up, seemingly stunned but unhurt, as the companion observes that the crystal is now empty of energy, its surface dark and partly charred. The vast chamber’s surrounding machinery and its anti-matter power source – the original energy signature that attracted them there – begins to shut down. The standing Squirlissian issues angry-toned squeaks and chatter toward the other one who clumsily clambers up from the polished gray floor.
Both creatures are greatly disappointed, feeling cheated, the armed one chiding the other about “spoiling the salvage”. They reseal their helmets and retreat from the now darkened chamber. The massive black crystal door had reopened before their approach but quickly slams shut behind the pair causing both to jump.
The two salvagers quickly scamper back to their small spaceship and climb aboard. As they lift off the surface, the one that touched the crystal complains of a headache. A pithy comeback is his companion’s only response. Neither hears an eerie, ethereal cackle that fades out as their small ship rockets away from the nameless planetoid.
– Excerpt adapted from the unfinished “Eagles” novel concept: A Sorcerer’s Vendetta. And, yes, part of this narrative was inspired by “The Crystal”.
Originally composed: May 2009
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An even longer piece but one of my personal favorites.
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DUEL OF THE CELESTIAL DRAGONS
On the World of Triaxa…
Within the deserted Palace of Keidon, an intense battle had raged between Lord B’Mancos, former Sovereign of Triaxa and his usurper son Kayden, returned home after centuries of self-imposed exile. At one point, their contest was rather dramatically interrupted by mutual friends Master Kayless of Krystal and his tiny sentient robot Ziz whom forcefully snatched away all weapons. During the involuntary respite, Kayden looks over at B’Mancos, standing quietly nearby, hands resting lightly at his sides.
His father’s expression is not what Kayden expected to see. It is not a look of anger or desperation, neither is it the look of one pleading for his life. B’Mancos’ face shows signs of… love.
Like a hammer blow is the idea that, after everything that has happened between them in the intervening centuries, the father can still show genuine affection for his son. Kayden can feel it. The emotion displayed by B’Mancos is real.
Dark Lord Setha’s essence, slithering up from the recesses of Kayden’s mind, voice altering from guttural to oily, inquires whether B’Mancos’ affection can be real. Can he truly be a father now when he has never sincerely tried? The Dark Lord’s vocal articulation distorts further, going from oily smooth to soft and feminine. “Avenge me,” the voice of Angelina beseeches.
Kayden can see the saddened visage of his long dead mother floating before his gaze. As he hears the request – the subtle command – he suddenly realizes that her image has not moved, has in fact not spoken. The earlier dreams of his mother and her voice were nothing but a lie!
A deep-felt anger builds to explosive levels, and with blinding speed, Kayden reaches out his Kreeos powers to take hold of Setha’s essence in a powerful grip. Instead of simply forcing the essence from his mind – the Dark Lord could not resist such a move – the new Sovereign’s fury-driven goal is to crush the deceitful demon into oblivion.
However, instead of Setha writhing in agony or begging for mercy, his spirit swells in gleeful victory as the malicious entity bellows in satisfaction. The Dark Lord suddenly is empowered and begins to absorb the assault even as Kayden tries to “disconnect” his power. Setha establishes his own connection and continues to draw directly upon Kayden’s Kreeos energy.
In that instant, Kayden’s perception becomes crystal clear and he can see through the Shadow spells the Dark Lord has been weaving throughout his mind for nearly a year. He can see the truth of Setha’s every spoken word, every piece of advice given, and every instance of perceived weakness and fearful submission.
Every iota had been carefully planned and carried out. Each layer upon layer of the grand deception was calculated to keep him within the Shadows so that no matter what Kayden did in the end, the Dark Lord would win.
The son of B’Mancos despairs as he tries desperately to sever the growing link between him and Setha. His rage renewing, he mentally strikes at the Dark Lord over and over.
With each blow, Setha’s essence – now beginning to take on the shape of a shadowy dragon with glowing violet eyes – grows stronger. The fearsome image slowly enlarges, threatening to overflow every corner of Kayden’s weakening mind. Soon, the Dark Lord will be able wield Kayden’s powers directly and force open the gates to his soul, hurling his spirit into oblivion.
A melodic voice echoes across Kayden’s consciousness calling his name. He is uncertain he has heard the voice, so embattled with Setha is he. It calls his name again and even the Dark Lord reacts, faltering ever so slightly.
Suddenly, Kayden’s perceptions shift. He is no longer within his own mind but floating in a white nothing – a dimension seemingly empty in of itself. Setha floats before him, a huge spiked dragon with purplish-black iridescent scales and tendrils of dark smoke rising from its nostrils.
The voice speaks again, calling itself Gendel, in a deep yet gentle tone. The dragon roars, spitting sparks and embers. A palpable wave of rage and disbelief flows from the Dark Lord.
Gendel tells Kayden that the universe exists in a delicate balance of opposing forces including good and evil. For one side to exist the other must also until the true end of all time. The dragon roars again, trying to drown out the voice, which is starting to manifest itself as an orb of pure light.
Setha roars once more, this time shooting a stream of orange flame at Kayden! The Foreverman grows fearful and begins to cower in the face of such might.
In less than the span of a heartbeat, Gendel morphs into a scintillating white dragon edged in iridescent blue. He bellows and emits a jet of blue-white fire that counters the attack.
Setha spreads a set of massive, leathery wings and takes flight, soaring a short distance away to hover, violet eyes flashing in anger.
As if nothing had interrupted him, Gendel continues speaking, telling Kayden that the human is the current fulcrum supporting the balance of power of the Cosmic Lords, though the lightened tone of voice gives the impression that the name is now something of a joke. Setha snorts embers and sparks in the distance.
Kayden realizes that his actions of late have shifted that fulcrum allowing evil to gain the advantage. He asks how he can shift it back into more perfect balance. How can he correct this?
Gendel’s golden-white eyes flash with an indecipherable emotion. He replies that the human cannot. Setha has already stolen too much of Kayden’s power.
However, he knows of what Kayden can do to lie to rest this struggle – to finally rid the universe of the Cosmic Lords and allow a new breed to maintain the balance. This cryptic response puzzles an already weary Kayden.
He calls out to Gendel, begging to know what it is he’s supposed to do.
The black dragon roars yet again and charges across the whiteness diving at Kayden, its gaping jaws spilling red-orange fire. The white dragon once again counters with blue-white flame. It spreads its own great wings, leaping up to collide with the other. The two creatures go spinning across the white nothingness.
Kayden again shouts out his question. As the two great beasts tumble across the blank, featureless “sky”, clawing and biting at each other, he hears Gendel’s labored response. Let go, Kayden of Triaxa. Just let go.
With the dawning of true understanding, Kayden realizes that he’s been fighting Setha with the very thing the Dark Lord feeds on. All of his fear, anger and hatred are the fuels that stoke the dark flames of Shadow magic. His quest for revenge, lust for power, and general discontent only serve to strengthen the evil that threatens to destroy him. Kayden now understands what Gendel had said to do.
The two dragons continue their battle unabated. They have changed from black and white scaled forms into electric-blue and blacklight purple, bodies aglow from within – creature manifestations of pure Kreeos energy.
Kayden feels the link with Setha weaken as the surviving Dark Lord and the last Celestial continue their eternal war. He realizes that he is the only chance for that conflict to cease being eternal, for both sides to finally halt a struggle that has lasted an eon. Let go.
Kayden envisions his eyes closing and his body casting off all the sinister magic that he had awakened within himself. He feels the Shadows slide off of him like a black, foul mud falling back into the mire from which it came. He reaches out his hands and gathers all of his anger, doubt, fear and hatred into a black, oozing ball and lets it drop into the mud.
Kayden hears Setha bellow in fear and pain, his powers failing. He sees Gendel’s flaming talons clutch at and tear off the Dark Lord’s wings. The Old Millennium Traveler then grasps Setha’s torso and neck, soaring upward in huge circles.
Kayden feels to be floating again. He glances below and perceives a vast, unending field of fire. The towering flames dance in every color that he imagines fire could be.
A huge dark void opens below him, flames swirling around its periphery like the event horizon of a black hole. Gendel circles overhead, the writhing, deep purple iridescent form of Setha still clutched in the other dragon’s claws.
Below Kayden, the flames circling the void begin to spiral down into it, like a huge drain. After a moment, the void widens until he can see a bottom far below filled with brimstone and fire, like the fiery pit that lay at the very bottom of Hell. Kayden watches Gendel spiral lower and lower as he feels the last shadowy remnant of his prior evil fall away.
At that moment, Gendel dives low and releases Setha, who plummets into the flaming depths, screaming curses in a thousand languages at once. The Dark Lord vanishes into a mushroom-like pillar of fire at the distant bottom of the pit. Gendel circles the pit once and comes to hover in front of the Foreverman.
‘Thank you, Kayden. The balance has been restored. The task of keeping the universal order is now up to your kind.’ Gendel spins away, gains altitude and then dives into the fiery void. A second before he vanishes, the Celestial calls out: ‘Until we meet again.’
– Excerpt adapted from the unfinished “Eagles” novel concept: A Sorcerer’s Vendetta
Originally composed: May 2009
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