Month: October 2017

Samuel Laguna – Uncle Polecat Goes to Hollywood 

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Children’s Book

 

Date Published: 9/1/17
Publisher: ITService-Excellence.Com
An action-packed, do-gooders, interactive adventure story loaded with audio narration, cool music, video and 3D animation, pop-up widgets, maps, and review questions that allow the reader to foretell what happens next in the story.  Your children will think they’re watching an exciting play on your iPad.  If your child is into skateboards, airplanes, technology and being a good friend, then this is the iBook for them.  Uncle PoleCat goes to Hollywood is total interactive fun for the whole family.
Three young friends win a science contest and a trip to Hollywood, Ca.  Things are going great during their vacation until their dog, Freckles is dognapped by evil villains and their guardian is hospitalized.  The kids have no one to turn to and call Uncle PoleCat to get Freckles back and get them out of a terrible jam.
Uncle PoleCat, an amazing ferret with super powers and his best pal Snake travel from the magical town of Mount McHenry all the way to Hollywood.  He and Snake meet up with the kids and check in on Mr. McHenry.  After visiting McHenry, Uncle PoleCat and the kids orgnize a search for Freckles.  The clues lead to the desert hideout where freckles is being fattened up for a feast by Rudi The Rat.
Uncle PoleCat and Snake outsmart Rudi and his henchmen and win back Freckles but not before two other kids are captured by Rudi.  All ends well, as the kids are reunited with Old Man McHenry and they finish their vacation in Hollywood and Uncle PoleCat and Snake go back home to finish their vacation.
About the Author
 

A family man, Samuel Laguna was a leader of an elite troubleshooting team that served The Best Beverages Company executives for 35 years. He was dropped into volatile situations all over the world like a power ranger to resolve cyber attacks, technology issues, and expose corporate espionage. Retired now, Sam spends his time writing fiction stories that range from corporate life and politics to children’s adventure storybooks. No matter what book Sam writes, you can count on his storytelling to provide life-lessons and make you laugh out loud.
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The Summer Springsteen’s Songs Saved Me 

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Women’s Fiction
Date Published: October 24, 2017
Coming home to catch her husband with his face between the long, silky legs of another woman is the last thing Sofia expects—and on today of all days. So, after scratching an expletive into his Porsche and setting the cheating bastard’s clothes on fire, she cranks up her beloved Bruce and flees, vowing never to look back.
Seeking solace in the peaceful beachside town of Bradley Beach, NJ, Sof is determined to start over. And, with the help of best friends, new acquaintances, a sexy neighbor, and the powerful songs of Springsteen, this may be the place where her wounds can heal. But, as if she hasn’t faced her share of life’s challenges, a final flurry of obstacles awaits.
In order to head courageously toward the future, Sofia must first let go of her past, find freedom, and mend her broken soul.
Excerpt
 
The sighs from my supposed-to-be-empty bedroom grow into moans, and my pulse thuds in my temples. I know the dark place might suck me in if I’m not careful, but I can’t stop myself from looking.
 I peer through the half-open door. My husband crouches naked on the bed with his face buried between long, shapely legs. Gorgeous, oddly-familiar legs.
“Oooh, oooh,” groans the owner of the silky limbs.
“Mmm, mmmmm,” answers Jerome. His rear wags from side to side. The two bald spots in the center of his butt cheeks stare at me, and my skin tingles the way it did when I drew too close to the sparklers little Benjamin played with on the fourth of July.
The bed creaks. After twenty-six years the thing still makes the same noise. A chill winds its way up my back, and pain sears beneath my ribcage. My breaths rush in and out.
How can he? What the hell? In our bed. Today of all days.
Darkness grows, and flames erupt behind my eyelids. In a red fury, I howl and charge. I whoop again and bear down on the startled couple.
With a jolt, the name of the owner of the legs explodes into my mind.
Mandy.
I know Mandy. Sort of.
Jerome’s personal trainer. Mandy Malone.
I slip on the area rug and lose my balance. Oh, yes. I know Mandy. At the gym Christmas party Mandy’s hips sported a short, pink thing that appeared to be more like a headband than a skirt. The Christmas party was where I saw those legs before.
Mandy jumps out of bed and pulls the covers around her. She cowers in the corner.
I’m not proud of what I do next.
I grab a red high heel from the floor and climb to my feet. Taking aim, I hurl the shoe, but Jerome rolls away and the stiletto lands on the pillow. I reach for one of Jerome’s wing tips resting annoyingly on the floor beside a pair of red panties and matching bustier.  I launch the shoe, and the ever-athletic creep dodges and leaps from the bed. A pink rubber phallus lands with a thunk, and a yowl bursts from deep within me. “Sex toys. You’re using sex toys.” My hands grasp the floor lamp and level it like a spear.
“Sof, cut it out.” Jerome’s voice quavers, and he holds his hands over his privates.
Yanking the plug from the wall, I swing the lamp in a circle with no idea of what I’m doing, acting on instinct. I run towards him, but Jerome darts out of the way. The lamp smashes into the headboard, shattering bulbs and sending the pole flying from my hands. Shards of glass cover the bed and floor.
A tiny red mini-skirt and pink tank top catch my attention. My God, she must shop in the children’s department. And what an awful color combination.
 “Sof, this isn’t doing anyone any good. Can we talk?” He’s bobbing and weaving now, waiting for the next assault.
“Talk? Talk? What’s there to talk about?” My brain sizzles, and my thoughts stab mercilessly. I seize his belt from the floor and hurl it, grazing the top of his head. “Do you remember when we bought this bed?”
No answer leaves his lips.
“I do.” I snatch up his other wingtip, and this one catches him in the back. “We couldn’t afford it, but you wouldn’t take no for an answer. You said it would last a lifetime.” I rip at the all-cotton sheets, yanking them off the mattress. “I just bought these at Macy’s. I changed the bed yesterday. You told me polyester blends make you sweat. So does she!” I yell, jerking my arm towards the cowering blonde and fighting the fury twisting inside my gut.
Jerome approaches the closet. His hairy bare rear with its Orphan Annie blank orbs shines in the morning light. I tug on the curtains, and as the metal rod falls we both reach for it. He twists hard, and I let go causing him to lose his balance and send the pole clattering against the oak flooring. I swoop up the rod in a death grip and connect with the back of his knees. He falls to the rug and writhes in agony.
“Stop,” he shouts.
“Sure,” I say, launching myself on top of him and boxing his ears. “How’s this?”

He rolls to the side throwing me off, and my face plants onto the carpet. I scramble to my feet and collect the scattered clothing, stumbling down the hallway to the spare bedroom.

About the Author
Barbara Quinn is an award-winning short story writer and author of a variety of novels.
Her travels have taken her to forty-seven states and five continents where she’s encountered fascinating settings and inspiring people that populate her work.
Her many past jobs include lawyer, record shop owner, reporter, process server, lingerie sales clerk, waitress, and postal worker. She’s a native New Yorker with roots in the Bronx, Long Island, and Westchester. She currently resides with her husband in Bradley Beach, NJ and Holmes Beach, FL. She enjoys spending time with her son and his family and planning her next adventure. She wants to remind everyone that when you meet her, SHE’S NOT SHOUTING, SHE’S ITALIAN.
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Sherrie Sushko

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Murder Mystery, Cozy Mystery
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Meet David Wagers, a cool, collected and incredibly handsome Private Investigator in the New York City area.  David is hired to investigate the unsolved murder case of Courtney Tabbin, a popular, young woman with a promising future.  Along the way, David encounters some interesting and suspicious characters and a complex office drama.  Was Courtney’s murder just a random act of violence, or something more personal?
While digging deeper for answers, David also manages to juggle an understaffed office and even forms an alluring, new friendship with Victoria under the unlikeliest of circumstances.  With impeccable skills of observation, deduction and razor-sharp instincts, David moves steadily towards solving the case but not without a few twists and turns, and managing to turn a few heads along the way.
Work & Wagers (David Wagers Case #1), a cozy murder mystery, is the first book in the new and exciting David Wagers detective series.
Excerpt
CHAPTER 1
 
David could already hear the phone ringing as he unlocked his office door.  “I guess I really need to get someone in here,” he acknowledged to himself, knowing that he should have hired an assistant a good month ago.  Business was beginning to pick up and no longer consisted of just background checks and unfaithful spouses.
His office suite was in a mid-rise building and consisted of two rooms; a small waiting room and his even smaller private office.  It really wasn’t a bad trade off considering he had a view – or a snippet of a view – of the New York City skyline.
Sitting at his desk, David snapped his laptop into its docking station and turned it on.  He would need to weed through his voicemail messages but that would have to wait for the time being.
One call that he had received the evening before was from Walter Huffs, a respected local attorney. Walter’s niece had been murdered and the crime remained unsolved.  Concerned for his sister’s mental health and not wanting the case to go cold, Walter had hired him to investigate further.   It was a case that David really wanted to handle, for a number of reasons.
“Courtney Tabbin,” he typed into the search engine on his sluggish computer.    Page after page of search results came up.   David began to comb through each and every one of them.
He remembered the incident very well.  No more than a year ago, Courtney Tabbin’s body had been found in a secluded wooded area in Northern New Jersey, savagely beaten and left in a nearby stream.  There had been no sign of sexual assault.  Stolen items including a necklace and a wallet containing cash suggested a robbery, but the nature of the wounds suggested something more.
“I will have to speak to your sister, Joanne, about your niece,” David had said to Walter at the time, “and in doing so she will have to relive the crime and the loss of her daughter all over again.  Will she be up for it?”
“Yes,” Walter had replied.  “I discussed this with my sister before contacting you.  It will be hard for her but not as hard as not having closure.”
According to past news articles, the night that Courtney disappeared she was supposed to meet with some co-workers for dinner.  At first, when it appeared that Courtney was running late, a couple of the girls had tried to reach her on her cell phone.  When she completely failed to show up, one of her co-workers had called Courtney’s house and had spoken to her mother.  Her car had eventually been discovered on a desolate road, not far from where her remains had been found.
David’s concentration was broken into to when the phone rang.  “David Wagers,” he quickly answered.
“Hi, David, did you get any of my messages?”  It was Penny Irvines, a spousal surveillance client.  Penny was in her mid-forties and well preserved, but was not the teeny bopper that she thought herself to be.
“Hello, Penny.  Yes, I did,” David replied.  Penny had left a message yesterday evening. “I just got into the office a few minutes ago.”
“Did you find anything out last night?” she asked sweetly.  He could almost hear her batting her eyelashes.
“No,” David admitted.  “I didn’t.  It seems as if Troy was just working late.”
“Ohhh, how could that be?!” Penny exclaimed.  “Are you sure about that?’
“There hasn’t been any evidence of infidelity so far,” he stated.
“You know he still has that business meeting outside of the office at the end of the week,” Penny continued.
“Yes, I’m prepared for his meeting on Friday,” David answered.
“David, dear, I didn’t mean to suggest that you weren’t prepared,” Penny said innocently.   “It’s just so hard for me to be home alone all the time when I know he’s out gallivanting.”
“We’ll see what his meeting on Friday turns up.  I’ll give you a call at the end of the week,” David said, eager to get her off the phone.
“Thank you, David,” Penny purred.  “I’ll be waiting.”
David was getting the distinct impression that Penny just wanted an excuse to get out of her marriage, but he didn’t want to jump to any conclusions.
Picking up the phone, he dialed in his voicemail passcode.  Now was as good a time as any to go through the rest of his calls.
***
After picking up records on the Tabbin case graciously supplied by Detective Woods at the local police department, David was on his way to meet with Joanne Tabbin.
Joanne resided in a prestigious area in Northern New Jersey with her husband, a senior accountant and owner of his own CPA firm.  Courtney had been their only child, which had made their loss that much harder to bear.
Arriving right on time, David pulled into the driveway of the attached, oversized two-car garage, as Joanne had advised.  As he made his way up the front walk, the sun shined down brightly in the quiet, serene neighborhood, attempting to conceal the anguish that he could feel lingering underneath.
David rang the bell and waited for just a couple of minutes, hearing soft footsteps on the other side of the door.
Joanne answered the door looking haggard.  In her early fifties she appeared older, with her salt and pepper hair and deep, dark circles beneath her eyes.  She quickly extended her hand.
“So nice to meet you, Mr. Wagers,” she said, her gaze meeting his with unexpected determination.  “Please, come in.”
“Nice to meet you, too, Mrs. Tabbin,” David responded.  “Your home is lovely.”  The center hall colonial opened to a two story entry foyer which delivered a dramatic first impression.
“Thank you so much,” Joanne said.  “Come, make yourself comfortable.”  She led David to a formal living room where he took a seat on a small sofa.  A framed picture of Courtney, a pretty brunette, sat on a nearby end table.
“Would you like anything?” she asked.
“No, thank you,” David said.
Joanne sat down in an armchair across from him.  “So, where do we begin?”
“Well,” David said, taking a pad and pen from out of his briefcase, “We could start with that night.”
“Yes, a night I will never forget,” she stated.
Joanne then proceeded to rehash the events of that fateful evening.  How Courtney had come home right after work and changed to go out to dinner for a girls’ night out with her co-workers.  They were set to meet at the restaurant at seven thirty that evening, and Courtney had left at approximately five forty-five.
“Why did she leave so early?” David asked as he jotted down notes.
“She was probably taking into consideration the rush hour traffic,” Joanne speculated.  “I know she was planning to stop for gas and the bank before it closed.”
“Could she have been planning to meet up with someone else before going to dinner?” David questioned.
“Courtney never mentioned that, but I supposed it’s not out of the question,” Joanne said.
“What about boyfriends?  Was she seeing anyone at the time?” he continued.
“She did have one boyfriend but he was away in Connecticut for his last year of college,” Joanne answered.
“I’m sure you’ve been asked all of this before, but I need to ask again,” David commented.
“I understand that,” she nodded.
David hesitated for a moment.  “Did Courtney have any enemies that you know of, any jealousies or dramas occurring in her life at that time?”
“Not that I know of,” Joanne stated.  “Courtney was a popular girl and always had a lot of friends.  She was beautiful and outgoing so, yes, there were some jealousies from time to time but nothing drastic.”
“I understand that Courtney was working at a major corporation in the area,” David said, “What was her role in the company?”
“Courtney was working for Well Metro, a health insurance company,” Joanne said, “She worked as a paralegal in their legal department.  She was considering going further and becoming an attorney.”
“How long was she working at Well Metro?” David asked.
“She had just started.  Maybe six months,” she recalled.
Tapping the pad with his pen, David asked, “Was Courtney having any problems at work?”
“No, not at all,” Joanne answered.  “She loved the work she was doing.  Her co-workers seemed like a nice group of girls.  They were very concerned for her the night she went missing.  I actually still talk to one of the girls.  She’s very upset about Courtney’s murder and has been very supportive.”
“Could I have her name?” David asked.
“Pam Jobley,” she said.  “She’s a very nice girl.  In fact, I know she’s looking to move and I was actually considering offering her our lower level suite.  It’s been so quiet in the house since Courtney has been gone.  Pam is very cooperative and I’m sure she would answer any questions you might have about Courtney should you want to speak with her.”
“Maybe I will,” David said, looking up from his notes.
***
After speaking with Joanne for a little while longer, David left with a list of names of friends, classmates and co-workers of Courtney’s.  Although none of the information he obtained was anything new from what was already on record, he was hoping that a different approach would bring forward different results.
It was obvious that Joanne leaned toward the idea that the murder was the result of a robbery gone wrong, some random person that, hopefully, someone would remember seeing Courtney cross paths with that night.  David wasn’t so sure, however, and planned to leave no stone unturned. 

About the Author

Sherrie Sushko is the author of three books, Remain, Lost Love, and Work & Wagers. When not writing or reading, Sherrie enjoys spending time outdoors with her dog. Sherrie currently resides in the United States.
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Wizardry Goes Wild

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Middle Grade Fantasy
Date Published: February 20th, 2016
Publisher: Trafford
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After months of living a normal life, thirteen-year-old Alyssa McCarthy faces magic again. Only this time, though, she is cursed with it, thanks to an old depressed skeleton named Errol. Alyssa’s time with her godfather, Alex, will never be the same again, as she can perform sorcery, but never control it. From letting out enchantments at school to creating outdoor disasters, Alyssa is bound to face consequences. She can only get rid of her powers if she can boost her confidence levels and improve her bravery. But it’s not as easy as it sounds. She must measure those abilities with a special device called a skillometer. Will she be able to get rid of her unwanted wizardry?
About the Author
Sunayna Prasad is a college student studying art. In her free time, she likes to write fiction. She is also the author of From Frights to Flaws, which is the first installment of the series, Alyssa McCarthy’s Magical Missions. Sunayna lives in New York with her family.
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Self-Help, Spirituality by Russell Anthony Gibbs – The Principle of Oneness

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Self-Help, Spirituality
Date Published:  May 2017
Publisher: WaveCloud Corporation
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Winner of the 2017 Pinnacle Book Achievement Award for
Best Book in Spiritual Self Help
The Principle of Oneness expounds on the first principle from the award winning and bestselling book, The Six Principles of Enlightenment and Meaning of Life and is the second in this series of eight books on enlightenment.
Many have said “We are all one” but what does that really mean? This practical guide helps you understand and experience the profound unity of everyone and everything. Author Russell Anthony Gibbs explains the science behind the connections of everything both physical matter and nonphysical energy. Gibbs supports his points with quotes from scientists, enlightened beings, spiritual leaders, philosophers and others. Great minds like Albert Einstein, Buddha, Aristotle, Rumi and Jesus all understood the profound Oneness of the Universe. Gibbs further clarifies some of the misconception about the Universe/God as well as explains how to live and experience the Principle of Oneness.
Other Books by Russell Anthony Gibbs:
 
 
Publisher: Espresso Wisdom
Published: March 2016
All enlightened beings, most founders of religions and many renowned scientists knew and understood the six principles of enlightenment. These universal truths have been written about, taught and discussed for thousands of years yet remain shrouded in mystery and misinterpretation. This book seeks to remove that shroud.
The Six Principles of Enlightenment and Meaning of Life is an intellectual and spiritual work that explains the six significant universal truths woven throughout science, religion and philosophy. These principles draw upon thousands of years of wisdom and are presented in a concise, accessible format. Each principle is defined and has an explanation on its application to life; they are further supported by quotes of wisdom from enlightened beings, philosophers, artists and scientists like Buddha, Albert Einstein, Rumi, Stephen Hawking and Jesus. Understanding the six principles then unlocks the meaning of life which is explained in the final chapter.

About the Author

Award winning and bestselling author Russell Anthony Gibbs is a philosopher and spiritual seeker on a quest for enlightenment. His research into Baha’ism, Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Islam, Sufism and Taoism greatly influences his spiritual and philosophical perspective. He is also profoundly influenced by the information from two channeled entities, Seth and Abraham. He further incorporates quantum mechanics, physics and psychology as well as concepts from the works of Albert Einstein, Carl Jung, Sigmund Freud and Stephen Hawking.
Gibbs’s communication style is concise, intense and deep. He would rather express wisdom in brief, powerful quotes and concise paragraphs than in complicated, long-winded explanations. Espresso Wisdom is short, strong, rich insight. Like espresso coffee, it gives an intense jolt of enlightenment. Enlightenment is an awakening, and Espresso Wisdom is meant to help jumpstart you on your journey.
Espresso Wisdom Short, Strong, Rich Insight! ™
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The Devil’s Dragon  by Jason F Boggs

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Space Opera, Science Fiction
Date Published: January 2017
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Set 80 years into the future, Nelson Jones, a young military cadet full of optimism and  hope is enlisted into the New Era – a fascist regime that arises to rule the world after a horrifying attack from an alien species known as the Great Tribe.
Under the leadership of Earth’s dictator, President Jacob Freeman with his ruthless enforcer, Major Ira Bilis, Nelson witnesses horrible abuses of power and is forced to confront his values and his world view to make difficult choices. When he happens across a small faction of resistance against this tyranny, Nelson must consider whether to risk his life to do what he feels is right.
Praise for The Devil’s Dragon:
 
Choosing to persevere had been one of my better decisions as of late.  As I read on, the tale improved vastly and almost before I realized it, I was hooked. It wasn’t love at first sight, but the diverse cast of characters and the intriguing story line eventually drew me in. I’m glad this is a trilogy and I will be eagerly awaiting news of the next two releases. Well worth the read! 4/5 stars. – Bookplex
First in a trilogy, THE DEVIL’S DRAGON is a fascinating futuristic first contact story that challenges ideas about government, humanity and the fine line we walk between right and wrong. – IndieReader
Excerpt
Chapter 21: The Devil’s Dragon
 
Ira Bilis stepped up to an awaiting shuttle, a lieutenant saluted her at the base of the landing ramp, she ignored this and walked past him to the top of the ramp, the loud clacking of her jack boots on the steel seemed to contradict her demure figure, she turned to regard the camp one last time, it was swarming with Aesini warriors, a small contingent of Paladins in defence formation were picking off any of the aliens who dared shoot at or make a rush toward their position.
She breathed in the carnage for a short time before regarding her junior officer with a smirk as he walked up to join her “It makes you feel alive doesn’t it”? “Uh, yes ma’am”.
“Is the shuttle loaded with what I ordered”?
“Yes ma’am, the storage containers have the trinkets that you selected from the local villages”.
“I know what there are”! She tightened her grip on her riding crop, the familiar ominous leather on leather sound made him flinch. He knew that these cases of plunder was everything she had stolen from the Aesini, bracelets, earrings, fine fabrics, jewels, even some gold. He guessed that these spoils of war would fund her retirement.
“Give the order”. She nodded to him who saluted, turned and barked to the small group of soldiers below. “Move out, go go go”! He made a wind up signal. “Yes LT”! They clamoured up the ramp and as it was closing, enemy bullets hit the steel door making a loud pinging sound. The shuttle took off with two dragonfly escorts, the last of the fighters that remained, the roar of its engines punctuated the tumult below, Nadija heard the turbulence and looked up to see the spectacle of the three ships taking off and shook her head with dismay. “She escaped didn’t she”? Horx shared her conclusion.
“There are other ways to exact justice, the Gods will see to that”. Seric sought to offer some comforting words, Nadija gave him a sinister grin “No, not the Gods, we will”.
Seric gave her a look of displeasure and cleared his throat for a rebuttal; however, Nadija felt the need to supplement her thoughts.
“We don’t have time to discuss the finer points of faith and philosophy my friend but suffice it to say, we are all made of stars and both of us are tiny insignificant life forms scuttling around under the same sun like microbes in a Petri dish, that makes us more or less the same under any God or Gods that you nominate, whether there is a God or Gods or not, whether we’re here because of evolution only or evolution assisted by intelligent design from a higher power, it doesn’t really matter in the end, I just do what I do because it makes me feel good”.
“Doesn’t really matter? Creation is not purely by chance look around you! We are the instruments of the Gods, some are called upon to carry out their will, others work against it merely to benefit themselves, most do nothing overall, I most certainly disagree with your simplistic assessment”. Seric coughed with incredulity.
“That’s your right, let’s just keep moving”. Horx wasn’t inclined toward profound conversation at this point. “Wow Nadija that’s kinda deep, here I was thinking you were just a soldier”.
“No one’s just anything Evan, what we are isn’t nearly as important as who we are”. Her eyes had a sparkle in them whenever she looked at him lately and it made his heart skip a beat. “To be continued over some noodles”. He smiled, hoping she understood that noodles was a euphemism for so much more.
They ran down an embankment until they arrived at the main entrance to the camp, Seric took his temporary blanket robe off “I think we’ll be safe here”. He declared as he waved to a group of about a hundred Aesini, clearly this area at least was secure and although gun shots could still be heard in the distance, Nadija gestured for Horx to put his weapon away.
There were at least fifty Paladins squatted with their hands on their heads. As Seric was greeted by his fellow warriors, Nadija asked “You guys are taking prisoners?”
Seric glanced at the POWs and nodded “They can be used at the negotiating table, they will be treated with more kindness then you humans afforded us”.
“Present company excluded, don’t paint us all with the same brush”. Nadija protested.
“Right, of course, I’m sorry it’s just that whatever the outcome, prejudices will remain, so much damage has already been done”.
An elderly warrior rode up atop a strider and peered down with a smile “Seric, the fact that you’re still alive proves that the Gods have a sense of humour”.
“Chief Naid, the convert Nelson Jones is at the base hospital with Meaghan, we have to go rescue them”. Nadija looked up to regard him.
“Lead the way then”. Naid let out a whistle to summon a mank, when one appeared Alene’s face was already on its belly.
“Nelson’s at the infirmary with Meaghan”. Naid reported.
“That area is in the middle, still unsecured, gather up your troops, I’ll head in from the West, you take the south and we’ll meet up there, the dragonflies have retreated to their mother ship for now, probably to resupply so we must act fast”.
Naid saluted his daughter. “Alright, you heard your queen, move out”! And enthusiastic roar of approval erupted from the warriors as they swarmed up the alley that Seric and his entourage had just come from.
Nadija held out her hand to Horx to stop him and shook her head. “We’ve done enough fighting, let’s find a safe area and see if your little experiment worked”.
Horx nodded and turned on his tablet, scrolling through some menus, Wong’s concerned face appeared on the screen. “Report Evan”.
“Mission failed but I think we still have an outcome that may be to our advantage”.
“I have heard that the Aesini have overrun the camp yes”?
“True enough, it’s safe for you to meet up with us now, we’ll be in guard post…”. Horx looked up and saw some large numbers emblazoned on the side of a white tower, a single Aesini warrior was in position at the window. “… Sixteen”.
“What will you be doing up there”? Wong cocked an eyebrow.
He glanced at Nadija who blushed. “Watching some TV” Horx smilled.
The atmosphere inside the shuttle was sombre, Resen had fallen to the enemy and the soldiers had their heads bowed with the shock and disappointment of defeat, except Bilis who strode up and down between them with her head held high, she gently tapped each of their knees with her riding crop to get their attention.
“Ladies and gentlemen”. They all regarded her, including Botany who sat silently between the crates at the back of the cabin, almost unseen like he was part of her loot.
“We are now in space, about to dock with the command ship, despite appearances, we have not lost, this is part of a greater plan that the President has foreseen”. She smiled menacingly.
“There is a moment of truth that is about to occur, a moment of reckoning that will determine the outcome of this struggle against the alien menace, I’m taking overall command of this mission to ensure final victory and I need to know if you are with me or against me, right now”.
She peered into each of their eyes, one by one and in turn they answered “with you ma’am”, “loyal and true”, yes sir”, “to the end”, “now and forever”.
She didn’t bother with Botany; he sat there expressionless, silent in the shadows.
“Good, when the moment comes, I will give you the codeword “downfall”, at that moment you will not hesitate to open fire on Admiral Reece, he has refused a direct order from the Central to fire upon the enemy which has now taken over the camp, once we take command
of the Gilly, we bomb the shit out of them, we do not tolerate weakness in the new era do you get me”?!
“We get you sir”!
When the shuttle landed in the main docking bay, Reece was there with a ceremonial compliment of troops to greet her, she was obviously outnumbered, now was not the right time.
“Major Ira Bilis, it’s good to see that you made it out, I’ve been in contact with the President and have given him an update of the situation”. She saluted Reece who returned in kind.
“Admiral, it was by the skin of my teeth that I escaped and the bravery of my Paladins shall not be forgotten, by the way it’s General Bilis now”. She turned to look at her troops and gave them a small smile.
“I didn’t hear of this promotion, congratulations”. His face had a sceptical expression.
“May we meet in private”?
“Of course, there is much to discuss”. Reece gave a junior officer a nod who gave the order to dismiss the honour guard, as they marched off, Reece held out his hand for her to walk toward another exit which would eventually lead them to the ship’s meeting room.
“You may dismiss your troops General; they’ve fought well and must be eager for R&R”.
“They will have earned it before this day is over”. She agreed, her pace was slow as they walked, it didn’t occur to him that she was stalling for time, waiting until his troops had entirely left the docking bay before confronting him.
“Are you injured”? He feigned concern.
“Just fatigued sir, a little battered and bruised too”. This was the truth.
When they got to the exit door, Reece’s troops were finally gone but Bilis’s contingent remained in formation behind her, Reece’s face had a growing look of concern. “Dismiss your troops General or I will for you”.
“Not yet”.
Reece went to grab his cylinder but Bilis put her hand on his wrist to stop him, the concerned expression now turned to alarm. “What the hell’s going on Ira”?
Her troops now cocked their rifles and trained them on him.
“Oh my God”.
“Admiral, I am taking over this mission, I would much prefer that you remain in command of the Gilgamesh and we’ll pretend that this little awkward moment never happened as long as you acknowledge that I’m in charge overall”.
“The president’s in charge overall”. He scowled at her. “And he has deemed me fit for command of the expeditionary forces, I am the Admiral you silly little girl”!
He regarded the soldiers behind her. “When you put on that uniform, you took a sacred oath to follow the proper chain of command put forth by the leader himself, put down your weapons, that’s an order or you’ll be in front of a firing squad”! He barked at them but they remained unmoved.
Bilis walked a circle around Reece, her riding crop twisting between her leather gloves at her back. “Reece, this is an opportunity for you to make things right, this is the turning point of this war, all you have to do is resume your post as fleet Admiral and follow my orders, the first being to bomb the crap out of the camp below and then Apolinya, is that understood”?
“I only follow orders from two people Ira, Jessie and Jacob, we’ve known each other for a long time, from the start, you know I can’t change that, you know there is no compromise”!
“They’re not here, they will never be here, this system belongs to us now and the only way we can rule it is with an iron fist, the outcast colonies will be a shinning beacon, an unreachable
outpost of the new era, an impregnable fortress, a utopia of strength and order defying a universe of chaos, I’m giving you the chance to be a part of that Adam, to revel in its glory!”
Her eyes sparkled with a maniacal intensity as she made a fist, Reece grimaced, she’d never called him by his first name before. “President Freeman ordered that I do not bomb the camp and withdraw the fighters, unlike you he values his personnel still down there”. He looked at the troops in her entourage. “You are only here to forward her agenda, she’s addicted to power, that’s why Freeman held her back on a short leash, he knew she’d turn out like this, don’t you see that”?
“He lies, last chance Reece, join me”. She stared into his eyes at close range and for a moment he could see something he couldn’t reconcile with his mind, it was fire blazing in her eyes, was it his fear playing tricks with his eyes?
“Never”. He whispered.
Her troops raised their guns, ready to fire on her orders.
“Downfall”.
Reece slumped under a hail of bullets, dying in a pool of his blood he looked up at her standing over him.
“You’re the devil”. He managed to spit out before he closed his eyes and ceased to exist.
“No, I am the devil’s dragon”. She whispered to herself as she walked out of the hangar, her troops marching in formation behind her. “I am what the universe has made me”. The doors closed behind her, only Botany remained, standing in the middle of the bay, alone, forgotten.
Meaghan lay on the operating table, coughing meekly and wheezing she stared into his eyes. “I love you Nelson”.
“That’s twice I’ve heard that today but you’re the only one I wanted to hear it from”. He held her cool hand tightly as the doctor applied anesthetic over her mouth and hooked her up to various machines.
“She’s haemorrhaging; I’ve got to go in now”. He muttered. The doctor was soaked in the blood of patients he’d worked on before her, his expression was frazzled.
“Save her doc”.
“I can only play with the cards I’m dealt, the less you talk from now on the better so shut up”.
Her eyes closed under the effect of the anaesthesia and the doctor proceeded to cut her open, he didn’t even bother cleaning the equipment first.
Some minutes of silence passed as he worked furiously over her, the doctors face was obscured by his mask so Nelson watched his eyes, he didn’t like what he saw, the eyes betrayed him, they looked increasingly less confident and Nelson’s heart sank, tears welled in his eyes.
“Please doc, please save her, she’s pregnant”.
“You don’t think I know that”?!
They heard shouting and shots being fired from outside the operating theatre and for a moment they looked at each other with trepidation, the doctor then returned to Meaghan and shook his head. “Looks like your war found its way here”. He grumbled.
The doors swang open to the theatre, a few Aesini walked in and raised their weapons at them, Nelson stood up, his hands raised. “I’m done fighting”.
A female stepped forward adorned in a purple cape. “Are you Nelson Jones”? To his surprise she could speak English.
He nodded, his hands still raised.
“Do you mind? I’m trying to save a life here”! The doctor bellowed.
“Two lives”. Nelson tilted his head toward the doctor who shook his head regretfully, one of the machines made a flat line sound.
“No, just one now”.
Nelson lowered his hands and turned to look over Meaghan, she was gone.
“Oh Jesus no, no no no, why God why”? His tears now flowed down his face as he sobbed over her, his expression grew dark. “Bring her back”!
The doctor shook his head, Nelson pulled out his pistol and raised it to the doctor “Bring her back, at least try, why don’t you at least try”?!
Naid leaned over and grabbed his gun, wrenching it off him, Alene held him as he cried, he wasn’t even aware that he was embracing the alien. Seric walked over and put a sympathetic hand on his shoulder. “Too much death has been seen today”. Naid whispered.
The doctor continued to operate “I can save the child but she will need an incubator to survive, she’s premature”.
“Tell me where to find this incubator”. Alene said.
“There’s none on this mound of shit you call Resen, the only ones we have are on the capital ships, the Gilgamesh has one.
Nelson wiped his eyes and looked at the doctor “I’m sorry about my reaction doctor”.
“I’ve seen worse, now, can you get me on that ship”?
He thought for a moment and shook his head regretfully. “No, I don’t see how”.
Alene stepped in front of him and looked into his eyes “Never lose hope Nelson, the Gods have determined that we meet for a reason”.
“Who are you”?
“I am Alene, first Empress of the Great Tribe and I will lead all of us, human and Aesini alike to the path of righteousness”.
Naid and Seric looked at each other and said in bemused unison “Empress”?
“This is my father Chief Naid and my good friend Seric”.
They nodded and Nelson let out a slow exhale. “So, what now”?
“Now you need to name this child”. A small cry could be heard behind them and they all turned to see a new born baby girl being cradled in the doctor’s arms, so tiny and fragile and Nelson let out a gasp, he couldn’t believe his eyes. He walked over and held out his little finger, the baby’s hand could feel it and grasped at it.
“Liana”.
“Why this name”? Alene asked.
“That was the name of Meaghan’s grandmother, she told me about her once, right about the time my daughter was conceived in fact”. He smiled, recalling the moment of his short lived intimacy with Meaghan; it seemed so long ago now. “She lived in a better time, a better world, far from perfect but better”.
“Then the birth of this child shall herald better times again”. Alene declared.
“Touching, but she’s only got a few hours to enjoy these better times unless we get her to an incubator and a proper hospital”. The doctor growled.
About the Author
 

After completing two degrees, Jason F Boggs has spent over 25 years in the hotel industry where he experiences peoples’ true natures – both good and bad, fertile ground for these stories. Jason currently lives on the Gold Coast in Australia with his wife SueEllen who patiently endures his imagination and their two cats, who do not.
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Dennis & Greer; A LOVE STORY, Love letters from Vietnam  Edited by Molly Gould

Published on by mariacatalinaeganLeave a comment

 

Historical Romance
Date Published: October 3, 2017
Publisher: Belle Reve Press
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Dennis and Greer is a nonfiction love story in letters and journals between 2 college students during the Vietnam era. (This is nonfiction that reads like fiction)
A true story that encapsulates the horrors of war and the innocence of young love.
 
Buried in a trunk for fifty years, this long-forgotten tale, told through letters and journals from the war-torn Vietnam era, has been resurrected.
College students, Dennis and Greer, met and felt a spark just before moving to different states. Their witty correspondence through letters conjured a desire to meet again, but Dennis tried to keep his distance; duty is more important than love.
As the two embarked on their journey into adulthood and navigated their relationship against the backdrop of war, they were writing a love story that will span the test of time.
About the Author

ASU graduate, Molly Gould, lived in the wilderness for 28 days when she was 16 years old (she’s your go-to-girl in the zombie apocalypse). She now confines herself indoors with the AC full-blast in her sunny sate of AZ. Occasionally, she’ll brave the scorching heat with her husband and four children.
When Molly inherited a treasure of vintage journals and letters, she was swept away by the love story contained within those writings. She couldn’t keep Dennis and Greer to herself, so she began transcribing and Dennis and Greer was born.
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