Preview of The Darkest Hour

Being the Sci Fi geek that I am, I feel it is my duty to show the preview to the Darkest Hour coming out Dec.23.  I am so looking forward to this film!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lf9RIKbKpIo

Experiment in Conversation

This is an experiment of conversation, for I need to be challenged in accomplishing conversation to it's very thread.  You will see with this story that there will be conversation and very little action.  Along with that there will not be anything to do with the science fiction writing experiment.  For here me now, in order to accomplish a good work of fiction you must understand other things before embarking on such journeys.  I will illustrate with The Man in the Restaurant:

                The day was cold and wet in the city of New York.  Howard looked across the street at the diner, another day to begin.  He walked across and entered his usual diner.  The smells permeated the room with sweet odors and burning meat.  Howard took his seat at his usual table and unfolded his paper for the day to begin reading.  A young waitress came up.

                “What can I get for you today?” She smiled sweetly.

                “The usual. Coffee, and the breakfast platter.” Howard said dryly as he looked back down at his paper.

                The waitress said, “Of course, we’ll have that right out for you.” Inside she was thinking, “Man, this guy is cheap.  He orders the same food everyday and never tips.  Oh well, maybe today will be different.” She bounced away into the kitchen.

                Howard thought to himself, “The news just keeps getting worse and worse, I can’t understand how I keep this up day after day.  I only work the night shift so I can have my mornings free to relax.  The train depot just continues to bore me to death.  What can change , I guess nothing.” Howard looked up as another man walked into the diner, he was tall with a long black trench coat and sat down at the counter.  Howard continued his thought. “Who is that? I’ve never seen him come in here before?  Did he just move into town or is he one of those immigrants from another country. Oh I hope not.  That’s all we don’t need.”

                The man in the black trench coat got up and sat down  next to Howard. “How’s the service here?” the man asked in a chipper mood.

                “Why are you sitting here?” Howard asked.

                “I thought you might be nice to talk to.” The man continued to smile.

                “Well you thought wrong, I want to be alone.”

                “You can’t say that, you probably come in here everyday and never talk to anyone unless it’s a new waitress.”

                “Can’t argue there.  Why are you trying to talk to me? I’m not in the mood.” Howard tried to turn back to his paper.

                “Hey can I see the funnies?  I love that what’s his name, Hagar the Horrible?”

                “Here…Now would you please leave me alone.” Howard became irritated.

                “I just asked you for the funnies.  That’s all, there ain’t no meanin behind it.  What do they have to eat here?”

                “I wouldn’t try the French toast.  They never have gotten it right.” Howard answered reluctantly.

                “What’s wrong with it?  Is it filled with muck or something?  I come from the south, you know down by Florida.  It’s a much shorter journey than traveling over to California.” The man paused as the pretty young waitress came back with Howard’s coffee.

                “Oh I didn’t see you sit down. Can I get you something?” She smiled at the man in the trench coat.

                “I wanna try your French toast and some orange juice.  Can you do that for me, sweet thing?” the man’s southern drawl was starting to come out.

                “Sure,” the waitress giggled and hurried back to the kitchen.

                “You always sit here like this?  Doesn’t this just get boring to you?” the man asked.

                “Well, its more interesting than sitting at a train depot for eight hours until midnight.”

                “That’s some job, I knew a guy who worked on the rails for eighteen years then he fell off the engine and crushed his legs.  Man, some guys just can’t catch a break ya know.  Anyway he got workman’s comp. for it and now is sitting behind some desk at a relay station where he gets treated like royalty or somethin.  He gets this pretty thing to be his secretary and they do it in the closet every night, or so I’m told.  I haven’t found that kind of action yet, still lookin for the right one.” The man rambled on.

                “I’m sorry, what was you r name?” Howard asked.

                “Oh I’m Neil Gershwin, you know like the jazz guy?  What’s your name?” Neil asked.

                “I’m Howard, How long have you been in New York?” Howard started to feel like he could talk.

                “Oh just a few days really, I haven’t found a place to live so I’ve been in one of those fancy hotels.  I think it’s a Hilton or somethin.”

                “Neil, what is it that you do?”

                “I’m a director of railroad services.  I see where people get there products and make sure the systems are runnin right so no one gets short changed.  I’ve been from one side of this country to the other and I ain’t never seen so many people hurryin around so much!  You come from here, Howard?”

                “I work here if that’s what you mean, I live in New Jersey.  Its just across the border of the state. 

                “Where do ya work?  This is a big city, much bigger than some I’ve seen.”

Howard sighed, “I work in the train depot, making sure the trains get on the right tracks and monitor the amount of cars that they send here and there.”

                “Wow, sounds like you’re an important guy, I could use a man like you.  Why so dry though?”

                “Dry? Oh, well I just um, don’t get out much, yeah.”

“Don’t get out much? Do ya have a wife or something?”

“I don’t have a wife, she left me a year ago.”

“What happened with that, I know there’s a lot of divorce goin on lately and I’m glad I ain’t in a strong relationship or somethin.”

  “She cheated on me here in the city while I was at work one day.  I had some time to kill and I walked over to her firm where she was working a para-legal and when I went to her office…She was banging the lawyer who employed her.  She didn’t even have the decency to lock the door, they were both completely naked and getting it on.  I thought things were going to change after meeting her.  I really did.” Howard shook his head.

                “I’m sorry, man.  I didn’t know you had such a hard time.  Why’d you marry her in the first place?”

                “We worked together at the railroad for two years before we started dating.  She would see me every day.  Sitting at my desk, I noticed she always was about the work and she kept things very professional with other guys.  She never took any flack from guys who wanted to get in her pants and she always respected the managers.  One day she was passing by and I just out of the blue, asked her if she wanted to go out for dinner sometime.  She said yes and so one thing led to another and she was my wife in under a year.  For two more years we struggled because she went back to school to become a para-legal and she wanted more money.  We just kind of grew apart and then I saw her in her office and I knew that we were done.” 

“I would be too if I saw me a wife that was cheatin on me.”

“I filed for a divorce and of course I won.  She got half of what I had, but I was able to keep my place in Jersey.  She moved to the city and I’ve never seen her since.” Howard looked down for a moment and then studied Neil’s face. “You’ve asked me so many questions and I’ve really not wanted to talk, but you now are getting me talking.  I can’t believe I’m doing this with a complete stranger. This isn’t even like me.  I come in here and order coffee and the same meal every day.”

“Well, you’ve said a lot and I know I talk a lot, but in my line of work ya gotta do more to get things done.  It helps me in recruitin people for my business stuff.”

“Where do you come from really?”

                “Well, like I said, I came from Florida, but I really was from Louisiana.  I never settled down though, I just kept up my job and drove a lot; spent a lot of time in motels or on a plane.  Never had time to get to know any girl, that’s for sure.  There were a few I met, but they were never interested in my work or what I did.  They just thought I was a hunk, ya know?  Well that’s went on for three years since I got out of college.  So here I am in the ‘city that never sleeps’.  Who’d a thought, huh?”

                “Hmm?  Oh right, I was just thinking a minute, man, we should have our food by now.” Howard was starting to get really hungry.

                The young waitress came out from the kitchen with red eyes and tears running down her cheeks.  She carried the two plates delicately and set them down firmly at their table. “Anything else?”

                “What happened?  I’ve seen you for two years here and you’ve never lost face coming out of that kitchen.  Who hurt you?” Howard stared at the woman.

                The waitress just sniffled, “Oh, it’s nothing really.  The cook is just a complete jerk and he tried to spit in your coffee again.  I stopped him and I even made a new pot for you.  The meals should be good.  I made sure that the other cook took care of that.  He’s the assistant manager and makes sure the customers are well taken care of.  The ‘other’ cook, you know, the one that is a jerk?  He just got fired and tried to take it out on me.  The manager came in and saw him slapping me with his apron and told him to get lost.  I didn’t know the manager could do that so easily.” The waitress sighed. “ Anyway things will go better now, I hope. Can I get you anything else?”

                “How do you do it?  What keeps you so positive about this place?” Howard threw her off guard.            

                “Oh I guess it’s the people.  I love talking with everyone, I’ve even noticed how you are talking this morning.  Anyway, I got two or three more hours of work and then I’m off.”

                “Yes, this man here, has helped me open up.  Did you want to get away for a little while?”

                “You want to take a walk in Central Park?”         

                “After today, yes.  I’ll pick you up at Noon, Is that alright?” Howard answered.

                “Sure, and thanks.”

                “Oh I am sorry I’ve never asked your name.” Howard blerted.  

                “It’s Mindy, Mindy Soskiwitz. You’re Howard Nable, I know because they talked about you last week on the news, stopping that disaster that could of cluttered up Grand Central? You are amazing…Anyway I’ll go see to my other tables, see you later?”

                “Yeah, I’ll leave money for the meal when we’re done.” Howard said.  She just smiled and walked off.

                “That was mighty nice of you.  You do that often?  I know I could use someone like you here as a contact in New York.  I’ll put in a good word for ya, down at headquarters.  You work today?” Neil asked.

                Howard was silent for a moment. ‘My life is changing before my eyes, this is so great!’ “Yeah I work today.  Do you want to come by the main Grand Central Depot Yard about Four?  That’s when I’m starting work.  You’d get to talk to my boss and we could be companions from afar.”

                “Absolutely, positively.  I sure am glad I met you, You brought new meaning to my life today, Howard.” Neil chomped down his food just like Howard was.  They both were starving.

                Howard laughed out loud. “My day was going so bad before this morning, I’ve really enjoyed talking with you and I hope we can do it again.” Howard pulled out his wallet. “I’ve got this, you have done plenty for me already.”

                “Alright, You wanna let me get the tip?” Neil asked.

                “No, I’ve got that too.” Howard smiled as the two men finished their  meals about the same time.  Both stood and shook each other’s hand.

                “It was a pleasure eating breakfast with ya, same time tomorrow?” Neil smiled broadly.

                “Yeah, I’d like that.  You be careful now, here in New York things change everyday.  If you need a place to crash for the night, I’ve got plenty of room at my place.  Until I can get back on my feet, It’d be nice to have a room mate.” As he said that, Mindy walked by and gave a small wave to Howard.  Neil wasn’t shy about pointing it out.

                “Looks like things are already lookin up for ya.  See ya at four.  And don’t forget that date.” Neil smiled at Howard.

                “Oh I won’t, see you later, my friend.” Howard and Neil laughed as they walked out the door. 

                Mindy came over to their table expecting a mess, but everything was piled neatly.  As she picked up the dishes, below was the money for both meals as well as a tip of one hundred dollars.  She almost lost her composure yet again, but this time for a different reason.  She was wrong about Howard, ‘Things do look up from day to day.  You just have to find the right person to make it so.  I’d better hurry, Howard will be here in two and a half.’ With that she gathered up the tip in her apron and flew about her job, smiling the whole time at how even her life changed in only a few hours.

                                                                                END 

The Realm of the Ocean Knight

I am still here, I have been working on an idea for a story called The Ocean Knight.  What I have yet to write is in progress and I hope I can keep your attention.  Stay tuned and you will see what it is.
The Ocean Knight:
  Once in a dark land of dragons and kings, knights of the ocean world patrolled the coastal land for signs of the dark dragons.  These dragons were black as night and vicious with razor claws that could split a man in two.  What could one knight do in such circumstances?  Nolan Choradal was one of these knights that patrolled.  He had the task of watching the small coastal plain of Fostal Swords.  The land of Fostal was a small kingdom, it held one king named aptly after the land.  He had come from a long line of kings that continued the family line.  Nolan though he was from the Choradal lands east from Fostal.
  Choradal held riches that kept the kingdom alive.  Nolan's father was the king.  His name was Rhihad Choradal and he was a wise and noble king who kept his subjects safe from the coastal dragons.  His blacksmiths were specifically picked to refine the special swords to attack the Dark Dragons.  On the night that Nolan now patrolled, it was quiet and serene like many of the nights he had patrolled.  The Dragons seemed to be waiting for the right moment to attack.
  "What must the dragons be planning?" Nolan thought to himself.  The wind slowly swept across the grassy hilltop.  Suddenly a monstrous wormhole opened in the sea and a Black Dragon flew high into the air.
  Nolan readied himself, pulling out his long rose colored blade which shimmered with green light surrounding it.  "I'm ready for you monster!" Nolan said to himself.
  The Black Dragon turned toward the lone knight and spiraled toward him at breaking speed.  Just as he would be in position for an attack, he stopped and held his position at the knight.  He glared at Nolan as he held his sword high, ready to strike.
  "Do Not Attack Me!  I am here to warn you.  Where can we go to talk?" The dragon boomed.
  Nolan didn't know what to think.  He had never in the years that he began his patrol of the ocean, had a dragon spoken to a man.  No one had ever even had a conversation with one, let alone live to tell the tale of dragon speak.  He didn't know what to say, so he spoke the first words out of his mouth..."Where do you suggest?"
  "Most interesting reply, human.  Climb onto my back and we will go where it is safe."
  The Black Dragon lowered his glossy, scaled body down to where Nolan was able to climb onto the area the dragon indicated to be rode.  Riding a horse seemed much easier than what he was about to embark on.
  The dragon turned, raising his wings in strong wide beats and lifted Nolan high into the air.  Nolan felt the wind blowing against his heavy armor and his helmet seemed to be loosening from the rest.  The Dragon turned in mid-air and dived down into the wormhole in the depth of the ocean.  Nolan looked at the large dark hole and shut his eyes as the dragon traveled further.  Outside the hole the ocean closed in on the duo and all seemed serene.  For the moment...
  So, I want to make more of this story and I hope I can improve as I go.  Please let me know what you think.

Bounty XIV

Ax cut communications immediately. “Find that bomb, whatever resources we have, before they destroy the planet.  When you do, say ‘our engines are running hot.’ I’ll stall for time.”

            “What you’re saying is that you are working for the Eco-Cleansers.  You lured me here to disarm the main facility and you conned me into doing your work by sending a goon ahead of you.  Howard Joneson was nothing but that.  Oh and by the way I will be getting revenge for the havoc he caused me.  Tell your boss, He’s next.”

            “You put that together very well.  This planet isn’t worth keeping around.  It validates the idea that planets can live without technology.  I personally oppose the idea so we will purge it of its population and turn it into an industrial planet.” Nexus chuckled.

            “You worthless pile of Balis droppings, you’re going to pay for all you’ve done. I can tell you right now…”

            “The engines are running hot.” B4 interrupted.  He and Hal were pouring over the sensors until they found the source.

            “You found it? Great, fire!” Ax smiled.

            “What are you doing? Where are you?” Nexus panicked.

            “Bye Nexus, rot in your grave.” Ax cut the transmission.  Two unseen rockets fired from the Risk Taker, they veered far and wide until they found the correct target.  They flew until hitting the large starship to the center of the fleet.  With the two explosions, the ship erupted in fire and then a chain reaction occurred.   All ten ships were enveloped in the destructive power of the bomb.  The blockade was incinerated.  Ax breathed a sigh of relief, before all could celebrate though; they received a transmission from the planet itself.

            “Markis Cordly, you have saved this planet from destruction.  If you need a safe haven, come back anytime.  Thank you from the Galaxy Force.”

            “Thank you, I’ll take you up on that sometime.” Ax ended the conversation.  She took off her helmet and breathed even deeper. “Good work boys, how did you find the right ship?”

            “We found the chemical bio signal coming from the lead ship and pinpointed the target.” Hal replied.

            “Well good job.  You’ve just joined the team.  B4, how are we on supplies?” Ax asked.

            “We have enough for about five days, and then we’ll need to replenish our stock.”

            “That’s enough to get us to Larenchia.  Are there any bounties there?”

            “There are three in fact, Madam Ax.” Hal answered.  Ax pulled out a blaster and aimed it at Hal.

            “Don’t call me Madam ever again.  When we are in public call me Ax or Darnell, never Madam, understood? You can stay as long as you are useful.  If you can be used as a mechanic I would appreciate that.” Ax answered coolly.

            “I am skilled in that area, I’ll help in whatever way I can.” Hal answered simply.

            “I’m sorry to interrupt, but aren’t we going after Multar?” B4D6 asked.

            “We are indeed; we have a score to settle with Howard Joneson who almost killed me and Multar for setting us up.  Larenchia will have to wait.  Where has Multar been keeping himself lately anyway?”

            “Mostly on the dark moon of Naltoroy, considering there is only two other inhabited systems in that solar area we shouldn’t have too much trouble finding him.” B4 replied.

            “And how close to him are we?” Ax asked once more.

            “Four days if we push it, five in reality.” B4 stated the facts.

            “Alright we’ll stop at Clarnac II for supplies; it’s on the way to Naltoroy.  Set the course for Clarnac II.  Hal, you’ve just become the chief mechanic, the engine room is to the rear and down the elevator.  The struts are down there too.  Thanks again for the help back on Elis Prime. You were fantastic.” Ax got up and kissed Hal on the lips. “See you later.”

            Hal stood for a moment with a whimsical look on his face and then he turned and walked out.  Once he was gone, B4 turned to Ax. “Can we trust him?”

            “He checks out fine.  He was of great help at that factory.  Who knows, maybe he’s wanted somewhere too.  He’ll come in handy, if not I’ll take care of it.” Ax answered as she adjusted her seat.

            “You always do.  What do you want to use today?” B4 asked.

            “Hyper drive, it’ll get us to Clarnac II in good time.  Let’s do this and earn some extra cash in the process.” Ax smiled.

            “Initiating hyper drive.” B4 replied.  The Risk Taker slowed for a moment and then flew into the star field off on its next adventure.

                                                END

More Stories will come.  I have a lot of ideas yet to be posted so keep reading and I'll be sure to please the science fiction readers.

Bounty Part XIII

Hal breathed a sigh of relief. “I thought we were dead.  How did you do that?”

            “I always try to familiarize myself with the infrastructure of corporations.  It helps in tight situations, if you know what I mean.  Let’s get this finished and get out of here.  When I place these, we’ll have ten minutes to get out.” Ax walked slowly up to the large tanks.  She and Hal were between both tanks when Ax pulled out her singularity bombs.

            She placed each one inconspicuously on the side of each tank as if she were just inspecting the structure.  She then triggered them and held her wrist to her mouth.  “B4 come now.  We need our pickup out front.”  She and Hal continued on their way through the following doors, leaving the main floor of the factory.  They immediately started up the stairs, passing the office doors of the corporate offices. 

            A man in a business suit came out from one of the offices near the main entrance.  He looked directly at Hal and smiled.  “Hey Hal, I haven’t seen you in ages.  What are you doing here?” He came closer.

            “I moved up the corporate ladder, I’m doing building inspections now.  Maybe we can catch up sometime.  I have to go right now, but I’ll see you sometime.” Hal quickly spoke.

            The man waved and moved back to his office.  Ax kept her eyes off the cameras and mainly concealed her face with her fire red hair.  She walked faster as they reached the entrance.  Hal kept his pace with hers and they exited the building without being stopped again.  Once outside, Ax saw the exit ramp of the Risk Taker in among the many trees.  She pulled her helmet out from her back and fastened it securely onto her head.

            Hal followed her faithfully and as soon as they entered the ship the ramp closed, concealing them once again.

            “B4 take off right now!” Ax yelled from the back.

            “Alright, starting flight, would you like to assist me?” B4 asked calmly.

            “Yes, I’m on my way.  Come on, Hal, you’ve just become part of our crew.” Ax turned behind her to Hal.  He just nodded after being out of breath.  Ax entered the cockpit and padded B4D6 on the head.  “What was that for?” B4 asked.

            “I missed you.  Transfer controls to me, we have to make a quick get away.” Ax sat and took control.  She increased their speed and the Risk Taker shot further into the sky gaining even more speed toward the atmosphere.

            “How long?” B4 asked.

            “Thirty seconds to detonation.” Ax straightened.  She peered through the viewport and saw something she didn’t expect.  Ten heavily armed Multar starships sat blocking their escape. “B4 do they see us?” Ax was shocked to see such a display.

            “According to our instruments, they have not detected us at all.  I don’t know what they expect to accomplish.” B4 replied.  Instantly the facility imploded in on itself, sucking the entire facility into a singularity, leaving the forest unharmed.

            “That went well, even the Eco-Cleansers should be proud.” Hal commented.

            “Great, now B4 is there an escape vector for us?  I mean do we have a course to set into warp, slipstream or even hyper drive?” Ax gripped the steering column tighter.

            “Ax we are receiving an incoming transmission.  Do we reply?” B4D6 asked.

            “Would we be detected if we replied?” Ax asked.

            “No, as long as it’s only audio.”

            “Punch it up.” Ax cleared her throat ready to talk.

            “Ax Darnell, surrender and you will not be fired upon.  If you resist we will find you and destroy your ship.  High commander Nexus has spoken.”

            “Nexus, I didn’t think you did clean up work anymore.  You know I won’t surrender; besides you can’t track my ship.  I did you a favor; I destroyed the Eco-Cleansers facility that was creating a bomb.” Ax answered coolly.

            “Funny story, that same bomb is aboard my ship aimed at the planet.  We changed the target.” Nexus responded.

To Be Continued in the Explosive Conclusion!

Bounty Part XII

“Do you have anything to detect laser grids?” Hal asked.  “Something is different, I think they increased security.”

            Ax grabbed her handy white spray used for infiltrating secret facilities.  She sprayed it gently in front of the opening to the hallway.  It revealed twenty to thirty lasers crisscrossing the length of the hallway. “Well, there’s certainly something down here to protect.  Let’s see if we can get it shut off.”  Since the light was dim, Ax pulled out a pair of night goggles and surveyed down the hallway.  At the end was a single panel next to the door.  Ax disconnected the goggles and pulled out a thin rod from the center; it became a scope.  She attached her blaster to the scope and pulled out a coil of twine from her pant pocket.

            “That won’t do, it’ll get sliced through instantly.” Hal remarked quietly.

            “Not this twine, its extra strength spider twine, diamond filament blend.  It should suffice, now quiet.” Ax whispered.  She uncoiled the twine and attached a small putty tip to the rod.

            She aimed the blaster carefully and shot the twine through the laser grid straight to the small panel.  It stuck to the panel and Ax pulled out a detonator.  She pressed the button and the panel exploded causing the laser grid to disappear.

            “That was impressive.” Hal whispered.

            Ax turned to him, “I have my moments.  Let’s go.”  The two hurried down the long hallway, ignoring the turning hallways leading into the main.  They soon were at the far door.  Ax pulled out a lock pick and started working on it. “After all this time and people still resort to normal lock mechanisms.”

            “This is a very old facility; I don’t think they get the supplies they actually need.  When we get in there it could be a trap.  Do you have a plan?” Hal watched Ax work her magic.

            “Hal, one thing you will learn is that I always have a plan.  You’re going first.” She thrust the mussel of the blaster at his back.  “The sooner we’re out of here the better.  Just trust me.”

            “Alright.” Hal gulped.  He opened the door and the two entered the factory floor.  There were several conveyor belts moving vats of toxic chemicals to the two large tanks at the far end of the room.  There were several aliens and humans on catwalks.  They were wearing lab coats while they worked with the machinery.  Many of them were disfigured and some were looking as if they would die. “We have to end this. Grab those coats; we’ll make our way to the tanks.” Ax whispered into Hal’s ear.

            “You may attract less attention without your helmet.” Hal whispered back.  Ax quickly removed the helmet and attached it to her back, neatly folded.  She ruffled her fire red hair and the two grabbed lab coats and walked down the way toward the large tanks.  No one seemed to notice them as they continued on their way.  When nearing the large tanks of toxic eco-cleanser bio-weapons, two large men came walking toward the two.

            “Crap, we’re boned.” Ax muttered under her breath.

            “What are you doing here?  No one is authorized to be down here with the conveyors.  It’s unsafe.” The one guard boomed.

            “You don’t know who we are, do you?” Ax answered smartly.

            “Uh, no.” The guard stuttered.

            “We come from the top, we’re here to inspect your facility and part of that is inspecting the tanks!  You will return to your post and let us do our job.  I don’t want to have to remember your name.  Our superiors would be disappointed if our work here was hindered.  Do you understand me?” Ax boomed her voice at the two guards.

            “I never got any word that we would get an inspection.” The one guard replied.

            “You wouldn’t, these inspections are to see true conditions.  If you were prepared, how would we be able to conduct an objective analysis of your facility?  Now leave us so we can continue our evaluation.” Ax continued unimpeded.

            “Very well, Ma’am.  If you need anything at all, we’ll be through those doors to the right.  If you have further need of staff walk through the doors behind us.  They lead you to the offices as well as our main exit.” The guard said before walking away to the other doors.

To Be Continued...