“Let me start by saying this. I know I made a mistake. It was a horrible, utterly despicable thing that I did, that I forced others to do, including Janil. I acted out of anger. The more time goes on, the more I realize how big of a mistake I made. I came here of […]
Unbound Dominance
Unbound Dominance is set around the same time frame as Unbound Horizons and Destiny. It follows the war between the aggressive Camfurdians and the curious insectoid Groyin. Alim Elikel, a Camfurdian warlord, leads his men and his own family into a war, not realizing that they are vastly outnumbered. The Groyin, on the other hand, are in a desperate fight for survival, having never faced an alien threat before.
Chapter Forty-five: A Place to Belong, Pt. 2
We just got a response from the Camfurdian ship. Alim Khunsza reports that they had no knowledge of Alim Arahni’s plot. They have asked that, given the circumstances, that the bodies of Arahni, Monrenth, and the guards simply be disposed of. As far as Gouhr, they’ve opted to leave that up to Alimari Kenlyi. Mer’rel […]
Chapter Forty-four: Pieces
“The armor looks damn good on you, Kenlyi.” I tell him with a smile. “Thanks. I… hadn’t expected to have it for this.” He rubs the back of his neck and looks down. I shake my head. “She was going to make damn sure of it. Our queen wants you to look the part, after […]
Chapter Forty-three: Second Rendezvous
“I’m scared, Kenlyi. This could get ugly if the Camfurdians decide that the treaties just aren’t worth it.” I sigh and look out the view port. It’s an empty void, tinged with distant lights of far distant stars. “You know half of them never liked the Aevocar anyway. “I know, Janil. Still, I can’t believe […]
Chapter Forty-two: Focus
I’ve spent more time on my knees over the past two weeks than I did in sixty years of being a second. Yet… I wonder if I belong here. I look up at my yarl and… I don’t know how to feel yet. I failed Kalarai and I failed Janil. Monrenth is still by my […]
Chapter Forty-one: Council
“By Tanril’s hand… look at the size of that thing, Janil!” Kenlyi says, excited. “It’s… incredible. I always heard it was massive, but I didn’t expect it to be this big.” We look out the small viewing window to see the massive Aevocar space station. Aevoculenar was built some time ago and has since superseded […]
Chapter Forty: Master and Servant
“Welcome, Alim Elikel.” Alimari Kelimn says to me as he invites me and Monrenth inside. The commander’s dining room is a fairly small room, all things considered. It’s meant for small meetings and family gatherings, such as this. Alim Arahni is seated at the head of the table, smiling. Monrenth and I lower our heads […]
Chapter Thirty-nine: Farthest Stars
The shuttle ride was nice and fast. Kehl watched Mer’rel as they piloted the craft, and we quickly became familiar with the basic operations of the craft. It… still surprised me how quick one can actually learn within the hive mind. Even the three workers seemed to understand the concepts. I just wish Kenlyi’s mind […]
Chapter Thirty-eight: Fresh Start
A knock on the door startles me and Monrenth. Monrenth quickly pulls his pants on and opens the door. “Ah. Alimari Monrenth, sir?” The young man, maybe Janil or Kenlyi’s age, asks quietly. He’s clearly intimidated. “Yes?” Monrenth crosses his arms. “I have a message for Alim Elikel, may I enter?” “Oh, just come in […]
Chapter Thirty-seven: Disconnect
“Kenlyi?” I hear Janil’s voice. I wish desperately I could hear his mind. I wish desperately I could hear them all. I choke back my tears and open my eyes. “Janil.” Forcing a smile on my face is hard right now, but I manage it. “I hate to shake things up, bu-” “We found the […]
Chapter Thirty-six: Fallout
I roll over and cling to Monrenth, still not ready for our “one night” to end. Last night was… intense. It was a night I’ll never forget, and true to his word, he served me in the best possible way. He chuckles quietly. “I was wondering how you’d feel when you woke up, Eli. I […]
Chapter Thirty-five: Forging Bonds
“Just relax, Kenlyi. I know it’s probably impossible, but, just try to think about anything else. You need to get some rest.” Gently, I help him into bed. His body is still so weak after the ordeal. Damn. Can we truly train his mind? Is it still just… subconscious conditioning? At first, the queen said […]
Chapter Thirty-four: Listen
Report. The Elder asks even though they can see the same display. Lots of comm chatter on the Camfurdian frequencies. We’ve never seen this much activity before, especially this far out. Well, the Camfurdians are in the middle of a war. Their comment is bland, if not borderline sarcastic. You mean, they’re in the middle […]
Chapter Thirty-three: Whirlwind
“Alim Arahni?! I… didn’t expect to see you.” My eyes widen as I look Janil’s mother, former member of the elite Bekir warriors, in the eyes. “And I didn’t expect to see my son on your status report!” She grabs the datapad and reads, “Captured during ambush. Alimari Kenlyi reports Janil’s treason.” She slams the […]
Chapter Thirty-two: Branch
Artificial gravity stabilized. One of the workers calls out proudly. After a tense few minutes, I let go of Kehltanril and Kenlyi. We all back away, grinning. The queen’s presence fills the room and we all can sense her elation. Congratulations everyone. We’ve done it. We’re the first Groyin ship and crew to go beyond […]
Chapter Thirty-one: Nothing I Can Do
“Still no response on the radio?” I ask even though I know the answer. “I’m sorry, Elikel. No, sir.” Alimari Dekor responds. “Our reinforcements should have been here by now.” He’s right, but the reinforcements are only part of my concern. I… want to know what happened between Janil and Kenlyi. Did Kenlyi win? Did […]
Chapter Thirty: Race
I can see the slingjet in my mind’s eye. Not… my imagination, but an actual image broadcast to so many of us. I recall the images of the maps that me and Kenlyi put together. A moment later, the hive’s perfect recollection of it is in my mind. Such… perfection. If only I understood more […]
Chapter Twenty-nine: Freedom
In under an hour, we have Kenlyi stabilized. Aside from his broken nose, there is little real damage. There were no breaks or fractures anywhere else, thankfully. The Groyin medical team sedates him in order to give the medicines time to work while reducing his pain. “He… fought you just to be free of his […]
Chapter Twenty-eight: Satisfaction
I look around the operations deck and see my brothers. How many planets will we chart this time? The incorporation of FTL technology has allowed us to explore the galaxy, especially now that we do not have that unfortunate war to contend with. I look down and study myself. Four short legs help to support […]
Chapter Twenty-seven: Choices
I hear their conversation faintly, but I can’t make it out. I feel the pain and conflict emanating from Kenlyi. Damn it, Eli… Why do I still love him even if he’s a monster? Kenlyi is my concern now though. I… want to hold him, protect him from Elikel and Gouhr. Surely, he won’t tell […]
Chapter Twenty-six: Honor
“Kenlyi?” Alim Gouhr asks. I sigh and look at Monrenth, shaking my head. I fight back tears. “Just a moment, sir.” We can all hear a frustrated huff from Alimari Kenlyi. Monrenth reaches for my hand. “I don’t know what’s gotten into him, Eli. They’ve done something to him.” My second whispers to me. “I’m […]
Chapter Twenty-five: Cracks
“Janil, I want peace. I want us to make that happen, but… I’m not sure that I can get behind this idea that a hive mind is an ideal. That scares me.” I open my eyes as Kenlyi sits next to me. His hand slips atop my thigh. “I don’t even know if you’re still […]
Chapter Twenty-four: A Place to Belong
I… could lose myself in this green-grey mist forever. Yet, I know it cannot be. I must live. I can feel my consciousness slowly returning to me, but I don’t want to open my eyes yet. Countless voices and thoughts are rejoicing, congratulating me. I can feel so many minds probing every thought, every memory […]
Chapter Twenty-three: Metamorphosis
Open your mind, Janil. Let your body fall away. Trust me, trust that I will never let any harm come to you. Trust that your body is safe. A chill runs down my spine as I can begin to feel countless presences surrounding me. It’s… overwhelming, to the point that I start to understand just […]
Chapter Twenty-two: Stardust
“How’d the tour go, Janil?” Kenlyi sits up in the bed. I’m rather surprised to see that he’s actually stripped down. “Quite well. I learned a bit about their ships, their navigation system, that stuff. They’re still in FTL development, which is why those slingjet things are so important. It’s… a good thing that Elikel […]
Chapter Twenty-one: Beacon
“Eli! I’ve found it! I found a way to the surface!” Excitedly, I run toward him and the others. “It’s a tight fit, so we might have to widen the opening some, but there’s a small, natural looking path that’s far too narrow for the Groyin. You can see daylight just a little way into […]
Chapter Twenty: Rendezvous
Janil? Yes, Kenlyi? I… can’t sleep. Come over here so we don’t have to use telepathy. I stretch out in bed while waiting on Kenlyi. A few moments later, he steps inside. “Oh. Your armor…” He looks down, embarrassed. “I took it off after Kehltanril left. I wanted to be as comfortable as possible.” I […]
Chapter Nineteen: Exit
I still don’t know how you managed to fall asleep on the back of a moving Groyin! Kenlyi says to the youngest Camfurdian, Janil. I tried to move as smoothly as I could for both of your sakes. I smile softly as I transmit my thoughts to them. I… guess I was just that tired. […]
Chapter Eighteen: Escape
“Damn them! Damn them to the deepest, darkest pits! I’ll slaughter them all if I must!” Elikel slams his fists into the cave wall repeatedly. “Eli, just… take a deep breath. You and Alim Gouhr have got to figure this out, but there’s no way we can afford to press the attack.” I say with […]
Chapter Seventeen: Departure
So, what do we need to do? I look at my Groyin friend and then back at Kenlyi. The Groyin hesitates for a moment, gently shuffling around on its four legs. We must get you two off of this planet. We need all information on the Aevocar that you have. The most important thing is […]
Chapter Sixteen: Fork
I don’t understand. Not really. Things were intense, for sure. Though, I trusted Elikel. I gave myself to him, swearing all that I am to his service. Even then, something he told me sticks out to me. He said that I’d always be Kalarai’s, first and foremost. There is absolutely no way that the Groyin […]
Chapter Fifteen: The Other Cheek
Groggily, I look around, realizing my predicament. My hands and feet are bound in some kind of thick, hard organic substance. The room is black, yet I can make out the outline of a large Groyin. We recognize you. I feel the Groyin before me whispering into my mind. I squirm, trying hard to work […]
Chapter Fourteen: Trap
“I love you too, sir.” I finally muster. Elikel helps me back into my feet. “We still have work to do, though.” I give a small nod of acknowledgment as he starts to scan the room. “Good job, everyone! This will go down as a day these bugs will never forget. We can’t relax, though. […]
Chapter Thirteen: Fragile
After a while of traveling down the long and winding corridor, we catch back up with Monrenth. He’s grinning ear to ear as he pats Elikel on the shoulder. “They’re completely undefended even! No cameras, no turrets, no guards. I scouted into the smaller tunnel on the other side of the corridor and it just […]
Chapter Twelve: Forward
I thought I’d be with Kalarai forever. I know my body is forever marked with his tattoos, telling that I was his before all else, but I never thought I wouldn’t be by his side. Not like this, not this fast, especially. Yet, this is what I must deal with. It has been five hours […]
Chapter Eleven: Lost
“Janil, watch out!” A voice calls out to me. I duck and turn as a Groyin swipes toward me. I fall on to my back and pull the trigger. A quick flash appears at the end of my rifle as a three shot burst from the Model 83 rifle connects with the bug’s face, causing […]
Chapter Ten: Vow
“I’m pleased to meet you, Alim Arahni.” Kalarai bows his head in a submissive gesture to my mother. “My dominus is Alim Elikel. He should be arriving soon, with his other second, Monrenth. Let me say this… your son is quite the young man. I’m impressed with him.” A devilish smirk rises on his face. […]
Chapter Nine: Dominus
Together, Kalarai and I spend just over an hour at the range. During this short time, I see how gentle and patient he is. In spite of this demeanor, he still commands authority. His confidence is… intoxicating. I put the rifle down for the last time and begin gathering supplies to clean both of our […]
Chapter Eight: Youth
Three months prior “Janil, you really need to put yourself out there more. You’re a smart boy. No… young man. You’ll be the perfect addition to someone’s yula.” My mother says to me. Ever since my birthday a few months ago, this topic has dominated seemingly every conversation. It comes up multiple times per […]
Chapter Seven: Trance
They will pay! They will pay with their lives! All that they hold dear, I will crush. Every town, every beautiful sight, every building. Every man, woman, and child. Every last one of their filthy egg sacs! I will crush them all. I will make them pay! I look down at Kalarai’s beautiful but broken […]
Chapter Six: Falling
Present Day Janil jumps out of my arms as I groggily look around, trying to get my bearings. Just a second later, I’m aware of all of the screams and shouting. The Groyin are attacking again. “Kala, get up! They’ve launched another attack!” I hear my yarl tell me. Janil reaches a hand down […]
Chapter Five: “We Weren’t Asking”
Is it a threat? Is it a demand? Is it ignorance? No… it’s most certainly a threat. Excuse me? I ask the Camfurdian. You have no idea who we are, do you? You have no idea what is about to happen. We are Camfurdian, and our intentions are simple. The galaxy is a chaotic place […]
Chapter Four: Meeting
Nine months prior What? That cannot be right. We have no ships that far out. The slingjets can get us there easily, but the tenth and eleventh planets of the system are desolate. There’s no need for us to have a craft that far out. Cautiously, I begin to run a diagnostic routine on […]
Chapter Three: Respite
Our once daily meals are always a time of camaraderie. Being cut off as we are, it is one of the few luxuries we have. Aboard our ships and our settlements, mealtime is considered one of the most important social gatherings – we honor that tradition now. It is a time where all of our […]
Chapter Two: Family
The battle had been a fast skirmish, but likely just the first of a renewed set of waves. Many of the lessers gathered up the remains of the Groyin. Once you’ve peeled or pried away the carapace, Groyin meat is quite satisfying. As the lessers are preparing the meals, Kalarai begins to take stock of […]
Chapter One: Identity
What do the other races see what they look at us? Do they see the faces of fear? Do they see their own lives flash before their eyes? Do they see their inevitable conquerors? The answer is simple. The answer is yes. Some, however, are fortunate enough to see us as indomitable allies. They are […]