Wednesday, August 7, 2024

Time to Retire?

 Hi all. I hope you've been enjoying Dark Empire Book Five: Desperate Measures. I'm delighted your patronage put it on a couple of Amazon's bestseller categories. It means so much to me.

Unfortunately, the time has come to emerge from my beloved fictional worlds and face reality. Since graduating high school, my special needs son, who is currently unable to work or attend college, has been demanding more of my time and energy. I was already overwhelmed by the responsibilities I had, so this has been a rocky adjustment period. 

I live in Georgia, which is sixth from the bottom in the U.S. for disability services. When a child with intellectual disabilities enters adulthood, the situation becomes worse. It's as if the state declares him or her as magically cured at the age of eighteen and leaves them out to dry. There are a few options, but it's a massive bureaucratic fight to access services to assist my son and family so I have the time to devote to writing.

Thus, I'm considering semi-retirement. I can still fit in some writing, but the books would be released at a rate of only one a year...two, if I'm really lucky. In such a case, I'd be doing other work that isn't quite as time-consuming as writing in order to meet my responsibilities as a mother and guardian. 

I am weighing some options that will allow me to earn a livelihood. Among the choices I have, Patreon would give me access to an income while affording readers consistent monthly material to enjoy...and allow me time to meet my son's needs. Using Patreon, I could produce in small but steady increments of writing, blogs, first-looks at books still being written, etc. I might be able to afford a caregiver for a few hours a day, during which I'd be able to write books at the rate we're accustomed to and make semi-retirement unnecessary. It's a thought, and I'm researching it among my other income possibilities.

No decision has been made yet as to where I go from here. I still have books I've begun and plan to finish, such as Clans of Kalquor 13: Alien Haven, the fiftieth book in the Kalquor Universe. I'm hoping to have that particular book out by the end of the year. If I do decide on semi-retirement from writing, it won't come until 2025.

No matter the final decision, I thank you for having followed Kalquor's journey for so long. It is truly a delight to write for all of you. You have my gratitude and love for making my life as an author possible. Thank you so very, very much.

Tracy

Monday, July 29, 2024

On Sale Now! Dark Empire Book Five: Desperate Measures - Final Excerpt

 

Toni and Clan Imon: dinner and dare we hope romance? Don't tell Stacy.

* * * *

Toni had been curious what Imon, Feru, and Wovir would think of Southern cooking, the specialty of Peaches and Dreams. It was owned by a couple who’d hailed from the southeast portion of Georgia on old Earth. She needn’t have worried. The trio wolfed down fried pork chops, catfish, collard greens, sweet potato casserole, baked macaroni and cheese, and cornbread as if they’d been starved for months.

“The fleet’s grocery bill must be astronomical,” she chuckled after swallowing a mouthful of the casserole, her favorite dish among the delicious offerings.

“Feeding Kalquorians is serious business,” Imon agreed. “Wovir alone could probably put away an entire ronka.”

“Perhaps we should re-evaluate our plans to leave the fleet. I’m not sure we can afford to support our stomachs as civilians,” Feru mused.

“You’re leaving the fleet?” Toni asked.

“Maybe. We’ve been tossing the idea around, but we haven’t actually decided.”

“I doubt we will as long as this concern about the Darks is unresolved.” Wovir paused his attack on his third chop. “It’s sounding like an all-hands-on-deck situation.”

Toni hated to have made a snap assumption of the Nobek based on his appearance, but she admitted to herself she had. He looked the part of a brute…handsome, but a brute, nonetheless. Listening to him speak, however, had informed her there was a vast intellect behind those deadly features. He showed every sign of having as much brainpower as his psychologist Imdiko and lieutenant commander navigator Dramok.

Imon shrugged. “There’s no hurry to move on.”

“What would you do after the fleet?” Toni asked. “Haven’t you been part of it for a long time?”

“Decades.” Feru’s answer reminded her of how slowly Kalquorians aged. He appeared to be in his thirties. Imon’s and Wovir’s features would have suited human men in their forties. Toni guessed they actually ranged between sixty and eighty. They weren’t even middle-aged for their species.

“I suppose you’d continue your psychology practice, Feru. What about you two? What would life following military service look like for you, Wovir?”

“I’m not too old to apply to join Kalquor’s Global Security force,” the Nobek answered offhandedly. “My service record as a member of my ship’s security would offer me an excellent chance of getting in.”

“You wouldn’t think a mere transport would find trouble, but we certainly have,” Imon declared. “Especially when we began shuttling Earthers from your original planet following our war. The first trip…wow.”

“Tragooms boarded the ship twice.” Wovir’s expression displayed a distant quiet pleasure, as if he recalled a particularly happy memory. “I fought in close quarters against them. Hand-to-hand at one point. That’s where this mark of honor came from.” He showed a jagged dark scar on the underside of his forearm. It ran from his wrist to his elbow. No doubt he’d been in danger of bleeding out from such a wound.

Toni had to restrain a chuckle trying to rise in the wake of her initial horror. Only a member of the warrior breed would be so delighted over near-death. “Impressive. I doubt you’d have trouble landing any job demanding battle skills.”

“Thank you.” He returned to his chops, radiating contentment.

Toni turned her gaze to Imon. “And you? What does a planet-bound career hold for you?”

The Dramok finished a sip of the beer he’d ordered. “I have a background in computer science and technology. I’d probably pursue programming.”

“So modest,” Feru snorted. “He owns patents on many of the latest upgrades to the fleet’s ships. Home and business A.I. interfaces? I doubt there’s a facility on Kalquor that doesn’t use tech Imon created.”

“It’s my hobby.”

“Some hobby,” Toni said. “Why are you slaving on a transport vehicle if you’re so talented?”

He grinned. “What better laboratory than a space vessel where I can try my ideas and get paid for goofing off? The fleet scores big whenever I come up with a new upgrade, so I’m allowed to experiment on portions of the transport’s system. It’s a win-win situation for both sides.”

“I’m surprised you aren’t running things.”

“They try to promote me routinely.”

“A million times,” Feru corrected, gazing at his clanmate proudly.

“I refuse since the duties of a first officer and above would interfere with the hours I devote to tinkering. It’s reaching the point where being a lieutenant commander is also interfering.”

“Is it why you’re thinking along the lines of leaving?”

“It plays a major part. Truth is, I’m bored. We all are. We joined the fleet to do something worthwhile and interesting.”

“And exciting. Things are picking up now, but once we hand the Darks their asses and send them packing to their own dimension? It’ll be a snooze fest again,” Wovir proclaimed.

“Kalquor might offer a bit of fun.” Imon leveled his charm at her. “The hope of attracting a female mate to our clan is a consideration. We’d probably have better luck if we could offer amenities beyond cramped ship’s quarters.”

She wagged a finger at him at the unsubtle hint, but curiosity prompted her to tease, “No one’s fallen hard enough for you to overlook that little detail, huh?”

“We came up on the lottery in the early days,” Feru said. “We had five opportunities to attract an Earther Matara. We used our chances to the utmost when it came to the women we met on their journey to Kalquor, and we thought we’d found the perfect lady…but we’d had no plans to leave the fleet at then. She wasn’t up for a life of touring military bases, so we lost our chance.”

“Even now, we’ve more or less given up on a female clanmate.” Imon’s smile didn’t falter, but there was a shadow of regret. “A clan ambivalent about its future isn’t a huge attraction.”

“Every time we’re ready to leave the fleet, something comes up,” Wovir added. “The allegations this hostile force the Darks has overcome the GC and has its sights set on the empire is such an emergency. We can’t turn from duty, even if it’s only to evacuate refugees and transport ground troops to battlegrounds.”

“So we’ll continue to enjoy the company of lovely Earthers such as yourself when possible.” Imon winked.

Toni arched a brow at him. “Don’t you dare tell me you have a girl in every port. I don’t want to hear I’m one of several.”

Feru laughed. “Hardly. Our last date was…ancestors, it might have been as long as a year ago.”

“No. It couldn’t be.” Imon’s brow furrowed as he calculated. “We took leave on Dantovon six months ago.”

“Paid Beonid companionship hardly counts as a real date,” Wovir polished off a glass of whiskey. He eyed Toni’s depleted wine glass and signaled the waiter for refills.

“I should hope not.” Toni was amused at herself for taking pleasure in being the attractive clan’s first date in ages.

The night wore on. The conversation flowed easily, and she realized she was putting off going home. Even after their dishes had been swept clear and they agreed they’d had their limit of drinks…Toni stopped at two glasses of wine and the men had quit early too…they continued to talk. The subjects ranged the gamut: their jobs, their backgrounds, even the shows and music they enjoyed. And still Toni delayed the moment she’d have to say goodbye.

At last, noticing the waiter eyeing them and the emptying tables as the restaurant prepared to close, Toni admitted what she had never thought she would. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but would you think less of me if I invited you to take me home for a nightcap? Maybe more?”

Grins bloomed around her. “We don’t view such invitations as Earthers do. You’re as honorable a woman whether we say goodbye now or in the morning,” Imon reminded her.

“I know, I know. Old habits die hard. I made it pretty clear early on I feel three men are too many. Still…” She wasn’t sure how to finish.

“Curiosity?”

“Partly. Mostly, I like you guys. Not enough to run off to the stars…or military sites,” she quickly added with a laugh. “But I like you. I’m having fun. I don’t want it to end until you have to leave.”

Imon glanced at his clanmates, then beamed his brilliant smile. “Yes, Toni. We’d love to go home with you.”

“If you change your mind at any time, just say so.” Feru chuckled. “Thanks to our work evacuating your first Earth, we understand how overwhelming an entire clan can be to humans.”

“All right then.” Toni was shocked to feel relief they’d agreed.

Who am I tonight? If Stacy learns of this, she’ll never let me hear the end of it.

* * * *

  Now on sale!

 All-out war has begun, with innocents caught in the crossfire.

Former nun Cheryl Taupin and her husband Nobek Besral, in charge of the remaining orphans of Earth’s Armageddon, watch the terrible events unfolding in the Dark-overrun Galactic Council of Planets. Kalquorians in Galactic Council space are being rounded up to suffer an unknown fate and martial law is declared on many of the system’s worlds. A desperate plea to the Kalquorian Empire sends Admiral Piras and Captain Kila to the orphanage…but how can a lone spyship protect hundreds of children against the full might of the Galactic Council’s warships bent on destruction?

Charity Nath has been brought to Alpha Space Station to hide from those determined to exact vengeance against her father. Young and irrepressible, she’s determined to claim a measure of freedom from stifling restrictions placed on her. When her identity and location are revealed, her Kalquorian protectors must thwart those who’d harm her while contending with her stubborn refusal to be kept in check.

Imdiko Betra has done his best to put the past behind him. He knows letting go of the only woman he could ever love was the best course of action. But when he encounters Shalia Monroe again, his heart speaks louder than his conscience. Will unquenchable desire destroy the life she’s built, or will Betra’s clanmates Oses and Resan stop him from doing the unthinkable?

Against the backdrop of pandemic and plague, Kalquor and Earth II fight for their very survival against an enemy they’re only beginning to learn the strength of. As the All tightens its fearsome grip on the galaxy, humans and Kalquorians alike tremble on the verge of annihilation.

 Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Smashwords, Apple, Kobo, print

Sunday, July 28, 2024

On Sale Now! Dark Empire Book Five: Desperate Measures - Chapter Four, Scene Three

 

Toni meets the clan she never expected...the clan she can't resist. Well, at least as far as dinner's concerned.

* * * *

Earth II

“The seal is broken. Half of what should be in this bin is missing.” Toni waved her handheld displaying an invoice from the seller at the transport carrier’s chief officer.

New Hope City’s spaceport was a hectic hive of activity. She was forced to shout over the din at the Chesran in charge of his ship’s cargo. It was just as well; she would have been shouting anyway after fifteen minutes of arguing.

The squat green-skinned alien whose ears were as big as his skull bared sharp teeth at her. “I told you, you have to take it up with the seller.”

“According to the shipping officer who personally supervised the loading of my order, all seals were intact! There are supposed to be twenty-five more handhelds in this bin.” Toni stood a full foot taller than the Chesran and had no qualms about looming over him in a threatening manner.

The Chesran had apparently never encountered a furious human woman before, a female Earther who had no problem stomping him into a green puddle. A woman who actually enjoyed engaging in major disputes. “Maybe he lied. It makes no matter to me whether you accept the cargo or not. We get paid in any case.”

She hated the idea of calling the officer who’d arranged for the first of supplies for a new school to serve the incoming refugees. It didn’t matter the head of Supplies and Requisitions was Dramok Rihep on Alpha Space Station, through whom she’d placed the order. It didn’t matter he was her sister’s fiancée and would put this slimeball pirate in his place.

What mattered was Toni wanted respect on her own terms. She wanted people to acknowledge she was no one to screw over. Starting with this asshole.

It was time to go nuclear. She pocketed her handheld and waded in.

“Look, you little wart. You’ll give me my full order, or I start ripping off parts until I’m happy again. Those ears, for instance, will make fine umbrellas. This onion you call a nose is next. I’ll tear out your lying tongue and use it to wipe my ass.”

As she seethed, she advanced on him, her hands hooked into claws. The Chesran at last recognized he might be in trouble. He backed up a few steps. His tone was still belligerent, though defensively so.

“Look, you lunatic Earther—”

“Oh, you haven’t seen lunatic. But you’ll feel it, I promise you.”

“Excuse me, Matara. May I be of some assistance?”

The calm voice behind her spoke English, in the typical slight slurring of a Kalquorian accent.

Great. Some would-be hero running to the rescue instead of letting an equally big, bad woman handle her own business. Not me, baby. Not Rosa Nichols’ daughter Antonia.

Toni whirled to give the good Samaritan his walking orders under no uncertain terms. Her angry words died on her lips.

He was big, all right. Bad? She wouldn’t have bet on it. It was an Imdiko’s gentle, open face confronting her, his expression earnest and concerned.

What a face, framed by waves of below-shoulder-length hair. It was as handsome as it was kind, boasting chiseled cheekbones, a straight, aristocratic nose, and full decadent lips. There was nothing lacking in his body either, which was clad in a green-trimmed black fleet uniform. He was magnificently muscled where armored padding failed to hide his physique.

Toni’s mind went blank as instant attraction froze the moment in a snapshot. She’d seen scores of stunning Kalquorians, had lusted after her share, but no one had ever left her gaping as this man did.

“Matara? Is this Chesran giving you difficulty?”

Chesran? What’s a Chesran?

The fog that had abruptly consumed her brain began to lift. The Chesran. Right. The thieving, lying little green shit she’d been determined to stomp then scrape from her shoe.

“He, uh, he won’t…the bin…seal broken…supplies for the children…”

Sweet prophets, she couldn’t get her mouth to work. She tore her gaze from the mesmerizing sight of the Imdiko and woke up in time to notice the Chesran turning his from her and stalking toward his ship.

Fury burned off the Kalquorian’s spell. “Oh no you don’t, you cheat. Get your ugly green ass back here and tell me where my handhelds are!” She stormed after him.

He hurried faster, breaking into a trot.

A black blur shot past them both, then resolved into the brain-breaking Imdiko, who stood glowering in the Chesran’s path. The alien yelped and jerked to a halt.

“Where is the woman’s merchandise?” The Kalquorian’s tone was quiet, but there was menace in it.

“I don’t…we had engine trouble,” the Chesran gasped. “It was a bumpy ride. Maybe the bin broke open and the missing pieces spilled out. I can have the cargo bay searched.”

“A very good idea. I take it most of the cargo has been offloaded? It shouldn’t take you more than…” the Imdiko considered. “Fifteen minutes to find how many, Matara?”

Toni fought a scowl. He was only trying to help, though his efforts were undermining her ability to solve her own problems. “Twenty-five.”

“Twenty-five.” The Kalquorian smiled at her then leveled his stare at the Chesran. “Hopefully, none will be broken. Fifteen minutes?”

“Make it ten,” a heavy voice growled.

Another Kalquorian strode forward. Toni gaped at the menacing creature who stalked up to stand next to the Imdiko.

Definitely a Nobek. She wondered how someone could be so brutish and handsome at once. Stacy’s sweetheart Kuran was certainly a tough specimen, but he also possessed a decent helping of civilization.

Not so this fellow. He appeared capable of snacking on metal. His formsuit, also of the fleet variety, possessed no body armor she could discern. It displayed an insanely chiseled physique. Displayed? More like flaunted. The fabric of his uniform molded to the muscular swells of his abdomen.

And other fascinating swells lower down.

He wasn’t looking at Toni, but her knees shivered as if made of gelatin. She prayed his glance wouldn’t swing her way, lest she drop to the floor before his power.

“I suggest you do as he says,” a third deep voice noted in amusement. “My clanmate Wovir isn’t the most patient of men.”

Toni turned. Another fleet officer, sporting Dramok-blue trim on his uniform. Armored, thank the prophets, though he was apparently no slouch in the muscleman category himself. His goateed features were sharp with sarcastic humor as he eyed the Chesran.

Damn. Three styles of delicious, apparently a clan. A woman wouldn’t have to choose. She can take the whole platter home. On the heels of that, Toni’s better sense spoke up. Nope. Not gonna do a whole clan. Oh hell no.

But…damn, the temptation.

“Ten minutes. Sure. I’ll be right back.” The Chesran fled to his ship’s open cargo area, his long tail literally curled between his legs as he did so.

“Should I follow him?” To Toni’s relief, the Nobek’s threat diminished as he consulted his clanmates. He was still an icon of sheer destruction, but at least he didn’t appear ready to shred those in his immediate vicinity any longer.

“Give him five minutes.” The Dramok’s tone was upbeat, cheerful. “Then loom over him. Growl a bit.”

The Imdiko merely chuckled and shook his head. “You two. I was handling the situation fine.”

“You were, but group intimidation is so much fun.” The Dramok turned his smirk to Toni, which turned into a real smile. “Hello. I hope you don’t mind us rendering assistance.”

“No. Thank you.” She tried to shake her dazed reaction off, to assert herself appropriately. “Actually, I was working on teaching him to respect Earther women. You ruined the lesson.”

“Would it help if I were to assure you of my respect? Your threat to rip out his tongue and treat it as it so obviously deserved was glorious. Do you mind if I borrow that particular warning?”

“Uh…” Toni’s face heated as she recalled the exceptionally crude comment.

“It was among the best threats I’ve heard.” A slight smile toned down the Nobek’s feral visage further…but he still looked part beast. An admiring beast, who bowed to her as his companions did.

“Dramok Imon,” the goateed Kalquorian said. “These are my clanmates, Imdiko Feru and Nobek Wovir. Whom do we have the pleasure of rescuing, though she was in no need of it?”

“If you’re being condescending or engaging in flattery, you can save it.” She scowled despite wanting to return Imon’s insanely charming beam.

“Not at all! It’s merely how I talk.”

“Like he’s trying to sell you real estate in a swamp on the planet Trag.” Wovir surprised Toni by chuckling, which he didn’t appear capable of.

“In the first months of our acquaintance, Wovir punched me no fewer than five occasions before he realized I’m not quite as smarmy as my natural tone suggests. And Feru, who is one of the most understanding and forgiving men you’ll ever meet…a psychologist, no less…told me to fuck off on dozens of occasions before we clanned. He’s continued to do so since then, but I ignore it now.”

Imon’s grin was infectious. Toni realized she was returning it unconsciously and scowled.

Feru and Wovir laughed at her reaction. The Imdiko who’d stolen her breath said, “Don’t fight it. Imon’s charisma has a habit of blowing past defenses when you’re unfamiliar with him.”

“Even after.” Imon beamed.

“I’ll be on guard then.” Toni was aware her lips were fighting to curve upward again. “I do owe you thanks for getting the green jerk moving on my shipment. We have a lot of refugees on the way, particularly children, and little time to get ready for them.”

“I’ve heard. This issue of the Darks has thrown both our worlds into a mess. Our transport brought a few hundred refugees here from the Galactic Council of Planets.” Imon’s smile lost a measure of its voltage, and Toni thought she detected concerned kindness beyond its brilliance. “Whom do we have the pleasure of speaking to?”

“I’m Toni Nichols, director of planetary education.” The new title felt odd on her lips, and her tone lacked pride. She wondered if she sounded as uncertain to them as she did to herself.

Maybe not. They appeared impressed. “An important post. There can’t be any compromise when it comes to education. No wonder you were determined to teach the Chesran a lesson,” Wovir rumbled approvingly.

“Nichols…is it a common name, or are you related to Earth’s governor? Now that I’m thinking about it, you appear remarkably similar,” Feru said.

“She’s my sister.”

“A strong family, as well as beautiful,” Imon pronounced.

“You do sound like someone who’d sell Tragoom swampland to innocent bystanders.”

The men chuckled. “How about lunch? Dinner? A midnight snack?” the Dramok offered hopefully.

Toni held her hands up in a stop gesture. “I know you aren’t asking me to run off with you, but to be clear, clans aren’t my thing.”

“Are you sure? Have you tried a clan on for size?” Imon’s charm showed no sign of waning. If anything, it increased.

Toni was also impressed that though his statement could have been spoken as a double entendre, he’d kept it from his tone. It didn’t matter. “No offense, but I haven’t had much luck when it comes to one guy at a time. You’re definitely two men too many.”

Imon sidled closer and stage-whispered, “I can send Feru and Wovir off to do errands. We’ll sneak off, have coffee and conversation.”

The Nobek rolled his eyes. “A word of warning, Matara Toni: Imon by himself is five men too many.”

“I’m getting that impression.” She couldn’t keep from snickering.

“One last try, then we’ll respect your refusal and say nothing more,” Feru offered, his expression warm. “You can be assured dinner is all we ask. Our transport leaves in the morning, so you don’t have to go out of your way to avoid us.”

“Free meal, no strings.” Imon slightly bent a knee as if he would kneel, his hands clasped prayerfully. “Please, Matara.”

Toni laughed. “Okay, okay! Free meals are my weakness. I know a restaurant where the owners welcome Kalquorian customers, unlike the dickhead Earthtiques around here. Meet me at the spaceport’s main entrance in…” she consulted the time “…three hours.”

“Done.” Imon bowed and his clanmates followed suit, smiling broadly as they did so. “Ah, here comes our most helpful cargo chief, and I do believe he has your missing handhelds.”

“Thank the prophets. And you as well.” Toni was no longer irritated it hadn’t been her to put the Chesran in his place.

No clans. No chance. But she looked forward to dinner with Clan Imon just the same.

* * * *

  Now on sale!

 All-out war has begun, with innocents caught in the crossfire.

Former nun Cheryl Taupin and her husband Nobek Besral, in charge of the remaining orphans of Earth’s Armageddon, watch the terrible events unfolding in the Dark-overrun Galactic Council of Planets. Kalquorians in Galactic Council space are being rounded up to suffer an unknown fate and martial law is declared on many of the system’s worlds. A desperate plea to the Kalquorian Empire sends Admiral Piras and Captain Kila to the orphanage…but how can a lone spyship protect hundreds of children against the full might of the Galactic Council’s warships bent on destruction?

Charity Nath has been brought to Alpha Space Station to hide from those determined to exact vengeance against her father. Young and irrepressible, she’s determined to claim a measure of freedom from stifling restrictions placed on her. When her identity and location are revealed, her Kalquorian protectors must thwart those who’d harm her while contending with her stubborn refusal to be kept in check.

Imdiko Betra has done his best to put the past behind him. He knows letting go of the only woman he could ever love was the best course of action. But when he encounters Shalia Monroe again, his heart speaks louder than his conscience. Will unquenchable desire destroy the life she’s built, or will Betra’s clanmates Oses and Resan stop him from doing the unthinkable?

Against the backdrop of pandemic and plague, Kalquor and Earth II fight for their very survival against an enemy they’re only beginning to learn the strength of. As the All tightens its fearsome grip on the galaxy, humans and Kalquorians alike tremble on the verge of annihilation.

 Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Smashwords, Apple, Kobo, print