Zygotes
By: James Dubeau
Zygotes
Are floating through the air
Killing any and all
In the land
Yes they are and
You are next
Another to fall
Hell is your domain
Friday, May 28, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Lagrangian Waltz - Episode 15
Lagrangian Waltz - Episode 15
By: James Dubeau
Start the adventure here
Previous episode here
Next episode here
Sin slowly stepped from the shadows of trees surrounding the clearing as a small shuttle slowly descended. His arms were extended, palms to the sky. Even with a pistol hanging from his waist, Sin showed nonviolent intentions. Within moments the shuttle touched down and Master Solda Kumil emerged.
“Bring them to me,” Kumil demanded. Greed shown in his eyes and his hands rubbed together in anticipation.
Sin slowly twirled, showing that the pistol at his waist was the only weapon on his body. “Did you take care of what I asked?”
“The records are clean and I have your money.” Master Kumil jerked his head towards the ship. “Why don’t you escort them onto my ship, we can exchange for the money there.”
“It don’t work that way,” Sin shook his head. “Our previous encounters have left a sour taste in my mouth. How can I trust that you have the money and that you have done what you said you would?”
“Your presence is strong,” Kumil shouted over Sin’s shoulder. “Tahnel, come out here with the boy. Tell this rapscallion that I speak the truth. Tell him that a Consul Master’s word is his bond.”
Tahnel and Zachariah Beltran stepped from the brush, their movements were slow and deliberate as their hands and feet were bound. Tears streamed down the boy’s face as he silently cried. The large green one closed his eyes and nodded, “he speaks the truth.”
“Just because a Consul Master keeps his word doesn’t mean that he doesn’t have something devious up his sleeve. Now, toss the money to me.”
“If you must insist,” Kumil chuckled. He tossed a small cylindrical tube towards Sin.
Sin never took his eyes off the Consul Master as he allowed the credstick to fall at his feet. “Be a pal Tahnel and make sure it is all there.”
The large green being took baby steps across the clearing, the bindings clinking with each step. Zachariah clutched to Tahnel’s side, not letting go. “Looks like its all here,” his monotone voice rang out.
“Good,” Sin smiled as he held out his hand for the device.
Solda’s ship exploded in a massive fireball, nearly knocking him from his feet. Zachariah hid behind Tahnel, who covered the boy with his massive body. Sin did not as much as flinch from the blast. An Imperial shuttle streaked from the horizon, landing in the clearing. Colonel Voshage emerged, a squad of soldiers followed, circling around Solda. Their rifles were leveled at the Consul Master.
“Sorry about the ship, but you know how these things go.” Voshage smiled.
“What are you doing here?” Solda’s staccato voice punctuated each word.
“Every chance to take down a Consul Master is a chance worth taking,” the Colonel laughed. “Armies of the Consul and their allied worlds would loose much strength if Masters were not at their helm. Your little war against the Empire can easily be squashed out of existence once enough of your kind are brought to justice. Citizens of the Empire don’t need this war. They don’t need this fighting. They don’t need the loss of life that spans the galaxy. They need what they had, what you are trying to take away from them, a government that will protect against all threats. That is something that your pathetic little Consul could never provide.”
“All threats?” Solda spat. “The Empire is nothing but a tyrannical rule that maintains peace and protection through an iron fist. Citizens fear the Imperial police. They fear that a single misstep would have them taken away to work camps or killed. Imperial rule is an iron fist that is a threat to the citizens of the galaxy. Fortunately your iron fist allows worlds to slip through its fingers the tighter it grasps. Worlds which have seen the light and will not take your threats and lies any longer.”
Voshage yawned, “This is a debate that would best to have on the floor of government. Unfortunately I have no time for this conversation at this time. Throw down your weapon and there will be no harm done to you or your crew above. You are out numbered, there is no escape. Just give up now before I am forced to shed your blood.”
“You can pry my sword from my cold dead hands,” Solda growled. The blade seemingly materialized in his hand as he leapt towards one of the Imperial soldiers. Sunlight glinted off the blade as it slashed across the soldier, blood sprayed from the deep wound. Before the man began to fall the Consul Master’s foot connected with a soldier’s jaw while his sword cut deep into another. Master Kumil’s blade, feet, and hands worked efficiently, killing each soldier before the first one hit the dirt ground. His sword was leveled at the Colonel’s throat.
“Still as swift as ever,” Colonel Voshage glared at Kumil. A drop of blood splattered onto his pressed uniform.
“With a single swipe of this sword I could end you. However the Consul teaches peace and forgiveness. Toss your pistol away and you shall live.”
Voshage slowly unlatched his pistol’s holster and retrieved the weapon. His eyes never left Solda’s and Solda’s eyes never left his. With a sigh he tossed his pistol a few feet into a patch of grass. “Do this old soldier one favor, Voshage raised his chin, exposing his throat to the dripping crimson blade, “death by your hands would give me an honorable end.”
Master Kumil paused for a few moments before withdrawing his weapon. “I seem to have dropped my weapon,” he said tossing the sword a few feet beyond the pistol.
Colonel Voshage’s eyes narrowed, seeing the gift that Master Kumil had given him. Time stopped for the pair as they sized each other up. Much was uncertain for to two in the near future, however one thing was certain. In a few short moments one of them would be dead.
By: James Dubeau
Start the adventure here
Previous episode here
Next episode here
Sin slowly stepped from the shadows of trees surrounding the clearing as a small shuttle slowly descended. His arms were extended, palms to the sky. Even with a pistol hanging from his waist, Sin showed nonviolent intentions. Within moments the shuttle touched down and Master Solda Kumil emerged.
“Bring them to me,” Kumil demanded. Greed shown in his eyes and his hands rubbed together in anticipation.
Sin slowly twirled, showing that the pistol at his waist was the only weapon on his body. “Did you take care of what I asked?”
“The records are clean and I have your money.” Master Kumil jerked his head towards the ship. “Why don’t you escort them onto my ship, we can exchange for the money there.”
“It don’t work that way,” Sin shook his head. “Our previous encounters have left a sour taste in my mouth. How can I trust that you have the money and that you have done what you said you would?”
“Your presence is strong,” Kumil shouted over Sin’s shoulder. “Tahnel, come out here with the boy. Tell this rapscallion that I speak the truth. Tell him that a Consul Master’s word is his bond.”
Tahnel and Zachariah Beltran stepped from the brush, their movements were slow and deliberate as their hands and feet were bound. Tears streamed down the boy’s face as he silently cried. The large green one closed his eyes and nodded, “he speaks the truth.”
“Just because a Consul Master keeps his word doesn’t mean that he doesn’t have something devious up his sleeve. Now, toss the money to me.”
“If you must insist,” Kumil chuckled. He tossed a small cylindrical tube towards Sin.
Sin never took his eyes off the Consul Master as he allowed the credstick to fall at his feet. “Be a pal Tahnel and make sure it is all there.”
The large green being took baby steps across the clearing, the bindings clinking with each step. Zachariah clutched to Tahnel’s side, not letting go. “Looks like its all here,” his monotone voice rang out.
“Good,” Sin smiled as he held out his hand for the device.
Solda’s ship exploded in a massive fireball, nearly knocking him from his feet. Zachariah hid behind Tahnel, who covered the boy with his massive body. Sin did not as much as flinch from the blast. An Imperial shuttle streaked from the horizon, landing in the clearing. Colonel Voshage emerged, a squad of soldiers followed, circling around Solda. Their rifles were leveled at the Consul Master.
“Sorry about the ship, but you know how these things go.” Voshage smiled.
“What are you doing here?” Solda’s staccato voice punctuated each word.
“Every chance to take down a Consul Master is a chance worth taking,” the Colonel laughed. “Armies of the Consul and their allied worlds would loose much strength if Masters were not at their helm. Your little war against the Empire can easily be squashed out of existence once enough of your kind are brought to justice. Citizens of the Empire don’t need this war. They don’t need this fighting. They don’t need the loss of life that spans the galaxy. They need what they had, what you are trying to take away from them, a government that will protect against all threats. That is something that your pathetic little Consul could never provide.”
“All threats?” Solda spat. “The Empire is nothing but a tyrannical rule that maintains peace and protection through an iron fist. Citizens fear the Imperial police. They fear that a single misstep would have them taken away to work camps or killed. Imperial rule is an iron fist that is a threat to the citizens of the galaxy. Fortunately your iron fist allows worlds to slip through its fingers the tighter it grasps. Worlds which have seen the light and will not take your threats and lies any longer.”
Voshage yawned, “This is a debate that would best to have on the floor of government. Unfortunately I have no time for this conversation at this time. Throw down your weapon and there will be no harm done to you or your crew above. You are out numbered, there is no escape. Just give up now before I am forced to shed your blood.”
“You can pry my sword from my cold dead hands,” Solda growled. The blade seemingly materialized in his hand as he leapt towards one of the Imperial soldiers. Sunlight glinted off the blade as it slashed across the soldier, blood sprayed from the deep wound. Before the man began to fall the Consul Master’s foot connected with a soldier’s jaw while his sword cut deep into another. Master Kumil’s blade, feet, and hands worked efficiently, killing each soldier before the first one hit the dirt ground. His sword was leveled at the Colonel’s throat.
“Still as swift as ever,” Colonel Voshage glared at Kumil. A drop of blood splattered onto his pressed uniform.
“With a single swipe of this sword I could end you. However the Consul teaches peace and forgiveness. Toss your pistol away and you shall live.”
Voshage slowly unlatched his pistol’s holster and retrieved the weapon. His eyes never left Solda’s and Solda’s eyes never left his. With a sigh he tossed his pistol a few feet into a patch of grass. “Do this old soldier one favor, Voshage raised his chin, exposing his throat to the dripping crimson blade, “death by your hands would give me an honorable end.”
Master Kumil paused for a few moments before withdrawing his weapon. “I seem to have dropped my weapon,” he said tossing the sword a few feet beyond the pistol.
Colonel Voshage’s eyes narrowed, seeing the gift that Master Kumil had given him. Time stopped for the pair as they sized each other up. Much was uncertain for to two in the near future, however one thing was certain. In a few short moments one of them would be dead.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Explode
Explode
By: James Dubeau
Just poured the last of this
Pot of coffee
Into my cup
Glass
Mug
As my foot taps
And leg shakes
And fingers tremble
And bladder is ready
To explode
But I cannot leave
To relieve myself
Not right now
Not until I’m finished
Writing this work
For today
I must be productive
And there is no one
In this public hive
Which I would trust
To watch
My computer
From would be thieves
Or goblins
Which like to hide
In the corner
By: James Dubeau
Just poured the last of this
Pot of coffee
Into my cup
Glass
Mug
As my foot taps
And leg shakes
And fingers tremble
And bladder is ready
To explode
But I cannot leave
To relieve myself
Not right now
Not until I’m finished
Writing this work
For today
I must be productive
And there is no one
In this public hive
Which I would trust
To watch
My computer
From would be thieves
Or goblins
Which like to hide
In the corner
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Lone Wolf
Lone Wolf
By: James Dubeau
Lone wolf
Stalks alone
Through tree
And bush
Pale moonlight
Filters through
Fallen leaves
Resting upon
Dead soldiers
Who fought
Gallantly losing
Giving all
For those
Who never
Did deserve
The honor
Copper scents
Floating through
Death’s grove
Along with
Dirty musk
From those
Who circle
The grove
Waiting for
And watching
Lone wolf
To make
A mistake
Only one
Is needed
To pounce
Catching unaware
Taking advantage
Of poor
Old wolf
But he
Is strong
And wily
Fighting tooth
And claw
To remain
As always
Lone wolf
By: James Dubeau
Lone wolf
Stalks alone
Through tree
And bush
Pale moonlight
Filters through
Fallen leaves
Resting upon
Dead soldiers
Who fought
Gallantly losing
Giving all
For those
Who never
Did deserve
The honor
Copper scents
Floating through
Death’s grove
Along with
Dirty musk
From those
Who circle
The grove
Waiting for
And watching
Lone wolf
To make
A mistake
Only one
Is needed
To pounce
Catching unaware
Taking advantage
Of poor
Old wolf
But he
Is strong
And wily
Fighting tooth
And claw
To remain
As always
Lone wolf
Friday, May 21, 2010
Thin Strip Of Sand
Thin Strip Of Sand
By: James Dubeau
Thin strip of sand
Adorned with goodies
From the sea
Crabs
Seashells
Seaweed
And least of all
My footprints
Marching along
The lapping waves
Single file
Footstep
After
Footstep
Clouds float on by
Sunlight filters through
Waves lap upon the shore
Again
And
Again
Each wave reaching
Beyond the last
Rolling through
Yearning to caress
And smother
Thin strands of beach grass
Upon the dune
Overlooking myself
And my empty everything
In the process
Of the sea’s desire
All the goodies
Will disappear
Crabs
Seashells
Seaweed
And easiest of all
My footprints
Would be washed from this
Thin strip of sand
Only proof
That this white sand
Has tickled my sole
Are my two legs
Standing ankle deep
In the mire
Watching it all
Be destroyed
With a smirk
And a grin
By: James Dubeau
Thin strip of sand
Adorned with goodies
From the sea
Crabs
Seashells
Seaweed
And least of all
My footprints
Marching along
The lapping waves
Single file
Footstep
After
Footstep
Clouds float on by
Sunlight filters through
Waves lap upon the shore
Again
And
Again
Each wave reaching
Beyond the last
Rolling through
Yearning to caress
And smother
Thin strands of beach grass
Upon the dune
Overlooking myself
And my empty everything
In the process
Of the sea’s desire
All the goodies
Will disappear
Crabs
Seashells
Seaweed
And easiest of all
My footprints
Would be washed from this
Thin strip of sand
Only proof
That this white sand
Has tickled my sole
Are my two legs
Standing ankle deep
In the mire
Watching it all
Be destroyed
With a smirk
And a grin
Monday, May 17, 2010
Drain
Drain
By: James Dubeau
Why is it
That I am left
Circling this drain
As this sea
Swirls and sways
Taking me with it
Down
To the neither regions
That is the abyss
Where the stank
And mess
And general foulness
That is where
My soul
Resides
By: James Dubeau
Why is it
That I am left
Circling this drain
As this sea
Swirls and sways
Taking me with it
Down
To the neither regions
That is the abyss
Where the stank
And mess
And general foulness
That is where
My soul
Resides
Friday, May 14, 2010
Ponders
Ponders
By: James Dubeau & Friend
Ponders
Wanders
On a moonlit night
To sort out my plight
On a midnight flight
For the grass is green
And the night is black
And i'm on my knees with this heart attack
Waiting for the deliverance
That is to come
Running and running against the sun
Shadows grow
Dawn awakens
And i will rise and walk unshaken
Dreaming of a side of bacon
And some crispy golden fries
Drizzled in cheese sauce
Just like mom used to make
All those years ago
....I simply can't believe my eyes!
Light has opened them wide
By the fireside i will bide
Until the truth slips past my lips
Becoming free for all to see
By: James Dubeau & Friend
Ponders
Wanders
On a moonlit night
To sort out my plight
On a midnight flight
For the grass is green
And the night is black
And i'm on my knees with this heart attack
Waiting for the deliverance
That is to come
Running and running against the sun
Shadows grow
Dawn awakens
And i will rise and walk unshaken
Dreaming of a side of bacon
And some crispy golden fries
Drizzled in cheese sauce
Just like mom used to make
All those years ago
....I simply can't believe my eyes!
Light has opened them wide
By the fireside i will bide
Until the truth slips past my lips
Becoming free for all to see
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Eggs In The Coffee
Eggs In The Coffee
By: James Dubeau
Eggs in the coffee
Dizzy with a dame
Creating a vigorish
Oh what a shame
Scratch out some berries
On this mill
Flippers must work
Or ink will spill
But a yard is a yard
Which this sucker can’t pay
Hitting on eight
Won’t make the hay
Out on the roof
And pitching woo
Loogan strikes
The alderman through
By: James Dubeau
Eggs in the coffee
Dizzy with a dame
Creating a vigorish
Oh what a shame
Scratch out some berries
On this mill
Flippers must work
Or ink will spill
But a yard is a yard
Which this sucker can’t pay
Hitting on eight
Won’t make the hay
Out on the roof
And pitching woo
Loogan strikes
The alderman through
Monday, May 10, 2010
Pending Storm
Pending Storm
By: James Dubeau
Look at that
Fat old hooker
With the huge knockers
Standing outside
In the cold rain
Waiting
For it all to end
But
Which one of us
Is the one
That truly needs
The end to come
Crashing down
In a hail of
Thunder and lightning
Washing the trash
Down the storm sewer
Leaving the city streets
Cold
Wet
Empty
And
Clean
By: James Dubeau
Look at that
Fat old hooker
With the huge knockers
Standing outside
In the cold rain
Waiting
For it all to end
But
Which one of us
Is the one
That truly needs
The end to come
Crashing down
In a hail of
Thunder and lightning
Washing the trash
Down the storm sewer
Leaving the city streets
Cold
Wet
Empty
And
Clean
Saturday, May 08, 2010
Friday, May 07, 2010
The Sky Is Falling
The Sky Is Falling
By: James Dubeau
The sky is falling
The sky is falling
As I sit here
Playing my fiddle
Letting it all
Be destroyed
Under the boot heel
That is reality
I don’t care
Not any more
There is no reason
For concern
Or even to shed
A single
Tear
By: James Dubeau
The sky is falling
The sky is falling
As I sit here
Playing my fiddle
Letting it all
Be destroyed
Under the boot heel
That is reality
I don’t care
Not any more
There is no reason
For concern
Or even to shed
A single
Tear
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
Lagrangian Waltz - Episode 14
Lagrangian Waltz - Episode 14
By: James Dubeau
Start the adventure here
Previous episode here
Next episode here
“They’re shooting at us,” Zachariah Beltron yelled, struggling to fasten his harness. The ship rocked as an explosion engulfed the cockpit windshield.
“Thought you said the Imperials made a deal.” Tahnel’s voice was laden with concern. His large green hands carefully clasped the boy’s harness, securing the tether.
“Did you honestly expect anything else?” Sin said through gritted teeth. Hener’s tiny ship spun and dove as colorful blasts of light streaked past the cockpit windows. The pair was pressed into their seats, engines roared to maximum output. “They gotta make it look good, mate. Fortunately that bounty hunter knew how to supe up a ship, she really has some get up and go.”
“What charges they take that bounty hunter in on?” Tahnel took great interest in the Imperial ship which grew smaller behind them as a squad of fighters grew larger.
“Illegal weapons charges, out of date hunting license, transporting a minor without consent. It doesn’t really matter. Colonel Voshage would have found something, or created something, to put that scum behind bars.” Strain shown in his voice as the ship climbed sharply. Imperials were not shaving points on this one.
“Glad to see you were able to make it out of there,” a friendly voice chirped over the communications system as the Consul ship grew to a discernable shape in front of them. “Were you able to keep the child away from the Imperials, Mr. Hawau?”
“Get these Imperial fighters off my ass and we’ll talk,” Sin barked into the communication system microphone.
“I’m sorry, but we cannot interfere at this time. Once you are to our fighter picket line you will be safe. Even the Imperials respect the Thangil Convention regulations.”
“Can’t,” Sin snapped. Colorful blasts from the trailing fighters streaked past.
“Can’t?” confusion rang through the voice. “Is this not Mr. Hawau? Who do I have the pleasure of speaking with?”
“Put Master Kumil on the line. Put him on or the kid and I’ll turn around and face those Imperials on our own.” Sin growled through gritted teeth.
“One moment sir,” cheeriness had left the voice and was replaced with a seriousness reserved for bankers and lawyers. Within a few moments Master Kumil’s voice boomed over the communications system demanding as to who was in possession of Hener Hawau’s ship.
“Sin Naggai, do you remember me?” Joy rang through his voice even though blasts from the following fighters raked across the ship. “Hener has been detained by the Imperials, but I got a deal for you.”
“What can you possibly say that would make me want to deal with the likes of you?” Master Kumil was not amused at speaking with a smuggler that had made a fool out of the Consul a few short hours before.
“Current events had forced me to change my opinions on several subjects. Namely, that in order to survive in the galaxy one must travel light. The kid and your old student are dragging me down.”
Solda practically salivated as he spoke, “I will make it well worth your wild to bring them both to me.”
“What are you doing?” Tahnel seethed.
Sin winked at his partner. “I’m not going to ask for much, just three simple requests. You can start by getting those damn Imperial fighters off my ass.”
“Can’t do that,” disappointment dripped from his voice. “Come to me and my picket line will protect you.”
“I don’t care what you can and can’t do and I don’t trust you either. This ship is headed to Naurchand four for a neutral location for the handoff. Just distract them long enough for me to get to the planet’s surface.” The starship rocked as an explosion tore at its soft underbelly. Imperial aim had gotten better.
“There isn’t much that can be done to help you, but I’ll give the authority to move the picket line forward.” Master Kumil’s proud voice was heavy with defeat. “If the fates will it, the presence of our forces will frighten the Imperials into breaking off the pursuit. Odds are they will just roll into a dogfight with our fighters, claiming that we moved into a threatening position. There is a chance they will hesitate and regroup into formation before attacking which should present to you an opportunity to escape.”
“Secondly, I need to have all negative implications against Tahnel and myself removed from the Consul record.” Sin’s brow furled as the ship doubled back towards the Imperial fighters, sending them scattering to avoid collision. Within moments the attack ships had regrouped behind the fleeing ship.
“An interesting request, but attainable.”
“Least I could do before handing the old boy off to you. Besides, I don’t want to have any known associates in my file that steeped in criminal activity.” Sin grinned through clenched teeth as he spoke. “I want the records cleaned before we meet.”
“Thanks, I think,” Tahnel glared at the pilot.
“That will not be a problem,” Master Kumil’s voice returned to the authority that it originally had. “What is your third request?”
“Cold, hard, credits,” Sin laughed. “The same amount you were offering to the bounty hunter.”
“Done,” Solda’s voice was quick to interject.
Sin’s voice was silky smooth. The Imperal fighters were all but forgotten about as he relished the negotiation victory over the Consul Master. “Good. I’ll send the coordinates for the meet to you once I’m on the planet. Come alone. I still don’t trust you but I would trust a squad of Consul Soldiers much less.”
Sin flicked off the communications system and threw down the microphone, cutting off Master Kumil’s chance for a rebuttle.
“What in the wild dark matter do you think you are you doing?” Rage grew behind Tahnel’s eyes, his voice quivered on the verge of shouting.
“Relax,” Sin said slyly, “I got everything under control.” The starship rocked as another missile exploded nearby, engulfing the small ship in a red hot fireball.
By: James Dubeau
Start the adventure here
Previous episode here
Next episode here
“They’re shooting at us,” Zachariah Beltron yelled, struggling to fasten his harness. The ship rocked as an explosion engulfed the cockpit windshield.
“Thought you said the Imperials made a deal.” Tahnel’s voice was laden with concern. His large green hands carefully clasped the boy’s harness, securing the tether.
“Did you honestly expect anything else?” Sin said through gritted teeth. Hener’s tiny ship spun and dove as colorful blasts of light streaked past the cockpit windows. The pair was pressed into their seats, engines roared to maximum output. “They gotta make it look good, mate. Fortunately that bounty hunter knew how to supe up a ship, she really has some get up and go.”
“What charges they take that bounty hunter in on?” Tahnel took great interest in the Imperial ship which grew smaller behind them as a squad of fighters grew larger.
“Illegal weapons charges, out of date hunting license, transporting a minor without consent. It doesn’t really matter. Colonel Voshage would have found something, or created something, to put that scum behind bars.” Strain shown in his voice as the ship climbed sharply. Imperials were not shaving points on this one.
“Glad to see you were able to make it out of there,” a friendly voice chirped over the communications system as the Consul ship grew to a discernable shape in front of them. “Were you able to keep the child away from the Imperials, Mr. Hawau?”
“Get these Imperial fighters off my ass and we’ll talk,” Sin barked into the communication system microphone.
“I’m sorry, but we cannot interfere at this time. Once you are to our fighter picket line you will be safe. Even the Imperials respect the Thangil Convention regulations.”
“Can’t,” Sin snapped. Colorful blasts from the trailing fighters streaked past.
“Can’t?” confusion rang through the voice. “Is this not Mr. Hawau? Who do I have the pleasure of speaking with?”
“Put Master Kumil on the line. Put him on or the kid and I’ll turn around and face those Imperials on our own.” Sin growled through gritted teeth.
“One moment sir,” cheeriness had left the voice and was replaced with a seriousness reserved for bankers and lawyers. Within a few moments Master Kumil’s voice boomed over the communications system demanding as to who was in possession of Hener Hawau’s ship.
“Sin Naggai, do you remember me?” Joy rang through his voice even though blasts from the following fighters raked across the ship. “Hener has been detained by the Imperials, but I got a deal for you.”
“What can you possibly say that would make me want to deal with the likes of you?” Master Kumil was not amused at speaking with a smuggler that had made a fool out of the Consul a few short hours before.
“Current events had forced me to change my opinions on several subjects. Namely, that in order to survive in the galaxy one must travel light. The kid and your old student are dragging me down.”
Solda practically salivated as he spoke, “I will make it well worth your wild to bring them both to me.”
“What are you doing?” Tahnel seethed.
Sin winked at his partner. “I’m not going to ask for much, just three simple requests. You can start by getting those damn Imperial fighters off my ass.”
“Can’t do that,” disappointment dripped from his voice. “Come to me and my picket line will protect you.”
“I don’t care what you can and can’t do and I don’t trust you either. This ship is headed to Naurchand four for a neutral location for the handoff. Just distract them long enough for me to get to the planet’s surface.” The starship rocked as an explosion tore at its soft underbelly. Imperial aim had gotten better.
“There isn’t much that can be done to help you, but I’ll give the authority to move the picket line forward.” Master Kumil’s proud voice was heavy with defeat. “If the fates will it, the presence of our forces will frighten the Imperials into breaking off the pursuit. Odds are they will just roll into a dogfight with our fighters, claiming that we moved into a threatening position. There is a chance they will hesitate and regroup into formation before attacking which should present to you an opportunity to escape.”
“Secondly, I need to have all negative implications against Tahnel and myself removed from the Consul record.” Sin’s brow furled as the ship doubled back towards the Imperial fighters, sending them scattering to avoid collision. Within moments the attack ships had regrouped behind the fleeing ship.
“An interesting request, but attainable.”
“Least I could do before handing the old boy off to you. Besides, I don’t want to have any known associates in my file that steeped in criminal activity.” Sin grinned through clenched teeth as he spoke. “I want the records cleaned before we meet.”
“Thanks, I think,” Tahnel glared at the pilot.
“That will not be a problem,” Master Kumil’s voice returned to the authority that it originally had. “What is your third request?”
“Cold, hard, credits,” Sin laughed. “The same amount you were offering to the bounty hunter.”
“Done,” Solda’s voice was quick to interject.
Sin’s voice was silky smooth. The Imperal fighters were all but forgotten about as he relished the negotiation victory over the Consul Master. “Good. I’ll send the coordinates for the meet to you once I’m on the planet. Come alone. I still don’t trust you but I would trust a squad of Consul Soldiers much less.”
Sin flicked off the communications system and threw down the microphone, cutting off Master Kumil’s chance for a rebuttle.
“What in the wild dark matter do you think you are you doing?” Rage grew behind Tahnel’s eyes, his voice quivered on the verge of shouting.
“Relax,” Sin said slyly, “I got everything under control.” The starship rocked as another missile exploded nearby, engulfing the small ship in a red hot fireball.
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
I'm Sorry
I’m Sorry
By: James Dubeau
I’m sorry
For taking
So much time
Away
From my writing
Unfortunately
Most of us
Know exactly
How things are
In this day
And age
Work
Can be
All consuming
Beast
That devours
Time
And energy
Now
Take that creature
Double its size
Fore
Double headed
Double job
Work day
Runs
Eight
In the morning
To
Eleven at night
Doing its best
Reducing
The few
Fleeting
Moments
Away from the toil
To be moments
Where relaxation
Is in order
If you add
The need to eat
And the desire
To sleep
Those days
Amount of free time
Is reduced
To
Next to nothing
Looking
At a computer screen
For
A good chunk
Of my work day
Means
The last thing
I want to do
Is stare
At a computer screen
Some more
Even
If it is
For something
Fun
The act of doing
The same repetitive motions
Again
And
Again
And
Again
Is enough
To drive a man
Insane
So
What I’m getting at
Is this
I’m sorry
For not updating
The stories
And
The poems
Which have been
Promised to
You and me
For this
I
Must atone
And resume
Writing
Posting
Even if it means
Nothing
But haikus
Three
Times
A
Week
Hopefully
This shall be
Satisfactory
In moving forward
As for right now
All that I can say
Is
Thank you
And please
Keep reading
By: James Dubeau
I’m sorry
For taking
So much time
Away
From my writing
Unfortunately
Most of us
Know exactly
How things are
In this day
And age
Work
Can be
All consuming
Beast
That devours
Time
And energy
Now
Take that creature
Double its size
Fore
Double headed
Double job
Work day
Runs
Eight
In the morning
To
Eleven at night
Doing its best
Reducing
The few
Fleeting
Moments
Away from the toil
To be moments
Where relaxation
Is in order
If you add
The need to eat
And the desire
To sleep
Those days
Amount of free time
Is reduced
To
Next to nothing
Looking
At a computer screen
For
A good chunk
Of my work day
Means
The last thing
I want to do
Is stare
At a computer screen
Some more
Even
If it is
For something
Fun
The act of doing
The same repetitive motions
Again
And
Again
And
Again
Is enough
To drive a man
Insane
So
What I’m getting at
Is this
I’m sorry
For not updating
The stories
And
The poems
Which have been
Promised to
You and me
For this
I
Must atone
And resume
Writing
Posting
Even if it means
Nothing
But haikus
Three
Times
A
Week
Hopefully
This shall be
Satisfactory
In moving forward
As for right now
All that I can say
Is
Thank you
And please
Keep reading
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