Author: D.X. Machina

Chapter Twenty-Four: Lay Down My Burden Titan: Contact by D.X. Machina

“To be, or not to be, that is the question: Whether ’tis Nobler in the mind to suffer The Slings and Arrows of outrageous Fortune, Or to take Arms against a Sea of troubles, And by opposing end them.” –William Shakespeare, “Hamlet,” Act III, Scene i “Sally Ride, this is Captain Lauryna Gwenn of the …

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Chapter One TCA: Sojourner by D.X. Machina

Communication Chief’s Log, Gwenn, Lauryna SC3C ISS Tez Magilna MZK-01, Grelau 21-08-2109 I was not expecting to be promoted, and definitely not to end up on the lead ship of the Magilna class, patrolling Sector 25. And though I’m happy to be communications chief aboard the Magilna, I have Izzy with me every day to …

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Chapter Twenty-Three: And Mortal Life Shall Cease Titan: Contact by D.X. Machina

“But we in it shall be remembered – We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; For he to-day that sheds his blood with me Shall be my brother….” –William Shakespeare, “Henry V,” Act IV, Scene iii “Hit the ground!” Kir shouted, on instinct as much as anything. The three Titans dove low, as …

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Chapter Twenty-Two: Study War No More Titan: Contact by D.X. Machina

“When you’re getting ready to launch into space, you’re sitting on a big explosion waiting to happen.” –Dr. Sally Ride “My question is, at what point do we attack?” The question seemed to hang in the air; the various world leaders who fielded Admiral Harwell’s question seemed almost taken aback by it. It was Robyn …

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Prologue The Continuing Adventures: Sojourner by D.X. Machina

“I still don’t see why we’re using a human for this.” Engine-Fixer’s tail twitched in disdain; she really wasn’t sure New-Assistant-Systems-Fixer was working out. It wasn’t that she was bad at understanding systems. She was quite competent. It was just that she was a bit provincial. A crewmate has to be able to adapt to …

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Chapter Twenty-One: The Trumpet That Shall Never Call Retreat Titan: Contact by D.X. Machina

“Battle is an orgy of disorder.” –Gen. George S. Patton, Jr. They say in battle, time slows down. Eyrn, Naskia, and Sorcha all wished what they said was true. Instead, the peacekeepers kept moving at a steady pace. Too steady, too fast. Almost. Almost…. A soft click and a whoosh came from the ceiling. It …

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Dearly Beloved A Tale of Avalon by D.X. Machina

“It’s lucky the Gyfjon was diverted to the Tarsuss System. I would’ve hated for Izzy to miss this,” Junior Crewmate Gwenn said, as she walked through the halls of the compound, heading for the holosuites; her companion just laughed. “Luck? Sure. Just a lucky coincidence that Pryvani’s communications company just happened to specifically need the …

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Chapter Twenty: Let Us Die to Make Men Free Titan: Contact by D.X. Machina

“Think not that your word and yours alone must be right.” –Sophocles, Antigone “All right,” Darren said, as they came to a ventilation grate. “We’re here. At least, we’re as close as we can get through the shaft. It’s sealed going forward.” “Very well,” Tatenda said, looking into the mass of men and women in …

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