A fire crackled in the darkness, warming the cold winter air. By human scale, of course, it was a mighty conflagration, of the sort that might decimate a city or forest. But this was not a human world; by the scale of Sininentavas, the fire was large but not overwhelming, somewhere between campfire and bonfire. …
Category: Titan Novels
Chapter Forty-Five: Throw Yourself at the Ground and Miss Titan: Birthright by D.X. Machina and Johnnyscribe
“All right, almost there…one more meter…and there you go. Nice work, dad,” Ryan said, as Alex reached the end of the parallel bars. His father rested for a moment, and Ryan could see him briefly consider turning his neural stabilizer back on, but instead he took a couple more steps to the walker at the …
Chapter Forty-Four: We Apologize for the Inconvenience Titan: Birthright by D.X. Machina and Johnnyscribe
Aud held her infant son, feeding him and humming a song that she half-remembered from her childhood, trying to hold back her tears. Trying to be strong for him. It had been a few months since she’d been imprisoned in the palace, a few months since it had all fallen apart. Four days ago, she’d …
Chapter Forty-Three: At Any Rate, You Live Titan: Birthright by D.X. Machina and Johnnyscribe
A few days had passed, and one of those injured in the assassination attempt was finally leaving the hospital. “Sebb,” Rixie said, as he packed his things, “I cannot adequately express my appreciation for what you did. I know the Dronung has plans for something to honor you, and Pryvani has said that she paid …
Chapter Forty-Two: Life, the Universe, and Everything Titan: Birthright by D.X. Machina and Johnnyscribe
“Pulse is 72, blood pressure is 240 milats over 160,” said a familiar voice. “Reticular activating system is showing elevated activity. I think it’s time. Melysu, he’s your patient, do you want to do the honors?” “He’s your friend, Nick,” another voice said. “Besides, I want to keep an eye on the scans.” “All right, …
Interlude: The Smoke From a Distant Fire Titan: Birthright by D.X. Machina and Johnnyscribe
In many ways, Ryan Carey was relieved when Nom Zinter finally said, “Sir, Navarchos Gwenn is asking to speak to you.” Ryan got up from the command chair, and nodded to the officer behind him. (In point of fact, he and Zinter were on entirely different decks – Ryan was operating from the human-scale bridge, …
Chapter Forty-One: Picking Up the Pieces Titan: Birthright by D.X. Machina and Johnnyscribe
Part of Rixie wanted to be engaged in the questioning of the Aljansens, wanted to pick them apart piece by piece. But there were good imperators who were ready to do that, who had more recent practice at interrogation than Rixie did. Besides, she had more important responsibilities. She had spoken to her mother, and …
Chapter Forty: Castling Titan: Birthright by D.X. Machina
“What are you reading?” Brinn asked, as she brought a suitcase into the entryway of the family’s home. “Same thing you were reading half an hour ago,” Nick said, sitting at the kitchen table – virtually, that is – and downing his brewleaf. “You know, when we were coming down to it, I almost sent …
Chapter Thirty-Nine: Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Variant Titan: Birthright by D.X. Machina and Johnnyscribe
“High-born Rajenlif,” Luviisa said, as they entered the atrium of the building that housed the Chamber of the Ten. “I have heard terrible rumors. Audara accompanied us this morning, I…uh…well, duty calls, even in the worst of times. I wanted to be…prepared.” Rajenlif had been waiting for Luviisa to arrive, and it took a great …
Chapter Thirty-Eight: The Dronung’s Gambit Titan: Birthright by D.X. Machina and Johnnyscribe
“You look exhausted,” said Rajenlif, looking over at her niece. “I’ve been much more exhausted than this,” Rixie said. “I just wish I had Alex here to talk me through. Of course, if we weren’t in the middle of a disaster, he might try to make me sleep – but only if he thought I …