by Amy DuBoff
“This one, maybe,” Kurtz said, coming up behind them.
“Sir.” Ava nodded to him.
“You showed great initiative on this mission,” Kurtz continued. “We could use a person like you in the FDG.”
Luke’s violet eyes widened with surprise. “Are you… offering me a position?”
“I am, indeed. What do you say?” The colonel looked around. “It’s a beautiful planet, I’ll give you that, but there aren’t a lot of other opportunities here for someone with your training.”
“I’m not much of a warrior, sir. After today, I’m certain I don’t have the stomach for it.”
“Oh, no no. The position I had in mind was on the R&D team. The nanocyte research they were doing here was woefully misguided, but elements of it would go a long way toward helping us get the most out of our warriors. You could continue your research with the backing of the Etheric Federation’s resources.”
“I—I don’t know what to say,” Luke stammered.
“ ‘Yes’ would be a good answer.” Kurtz smiled.
Luke glanced at Ava. “I’ll let you know soon.”
Kurtz’s gaze flitted between Ava and Luke. “I look forward to your acceptance.” He left them to their discussion.
Ava kicked her toe into the dirt.
“Whaddya think?” Luke asked her.
“It’s your decision,” she said.
“The FDG was always your thing. I don’t want to cramp your style.”
“You joining the FDG as a researcher doesn’t change anything.”
He took her hand. “What if I want it to?”
“Not gonna lie—the prospect of going back to headquarters without you kinda sucked.”
“So you’re good with me joining?”
“Fuck yes!” She threw her arms around his neck and whispered in his ear, “I’d like to keep you around for a little longer.”
Over Luke’s shoulder, across the lawn, she saw Edwin tap Nick on the shoulder and point to Ava. Samantha’s and Nick’s mouths dropped open, and Edwin chuckled. In true form, Edwin grabbed his helmet and activated the combat recorder.
Ava shook her head with exasperation, then locked Luke in a passionate kiss. May as well give them something film-worthy.
***
Representatives from the Alucian media were waiting patiently in the lobby of the capitol building for President Connors to take the podium. He checked himself over, and Karen gave a nod of approval.
He nodded back and stepped into place. Amidst the reporters were citizens from all walks of life, anxious to hear the urgent statement he’d make this afternoon.
Connors took a deep breath and began. “You now have the means to make your own future. When our ancestors set out generations ago to settle this system, it was to start a new life that would enable them to achieve their dreams of freedom and prosperity. But that hasn’t always been the case. We have been at odds with our neighbors and competing for what no one should rightfully control.
“There is another way. The Etheric Federation stands as a beacon of unity and empowerment. They do not seek to control or dictate, but rather to share and offer mutual benefit. Some of us have lived in fear that joining with the Federation would consume the heart of our culture. That isn’t the case. What they offer is for us to make that culture all it can be, and to learn and grow as we continue to refine our identity and shape the future we want for coming generations.
“We have argued amongst ourselves about what the best way forward is, but I couldn’t allow civil conflicts to continue escalating. I made the decision that, as your elected leader, I feel is most representative of our people’s wishes, and that will give us the best chance to achieve the future vision we share.
“That act was to sign Alucia as a vassal of the Etheric Federation.”
The crowd erupted in a cacophony of questions, cheers, and a few shouts of protest.
Connors held up his hands to quiet them. “I know this won’t please everyone, and while I would have preferred for this to be handled through our democratic process, we were short on time. Political tensions are running high, and Coraxa continues to be a point of contention between the Alucian Alliance and Nezaran Coalition. I feared that any delays in signing this agreement may have resulted in hardships for our people. This should be a time of joy for what’s to come, not of worry that danger is lurking around the corner.
“As a vassal, we now have all the protections of the Federation’s military. We have their science, their schools, and their transportation network. The limitless possibilities of the universe are now within reach,” he smiled. “Though that might be a bit too poetic. Through it all, we will still be Alucia. We come from human and Torcellan heritage, but we are Alucians now, and will remain Alucians in the Federation. Let us celebrate!”
Connors took a step back from the podium as the crowd cheered once more—this time drowning out any ‘boo’s that may have been uttered. He soaked in their enthusiasm, thankful that his announcement seemed to have been taken as a positive move.
He leaned in toward the microphone again. “I’m sure you have many questions about the timeline for integration—where there will be any—and the specifics of what expanded services will now be available. My office will be preparing a detailed statement in the coming days. For the time being, enjoy the knowledge that good things are ahead. Thank you!”
While the reporters in front shouted questions, Connors made a quick retreat with Karen.
“That was wonderfully delivered,” Karen told him. “I was watching their faces, and I think the consensus is positive.”
“We’ll see how the analysts pick it apart.”
“Given the situation with Nezar, this remains the right call,” Karen assured him.
“I hope others come to see it that way, too.” Connors let out a long breath. “Now that that’s over, I must attend to some other business.”
“Yes, sir, of course.” Karen shifted on her feet.
“Was there something else?” he prompted.
She crossed her arms and looked down. “I confessed a planned treasonous act to you earlier. What will become of me?”
“You said you no longer had plans to kill me. Does that remain the case?”
“Knowing what I know now, I would protect your life by giving my own,” she replied.
“Then what could have been never was, and so shall never be.”
Her face screwed up for a moment while processing the words, then smiled. “Need anything else today?”
“No, take the evening for yourself. I suspect we’ll be at it bright and early tomorrow. If you’re up for it, I’d like you to lead the compilation of the statement regarding the new agreement and its benefits.”
Karen inclined her head. “I’d be honored, sir.”
“Excellent. Have a good night.” He waved her farewell.
Connors returned to his office for one final task before he could rest easy for the night. The conversation with the Nezaran chancellor still had him on edge.
He knew Colonel Kurtz was likely still on Coraxa dealing with cleanup, so he sent a secure email communication for him to address once he was back at FDG Headquarters.
He kept the message concise: >>Chancellor Heizberg may not be herself. Possible connection to the subversions within the FDG. Investigate immediately.<<
Alucia may now have the FDG’s protection, but they weren’t out of danger yet.
***
Ava hopped off the medical exam bed. “So, nothing anomalous?”
“All clear,” Doctor Dwyer replied.
“Great.”
The Force doctor opened the door. “Rest up. Your stress indicators were higher than I’d like.”
“You should know by now that’s normal for me.”
“Doesn’t mean it should be that way,” the doctor chastised. “Rest.”
With Luke being here, I’m not sure how much sleep I’ll be getting in the near future, but releasing tension
, I can do. She hid her smirk. “Yes, Doctor.”
Ava wound her way through the station’s corridors, taking a leisurely pace to her quarters. It was more of a home to her than Coraxa had been in years, but she now had the most important piece from her former home here, as well. While perhaps not a perfect arrangement, things were pretty damn good.
She found Luke leaning against the wall outside her quarters. “How’d it go?”
“Healthy as can be. Though, I am under strict medical orders for some stress relief.”
He grinned. “Say no more.”
Indeed, few words were spoken over the next half hour. As she basked in the afterglow of the lovemaking, it was clear that the doctor’s prescription for stress relief had been filled.
“I missed you,” Ava murmured into the crook of Luke’s arm.
“I missed you, too.” He kissed her forehead.
Ava traced her finger down his bare, toned chest. “I don’t really know how to do relationships.”
“I’m out of practice myself, but I think the fact that we’ve been missing each other even after a decade apart indicates things will be just fine.”
“Won’t argue with that.” She nestled closer to him.
They lay together for a while longer until Luke dozed off. Ava eventually dragged herself out of bed and wandered into the bathroom.
She cupped her hands under the cool water and leaned over the sink to splash her face. As she wiped the water away, Ava gazed into the wall mirror. Her heart skipped a beat. Gone were the hazel eyes she’d had her whole life—her irises were glowing orange.
“Well, shit.”
FINIS
Book 2 (Endless Advance) is available for pre-order now! However, the pre-order is at the book’s full price of $3.99, so only order it now if you want to buy Amy an extra cup of hot chocolate to keep her powering through Book 3 :-D. We’ll run a special launch sale of $0.99 for one day following the book’s release on December 11, so sign up for Amy’s mailing list to be notified!
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Author Notes - Amy DuBoff
Written 09/26/17
Thank you for reading this first book in the Uprise Saga!
This was more than just a novel to me—it was an entire change in my life. I literally quit my “day job” so I could work on this series, which was crazy-scary and awesome all at the same time. Thank you to my amazing husband, Nick, for supporting me in this crazy endeavor. I am so very lucky to have him as my best friend and life partner. I’d dreamed of being an author since I was a little girl, but I never imagined I’d be able to take that plunge at this point in my life.
Wow, it’s still surreal for me to be writing a series in such an iconic universe! I can’t express enough thanks to Craig Martelle and Michael Anderle for giving me this opportunity.
You might say that the stars aligned so I could work on this project. I’d been following the 20Booksto50k Facebook group for some time and was eager to become a part of the Kurtherian Universe family. After a particularly disheartening day at my former day job, I sent Michael Anderle a message out of the blue asking for a spot on his team. In gracious Michael fashion, he not only replied was willing to talk to me about it. Cue happy dance!
We ultimately arranged for me to work with Craig Martelle as a mentor, given his extensive experience writing in the story universe. This was great, as I was already acquainted with Craig and we’d worked together on a couple of anthologies. We dove into fleshing out the concepts, and thus the Uprise Saga was born.
Beyond Michael and Craig, I’d like to thank everyone in the extended LMBPN family for their support and friendly welcome. Special thanks to Jen McDonnell for editing, Andrew Dobell (and Estrany) for the awesome cover, and to all the JIT readers. I’d also like to thank Eric, Kurt, Curtis, and Deborah for their tireless beta reading assistance.
Thank you again for reading, and I hope you will continue reading the Uprise Saga as Ava’s story unfolds!
***
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Read more from Amy DuBoff
Cadicle: An Epic Space Opera
With adventure, telekinesis, romance, and intrigue, the Cadicle series spans sixty years across three generations as one family challenges destiny to win a war where enemies are not always who they seem.
"Appealing characters and detailed worldbuilding draw the reader into a tale of politics, sabotage, kidnapping, telekinesis, and clones. [...] DuBoff weaves together sympathetic characters, an intriguing plot, devious villains, exciting space adventure, and hopes pinned on a chosen savior."
- Publisher's Weekly
Unknown to modern-day Earth, the galaxy-spanning Taran Empire is in the throes of an interdimensional war…
Cris Sietinen, heir to the most influential High Dynasty in the Taran Empire, was born with prohibited telekinetic abilities. Determined to be true to himself, sixteen-year-old Cris leaves his privileged life on Tararia with hopes of joining the TSS, the only organization to offer a sanctioned telekinesis training program.
But being an Agent in the TSS isn’t what he imagined. After years of service, Cris discovers his family is at the center of an elaborate galactic conspiracy orchestrated by the governing Priesthood.
Genetic engineering, political manipulation, and preordained destinies converge when Cris and his son Wil learn of a secret interdimensional war against the mysterious Bakzen. But the real enemy may be far closer to home. With knowledge of the Priesthood’s hidden agenda and its disastrous ramifications for the Taran Empire, Cris and Wil embark on a mission to save their civilization from certain destruction.
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Complete Cadicle Series
Volume 1: Architects of Destiny
Volume 2: Veil of Reality
Volume 3: Bonds of Resolve
Volume 4: Web of Truth
Volume 5: Crossroads of Fate
Volume 6: Path of Justice
Volume 7: Scions of Change
Short Story Contributions to Anthologies
Brewing Trouble (Pew! Pew! Volume 1)
Stealing Trouble (Pew! Pew! Volume 3)
Self-Perspective (The Expanding Universe Volume 2)
The Unsung Heroes of Sublevel 12 (Explorations: Colony)
Another Day in Paradise (Crisis and Conflict Anthology)
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Author Notes - Michael Anderle
Written November 19, 2017
First, THANK YOU for reading all through the story, and now through the author notes, as well!
My first introduction to Amy Duboff was seeing the occasional thread or post in the 20BooksTo50k FB group. Then, when speaking with Craig Martelle, he called her the “Queen of Space Opera.”
So, that’s how I think of her – The Queen of Space Opera. Of course, he called himself Lord of the Cosmos (LOTC) as well - so there you go.
Craig is a man that will throw around superlatives for a lot of people. Me? He made me a bastard mayor in one of his sci-fi b
ooks and killed me off.
Because that is what author friends do to each other.
Back to Amy. She was going to write in the Age of Expansion “months away” as she finished her own project and I think took a trip around Europe with the aforementioned superlative husband Nick. In all seriousness, I can’t explain to you how much supportive spouses / significant others means to those of us who write and work on these little indie publishing businesses.
Either way, ‘months away’ has become ‘days away’ and now we sit on our chairs, biting our fingernails hoping the fans and readers love the characters and the new stories!
When I read Amy’s author notes this morning, it was the first time I realized that she quit her job due to the opportunity to work with us.
Queue anxious music for me here!
A couple of months ago, I received the first 3,000 words for this book. Whenever this happens with a new collaborator, it is always an anxious moment for me. Receiving Amy’s first 3,000 words was no different.
Would I like it? Would it draw me in? Would I have to explain it didn’t work, and what I though needed to be changed? (A step I hate doing.)
I’ll let you know in a minute.
When authors ask me how to write a book that sells, I tell them to write the first 3,000 words, and offer it to genre readers. Offer the readers only three (3) scores to provide feedback:
1 – “Where the hell is the next page?”
2 – “It’s good, just not my cup of tea.”
3 – “I couldn’t finish it, sorry.”
If the 3,000 words isn’t a #1 choice… Then try again. When you hone in on that “Where the hell” result? Do it about 25 times and you have an unputdownable 75,000 word novel.
I’m very happy to say I was able to give Amy a #1 result. When I read the opening, I was trying to go to the next page only to eventually remember there was no next page.