Barnabas was impressed. Bethany Anne understood the psychology of peoples who would want to drink a banned substance, Pepsi, as a form of rebellion. The only way to make Pepsi was from oil of the coriander plant. Fortunately, this plant wasn’t available in Yollin space, or anywhere as far as they knew.
Now, those who wanted to spit in the eye of the new Empress Bethany Anne could buy the drink on the black market for exorbitant prices. It would be their little act of rebellion, and they would feel better.
And fill her coffers to help run her Empire at the same time.
It was, Bethany Anne had told him, a tax on those who might wish for a rebellion, but just needed to blow off some steam. She told him that she would be loved at times, and hated at times.
She had learned this already back on Earth.
Those times where she was loved, they would be able to determine due to the lower revenue from the coriander oil. When the revenue went up, it was a good indication they needed to focus on which areas bought more of it.
If Empress Bethany Anne could rule with benevolence, that was preferred. But what about when she couldn’t?
Well, the Queen Bitch was never too far below the surface.
FINIS
Author Notes
Written February 2, 2017
As always, can I say with a HUGE amount of appreciation how much it means to me that you not only read this book, but you are reading these notes as well? I write these for each book, sometimes wondering if anyone reads these anymore. Or, have I become too boring, too repetitious and readers are thinking ‘stop writing these, just get on with the next story already!’
LOL
Ok, now that my existential angst is shared, and because of the sharing, easier to handle, I’ve got something to chat about (ok, a couple somethings) that came up because of a Facebook post and some feedback.
#1 - Science, as in Science Fiction.
Here is a famous quote from Arthur C. Clarke: “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.”
The whole Kurtherian Gambit is based on this premise. I’ve been blessed that paranormal, vampire loving readers have stuck with me when I pulled (some of) them kicking and screaming into science fiction.
(Don’t say I haven’t, I’ve read the reviews! LOL)
Now, I asked a question on Facebook about a week and a half ago, and divulged a plan for a future series called “The Rise of Magic” and guess what occurred?
That’s right, OUTRAGE!
Ok, it really wasn’t so much outrage as “you are going to lose me, here.”
Why did the fans say something? Because I didn’t explain myself very well. The original question (related to a podcast) divulged that in the future on Earth, we would have a magic based age. But, we have to go through two more ages before Irth (our Earth) pulls its ass out of everything and freaking FINALLY humans build something we can all be proud of accomplishing.
With Never Submit, Bethany Anne is now officially out of our Solar System for a time (approximately 160 years take or give 5 years). During this time, we have stuff happen here on our planet during which The Terry Henry Walton Chronicles, Reclaiming Honor, and The Second Dark Ages series occur.
SKIP IF YOU DON’T WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS WITH MICHAEL AND BETHANY ANNE
**BEGIN SPOILER ALERT **
Ok, at the end of Michael’s series, we have an HEA (happily ever after) event with Bethany Anne and Michael. She’s put in her time, finished her job, and so has Michael. They hop in their bad ass chariot with friends and ride off into the Universe for another set of adventures.
Think TKG as Star Wars, the future series (no name yet) as a Star Trek.
But that discussion is for another time.
**END SPOILER ALERT **
Now, after the events above in the spoiler, the Earth moves forward. Unfortunately, Kurtherian science has a hiccup after our people leave.
Remember, “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.”
Even technology that has gone haywire, and the people it is affecting don’t KNOW they have technology inside them.
Technology from Kurtherians.
From the Earth’s past.
So, we have The Age of Magic, a new Kurtherian Age on Irth (Earth) in our Future. When humans seek to learn about, contain, restrain, use and abuse for personal gain new capabilities they call magic.
Stories about where these abilities might have originated and how they are changing people, by changing their genetics, their DNA, their … humanity.
One thing that often won’t change is the human spirit, unfortunately, both kinds.
Enter Hannah, a very young woman caught up in events in the beginning of The Age of Magic.
All she wanted to do was save her brother from dying in her arms, she didn’t mean to use magic. She didn’t even know she HAD magic.
Those set to kill her for her using magic, breaking the law, tracked her down to an alley, ready to kill her. They didn’t realize just who the old man was that interrupted their sadistic fun …
But they should have.
When I wrote Death Becomes Her, I was curious what readers would think about the ‘left turn’ of how vampires were created? Would they shut down the story when they found out aliens were involved? Would they get pissed off at me for screwing up their favorite paranormal genre and leave SCATHING reviews about how I shouldn’t be playing with the history as we know it?
In short, was anyone besides me even interested in this stuff?
I have to admit, it wasn’t all curiosity, there was a HUGE amount of trepidation, as well.
(Trepidation: A $5.00 word for scared shitless).
It wasn’t like I had huge expectations, but even my tiny little selling $7.50 a day-per-book goal could be dashed, you know? However, so many fans loved that exact twist that it has been more than a nice surprise. It’s been a huge heartwarming BLESSING.
Why? Because I’m not alone, you know?
The reason we have fans of anything—football, crochet, racing, Gone With The Wind (my stepmother is a HUGE fan) is because it allows us to talk and connect with those who also like the same thing. Now, I have people who like these sets of stories I like (generally speaking— not every fan of Bethany Anne is a fan of another series, and vice-versa) and it has been very cool.
If you have looked at the Kurtherian FB fan page, we are multi-cultural, multi-sex(ual), gender-neutral, multi-country (I HEAR you Australia! Every time I put a date up and you guys get to it before I have the book out, I HEAR you) and while we lean older, we have representation from most ages… Except young adult, nn Facebook at least.
I don’t seem to delve into that market too much. I suppose I could try and market to 20-32 year olds, just not sure if it’s a smart move? If you have any suggestions on whether I’m getting readers in their 20s, let me know, please!
This book, the 15th in The Kurtherian Gambit Series, is also the first book of the 3rd Arc (the Green Arc – you can tell by the bar of color under the Author Name at the bottom…1-7 (red), 8-14 (blue), 15-21 (green)).
This is important (well, ok, it is important to me… not so sure how many others) because it is the arc where we take the fight out to the Kurtherians, and damned if we didn’t meet one right up front.
How many found this to be a surprise? (I’m raising my hand—so, if I telegraphed that the King of Yoll was a Kurtherian in previous books? That means my subconscious was doing a number, because him being Kurtherian wasn’t originally planned by me.)
I did telegraph way back in earlier books that the Yollins got their ass kicked in the first battle, so hopefully not too many readers were surprised by the results.
In my beats (consider beats something similar t
o a connect-the-dot setup for writing a fiction book), I did not have Bethany Anne getting involved in the fight in New York. I didn’t even have her do much more than help everyone get to the G’laxix Sphaea and go back to the Meredith Reynolds.
Then John Grimes got his bright ass idea to go play hooky, which was kinda funny. I mean, when most royalty play hooky, their idea isn’t to get some armor, some guns, (a box of grenades) and go find some terrorist nest to clean out. I hope to come back to that day of hooky and write it as a short story. Perhaps as a Frank Kurns short.
I particularly liked the scene in the Pod when Tabitha calls Bethany Anne through their mental connection and early in the conversation, Bethany Anne says ‘shoot.’ Tabitha thinks the Queen is telling her to continue talking, but really Bethany Anne meant that comment to go to John…a s in “Shoot them sumbitches!”
One of the situations in this book I’ve been struggling with (besides writing this whole book) was just how far does a Queen’s Ranger go? They are pretty badass, but are supposed to try to be more law abiding, less kill and let God sort out the good from the bad. So, in this story, we have Tabitha wondering what is she going to do when the four mercenaries come storming into the building?
I realized at that moment when I was writing the scene, Tabitha is aware that Monica has been kidnapped, and Ted is an almost useless wreck. When she is waiting to see who comes in the front door she finally sees a military strike team and that makes the decision for her.
As far as she is concerned, this isn’t a legal operation, but enemy action.
I enjoyed letting Tabitha play a little more (and I mean just shoot and kill, no slapping the cuffs on people). I look forward to more writing more Tabitha stories in the future.
Because, who doesn’t like a person who kicks ass, but occasionally just trips over a cord? She is my favorite flawed character. Full of heart, but still somewhat damaged. I want her to succeed, but she needs help from her friends to make it happen and her friends know this.
I’m curious what they will set up in the future for her, myself.
I hope you enjoyed this book. It was a challenge to write. Partially because of juggling more in the beginning of the month due to the other releases (I edit everything with my name on it) and me thinking I’d be able to dictate a big portion of this book.
Didn’t happen. Lost five days thinking I would be able to dictate a huge portion of the book… HUGE mistake on my part AND missed my Jan 31st date. Dammit.
I appreciate the support, the push and ALL of the kind words you give both myself and the other writers working in this Universe. I have some pretty awesome plans I want to share, and more coming, all the time.
We have four artists working now in TKG. Plus, two new cover artist(s) for two new series.
#2 - AUDIO IS STARTING TO HAPPEN!
Here are the series, and who is doing narration at this time:
The Kurtherian Gambit - 21 Books (First 7 in Studio)
Narration provided by Emily Beresford
Death Becomes Her - AVAILABLE NOW! (Woohoo!)
Click to see on Audible’s Website
Reclaiming Honor - 4 Books (so far)
Narration provided by Kate Rudd
Justice Is Calling - AVAILABLE NOW! (Woohoo!)
Click to see on Audible’s Website
Terry Henry Walton Chronicles - 4 Books (so far)
Narration provided by Kate Rudd
Nomad Found - IN PRODUCTION
Etheric Academy Series - 4 Books (so far)
Narration provided by Emily Beresford
Alpha Class - IN PRODUCTION
The Rise of Magic - 4 Books (so far)
Narration provided by Kate Rudd
#3 - EXTRA SPECIAL RESEARCH ;-)
Want to know about the Coke Recipe?
Here it is! Coke Recipe (and story) as told on This American Life (American Radio Show)
Love you all,
See you NEXT Book ;-)
Michael
Never Surrender
The Kurtherian Gambit Book 16
1
Planet Yoll, Southwest Continent, Remote Canyon, Deadlands
Due to the weather, it wasn't the best time to be flying. However, the Yollin Ber’knick was happy for the protection and opportunity it provided the smaller ship to hide from the humans’ superior technology.
The ship had only two wings, and Ber’knick had to fight occasional gusts of wind as he stayed close to the ground. He worked to make sure the ship neither lifted high enough that it could be seen on radar, or went low enough to clip the occasional jagged rocks and peaks beneath it. Hitting the ground would result in loss of control and a nose-plant into the rocks below.
Captain Maek-ven yelled from the cargo hold behind him when Ber’knick had to violently jerk to the left to miss a peak that suddenly appeared in front of him—a peak the instruments hadn't shown was coming.
The pilot yelled over his shoulder, "Well, what do you expect, Captain? If you don't provide me a ship with decent instruments, we could all just end up flattened little pies against one of those rock faces out there."
The captain’s four feet made their click-click, click-click sounds as he headed to the front of the craft. When he stuck his head into the small cockpit, he grumbled, "If I had known that the humans wouldn't be able to track us I would have used our ship, but with limited understanding of their technology, I'm not willing to bet they can't find us. Who knows…the human who’s waiting for us might be quite willing to cheat us."
Ber’knick risked a quick glance back at the captain before returning his gaze out the windows. He could see the lightning off to the east and veered a little bit more to the west. It might add a few minutes to their trip, but he really wanted to stay away from the sudden downdrafts a storm would bring. "Do you truly believe this human is on the up and up? Personally I find it curious that with all the humans supporting their leader, we found one who is willing to sell us the spice."
"Those humans who are willing to talk admit that this particular human likes the drink himself. Apparently he’s prepared to provide the necessary ingredient for the rebellion’s drink so he can purchase it when he comes to Yoll."
Ber’knick smiled. "If there is ever a person to trust, it's a junkie. They will do anything necessary to get their fix."
The captain knocked on the cockpit’s door. "That's for good luck, and I have to agree with you. That was why I was willing to take this gig. Even those who had no reason to lie mentioned that this person was willing to do anything to get Pepsi. It wasn't even a very big secret on the base. They just don't believe it's much of a drug, these humans." The captain shrugged before working to turn around in the narrow passageway. He called over his shoulder, "However, we both know a drug is what you make of it. If this Pepsi is his drug, then I trust him as far as I can throw him, which is probably pretty far." The captain’s chuckles reverberated off the decking as he walked back to the cargo hold.
"And I'm telling you," Ecaterina said to Christina, "that I don't care if you can fight Aunt Bethany Anne to a standstill! You will change into your wolf form. I don't want these people knowing you are a human child."
Nathan looked around the area. He had selected this canyon since it had good defensive features. He had three different guns trained on the central location where they would accept the gems and money in exchange for the special spice necessary to make Pepsi.
It was pretty damned hilarious that Bethany Anne was using a drink she hated to fund some of their efforts. Using local currency—currency which had been cleaned through this effort—was pretty smart.
Trust Bethany Anne to use something she despised to further her plans.
"Follow the money," Nathan murmured.
Ecaterina walked up to him as she eyed their young daughter, who was now in her wolf form, run around the small canyon. "Follow what?"
Nathan reached out and put an arm around his mate. "One of Bethany Anne's quotes from way back. Sh
e always said to 'follow the money,' and now we are doing it again."
Ecaterina smiled. “I remember that. She said it all the time. Whenever you wanted to figure out something, or why someone was doing something you didn't understand, you just needed to follow the money."
"Right," Nathan agreed. “Now, we have the spice, and are about to trade it for currency that she needs—that we all need—to continue to build our base of operations here in the Yollin system. I find it funny as hell that Pepsi is the product that is helping her accomplish this and not Coca-Cola."
Ecaterina took two steps toward their daughter and yelled, "Christina Bethany Anne Lowell, get your furry tail over here! I did not say you could go that far away." There was a yip of acceptance, and their daughter started loping back toward the two of them. Ecaterina smirked at her mate. “I blame you for this."
Nathan chuckled. “You blame me for what, naming her ‘Bethany Anne?’ That's on you and Aunt Bethany Anne.” He looked around for a second. “If she is taking after her namesake…" Nathan pointed to himself, “don't blame me."
Ecaterina opened her mouth to argue but realized it was fruitless. Truth be told, Christina was acting just as much the independent young girl as Ecaterina had when she was a child.
However, neither Ecaterina's parents nor her brother had come with them through the Annex Gate, so there was no way for Nathan to confirm that Christina was acting like her mother.
The three Lowells heard the airship before they saw it come over the boulders and small hills in the distance. The pilot was keeping it fairly low to the ground, and Nathan smirked to himself. “That is some great flying, for all the good it's going to do him."
Ecaterina just nodded her agreement.
"The ship’s scopes are showing three warm bodies at the landing zone, and three guns pointed at where we expect to land," Ber’knick told the captain over the intercom.
Captain Maek-ven weighed the information before pressing the button and asking, "Can you give me any more details on the three warm bodies?"
Kurtherian Gambit Boxed Set Three: Books 15-21, Never Submit, Never Surrender, Forever Defend, Might Makes Right, Ahead Full, Capture Death, Life Goes On (Kurtherian Gambit Boxed Sets Book 3) Page 24