2.01 - Welcome Home



The ranch is busy as it’s ever been. I don’t recognize all the faces as I make way through the main gate and towards the main house, but nobody stops me. Generally, if you walk with a stern face and fast pace nobody bothers you. They just think you’re supposed to be there. Something about this place just feels right now that I’m back after being away for almost a year. I didn’t consider it my home when I left, but now that I’m back here and I can smell the air, feel the breeze and hear all the commotion; home is the only thing I can call it. Even as a cough inhaling the dust kicked into the air by an old truck that still uses wheels.

The truck passes me by and slides to a sudden halt causing those on the back of the truck to lose their balance. A door slams in the cloud of dust and before I can get a clear look at him Martin has wrapped his arms around me. I feel terrible about disappearing, leaving Martin and Pauline to run the ranch for nearly a year. I was supposed to be their retirement plan, but at least I can pay them for the ranch now.

“Boy, I thought you were dead,” Martin speaks but doesn’t release me until I pat him on the back.

“Sorry, I ran into some trouble and my,” I stop as Martin holds up a finger.

“Don’t care, we’ll have plenty of time to talk about that. Just seeing you in one piece is good enough for now. Haven’t been able to find a single person with your work ethic since you’ve been gone.” There’s some groans from the workers in the truck. “Don’t get upset,” Martin turns to them. “All you do is loiter until Pauline comes out then you get to work.”

“Well I’m glad to be back,” I try to take some of the heat off the workers.

“I heard you got in some trouble over in the city, didn’t hear from you. Even tried to file a missing person report but they weren’t interested. Said we weren’t family and you’re a grown man. So glad to see you again. Pauline is going to flip, and then punch you out,” Martin causes the two of us to laugh.

“Yeah, I did get in some trouble, tracking down those drug dealers. My brother saved me from a tough spot. But he took me with him out to the boarders of Draconian and Revrell space. I’ve been robbed and beaten by aliens I’ve never seen before. I’ve got a cool new wrist comp with all kinds of illegal features.”

“I’m sure you got a ton of stories and I want to hear them all, meet your brother too,” Martin hugs me again with the warmth my own father never did.

“I missed you Martin.”

“And I missed your hard work.”

“I bet you do.”

Martin sends the workers off to what they were working on before I arrived. As we take the long scenic route to the guest house I had been staying in he updates me on things that have changed. The drug dealers I tangled with don’t deal drugs anymore. They’ve set up a small casino with live entertainment. Martin encourages me to let it go but I don’t make any promises. He assures me that they’re not causing nearly as much trouble but once I’ve started something, I just can’t let it go until I’m satisfied that it’s completed.

“We left the guest house just how you had it,” Martin says as we approach it.

“Thank you,” I hold my Wrist Comp to the door and it unlocks. My little brother Edan really did copy everything.

“I’ll let you get settled in, and get the medical supplies ready,” Martin jokes.

“Why do I need medical supplies?”

“Because Pauline is going to knock you into next week when she finds out you’re back. You gotta be the third man to make her cry.”

“Who were the first two?”

“Her dad and then me.”

“So I guess I’m in good company.”

“Yes you are, but she’ll hit you,” Martin laughs and pats me on the back as he heads off to tell Pauline.

Inside nothing has been moved, I never decorated when I moved in here and I’m sure I brought more things back with me than I had when I left. The thin layer of dust covering everything and spiderwebs in every corner gives the impression that the place has been abandoned for years. But it’s home, one of the few places I ever felt comfortable calling home. Despite all the warm feelings, I know I’ll be leaving here soon. Going back to finish my time in the marines, hopefully come back alive and without losing another limb. For now, the best thing to do is clear out the fridge because I know whatever I had in there is long past the expiration date.  

Before I can get that done there’s a pounding at the door. I take a deep breath and mentally prepare myself. I’ve been to war, and I’ve been chased by bounty hunters but nothing and I mean nothing scares me more than a pissed off Pauline.

I rip the bandage off and open the door, “it’s good to see you Pauline,” I greet her with open arms.

“Cut the shit boy,” Pauline lands a solid punch to my gut. “If I wanted to worry about a damn runaway I would have had a kid.”

“Sorry, it wasn’t planned,” I grunt through the pain as she embraces me in a hug.

“Get settled in, I’m sure you’ve got a lot to tell us. But relax, please take a shower and I’m making roast beef for dinner. You better be there, 6pm sharp,” Pauline fights back a smile.

“I’ll make sure I’m there.”

“One more thing,” Pauline stops as she’s leaving. “If you ever go off the map like that again while you’re working for me I’ll personally hunt you down and drag your ass back here myself and make sure you finish replacing the damn fence.”

“I understand. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t laugh at me boy,” Pauline threatens without even turning to see my smile.

I came home on leave from the holidays once. My brother Edan had already taken off to do his space pirate or smuggling thing. My parents weren’t excited to see me. Last year I stopped by and tried to rebuild the relationship with them. I don’t think it well. But Martin and Pauline, they’ve been nothing but good to me since I first wandered onto their ranch. I’m glad they’re still happy to see me after up and leaving without any warning. This time I’ll make sure they have answers.

Book 1 - Finished


Well, this is the end of Intercosmic, Book 1. I'm going to keep going with Intercosmic because it is one of my favorite things I've ever written. The other is Book 3 of Exsanguinate, called Retrograde. The story reached 100,000 words and that's about the point when word processors start getting a little wonky. It's also a nice, natural conclusion and I didn't want it going too long in the event that I ever sell physicals.

I originally plotted out 130 chapters for this story, because I plot everything in great detail. You'll notice it only reached 78. Here's the other thing, I've only completed 52 of the chapters that I planned. I plan things out intricately then go off script. For example, the whole Renan story line was just a, "vibe." It wasn't supposed to go past a little two chapter fling, but I was feeling it. Originally, I had Enyolo planned as the love interest, but I was feeling Renan, so I scrapped a lot of her love story. Renan might be the true love now. I don't know. But don't expect a lot of romance in part two, maybe not any.

I also didn't plan for Pauline and Martin weren't supposed to have such a big role in the story. Originally they were supposed to sell the ranch and vanish. But, I liked them, so they kept getting more backstory. I promise they'll get their happy ending at some point. They deserve a good retirement.

Let's talk about Book 2. I don't have a name for it yet. It's going to start right where Book 1 ended. It'll probably be around the same length. December 4th will be the first chapter. I know I'm doing these biweekly now, but I don't want people to think it's just over. In the end, it'll probably be around the same length. Efrem Gray will do everything he said he'd do, but it might take some time to get there.

1.78 - Going Home


A shuttle back to the Sol system will be arriving soon. One of the few that goes to Nyame. When preparing for the trip back I thought there would be more options. Edan reminded me we’re outside of Sol, Nyame isn’t on a list of travel destinations and Invicta is really against corporations, which would typically provide this kind of travel. Add all those things together, and we’re left with limited options. Well, limited options that are safe. I was surprised security allowed Edan, Enyolo and Velphi all to walk with me to the platform. I guess that’s just a perk of traveling so frequently, or not worrying about strict regulations.  

“I feel like we need to have some kind of touching goodbye,” Edan speaks.

“We’re going to see each other again and it won’t be decades. I promise,” I elbow him.

“Your relationship is admirable,” Velphi adds.

The shuttle’s doors open and passengers begin to depart as we reach the terminal. We take a seat and sit silently as the ship empties out and others prepare to depart. The terminal is quickly filling with a wide range of people. Surprisingly, mostly humans. I hadn’t seen so many in this part of space at any point since I’ve been here.

“I don’t know if you remember, but I’m not good at goodbyes. I usually just go without saying anything.”

Edan laughs, “no shit? I remember, last time you just said you were leaving and then one morning you were just gone.”

Enyolo shakes her head in disappointment, “In my culture farewell ceremonies are accompanied with a large gathering, well wishing and gifts to aid in travels.”

“I simply ran for my life,” Velphi adds. “I did not have time to say my farewells or exchange information with those that I love.”

“Well, thank you all, especially my little brother, for all the generosity and hospitality you’ve shown me during my time with you. Even when being chased by bounty hunters and robbed, we had some fun times.”

The four of us laugh about some of the adventures we’ve had in a short amount of time. Almost a year has passed since I left Nyame against my will. I’ve made a lot of money, committed a large-scale robbery, got a new set of armor. I don’t know why I’ll need the chameleon armor, but Edan insisted I keep it. I’ve faced death almost a dozen times despite this adventure starting because he was trying to save me. The flight crew signals we’ll be boarding soon and I prepare for my final goodbyes.  

“Hey,” Edan sounds somewhat down, “Enyolo, Velphi, could you give us a minute.”

Velphi gives me a firm handshake and pat on the back as he makes his way out of the terminal. Enyolo surprises me with a hug, she never seemed like the physical contact type; but she did say farewells were emotional for her people.

“67 years,” she winks at me before vanishing into the crowd. That’s more her style, vanishing right in front of your eyes.

“Why’d you send everyone away,” I ask Edan.

“I didn’t want them to see you cry,” he responds with tears welling in his eyes.

“Give me a hug.”

Edan wraps his arms around me tight enough that it hurts a little, but I hug him, and rub his back. The same way I would comfort him as kids when Evan would pick on him. I feel the tears in my own eyes the longer he hugs me.

“We’re grown men,” I laugh. “We’re acting like kids who’ll never see each other again.”

“It was just so long, and I feel like I’ve really got my big brother back. These last few months have been perfect.”

“Except getting shot at and fighting Ajani.”

“Even those were perfect,” he laughs.

“Well, the good news is I won’t be far away. I’m going to make a home on Nyame after I settle my debts.”

“I know what you said, but I can’t help but feel it’s going to be a really long time until I see you again.”

“Even if it is, you can call me this time. You can message me, we can share photos,” I wipe a tear from my own eye. “You’re so damn emotional,” I sigh. “It really gets to me.”

“That’s what little brothers are for,” he smiles.

The announcer calls for first class ticket holders to board and that’s my sign to go. Edan gives me another hug, this time quicker.

“I love you, and don’t fucking die in prison,” Edan smiles at me.

“I love you too, and you try not to die in prison either. I want you to see the ranch.”

As I board the shuttle Edan gives me one final wave goodbye, I return the gesture before scanning the ticket on my wrist comp. I’ve never traveled in first class before, it should be a new and thrilling experience, but as I take my seat, I don’t feel any joy. I’m just as anxious as when I was sneaking off to Pluto for the first time. I’m just as sad as when I woke up missing an arm. Glancing out the window Edan still hasn’t left the platform. I give him another wave as the doors finally begin to close. The staff gives their information about safely traveling and I keep my eyes locked with Edan until he’s no longer visible as the ship moves into the launch corridor. He’s so damn emotional, and it gets to me every time. The sentence about finally getting his brother back sticks out in my head as the ship begins to rumble as it’s moved to begin takeoff.

The familiar pressure as the ship exits the space station at speed and enters space, hurtling for the a Hafengdan somewhere a few hours away. A message from Tawa arrives as soon as we reach cruising speed. It’s a photo of the two of us with Edan. I don’t remember taking this, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he took it with his security camera. It’s the three of us laying around after cleaning his apartment. Another message arrives from Edan. It’s just a note saying he misses me already. I shake my head and laugh before sending a message saying I miss him as well.

“Would you like anything to drink sir,” a stewardess asks me.

“Something strong and fruit flavored. Then maybe a water to wash it down.”

“I know just what you need. I’ll be back momentarily.”

I’m still not much of a drinker, but I’m going to need it for whatever comes next. Is the ranch even still there for me? I’ve got money but I haven’t spoken with them in almost a year. Will I actually have to go to prison and what comes next. It’s daunting, and it’ll plague my mind as I travel these next few days. But I’m ready for whatever comes next. I don’t have any other choice.