Tuesdays tale Machines of darkness Pt. 5

http://tuesdaytales1.blogspot.com

Part 5

Waade was in a half crouch, feet apart, bare hands in front of him, palms outward. His adversary stood in a similar stance, but with knife in hand. Sweat dripping off  both men as they slowly circled each other watching and waiting for an opening. They had been battling for twenty minutes now without slowing. Waade was six two and two hundred thirty pounds of toned muscle. His opponent had a couple of inches and forty pounds more on him, but Waade had fought bigger and wasn’t worried. The blade slashed out mid torso, testing. Waade spread his hands and leaned back slightly knowing it would be short. Knife man stepped in and stabbed again, higher this time towards the chest. There was a grunt of pain as Waade twisted and chopped down on his foes arm as he missed target again.

“Sorry, did that hurt?” Ask Waade in a mocking voice.                                                   

Again they circled each other, with a slash here with the blade and a fist or foot there. The larger man was Close, but always missing. Waade on the other hand connected with each of his jabs and almost playful slaps to the face and hands of his opponent. He easily blocked or avoided the blade and fist coming his way. The bigger man was getting tired and more wild with his attacks, leaving himself more vulnerable and open.

“Come on big fella, is that all you got?  I’m starting to get bored” taunted Waade.

            Apparently this was enough to push the man beyond rational thought and he charged like a mad bull. Waade side stepped and caught the man in the ribs as he passed by. With an animal growl the man turned and charged again. Waade waited until the wild man was almost on top of him. And using his own momentum against him, Waade grabbed the wrist holding the knife. Then turned, bent his knees and threw the man over his shoulder with a judo move. He landed hard on his back with a grunt. Waade still holding the man’s arm gave it a twist and put his knee against the elbow with a slight pressure.

            “Drop it” said Waade.

The man struggled to pull away. Waade just applied more pressure to the joint. The man lay still and caught his breath, but stubbornly held the blade.

            “Come on friend, give it up” Waade told him.

            “Kiss my big arrrrg” the man said, as more pressure was applied.

            “What was that you said? Didn’t quite get it” Waade responded.

The man grunted and moaned with pain and the effort to escape. His face turned a bright red and his breathing sped up. Waade just continued bending the arm backwards.

            “I can do this all day, what about you?” ask Waade.

            “Ok ok enough! I give up!” he said through clinched teeth and the knife dropped to the ground.

            Waade let go, stood and extended his hand to the big man who was sitting on the floor nursing his arm.

            “Good workout kleef, you’re getting better all the time”

            “Thanks to you Mr. Hyatch, you are a great teacher” said Kleef still breathing hard.

             “You’re welcome, anytime my friend. But now I’ve got to go to work. I finally get to meet the elusive Mr. Clayton, what a life I lead” Commented Waade.

With that Waade grabbed a towel and headed to the shower and then to the restricted top floors of the U.T.C. building.

           

Thanks for reading my story please come back soon for the next part!

           

My first guest Lindsay Downs

Thank you Lindsay Downs for being the first guest on my blog.

The 4^th POV

Yes viewers, there is another POV but I’ll get to that in a few seconds, if you’re a fast reader.

Many of us are familiar with the 1^st POV. This is where we, the author puts you, the reader, inside the heroine or heroes head. By writing this way the reader becomes immersed into the character that will lead them through the story.

Middle Grade (MD) and Young Adult (YA) are frequently writing in this view. A few authors have used it in adult fiction.

The disadvantage to this is you are in the heroine or heroes mind the whole time. And unless told by that individual you don’t know the other half of the story.

Writing in the 3^rd POV is the most frequently used, accepted and possible the most difficult. Here the reader stands outside the body of the main character in the scene and sees what they see, experience and feel. The problem with this is having to have scene changes within a chapter when you want someone to show the reader what another character is going through. One way to avoid this is to write the entire chapter in from one person’s view then in the next chapter show another point.

Personally, I find having scene changes in a chapter the best, however, that’s not to say I won’t go for the single POV chapter in future books.

Now we get to the other POV.

As I was writing the Emily Dahill series I came to find out that there was yet another point of view to write in, the 4^th which I prefer to call the Collie POV.

You, the reader, are seeing and feeling what the collie, in my case mostly Dakota, the hero in the Emily Dahill Series, does but more on a first hand basis, somewhat similar to 1^st POV. You are directly involved in what is going on. You see through the his eyes, hear what he does. Don’t forget though, many of the words someone will say to him, he doesn’t understand but can pick out select ones.

For example, he knows what a motorcycle is but can’t understand the word “sidecar”. He knows what a “car” is but can’t relate the word to where he sits. He know what a truck and humvee are because the words are used frequently around him. But that black thing the vehicles drive on, no clue. To him it’s a black ribbon that vehicles ride on, not as we humans know is a road.

If he was to, say, open the refrigerator you watch through his eyes as he can overcome the problem.

When the collie has to force someone to the ground you are taken through the necessary steps, lowering his hind end for greater push, the leap and the impact. All within his mind without the use of him thinking what he’s doing.

When  writing a scene with humans in it we can take a lot for granted, but it’s not that easy when I’m writing from the collie point of view. I have to put myself into their mind. How do they see something, a barn fire for instance or a firemen. We know what they are but if Sasha, the heroine in my Christmas story, hasn’t seen either what does it look like to her. I have to show the reader what she is seeing through her eyes. Not only that but in terms she would know and understand.

As you can see writing from this point of view can be hard, having to put myself into the collie’s mind. However, I find it to be interesting and at times the most fun and exciting.

Where can you find me?

Murders and Mysteries blog

Facebook

Twitter

LinkedIn

And every Tuesday at Tuesday Tales were we write a free short story based on a word prompt.

Emily Dahill, CID Part 1

Final Mission-After being seriously wounded in a copter crash in Iraq Sgt. Emily Dahill meets her new partner as she embarks on her new Army career as a CID agent. Who could this new partner be?

A Body in the Snow- Emily and her partner, Dakota, cross bullets with their most determined foe. Who will survive?

Right Place, Wrong Day-On leave to hang with friends Emily gets the surprise of her life.

Dog on Fishing-When it comes to knowing how to fish, and catch the big ones, never underestimate your partner. He might surprise you.

Astraea Press

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Bookstrand

A Dog Gone Christmas

When a call for paws goes out, five friends bring their collies without question to a friend’s house. They learn the collies are needed to help seven children with the grief of losing a parent in Iraq or Afghanistan. Now, with seven friends, four collie yearlings and their mother, they set out to help the children

Not far away a mother hopefully leads her seven puppies to safety from a man intent on selling them for illicit purposes.

By a miracle of fate the two mother collies find each other right before the man sells the puppies.

That Christmas morning will be one the children will remember all their lives and they are united with the puppies.

Astraea Press

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

All Romance

A Body in the Attic

Special Agent Emily Dahill, Dakota along with her team of technicians are sent to Master Sergeant Annabelle Carlyle’s Victorian style house for what they think is a simple break-in. What they find however, turns out to be even more ominous and far reaching.

A secret passageway leads to a mysterious gunshot. When the prime suspect is cleared they still have no clue who the shooter is, or why. Could the shooter be the same individual who took a shot at Dakota?

Add into the mix the FBI and their unexpected involvement in the case.

Soon they learn the break-in had been a cover-up for a more nefarious crime. One that involves Emily’s nemesis, the brown-haired man, and millions of dollars being sent to terrorists.

Will they solve the case before the money disappears forever and more bodies turn up? Not even the inestimable Dakota is sure.

Machines of darkness Pt 4

Part 4

“One month down, and what excitement" thought Wayde sarcastically. He was just finishing up another uneventful shift at Universal Tech and thinking back on his days here. He couldn't complain this is what he wanted, safe, steady, good pay. This was the best his family had been financially in over a year. Jahy was doing good, the company insurance paid 90% of his medicine cost, probably because U.T.C. was the leading manufacturer of it, along with weapons, space and communications technology. They had all the major markets covered, so to speak. With all this good fortune, Wayde had to admit he was bored and craving something more.

His entire month had consisted of making rounds through the endless halls and passages of this enormous building. He escorted former employees and their possessions off company property. The most action was while working the front desk one day last week. A group of anti-weapons demonstrators came into the lobby, lined up, and proceeded to strip off their clothing. They were all painted rainbow colors and had letterers that spelled out "peace" and "love". After a scan showed nothing dangerous hidden within their body's, and the only threat was getting body paint on security officers suits, the authorities were called. The offenders were removed easily and things went back to normal.

This is what Wayde disappointingly expected every day to be like as he went to the security office to sign out and go home. He was stopped in the hall by Jorge Monaco, his supervisor.

“Wayde, you’re in trouble or something good is about to happen,” said Jorge.

“Oh, What’s going on?” asked wayde.

“Head of security wants to see you in his office before you leave, like I said, it could be good or bad, I don't have a clue. Good luck Wayde,” said Jorge and walked away.

 Wayde ran through in his mind, everything he could have screwed up or done to get called in. He had never met the man, and had heard that few ever did just his supervisors and personal staff. "Well, this will be something different anyway," he thought as he reached his destination.

 “May I help you?” Asked the personal assistant as Wayde approached.

 The older lady sitting behind the desk looked and sounded like she was being disturbed and had better things to do.

“I was told to come here before leaving today, my name is Wayde Haytch.” She looked briefly at a screen mounted in the desk.

“Yes, you are expected Mr. Hyatch. She typed something then said, “Go right in, and Mr. Haytch, don't waste time, he has another appointment in five minutes.”

 Armon Silva sat behind a modest sized and well organized desk. He was an impressive sized man in his middle years with salt and pepper hair that was dark brown at one time. He had dark green eyes that looked right into and through a person. Wayde could tell he was being sized up and evaluated instantly by this man who looked him dead in the eye. He did this for about half a minute, and then lowered his gaze to something on his desk.

“Are you satisfied with your job Mr. Hatch?” 

Yes sir, I am” answered Wayde, feeling like it wasn't quite the truth.

“ I've studied your records and believe you have more potential and can be better used elsewhere in the company. I will be a man short on Mr. Clayton's personal security detail,” Silva paused, looked Wayde in the eye once more, and then asked, “do you want the job?”

 Wayde was taken aback and ask, is this Richard Clayton the CEO of Universal Tech?  Silva simply answered "yes".

 Wayde thought for a few seconds and said, “I would love to take the job.”

 Armon Silva then reached out to Wayde, and with a vice like grip shook his hand. Before letting Wayde go, Silva said in an almost threatening tone, “Don't disappoint me Mr. Haytch, I'll be watching you.”  With that the meeting was over, and Wayde’s job was going to be much more interesting.

Machines of darkness Pt.3

Machines of darkness part 3 *word prompt save*

Wayde left the apartment in a rush, trying to shake the dream that in reality was a not so distant memory.  One of many that had been plaguing him of late.

It was coming up on the 3rd anniversary of the battle of New home. Wayde received an invitation to return there for the annual freedom celebration, a freedom he helped make. And that's when the dreams began. It was his last mission before he retired from the guard, and started a new life away from death and pain.

Life had been good too, mundane and ordinary. But that's what he and Lynne wanted, especially with baby Jahy in their life. They moved to a small colony world, only fifty years inhabited. There was one major city and maybe a dozen small towns in the surrounding area. Wayde built a home in one of these towns, planted a garden, and joined the volunteer fire and rescue squad. Wayde landed a job with a growing communications company, setting up comm. towers all over the planet. He loved this job and the crew of people he went out with. He was happy and content with no plan to change, but change it did.

 After a routine check-up for a two year old Jayh, he was diagnosed with a rare form of wasting disease that would be fatal within two or three years. Wayde and Lynne were devastated; their almost perfect life had just hit a wall. Talking with all doctors and specialist locally, and weeks of research, they found there was a treatment that would save him. But extremely costly and had to be taken weekly for life.

The Haytch family had hope again, and new goals to strive for. Wayde worked as much as possible trying to earn extra money, Lynne did what she could from home, selling items and services over the galactic web. They struggled for almost a year, Jahy was alive and healthy but they were on the edge losing everything they had. Spirits that had been high sunk with each passing day. 

Wayde knew he would have to go off world in order to earn enough for his family. He didn't want to leave this place and knew Lynne wouldn't either, but what choice was there?

 The only choice he felt he had left was the subject of this morning’s disagreement with Lynne.  They had agreed that after Wayde left the guard, he would stay out of anything that would put him in harm’s way, or where he would have to hurt someone else. That agreement ended when Wayde's company was acquired by Universal Technology Corporation, or U.T.C. They were one of the largest and most powerful companies in the galaxy.

On a day when work was slow, Wayde thought to look at the company job board, just to see what was available internally. There was the usual accounting, sales, factory work, etc. but it was security that caught his eye. This was not what he wanted, but something he knew well, so he was curious to know more. They were looking for ex-military and experienced security personnel to work in the corporate office on Lykos. The pay would be double his current salary and the pros kept outweighing the cons. Wayde thought it wouldn't hurt to apply, he probably wouldn't hear anything from the company anyway.

He never told Lynne when he had received the vid- message telling him that he had the job. The job was contingent upon an in person interview and physical evaluation at corporate. Needless to say Lynne was not overwhelmed with joy after Wayde told her he was going to Lykos for an interview and what the job would be. After a slightly heated discussion, they both agreed that this was their best direction at the moment. So Wayde made the ten hour trip to Lykos and had a successful meeting with the head of security. He then passed the physical training test with relative ease.

Two weeks later, here he was with his family, in a new apartment and the first day on the job. Stress from moving, bad memories, worry over Jayh and now, Lynne brought up his not discussing important matters with her before acting, again, today of all days. Wayde was on edge and needed to calm down and focus, so he ran.

Frustration and anger melted away as he sprinted towards the transport station fifteen blocks away. As he ran, his mind cleared, senses sharpened. He felt the wind blowing through his hair and over his face. The light of the new days sun rising in colors of deep lavender, crimson and finally bright golden sun, were intense in his vision. The sound of wind dominated but birds and the increasing humm of hove cars filled his ears. He took note of passing apartments, homes and gradually businesses overtook everything. Wayde jogged into the station feeling refreshed and alive, ready for whatever life might throw at him today.

Floating inches above the anti-grav rails, the train like  transport moved into the city with incredible speed.  Wayde was excited and a bit apprehensive as he went deeper into the city. After all this was the capitol and largest city in the galaxy. The city was beautiful, the buildings were all of metallic hues red, gold, copper, silver and everything in between. There were thousands of them of all shapes and sizes, climbing upward as if reaching for the sun. But one building dominated the skyline; it was easily six thousand feet tall. Four jagged spires surrounding a central, equally jagged spire looked as if rough-hewn from stone and dipped in molten silver. With fountains the size of small lakes at each spire and the main court yard paved in gold, it was an impressive sight. This was Waydes new work place; this is where everything was supposed to turn around for the good.

Thanks you for reading my story please keep watching for more parts of it in the future, also check out more Tuesdays tales at:

http://tuesdaytales1.blogspot.com

Christmas Eve 2311

Up until an hour ago, Randy Hobbs was doing great. He had been visiting some friends at the Titan station that he hadn't seen in a while.

Randy had also been delivering some much needed care packages from family and friends and some crucial repair materials for the station. Randy was a professional transport operator, or in other words, a space trucker. He had been doing this for ten years now, and knew a lot of people out in the void as he liked to call it. That's why when he got the call for an urgent run on Christmas Eve, he said no problem. He knew if all went well it was only three hours each way at near light speed or N.L.S. to Saturn space.   So when he promised his family he would be home in time for Christmas morning, he had no doubts of fulfilling it.

Randy put the transport in auto pilot, sat back and enjoyed the view of Saturn and its many moons. "What a lucky man I am", he thought. "Friends everywhere I go, sights that only few have seen in person. Going to be with family soon, Yeah it doesn't get much better." Those good feelings lasted all of ten minutes, but were shattered when warning alarms broke the spell. Randy glanced at the flashing lights again hoping for a positive change, no such luck. The lights that had burned orange for most of the hour, now turned red and announced stabilizers 3-5- 7 [ IMMINENT FAILURE] At this speed he would shoot off course and into anything in his path before regaining control.

 “Just great!” he exclaimed out loud as he started the throttle down process.

It would take about fifteen minutes to reach a safe speed. After all you can't just slam the brakes at three hundred million mph. Until then he needed to be ready for some quick maneuvers.

“Well so much for getting home on time, an hour and a half turns to a day and half,” he said to the empty cockpit.

Randy watched the speed read-out drop, and kept his hands firmly on the controls. Then without any further warning the stabilizers failed. At first nothing happened, steady on course the rig flew.

Randy held his breath, watched his instruments and waited. Then slowly the rig started to yaw and roll to the right. He tried to compensate but was not having much luck with two thirds of  his port side down. Randy fought with the pitching and rolling ship for what seemed like hours, decelerating all the while.

Just when he was beginning to gaining control he caught sight of what? A ship? It can't be, not this far out of the space lanes, but he didn't have much time to figure it out. He was heading straight for it, fast.

Firing full reverse and star-board thrusters, the rig veered left and slowed just enough to avoid hitting the other craft full on. There was a light thud and that awful sound like nails on a chalkboard. Randy brought the rig to a relative stop ending that terrible assault on his ears, and just sat for a moment pondering what could have just happened. “Where did that ship come from?” Randy mused silently. “There was nothing on my scanners, no proximity alarms, nothing.” He looked at his scanner, still nothing, “That can't be right it, was working perfectly.” He mumbled to him-self.

The crackle of the comm. broke the silence with a much too happy voice. “Hello in the rig, how are you this fine day? Anyone hurt?” Was the long string of questions that come through speakers.

“Fine day, really?” thought Randy.

“Uhh yeah, I'm ok here, how are you?” He quickly answered

  “I'm just marvelous my boy, marvelous, it's a splendid night to be out among the stars.” The cheerful voice called over the comm.

“Wow this guy’s not right in the head or something, he is way to happy after what just happened. I've got to make this quick and get moving,” Randy thought as he watched a red colored transport very similar to his own, come to a stop next his.

“I'm sorry for the damage and any inconvenience I have caused you.” Randy apologized to the odd person in the red ship. “I'll send my contact info to you so we can get ya fixed up, all right?”

 “I've got a better idea, how about we dock and I'll bring some of the Mrs. hot coco and cookies over to share.” The voice suggested. “ Then we can talk things over then, what do you say Randy?”

 “Umm, I usually don't let anyone on board. I think it would be easier if I just sent the info to you and we get on our way.” Randy said then let the silence help tell the other person of his unease.

“Please Randy, its Christmas Eve after all, humor an old man.”  There was something in his voice was very compelling, and before he realized what he was doing, he had agreed.

 A few burst of the thrusters put the ships into docking position. A small bump and the snap of the locks as they engaged let Randy know it was time to greet his unexpected guest.

Randy left the small cockpit and went to the air lock which was located between it and the living quarters. The safe seal light glowed reassuringly as he opened the inner door lock. He then went to the outer door and cycled the lock. There was a brief hiss and a slight pressure on the ears as the two atmospheres equalized, the door began to opened. Before the door opened even part way, a pleasant aroma wafted into the lock. Randy could smell a multitude of different things. Fresh pine, cinnamon, peppermint, gingerbread, turkey, ham, everything he associated with what? “Christmas, it all reminds me of Christmas.” Randy thought

Just on the inside of the air lock stood a man of  average height, with a large round belly. He had kind, bright blue eyes that looked out from beneath bushy white brows, which were a matched set with his full beard. His age was hard to determine, ageless almost. He was clothed in deep red coveralls and black work boots. He was holding a large thermos and a tin of cookies.

“As promised he said,” lifting the objects in his grasp slightly. “May I come in?”

 “Yeah, sure, right in there,” Randy said gesturing to the multipurpose living area.

“Where can I set these ?” the man ask looking around for a table to put the cookies and the thermos. Randy went to a panel on the wall and pressed, a section folded out and locked into place  for a table, and two seats appeared as well. “Ah, wonderful,” the man exclaimed as he set his load on the table.

That done, he turned and offered his hand, “My name is Kris, so good to meet you,” he said. 

Randy took the offered hand and looked into the man’s eyes. He saw no malice or anger there, just joy and wisdom. “Glad to meet you too.” Randy said. “There is something familiar about you, have we met somewhere?”

“Oh, it's quite possible,” Kris answered, “I do get around, especially at this time of year. I just finished delivering some packages to several of the farthest outpost. You know those people don't get many visitors, or the chance to return to earth very often. So I make it a point to stop by and bring some Christmas cheer. It does my old heart good to see the joy a few gifts and friendly conversation can bring a person. I'm sure you know exactly what I mean.”

 “Actually I do know,” Randy said.

The silence grew longer until Kris said, “Well speaking of Christmas cheer, how about we try these goodies I have, shall we?” 

“Yeah that sounds good, umm won't you have a seat” Randy said gesturing to one of the benches.

He went to cabinet and grabbed two cups and set them on the table. Kris began to talk as he poured the coco, which smelled incredibly good.

“I haven't seen many travelers this night, most are at home with their families,” said Kris. “So Randy what brings you out this far on on Christmas Eve? I'm sure you would rather be home yourself.”

 Randy relayed his story of how he came to be here to a man he didn't know, but became increasingly more comfortable with by the moment. He told him how he promised to be home Christmas morning and how that wasn't going to happen now. Kris sat and listened while Randy poured his heart out to him about his wants and desires. It was so easy as they talked, drank the hot cocoa and ate for what seemed like hours. Randy looked down at the cookie tin that had been full and now was three quarters empty.

“How long did we sit here?” he thought.

 Kris must have recognized the look because he stood up and took the used cups to the small sink and washed them. “Well Randy I think it's time we got on our way, we both have long trips to finish. It’s been very pleasant talking with you, made my night memorable. Feel free to keep the cookie tin and what’s left inside.” Kris scooped up his thermos and headed for the lock quick as a flash. “W…wait a moment.” said  Randy as he hurried to catch up. “What about the damage to your ship?” 

Kris stopped just inside his own ship and turned to Randy and said, “What damage? there's no damage.”

“But I hit your ship Kris,” said Randy.

“Listen my boy, you just get home to that family of yours. They are waiting for you. Again, It has been a pleasure.” Kris shook his hand once again and was through the door.” Oh, and by the way, Merry Christmas! Ho ho ho,” he laughed as the door closed with a hiss and a clunk.

Randy stood for a moment trying to absorb what just happened. He went back to the table and sat down. “That was interesting,” thought Randy as he toyed with the cookie tin Kris left. He noticed the lid was on and the tin felt too heavy. “I could have sworn that lid was off a minute ago.”

 Randy took the lid off and saw the tin was full of cookies once again. “How,” thought Randy.

Inside was a note that read, “Dear Randy thank you for your hospitality, I had a fine visit with you. Keep on being a friend to those around you, stay generous and share the spirit of Christmas always. I know you will, I have been watching you for a long while now. Because you have a kind heart, and everyone should be with their family on Christmas day, I'm giving you a special present. You may be disoriented for a moment, it will pass. Enjoy the cookies and Again Merry Christmas.  Your friend Kris K.  P.S. Look out  the cockpit window.”

 Several thoughts went through Randy's head all at once. “When did he put that note there, watching me, how did he know my name before he came on board, I never told him. What is he talking about?” Just then reality seemed to spin, and flashes of colored sparks were everywhere, along with the the feeling of movement hit him at once.

 As fast as it came it was gone. “Whoa what was that?”

 Randy sat until the slight dizzy feeling stopped. “Kris must have started his N.L.S. engines to soon and blasted me.” He mumbled to the empty ship.

Randy headed up front to check for damage. Looking quickly at the instruments, they showed green lights, even the thrusters that were offline just… what? Thirty minutes ago? How, what is going on? I know it has been longer than that and the thrusters work now? Randy sat down hard in his chair wondering if he was losing his mind. And then he lost his breath when looked up, and stared out the window. It was not possible what he saw there.  He closed his eyes and willed himself to wake up. When he opened them again the view was the same. Somehow in just seconds, his ship moved millions of miles to sit just outside earth’s orbit. He was home. Randy Hobbs never forgot the best gift he ever received, or the man who gave it to him on that special Christmas Eve.

How do you measure success?

Is success the amount of wealth one acquires? Is it fame? Or is it how many trophies and awards received.  Is it how many books, music albums, movies ect. sold? To some the consolidation of power
over people and things is success. The list goes on and on. But have you ever considered  the simpler success stories, the humble ones that may seem insignificant to some people but extraordinary to those involved. Example: The kid who has struggled to keep from failing in school brings their grades up.
Parents who raise their children without making them cringe in fear whenever they are near them. When
they themselves came from abusive childhoods and choose not to follow that path. The couple that still hold hands and goes out on dates and have a greater love for each other after decades of marriage.
How about the the guy who's been out of work for months and finally lands a steady job because he didn't give up. The girl who was told growing up she was nothing and wouldn't amount to anything. Now is a published author and is becoming very popular with many people. I could go on but I think you get the point. Success can be anything. So before you judge yourself or others unsuccessful, really think about it. I'll bet you find more successes than you thought.
Be thankful for small things. Like this small blog and being able to write it, and hoping it will touch someone in a positive way. I wish you much success in all that you do in life, and thanks for reading
this.

Machines of darkness pt. 2

Machines of darkness pt. 2

“Get down soldier!” 1st Sgt. Hyatch yelled at the same time as he grabbed the solider, pulled him back and down.

 The young solider landed with a grunt on the hard, grey pavement. “Are you trying to get killed? Remember your training.”

“Yes sir. Sorry sir. It won't happen again sir.”

He glared at the young soldier he just saved from a plasma bolt. Hyatch was thinking how many times he had done the same thing for countless others over the years. A never ending stream of young men and women assigned to his care. Most of these kids came straight from basic training. They had no experience with war and all that comes with it. Hyatch seemed to have a knack for keeping them alive long enough to transfer to another battle, and become someone else’s responsibility.

He felt so tired, more than the physical, although that was present too. He just wanted to go home and be with his pregnant wife, she was due anytime now. Just weeks left now till they would be together, his time of service ended. But for now, it was time to concentrate on his men and the mission.

The soldiers crouched by the corner of a building, overlooking a debris strewn intersection. Waade could see burned out store fronts. Remnants of broken electronics, along with clothing, food and other items that had been looted at an earlier time lay where they fell. Burned and scattered hover cars, armoured vehicles choked the streets. Thick black smoke hung in the air, burning the soldier’s eyes as well as their lungs. The smell of burnt plastic and metal was strong.

It was the all too familiar smell of cooked flesh, that bothered Hyatch most though. After years of service in the galactic guard and countless skirmishes, he could not get used to it.

“Time to move.” Waade thought.

 Two streets down were an enemy strong hold and staging area for an attack on the capitol. The stubborn leaders of this city refused to be moved to a safe zone. Claiming they would not be bullied by criminals and that they had great confidence in their military and allies to protect them. Hyatch and his fire team were ordered to do recon due to jamming and holographic camouflage that the rebels had acquired recently. A holocam puts a bubble of cover around whatever you want hidden and in concert with sensor jamming tech. The bubble can hide anything. The fire team just needed to get under the bubble, take some vidpic's and plant some enhanced sensor probes to get accurate coordinates for air attack. Then get out.

“It was a simple enough mission” Thought Hyatch, but simple has a bad habit of turning rotten in a hurry.

A quick peek around the building revealed a single lookout, hiding behind a plascrete barrier one street down and opposite side.

Acting fast before an warning could be sent, Sgt. Hyatch was on his stomach with plasrifle braced against the building corner. In mere seconds he had sights on target and fired.

The lookout slumped to the ground with a small puff of smoke from his chest where the energy bolt struck. Hyatch and his three men ran in a crouch down the street toward the barrier and stopped at the body.

Sgt. Hyatch took the transceiver from the ear of what looked like a teen aged girl. For a moment there was regret and anger. He forced those feelings away to deal with later, like he always did.

The holocam bubble was in sight, shifting and swirling with the reflected images of its surrounds. The bubble was hard to look at, almost painful to eyes.

The bubble also absorbed sound, making outside listening devices useless. The negative side of the bubble was that you couldn't see or hear what was happening on the outside either. “Good for this recon team, very good indeed,” thought the Sergeant as they ran the last few yards.

“I'll go in first, and then you three follow in a 30 count. Rifle close to his body, so as not to give much warning to someone on the other side,” Sgt. Hyatch commanded just before he slipped into the bubble.

 Being on the inside of the bubble was like being under water, sound was muffled and strange, uncomfortable vibrations were felt all through his body. Then quickly he was through the other side of the bubble and looking for cover that was too far to be of any help.

Two rebel soldiers were only five steps from him in deep conversation and not paying attention as he leveled the rifle and fired.

He was then headed for a trash bin before the bodies hit the ground. “It looks like we might be too late”, thought Hyatch as he watched hundreds of soldiers and dozens of heavy armored hover-craft move his way.

He only had a few moments to give a warning to command before they reached him. Hyatch sprinted back towards the bubble, “No time for caution now, have to get my team and get out.” He thought hurriedly.

He almost reached it when searing heat shot through his right side. Looking down at the smoking hole in his stomach, he thought, “What good is body armor if it doesn't work?”

 He kept his momentum going and flew through the bubble slamming into one of his team as they were coming through. With a grunt of pain and determination, he stood up

“Move!” he yelled to his team and began to run.

Looking behind he saw the holocam dissipate and death coming for them.

“Waade!” screamed one of his men, “wake up.”

 “It’s Sergeant Hyatch, private,” he thought as he forced his legs to move.

“Waade!” A woman’s voice cried.

“ Lynne?” he mumbled.

“Wake up!” Her voice demanded so Waade Hyatch opened his eyes to see his beautiful wife leaning over him with a concerned look on her face.

“Are you all right?” she asked.

 “Yeah, fine, just a bad dream.” He lied.

Thank you for reading my story with the word prompt broken. Keep a look out for part 3 of this story, please come read other stories at
http://tuesdaytales1.blogspot.com