BJAllen
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The emerging science fiction futuristic story, 200 odd years from now, of life based on the trajectory of the current madness.
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October 06, 2021
Rule of Twelve, Double Take - Ch7 (Passage 1/5)

Chapter 7 - Instability

From the training centre, Marr and Luna made their way back towards the common areas.
They had an hour or so to kill before the transports would resume their runs to the citadel.
“I need to speak with you two,” came a voice from behind them.
“What The!” Luna exclaimed as she spun around.
“Follow me,” Mentor said as he brushed past them.
“Do you think he will continue to creep about when we are all on the rig?” Luna whispered to Marr.
“I may be a little aloof, but I am not deaf, Luna,” Mentor said as he ushered them into a storage room.
“I need you to collect your weapons from your lockers and bring them here. Place them in the false compartment of this crate. Put that on top and seal it up. I’ll see that it is safely stowed aboard the Dinatha this evening,” Mentor instructed as he pointed to a stockinette wrapped beef carcase lying on the table next to a food storage container.
Luna’s mouth dropped.
“You expect me to put my prized possession in with that dead cow?” Luna stated.
“Yep, see you in a couple of hours,” Mentor shared as he turned and left the storage room.

Ninety minutes later, Marr and Luna were sitting in an observation deck at the port. They were waiting for the arrival of the Dinatha.
They had just watched a rig disappear over the horizon.
“Let’s do some revision. What just happened there?” Marr asked.
“Really?” Luna responded.
Marr said nothing and continued to look out towards the horizon.
“A rig just shot out over the horizon,” Luna replied.
“Seriously?” Marr exclaimed before continuing, “explain it as if I am seeing it for the first time!”
Luna sighed but conceded and started to share unenthusiastically.
“The remotely controlled low loaders brought the rig out of the port and lowered it on to the maglev track. The maglev system then took the rig out of range of the citadel. Over the horizon.”
“What control over the process do the crew have?”
“None, until the rig is well down the track. The low loaders and then the maglev system prevent the rig from starting its engines until well clear of the citadel.”
“Why is that?”
“Because the rig is basically a flying bomb. The fuel cells and DMD are highly volatile. The rig could cause significant damage if it were crashed into the citadel.”
“Correct. And what is the other purpose of the maglev?”
“The rigs are basically optimised for space flight, not atmosphere flight. They can’t get lift at less than nine hundred kilometres per hour. So, the maglev system builds up the speed allowing the rig to get airborne without needing to use vertical thrusters. Once airborne, the rig can engage a hard burn and enter orbit.”
“Great, top marks. Now what of the landing?”
“Things happen in reverse. The rig drops out of the sky towards the outer end of the maglev track. It flies along the track, attaches, shuts its engines, and then coasts into the port.”
“What makes this sequence even more risky?”
“During descent, the rigs use the heat and friction to replenish their fuel cells. They create far more than they need, and they even often sell it on after landing. Therefore, by the time the rig reaches the citadel it is an even more capable flying bomb!” Luna shared with glee visualising the damage that could be caused. It was significant compared to the miniscule amount of damage she could do with her rifle.
Marr rolled her eyes. She had picked up the change in tone and joy in Luna’s voice.
“How does the citadel prevent some crazy person like you flying a rig directly into the wall?” Marr asked in jest.
“The citadel’s defences track incoming rigs. The automated defences show no hesitation in blasting a rig to kingdom come if it diverts off the scripted approach. Equally the defences will activate if the rig doesn’t cut its engines before the outer marker.”
“What happens if the rig connects to the maglev but keeps its engines running?”
“Just after the outer marker there is a side track that ends in a very solid concrete wall!”

At that moment they caught the sight of the rig in the distance.
It was merely a speck but was clearly in a hard burn. It was racing away from them and accelerating fast towards the upper atmosphere.
“That has got to hurt!” Luna shared.
“How is it, that after all this time of watching these rigs, it is only now that you are making these types of observations?” Marr commented.
“I never had to consider actually being in one of those contraptions, until now!”
“Well, I understand that reaching orbit is a walk in the park compared to traversing.”
“Way too much information at this stage, Marr. Baby steps! I am going to worry about getting through this ordeal first,” Luna added as she contemplated things further.

(to be continued...)

[Rule of Twelve, Double Take, Chapter 7 - Instability (Passage 1 of 5)]

All Rights Reserved. Copyright © 2021 BJ Allen

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Rule of Twelve books to be narrated with the help of A.I.

I am investing in A.I. driven narration to bring the Rule of Twelve books to life.

It will be more than just narration in the traditional audio book sense. The A.I. will enable me to bring dialogue to life with character specific voices. This will create a rich and engaging narration.

Over the coming months I will be in catch-up mode, building the narration for already published material. Eventually, the aim will be to concurrently release chapters in both written and rich narrative form.

The narration will eventually make it to audiobook form for platforms like Audible and Spotify. However, to get it sooner, you will need a Locals subscription. The Locals App works just like your favourite audiobook app. So, you can listen on the go. Becoming a subscriber also helps keep this whole show on the road.

I look forward to sharing the journey with you.

BJ.

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September 22, 2022
Rule of Twelve, Book 2, Convergence

Read Book 2 right here in Locals.

Navigate to "Content", "Articles" and choose Book 2 from the playlist

https://bjallen.locals.com/content/articles/playlists/4467

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September 22, 2022
Rule of Twelve, Book 1, Double Take

Read Book 1 right here in Locals.

Navigate to "Content", "Articles" and choose Book 1 from the playlist

https://bjallen.locals.com/content/articles/playlists/4330/oldest

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Rule of Twelve, Book 3, Chapter 13
Regeneration - Power

 

1

 

Dukk opened his eyes. It was dark.

   “A dream. It must have been a dream,” he muttered as he tried to fathom where he was. He tried to digest the pre-dawn excursion with Craig.

   He swung himself out of bed. Marr was gone.

   He checked the time. Mid-afternoon.

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March 07, 2024
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Rule of Twelve, Book 3, Chapter 12
Regeneration - New ground

 

1

 

“What in the world is going on?” Craig demanded as the doors to the south banqueting hall, closed behind them.

   Dukk, Marr and Emeelie stood before him. Beyond was the atrium bathed in orange light from the setting sun.

   On the opposite side of the atrium the doors to the north banqueting hall were open. Music and chatter could be heard from within.

   The noise from the others disguised the deathly silence that engulfed the four.

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January 26, 2024
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Rule of Twelve, Book 3, Chapter 11
Regeneration - Levelling

 

1

 

“I am going to need a shower and change of clothes,” Marr announced as she put her helmet and goggles back on the rack in the garage.

   “Yes, the dust gets in everywhere,” Emeelie replied. “There are showers near the pool. Change of clothes too if you don’t want to go back to your suite all dusty.”

   “That is a good idea.”

   “Have you seen the pools below sea level yet?” Craig asked.

   “Nope.”

   “I was going to shower and change down there. Then use the sauna and take a swim. The pool up here can get quite hot in the afternoons.”

   “That sounds like a great idea,” Dukk said.

   “Absolutely, lead the way,” Marr added.

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