Strange Little Band – Dark, edgy sci-fi romance

WARNING: This story is utter silliness. Originally I’d intended to write a Halloween crossover story featuring characters from Lyn Thorne-Alder’s Addergoole and A. M. Harte’s Above Ground (with their permission). Somehow that evolved into… this, which has nothing to do with Halloween. But it’s good fun, so here we are. Earlier this week I started [...]

Addison stretched her legs and wiggled her toes carefully so as not to interrupt or disturb the artist at work. Gazing up at the mirror on the ceiling, she watched the finishing touches go onto the elaborate mehendi artwork that encircled her navel and covered her lower abdomen. Already Addison’s lower back, shoulders and upper [...]

Joon sipped her mug of tea as she studied the mottled image on DiPhillipo’s computer screen. As much as she respected her colleague, she disliked working closely with the older man. His clothes smelled of stale cigarettes, even first thing in the morning. The sweet scent of her oolong tea masked much of it. “This [...]

“I am not wasting my time filling out any bloody forms. Now give me the bleedin’ data!” Teague looked up from Hasting’s transfer form. Before the shouting started he’d thought that Kraus and Woo were bickering again. Now there was no mistaking the female speaker’s British accent. Del Rio began, “Ma’am, please–” “I have a [...]

“Here you are, Captain.” The commissary clerk handed Teague his usual Irish Breakfast tea in the largest to-go cup they offered. “Thanks, Sydney,” Teague mumbled. He sipped the hot liquid as the heavyset woman swiped his ID card. “What time is it?” “5:04.” Teague shook his head at himself. “You think I’d be used to [...]

Addison slipped into her black, floor-length gown with more happy anticipation than she’d had in months. Although she wasn’t yet ready for her usual form-fitting evening wear–ten more pounds of baby weight to go–the flowing silk dress was an acceptable compromise. It had been far too long since she’d attended a concert, and she intended [...]

After giving Jake his late-night bottle, Shane strode over to Joon’s quarters like he did every other night. He let himself in and was pleased to find everything the way he liked it. The lights were dimmed. Music from his favorite Dead Can Dance CD softly sounded from stereo speakers. He stepped into Joon’s bedroom, [...]