​Going from captive, to slave, to induction into the infamous Brotherhood, Kathy finds herself raising the adopted daughter of the crew of the Rapier. Given the responsibility to raise their princess, Cindy, they travel among the stars preying on merchant ships, dodging Chinese warships, fighting pirates, visiting strange worlds, and encountering fantastic creatures, all under the watchful eyes of Commodore James Ulysses Black. Trying to raise a young girl among gunfights, swordfights, ship-to-ship battles, slave trades, deals, and some of the most feared raiders in human space is no small challenge.
The only question is, Is Kathy up to the task?

Stefan Angelina McElvain
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Science fiction
Loved it.
This story is a must as a TV series. It has everything, pirates, gods, technological wonders, emotion in droves, tear-jerking and heart-warming moments, and of course weird space creatures.
The story is written as a self-biography with Kathy telling it--she gets a job offer to photograph strange life on a distant planet, except her ship is raided by pirates, and she's taken captive. She becomes one of them and has wonderful adventures until they are captured and she is traded.
It's not the end, she escapes from the world authorities.
Can't wait for the sequel.
The author has created a special cosmos which is split up between the major powers on Earth, the Americans, the Chinese, the French...they're not formally at war, but all want to expand the space footprint they control. And of course, you have the Brotherhood, pirates exploiting the conflicts, reminding me of the English and French privateers of the Caribbean stealing from the Spanish.
 
Travis B
5.0 out of 5 stars A galactic experience of legendary proportions, Rapier is probably my favorite novel of the year!
A space odyssey of legendary proportions. An elaborate science-fiction novel, a galactic experience, Rapier is probably my personal favorite of this year, 2018. And I read a lot of books. Because this epic has it all! The face-paced, in-the-present style of writing always keeps the story moving along at light speed. But after each jump to or from hyperspace anything can happen and does. Swimming with whales living in nebulae of thick, colorful gases. Horse-sized wolves and never-before-seen natives and underwater adventures to meet the almighty, giving ones: bioengineering “gifts” with omnipotent capabilities. And sword-fights, blazingly fast strokes of the gleaming steel, bellies bursting, men keeling over.
Grow up with the cutest, feistiest young girl, and women you’ll be sure to fall in love with. Cindy, and her warmhearted, talented mother, Kathy. And then later, Cindy’s rescued sister—a princess of the enemy: Lien. Travel, live, and give and receive love from the largest family, team, and close-knit crew anyone could hope brave the galaxy with…
The Privateers! (Not pirates).
 
Mark Carnelley
VINE VOICE
5.0 out of 5 stars A rip-roaring, swashbuckling ride into the wonders of the galaxy
This fantastic tale brings me back to my childhood, where I grew up reading the likes of C.S. Forester (Hornblower series), Edgar Rice Burroughs’s SF fantasy series, Isaac Asimov’s magnificent Foundation series, and the naval novels by Douglas Reeman (just to name a few).
Wonderful characters with genuine emotions and conflicts. Gripping space battles, heinous villains, marvels of the galaxy, and unheard of new alien species. A SciFi saga that should rank up there with the greats.
The author, Richard “Doc” Correa gives his fertile imagination full throttle and lets the reader immerse and lose himself in a memorable journey. Many thanks Richard and I’m looking forward to the sequel(s) 👍
A five gold ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star (or should that be doubloon?) rating that is truly deserved.
 
Mark Schultz
5.0 out of 5 stars I loved this story! You will too!
I loved this story! Science fiction is my lifelong favorite genre. I have read thousands of books in this field. This story was such a refreshing take on the themes of space pirates and family obligations, it was a breath of fresh air.
Doc’s world-building is marvelous, I love the mashup of old-fashioned pirates and living among the stars. The action and dialogue drew me into the story so deeply, I didn’t want to put the book down. Scene setting left nothing to be desired.
The life-altering events that changed Kathy, Cindy and the entire crew are believably scripted.
This story was so much fun to read. 4.9 stars to Rapier!
 
Catherine Radley
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant Sci-Fi adventure.
While reading this book I struggled to put it down. I would lay in bed and tell myself, just one more chapter.
The whole theme around the Brotherhood, their struggles, their loss, their acceptance and their love makes you feel for every character you meet. Even the ones you don't necessarily like.
As a avid science fiction fan I am often extremely picky about the genre, this book is well written. I would recommend it to anyone!

"Just finished your book, which I loved! Came at the right time for me, because my spiritual quest has led me to the belief that we all share the energy of everyone & everything. The myths of our First People, ring with this belief. I came from England (like your wife) & grew up in Chilliwack. I now live in Langley, but my parents & brother’s grave is in Chilliwack. Thank you for sharing your gift. Visiting Haida Gwaii, has long been on my “must see” list."
~Elaine H.
 
A Spiritual Tale Of Native Cultural Evolution
"It takes some time to embrace the mystical aspects, as you follow one journalist's return to a native island culture. And once you do, it becomes enchanting, and way more engaging than the love story and lusty scenes depicted, or the maturing of our journalist, from his 'son of a belittling father' backstory.
The mythic/legendary characters are either elemental or complex, with one flawed God serving as antagonist.
The shaman is the most interesting and believable character throughout. Where the signs and visions are interpreted into a spiritual mission of cultural evolution, the novel has substance and relevancy.
I also enjoyed pronouncing (in my mind's ear) the double vowel sounds of the native culture words."
~Sam
 
"Beautifully written, Raven’s Lament takes the reader into the spirit world of ancient and magical Haida legends. Written with a reverence for nature and native cultures, this read is bound to touch your soul."
~Greta
 
"On The west Coast, a journalist investigates a killing linked to destruction of old growth forest on First Nations land, and finds a spirit war as well as a real-work environmental struggle. He also finds love and meaning. It's a lovely, timely story line, and the outcome is arrived at in a surprising confluence of plot and subplot which makes the book ultimately charming and moving."
~Candas Jane Dorsey  
 
And as per my off the wall personality, I love this review from a fellow BC Author
"After being stranded twenty kilometers from the nearest road at the tip of Rose Spit, Haida Gwaii, and having to push Frank's spanking new SUV a few kilometers along the beach before the tide came in and we ran out of booze, my first reaction on being asked to write a back cover blurb was, "over my dead body. Some people will do anything to get an endorsement."
~Susan Musgrave/Cargo of Orchids/Given

“War's Ending by A.J. Park is a well-written novel that will delight fans of fantasy, with a powerful plot, an exciting setting, and memorable characters…”
“The first thing that caught my attention when I started reading this novel is the beauty of the language. I was particularly pulled in by the exciting description of the scene as the ship is approaching the shoreline. The characters are vividly portrayed and the author ensures the character arc is impeccable. The conflict is introduced quickly and while the pacing is leisurely in the beginning, the characters get a feel of the day-to-day life of the protagonist as she navigates a new terrain. A.J. Park leads readers slowly into the story and then sets off at a very fast pace. The conflict escalates pretty quickly and I enjoyed the use of irony. The wonderful writing, composed of short chapters and well-calculated paragraphs, makes for an enjoyable read, but what will stick with readers more are the rock-solid characters. War's Ending is an enticing read, indeed.”  -Readers' Favorite 5-star review

Zarrietty – Amazon Reviewer 5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read! April 24, 2022
“Excellent story, fast moving plot, interesting characters. Can't wait for the sequel! It's captivating, couldn't put it down! Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.”

Rosland Skiff – Amazon Reviewer 5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent story. October 2, 2021
“This was a riveting story from the beginning to end. Well written, characters that come alive through the story. I highly recommend this book.”

Abby – Amazon Reviewers 5.0 out of 5 stars Engaging story, lots of plot twists. September 29, 2021. “I don’t read fiction very often, but I loved this book! The story was engaging, fast paced and had lots of plot twists. My favorite character was Lady Shalyrie because she’s strong, determined, and willing to fight for what is right. I liked that this story told the power of truth. There were so many moments that it would have been easier for the character to follow the typical pattern, but these characters were bold enough to see past the lies and deceit, and make changes for the better for their people.
It was a wonderful read! I laughed, I cried, and I really connected with the characters. The ending was satisfying, and I can’t wait to read the next book.
The content was clean and appropriate, but without being boring or naïve. I thought the book was very well done.”

Amazon Reviewer 5.0 out of 5 stars Coming of age YA adventure. August 3, 2021
“As the story opens the heroine is a young woman of privilege but throughout the story she is challenged by adversity and meets it head on. The cultures of the two adversaries are portrayed as dark and light but not all is as it seems as the story progresses. She learns that there is depth and compassion to the other side as she comes to know them and works to change things for the better with help from both sides.”

AliAnn – Amazon Reviewer 5.0 out of 5 stars A compelling read. October 20, 2019
“Action-packed with unexpected twists and turns, this is an enjoyable read that leaves you wanting more! Shalyrie is a relatable heroine who finds herself wrapped in a conflict between two peoples, and she is the only person who can help it come to an end. A.J. Park weaves an intricate tale of war and peace, love and betrayal, endings and beginnings. If you enjoy fantasy fiction books in a medieval setting that are full of action with a dusting of romance, then this is the book for you!”

Maven – Amazon Reviewer 5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it! September 19, 2021
Starts out like an easy romance... Turns into action and evil plots... Poison darts.... Torture... Revenge...true love, no dread pirates though.... Very enjoyable
 
Kindle Customer – Amazon Reviewer 5.0 out of 5 stars Loved this book! July 27, 2019
“This was such an engaging new mash up of all the fantasy staples! Love, war, intrigue, betrayal, secrets, good vs evil, it's all there. I can't wait for the sequel!” 

Fantastic Book!!!
There is nothing like revenge from an immortal. In this volume the author Lilian Roberts introduces a fearsome group of immortals that take on one of Sebastian's enemies the Russian Mafia. The author does a great job in keeping the reader engaged and eager to find the outcome.
I am hooked to the hot and sizzling romance between Arielle and her gorgeous, rich immortal Sebastian. The sage continues in a brilliant way. The characters are becoming even more attractive and cleverly intertwined and in an amazing plot.
I just can't get enough of the Immortal Rapture Series. This is Lilian Robert's 6th novel "Arielle Immortal Fury" in this amazing series and it seems that each book becomes better than the last one. I am a fan and can't wait for book 7.
 
INTRIGUING IMMORTAL NOVEL!!
Reviewed in the United States on September 28, 2014
It was quite nice and refreshing to read a book about immortality that did not involve vampires. I have read the first 5 novels of the series and I could not wait for this book to be released. The author has done an amazing job keeping the characters real and the story moving in a wonderful pace.
This is a follow up on the time travel in book 5. Who has never thought of time travel? I know that I am fascinated by the thought of being able to go back into a time that I choose and meet the people that I have admired in my lifetime. I was glued to the pages while the girls traveled back to Calais and fell in love with Arielle and Sebastian’s romance. Book 5 left me hanging and I was happy to get book 6.
Lilian Roberts has done it again. She continued with the Immortal Rapture Series only to make the sixth novel more intriguing and leaving another cliffhanger for the reader to be unable to wait for the next book.
I would recommend this book to everyone who loves romance, mystery, excitement and hot sizzling passion. I have recommended her previous books to all my friends and author acquaintances, and I have heard nothing but great things about this series. Nice Done Lilian Roberts!!!!.
 
ANOTHER GREAT RELEASE!!!
Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2014
This is the 6th book in the Immortal Rapture Series. “Arielle Immortal Fury.” I really thought that I was not going to say this again but here I am saying it. This book was even better than the last one. This is a continuation of Arielle’s return from the time travel birthday gift in Calais to Brighton.
What an outcome. What a surprise going from the mortal man Sebastian in the 1700s to the Immortal man in today’s time. Sebastian is just as beautiful, just as stunning, but more powerful, with the strength of an army in his body and the passion of a man like no other for Arielle.
Arielle does not get the reaction she expected from Sebastian upon her return but the author cleverly bring the whole thing to a wonderful end. This book has a lot of action and more mystery as enemies of Sebastian are lurking at every corner trying to still high level secrets from his global company and target Arielle to use her as a bargaining chip to their demands.
Sebastian is not going to put up with that much longer. He assembles a handful of immortals to take on the Russian Mafia. The 13 immortals could take on a whole army with one hand. The Mafia goons have absolutely no idea who they are messing with.
Lilian Roberts has done a great job with this book. I just hate to wait once again for book 7 to be released as this story is becoming more involved, more complicated and more exciting. This definitely has become my favorite paranormal romance series. I am a fan!!
 
ENTHRALLING
The so highly expected sixth book in the immortal rapture series is here and I was happy to get a copy. It met and exceeded my expectation. The book is fascinating, thrilling and exciting. The characters get better and better with each volume that comes out and it draws the reader into the plot deeper and deeper. I love the way Anabelle, Sebastian’s ex , tries to get rid of Arielle and one time after the other she fails. She is still Sebastian’s worst nightmare and Arielle’s real fear. But Sebastian and his Immortal friends will always protect Arielle from any human or immortal danger. I am now hooked to the series so I will be anxiously waiting for the release of the seventh book which is not out yet .
 
Leaves The Reader Wanting More
Lilian Roberts does not disappoint her avid fans in her 6th book in the Immortal Rapture Series. I could not put the book down and was forced to stay up until the wee hours so I could finish reading this compelling novel. This book steps up the intensity of the romance and mystery scenes. It is every bit as well-written as the previous 5 books in the series, and like all 5 titles before it, this book also has a clever cliffhanger that is bound to keep readers on pins and needles until the next one in the series rolls out. Nice job, Ms Roberts!

5.0 out of 5 stars A surprise
"The novel is surprising because it tells an original story that incorporates elements of great classics. From a stylistic point of view, in addition to having a fast pace, it presents simple periods that make reading pleasant. The storyline has elements of multiple genres, and this variability is a factor that I really appreciate. Read it because in my humble opinion it's worth it." ~Luigi Amirati
 
5.0 out of 5 stars Merchant
"A really beautiful novel! An adventure that kept me in suspense from the first to the last pages!!! A truly engaging storyline full of twists and turns with really well-defined characters!!! Absolutely recommended." ~Florencia
 
5.0 out of 5 stars Good book
"A beautiful novel that fascinated me very much. full of suspense and twists. A very fluent reading that never gets boring I congratulate the author for the plot." ~Luana
Luigi Ammirati

Echoes of a Song
From NN Light
Haunting, heartbreaking and a must-read!
Everyone knows what took place ten years ago in the famed Paris Opera House but Raoul, Comte de Chagny, might not have escaped with Christine in the middle of the night if he knew the consequences. His beloved Christine is dead and the Phantom of the Opera still haunts his every move. Grief-stricken, he faces the truth: she never really loved him. Can he drown the ghost taunting his every thought or will he relinquish final victory to the Phantom of the Opera?

Wow! I’m a huge fan of The Phantom of the Opera and in this short story, A. L. Butcher embodies Gaston Leroux’s voice. Haunting, is the first word that comes to mind after reading. The emotions Raoul projects as he realizes the truth of the curse is so painful, I cried as I read the last page.

If you love this classic novel and the musical brought to live by Andrew Lloyd Webber, this short story is a must-read. Highly recommend!
 
Echoes of a Song
From Convoke
Alchemy of writer and subject evokes the Phantom as never before
A. L. Butcher brings the Phantom of the Opera to life in this eight-thousand-word tale that will captivate you. Whether you are a Phantom fan or not, Raoul's memories will touch your soul. When a writer finds a perfect subject, magic happens. This is that writer for this tale. Butcher moves you from where you sit to where she wants you. In Echoes of a Song (Legacy of the Mask Tales), she triumphs. She brings us a tortured soul living past his loves in a symphony of memory and regret. Raoul, Comte de Chagny, master of Chateau Margeurite, has riches of the world but is destitute in soul. Raoul's elder brother, Phillipe has been murdered. His wife, his child, both dead. The memories that remain are destroying him. 'Accidents' at the Opera yet haunt him. This is a beautiful, mournful, and yet inspiring book, of a man living through his pain with no hope to get beyond it. And yet, when Raoul says aloud to the night: "Erik is dead," those three words summon this vivid story, this legendary creature, making the twelve years between the days of the Phantom of the Opera and now disappear.... Read this.
Universal Link https://books2read.com/Echoesofasong
 
Best fantasy 2019 on reviewer site NN Light Book Heaven!
 
Tears and Crimson Velvet
Reviewer Convoke
The Phantom of the Opera, up close and personal
No other modern writer has the affinity for the Phantom of the Opera displayed by A. L. Butcher in Tears and Crimson Velvet, from her Legacy of the Mask series. A.L. Butcher is a talented writer, and I have enjoyed all of her stories I've read, but her Phantom stories exist in another realm. And she takes you there, with deft skill and beautiful prose, time after time. Many can write, few can transport you in time and mind as Butcher does here. If you're not familiar with Butcher's work, I suggest you start here. What's happened previously is adroitly delivered in such a way that not for a second did I feel impatient: past and present merge seamlessly into a tale you'll never forget. Then you can go find the previous tales in the Legacy of the Mask series -- and I promise you, you'll want to do just that. Bravo, A.L. Butcher. When is the next Phantom story coming? I can hardly wait.

Synopsis
Madame Giry finds herself embroiled in the tragedy unfolding at the Opera house; mystery and murder stalk the corridors and, it is said, a ghost haunts the place. Giry knows the truth, for she recalls the caged man she met so many years ago. This is her story, their story.
 When murder and mystery begin at the Opera House one woman knows who is behind it, and what really lies beneath the mask. Secrets, lies and tragedy sing a powerful song in this 'might have been' tale.
 
Winner of the 2020 Best Short Story award on NNLight Book Heaven
A short, tragic tale based on characters from Phantom of the Opera.
https://books2read.com/TearsandCrimson

Grabs Hold of Your Senses
Reviewed by -RJS
Resilient Daniella Reyes—Dani—distinguishes no limitations. It is essential that she make a life-changing sacrifice in order to save the school kids, her dad's inner spirit as well as her own life. The concealed world of New Mexico has come alive to her, and is changing her life while she gradually learns the mysteries of an influential, olden-day cult. 

Dark and Exciting
Reviewed by -Sibyl Mory
Author Carey blends a mix of local New Mexican folklore with ancient arcane magic woven into a tale about a new teacher who suffered from years of abuse as a child. Now her future is riddled with dark secrets she must unravel to save the very person who stole her childhood. There is suspense at every turn culminating with a most surprising ending. Truly high-end entertainment.

Bewitching Good Fun
Reviewed by -The Irishman
This book is loads of fun!
I did not know what to expect, and at first, it seemed to be going a different direction until a murder of crows suggests something different may be afoot!
Lorraine Carey writes in such an easygoing style that makes this a quick, easy read--but don't let that fool you, because she manages to pack a lot into her punch, and starts what seems to be a very promising premise for follow-up novels...which I am now eager to read to see where the Women of Willow Wood go and what adventures they have in store!

A Story of Strong Women
Reviewed by -Amazon Girl 2010
As I got deeper into this mystery I had to think back to the movie, ‘Practical Magic’ where magic, strong women, and enlightenment is a play. I loved Daniella, the main character here as she evolves into a strong woman when all the odds against her. There are a lot of deep messages woven throughout the story about forgiveness. I’ve been to New Mexico and the story highlights some of the folklore from the area. I am looking forward to book 2 in this series.

Spellbound
Reviewed by -Susan T.
Lorraine Carey weaves a spellbinding tale that grips the reader from the very first page. First-year teacher Daniella Reyes finds herself in a web of ominous events uprooting her from the comfortable life she had known and sending her down a treacherous path where her only hope for redemption is intervention from the women of the willow wood... I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys well-crafted, spine-tingling paranormal thrillers.

Reviewed by Keith Mbuya for Readers’ Favorite
“Erika M Szabo whisked me away from reality and into a wonderland. She forged her engrossing plot with simple sentences, which she loads with a sophisticated vocabulary. Her choice of words gives an edge of mystery, suspense, adventure, and romance in her narration. There are secrets, agony, old history, premonitions, dark powers, a story within a story, and much more. She gives vivid depictions of her scenes and characters. This served to add color to her narration. The characters are exciting and fully developed. I found it easy to connect with their thoughts and emotions, which gave me insight into their actions during the next scenes. It also made me empathize with the characters, and love as well as loathe some of them. Sofia is portrayed as a young girl whose inquisitive nature is capped with a sharp mind and an ability to learn quickly. Some of the conversations were witty and this spiced up the reading experience. A young adult audience with a yearning for fantasy novels laced with a supernatural tale will love Unbroken Curse.”

Reviewed by Dorothy Angel
“The relationship between the characters was comforting and felt real. The conversation with Sophia and her aunt, her aunt with that rolling pin was hysterical. Growing up in Queens, NY I could totally relate.
I enjoyed how you really get two stories in one. You begin with Jayden and Sophia but once they start to translate the book Jayden finds – not where you think, you’re in a whole other world.
More and more information comes to light as Sophia begins to remember some traumatic events from their childhood. Events take some crazy, but really interesting turns and I found myself turning page after page to find out the next piece and I was never disappointed.”
 
Reviewed by Fayeray85
“Unique and exciting! I really enjoyed this story! It was a very unique plot with great characters and some twists along the way! It was refreshing to read a book that didn’t give away the ending on the pages and kept me guessing until fully revealed.”
 
Reviewed by Sandy C
“I was grumbling to myself after some less than satisfying experiences this week - not another 2.5-hour 'bonanza' that leaves you with just a brief beginning where nothing much happens except a 'hot mess' of confusion and then you are left hanging for months for the next installment - I thought, why did I get this? Well, my momentary negativity was TOTALLY unwarranted. This story is complete (though room left for further adventures). And the pace is very fast and the story beautifully articulated - a lot happens from minute one and the adventure continues to the last minutes of the story.”

Reviewed by Fred Jones
"An interesting well told story of an families curse. The discovery of an ancient book brings a curse into the light of day. I liked the way the story is told in two different time periods and switches back and forth between them but is essentially the same story."

Shaw Dillon sits in the hostess’ chair, looks into the camera and says, “Good evening North American Union, and welcome to another episode of News Talk. Tonight our guests are the women all Earth is talking about. Their story is the subject of the best selling Galactic Geographic series and the inspiration for the award wining movie, Rapier. They are two of the few survivors of that ill fated ship. Please welcome Kathy Erin Masters and, her adopted daughter, Cynthia Elaine Masters-Black.”
 
The audience applauds as the girls walk onto the set. Kathy is wearing a form fitting black dress similar to the hostess’, with the hem reaching mid thigh. Her ensemble is completed by stylish shoes and accessorized by a dagger strapped to her left upper arm, and a laser pistol holstered on her right hip slung low, gunfighter style. Cindy is wearing blue slacks with a white blouse and a blue vest. Her waist long blonde hair is in a braid that is tucked into the back of her blouse. She has a rapier on her left hip and a slug thrower on her belt by the buckle holstered for a left handed draw. They walk up to the hostess, waiving to the audience as they go, and sit on the loveseat next to the hostess’ chair.
 
Kathy says, “Thank you Shaw,” as they sit. Cindy looks over and nods to her.
 
Shaw Dillon reaches over and takes Kathy’s hand in hers, and with a conspiratorial grin asks, “Kathy, the Galactic Geographic stories and the movie make you look so brave, but tell me, girl to girl, weren’t you terrified being in the clutches of the notorious Commodore James Black and his crew of brigands?”
 
Kathy and Cindy stare at the hostess blankly for a moment. As Cindy starts to speak Kathy stops her, then she replies to Shaw, “James Black was a kind and gentle man Shaw. Brigands? The crew of the Rapier, and for that matter the crews of all the Commodore’s ships, were far from brigands.”
 
“But Kathy, you girls were prisoners on his pirate ship for nine years!”AC
 
Cindy growls, “We were not prisoners! And we were definitely not pirates!”
 
Shaw’s expression goes from conspiratorial to surprised. Before Cindy or Shaw can say another word Kathy cuts in, “We were privateers, not pirates. And once we were inducted into The Brotherhood we could have left anytime we wanted to, we were not prisoners.”
 
Shaw responds with, “Okay, so you weren’t prisoners. But not pirates? I mean what is a privateer? What’s the difference?”
 
Kathy sits back into the loveseat and places her hands on her thighs. “Though the pirates ‘follow’ the bylaws, sort of, they don’t obey much else. Privateers operate under a Letter of Marque and Reprisal as well as The Bylaws of The Brotherhood,” states Kathy.
 
“Huh?” the hostess mumbles.
 
Cindy replies, “A Letter of Marque is essentially a contract. It tells the privateer who they can raid and who they can’t. It also lists any other conditions the contracting government places on the raiders.”
 
“Governments do that?!”
 
“Yes Shaw, governments do that,” Kathy answers flatly.
 
For a few moments the hostess is flabbergasted, and the audience softly mumbles amongst themselves. Shaw Dillon composes herself and takes a different tact. “Cindy, do you regret not having a normal childhood? And how do you plan to make up for your lack of education?”
 
Cindy stares at the hostess for a few moments. Kathy whispers in Cindy’s ear to which she replies, “No mom, I’ve got this.” Cindy’s eyes sweep the audience, she can tell they want to hear her answer. She says to the control booth, “Run clip five please,” then points to the closest camera, and points to her left sleeve, “Give me a closeup of my forearm after the clip.” Turning her gaze to Shaw Dillon Cindy says, “No one has had a better childhood than I have. I’ve visited seventeen worlds, learning about their colony’s cultures. I’ve come to know ten alien species, and participated in three first contact situations. As to education, I’ll comment on that after this clip, which was created by the North American Intelligence Agency based on the Rapier’s logs, my mom’s and my ‘interviews’, and Chinese black boxes from the ships involved.”
 
The vid clip shows the Rapier and two Chinese warships. One of the ships is a destroyer escort that is breaking up. The second ship is a heavily damaged destroyer. The Rapier is moving, keeping the disintegrating ship between it and the destroyer. The destroyer keeps trying to get a good shot at the Rapier. Suddenly, the Rapier fires rail guns at a large chunk of wreckage between it and the destroyer. As the wreckage shatters the Rapier fires rail guns and particle beams again. The rail gun shots pass through where the wreckage was, followed by the super charged particle beams. The shots hit the destroyer at the engineering compartment. They bleed off the neutron armor energy, with one shot penetrating the hull. The particle beams hit the hull breach, passing into the compartment and strike the antimatter containment tank. This causes a catastrophic explosion, destroying the ship. The audience cheers.
 
Cindy speaks, “Shaw, I made that shot when I was twelve. To make a shot like that requires a masters level understanding of applied mathematics.” She points to a tattoo on her forearm. “This designates a masters level understanding of antimatter reactors. This one means I have a senior navigators understanding of hyperspace travel. You don’t want to get lost in hyperspace. All these tattoos show I’m qualified to be a starship captain. I also speak Mandarin and Latin. Plus I can read Ancient Hebrew and Ancient Greek, my dad insisted I study the scriptures in the original language with him. Can you name any other seventeen year old on this planet that is that well educated?” She sits back and pulls down her sleeve as the camera moves back so all three women are on screen.
​
In a shrill voice Shaw states, “What dad? Your parents were killed by the pirates! And if you are so smart why are you constantly being expelled?”
 
Cindy gives Shaw her withering glare, which knocks the shrill right out of her. In a calm, stern voice she replies, “My birth parents were killed when the America was boarded, that’s true, and that’s why the crew of the Rapier adopted me, to makeup for wronging me. Commodore James Ulysses Black is my dad, just like Kathy is my mom. As to being expelled all the time, your schools aren’t educating kids, they’re indoctrinating them. You’re raising a bunch of lemmings, and they will follow the other lemmings over the…
 
…We are experiencing technical difficulties, thank you for your patience - North American Intelligence Agency…

Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Stephan Mills and I’m the second-born son of Jonathan and Jane Mills. Unlike my older brother, I’m not at all successful or rich. My youth has been nothing but trouble and misguided by the wrong circle of friends I ended up in jail. It’s not that I didn’t deserve it, but that time I’ve been set up and everything that happened after my first conviction was nothing else but a series of events orchestrated by someone who didn’t want to see me succeed.

Have you committed a crime? What was it? 
I am a thief, not to brag but I’m one of the best. There isn’t a lock, an alarm system I can’t crack. I can intrude wherever I want to, and one day I received a hint from a mysterious person about an empty apartment. That theft changed my life once again and gave me the possibility to revenge on the man who tried everything to destroy my life, even selling his soul to the devil: my brother.

Do you have a moral code? If so, what might it be?
I certainly do, I would never harm anyone. I don’t enjoy stealing and I wouldn’t if only I would have the chance to live a normal life.

Would you kill for those you love?
No, I would be ready instead to offer my life for them.

Who is your greatest friend?
In jail, I find not just my best friend, but a man I’m proud to have learned to call ‘Dad.’ Although I have a father, he’s the only one who behaved as such. Perhaps because in jail nobody can point a finger against anyone else, and we don’t stop at the appearances, rather we go deeper looking for the jewel hidden within the rough stone.

Excerpt
The hall was immersed in darkness, with only the buzzing sound of the air-conditioning system and his heartbeat breaking the silence. He sneaked from a secondary road to the basement, where, according to the information he could gather about the security system of the building, no surveillance cameras were installed. 
He studied the blueprints in detail. Every single corner, from the basement and parking hall to the emergency stairs and the floor corridor, was taken into account. However, he felt uncomfortably nervous, as he was rightly aware that surprises were not to be underestimated; flats in residential areas were well-watched by surveillance cameras. 
And for a reason, he thought, smiling. 
He took a deep breath and covered his face whilst walking along the shadow zones of the cameras in the parking hall, toward the emergency stairs. He opened the door to the stairwell and started to climb. 
His target was the fifth floor. If the information he’d got from J. was right, at Flat number 306, he should find an empty apartment. Empty of the owner, and soon, empty of all the things he would be stealing from there. He felt the adrenaline streaming inside his body.
Third floor. He stopped and took another deep breath, allowing his heart to regain the pace. 
Fourth floor. He was almost there. He felt his mouth dry.
Fifth floor. He remained still for a moment to regain his breath. 
Then, he opened the door leading out to the corridor. It would remain in darkness for a few minutes—just enough time for him to get inside the apartment. 
He walked to his target, silent as the shadows, unseen and unheard by the other inhabitants of the floor. And finally, he was at Flat 306. His daily El Dorado. 
He carefully examined the lock of the door and shook his head. The further technology advances, the easier it gets, he thought happily, singing in his mind. 
He was a burglar—and a skilled one, too. Well, surely skilled, but lucky... not quite. His misfortune put him in jail on a regular basis. 
There were times in the past when he had never thought this would become his life; and, if he had to be honest, he didn’t much enjoy it. He wanted to have an honest and steady job, to make a life. He wanted to be like all the people he robbed... normal. 
Once, when he was still a kid, he used to introduce himself to other people’s apartments just for the sake of it. Then, later, it became a necessity, the only way to survive for various reasons, all aliens from his real will. But perhaps it was what he truly deserved, and he should have stopped thinking of himself as a victim?