A word from Overlord:

One of the most active authors contributing to my OVERLORD'S ZHOR UNIVERSE site (now long in hiatus) has been Christopher Leeson. He has contributed many a good idea that I have been pleased to incorporate into the office mythos of Zhor. His “The Stake War” became a true favorite of mine the first time I read it. His newest offering below is a description of “joy houses" and "penal brothels.” The basic idea for penal brothels comes from John Norman's Gor novels (but hey, so did the basic idea that inspired Zhor), but he has added a Zhorian flourish.

“So come on,” Candy giggled. “How was Wendy your best friend, but you never knew she was so smart?”

“We didn’t hang out at school.” Hailey said as they climbed the large rocks. “It’s complicated. Um... Do you have transgender people on Furra Prime?”

“Someone call for me?” Hailey heard Tricia’s voice over the radio.

“Hi Tricia,” Hailey said, still giggling. “Guess where we are?”

“The bottom of the ocean?” Tricia laughed.

There were quite a few people on the beach, with a huge, roaring bonfire, and distinctly primitive-sounding music playing - mostly drum beats. There were humans, Sartoran, Ilonans, and a few races Hailey had never seen before, each in small numbers, and even a handful of Furren - one calico, one as black as night, and two more light neon green with darker stripes.

The girls had walked home that night from the tavern; they had had a lot of fun. Hailey was changing. She wasn’t forgetting her friends, but was making new ones, since she knew there was nothing she could do about her situation. Besides, the call to explore was strong. She had already learned in her short time here, that in 60 years, they had only really thoroughly explored a dozen or so islands.

Milsy begins to adjust to public life in the palace and her first occasion is in front of the Palace Guard. Fresh men are chosen and added to her small detail. The new clock for Master Gerdas is assembled and Milsy has to explain to Robanar why it is needed, with the result that the King makes a far-reaching decision. Later, disturbing news is received...

What Milsy Did

by Penny Lane

14 - The Volunteers

“My goodness,” Jenna said as she walked slowly around Vanessa. She licked her black lips thoughtfully. “You do look a Verran. And that top is to die for. I might have to start making both Verran and Furran fashion, though that would put me in competition with my good friend up the way,” she said with a laugh.

Milsy gets her badge, visits a glassworks and subsequently has to consult Rosilda. The second clock arrives and is wired up, the clocks are tested and news arrives from the far north which results in Milsy being released from her primary duty.

What Milsy Did

by Penny Lane

13 - News from the North

A Whateley Academy Adventure

Odds and Ends

Part 1

by ElrodW

(with contributed scenes and ideas by:
EE Nalley, Morpheus, Bek Corbin, Kristin Darken,
Gen2 author Neomagus, and fanfic author Domoviye)

More Whateley Academy tales can be found on the Whateley website, whateleyacademy.net

“So everyone here does something huh?”

Hailey looked around at her new hut. At least, they called it a hut. It was really more like a cabin with solid walls and a strong roof. It was small, granted, but they advised her that with the new ready source of wood, she could expect a full upgrade very soon.

Kevin wasn’t a tall boy, by any means. Nobody really picked on him because he was fast, agile, and the rumor had it he was a ninja. Of course ignoring the fact that his mother was Chinese and not Japanese aside, like the true Ninja of old he did nothing to dissuade those rumors. He had no idea that that was about to get him into more trouble though.

Stories from the Shepherd Moon – Interviews #02:  An Obsession with Royalty

“This is Bryan Seacrest, broadcasting from BBC Solar’s outside broadcasting van, or what we in the news business like to call the ‘OB Van,’ here on the front lawn of the Royal Castle of the Northern Territory here on Elyra Prime. We are covering the investiture of the Princess Amelia Liaran-Kerr-Steele as the new ruler of the Kingdom of the Northern Territory. As you know, this comes on the heels of…”

Milsy is anxious to begin working on the promised clock but her day is side-tracked into more domestic matters. As she travels around the palace her appearance causes more confusion, especially following a visit to the Salon. Eventually Tarvan appears with good news of a sort, and with an unexpected gift!

What Milsy Did

by Penny Lane

11 - Domestic Concerns

Corvid calls Tasalin and Solani back to the keep they've taken over as a base. Sweet Dreams is organized now and it's time Corvid beings everyone together to give them direction as a whole.

Milsy's life takes another turn when she is offered guild membership by Parrel. With an enhanced escort Milsy, Tarvan and Parrel travel to the Hall of the Guilds to meet some senior Guildmasters who agree, but then must come a difficult confrontation at the Clockmakers Guildhall.

What Milsy Did

by Penny Lane

10 - Journeywoman

In the laboratory Milsy varnishes some wire until an unexpected interruption leads to a visit to the chamber of the Great Clock that keeps time for the whole palace. It does not take long for her to discern how it functions and, naturally, she begins to have ideas to improve the mechanism. The guildsmen of the Clockmakers' Guild are not impressed...

What Milsy Did

by Penny Lane

9 - The Great Clock

Milsy begins her reading lessons, accompanied by Bursila. The next day their lessons continue but now include writing. After several days the Queen relents and Milsy takes her first look at the labyrinth of palace corridors.

What Milsy Did

A Tale of Anmar by Penny Lane

6 - Reading Lessons

A tense standoff is resolved by the Queen and then Milsy has to consider what these two men can do for her. She struggles to understand the routine of the palace and realizes she has some important gaps in her education.

What Milsy Did

A Tale of Anmar by Penny Lane

4 - Settling In

Enough with the distractions and setbacks, it's time for Aria to get back to work and get some good experience.