The Stand In
A Short Story
By Maryanne Peters

Shadowsblade a Whateley Tale: Written by Shadowsblade

Created for war and forged in pain, dealing with demons within and without.

A sequel to the Gun Princess Royale. Yanked off the streets of New Angeles by the tenebrous Pantheon organisation, and gifted with a deadly avatar known as a Diva, Nikola 'Sola' Raynar is a Lanfear - a huntress of Bloodliners and Wolvren. When she isn't hunting down the denizens of the night, she's busy finding ways to build up her nest egg for the day of her retirement from Pantheon. But when her rampant greed carries her a little too far, she finds herself in a mess that wasn't entirely of her own making.

For 35yrs the border between the Human Empire and Gorgonzola Empire as remained mostly peaceful. The citizens for the Human Empire of this border region are loyal to the last man, woman, and child to the Empire. It was on one of these worlds that gave birth to a legend. The world of Apollo 6 is one of the harshest worlds within the Empire. One so harsh that only it could claim to be the birth world of James J. Owens, the most feared of Death Dealers. A world that is even now poised to give birth to a new legendary warrior. One who shall be baptized in the blood of the Empire’s enemies. Robert Wolff youngest great grandchild of James Owens’ sister Cecilia Owens.

Rachel was watching the main road that leads into the ranch from her perch. She knew everyone has been placed in their position. She looks through her scope and spot three people walking up the driveway.

“Where the hell did you guys come from?” Rachel knew they weren’t there a few seconds ago.

“Bart, I have two men and one woman walking up the driveway.” She continues to watch them.

“Arabella, send a drone towards that area.” Bart was up on the hill and was looking down towards the main driveway.

Vivienne’s not so good day wasn’t over. At a little after seven that evening the front door bell rang.

As she entered the hallway, Vivienne could see two figures through the frosted glass on the door. It was either someone trying to convert her to their religion or it was her beloved daughters. For once, she really hoped that the former had chosen to try their luck with her rather than her daughters.

If it was the latter then it was to be expected given the virtual deluge of calls and messages that had been sent in her direction since the phone call with her daughter just before Betty's Funeral.

Darcy Paige pleaded with her brother, “Come on Harrison! Give my Becki a chance. She is really nice, and she thinks you are cute.”

“For the last time Darcy, no. I do not want to go on a date with Becki.”

“Then at least give me a reason.”

Positively Patsy Part 37

Kevins’ list of ports had been very sparse. It seems that Drake never bothered to describe the odd places he stopped at to replenish. All of his exploits seemed to happen ‘off the coast of’ and the only certain landings were in the San Francisco Bay, which he claimed for the Queen and called ‘New Albion’, and the Molucca Islands (otherwise known as the Spice Islands).

Los Angeles International Airport:
Emily covers up a yawn as she stood on the arrival side, looking for her boyfriend. He was supposed to pick her up at the airport. She had caught an early flight from Houston, Texas back to California.

She had finished a three-day show in Houston. Her equipment was already at the airport and the moving team her mentor Sasha uses was picking it up and taking it back to the warehouse. Just as she was about to call her boyfriend, she spots his car coming towards her. She watches as he pulls up in front of her.

In 2006, I fell in love.

Special thanks to Malady for his help in editing and ideas.

The Letters Chapter 4

"Yeah. I've got a lot of questions."

"’How is this possible?’ I've really got no idea. If I did, I'd be a millionaire."

"Okay. How..."

"Do I know what you're thinking and doing all the time? You've considered that. Remember what Sherlock Holmes said." His Grandfather held out his hand, inviting Greg to complete the thought.

"When you've exhausted all the other possibilities, then the impossible, no matter how crazy, must be the answer."

"Well... Close enough."

Extra Body Shampoo

Author’s note: You can blame my friend Olivia Hope Matteo for this bit of silliness.

It started as a typical day.

I got my chores done, which gave me time to let my inner girl out. I was what my transgender friends would call an "egg" -occasional crossdressing in private, but I haven't seen a gender therapist yet - but on my days off I let my inner Olivia out for a while.

I honestly don't do a whole lot once dressed, just imagine what my life would be like if I went full time.

Mommy, mommy, mommy, Ch. 6

On the ride back to my condo Pete pointed out some points of interest along the way. I could tell he loved his town. He walked me to my door and told him how much I enjoyed the evening.

He was just about to leave when I leaned over and kissed him on the lips. His seemingly permanent 3-day old stubble, although it looked like he had shaved, tickled my lips, a new experience for me. My kiss surprised, and pleased, him.