Part Eleven

Identifying the person behind the attacks on Aaron/Malak was one thing. Finding Molly Ironwood Sutter was proving to be very difficult. After the death of her husband several years before, mentions of her suddenly became sparse, for many years. More than once Aaron thought she might have even died, herself. However, each time he found later clues that she was still around.

Chapter 7

We now had a couple of weeks before we met up with the Minister. I pulled out my old ‘Valkyries’ jacket and sewed my patches to the front. My electronics officer patch, and the ship name ribbon, my SAR patch, and my paratroopers badge were the start. Who knows what may be added to them.

Part Ten

"I checked with Insight," said Aaron, when Melody called from her office the next morning. She was at work, while he was still at home, enjoying a post-breakfast second cup of coffee. A rare luxury, even with his reduced schedule these days. "It agrees with my analysis. However, it can't find her."

"That's... surprising," said Melody. "As well as worrying. I suppose it's not because she's dead?"

"No. Somehow she's actively hiding. I guess it makes sense that someone with superhuman senses would be good at concealing herself."

Welcome to my favorite chapter in the book so far. Thanks again for reading and your comments!

Chapter 22, October 29th 2026

Chapter 6

I almost passed out and he gave me some water, still grinning.

“You don’t expect the Minister to take you around the bases without you having the basic knowledge of military life, do you? This is going to be great.”

“Great, what do you mean, great! It will be me doing all these things!”

Part Nine

Aaron decided that he needed to speak with Abner Throne as quickly as possible. If nothing else, he wanted to correct whatever impression Mannequin had left him with. Therefore, instead of trying to make an appointment, he simply arrived in the man's office early the next day. Throne, busy poring over some documents, didn't even notice him until Aaron noisily cleared his throat. Throne's reaction then was one of annoyance.

"Who are you!? How did you get in here?!"

"I'm Aaron Labelle. I understand you've been trying to talk to me."

Sent By Sophia

Chapter 5: Set-Up

A Transgender Coming of Age Adventure

A Story from THE ONE

Ariel Montine Strickland

*

The gym's fluorescent lights are unforgiving. I take a stall to change, shucking my jeans. My usual workout shorts go on and I understand the problem immediately: the fabric pulls tight across a rear that's rounder and fuller than two days ago, the seat straining in a way that has nothing to do with fit. I have less muscle in my thighs and the mass sits differently - softer at the inner thigh, fuller at the seat, less dense at the outer quad. The shorts follow a silhouette I don't recognize. I dig out my sweatpants and put those on instead.

Chapter 5

That January was full-on. We recorded shows in Narooma, Bermagui, Bega, Merimbula, Eden, Bombala and Cooma. We had to stop at Batemans Bay to re-record me leaving, as we now had another town next.