Colonel Ardeth Connor has been rescued from death, but he’s not sure his new life is any better: he’s effectively trapped aboard a rebel ship that defies the Federation to collect ice meteors, stealing life-sustaining water for the poorest of planets and asteroids. As an anonymous part of Captain Gabriel’s crew, between hostile pirates and mechanical parrots, Ardeth is biding his time until he can escape, and learning there’s more to space than just the Federation. But when the galleon is badly damaged, they have no choice but to cross one of the Federation's borders. And, while he tries to understand the strange bond that has started to grow between him and Gabriel, Ardeth might be the only one who can save the crew... even if it means sacrificing his life as he knows it. Short story, previously published by Dreamspinner Press
Author
Cornelia Grey is a creative writing student fresh out of university, with a penchant for fine arts and the blues. Born and raised in the hills of Northern Italy, where she collected her share of poetry and narrative prizes, she is now based in London, and she is thoroughly enjoying the cultural melting pot that is the City. Her interests vary from painting to photography, from sewing to acting; when writing, she favors curious, surreal poems and short stories involving handsome young men seducing each other. After graduating with top grades, she is now busy with internships - literary agencies, publishing houses, and creative departments handling book series, among others. She also works as a freelance translator. You can contact Cornelia at corneliagrey@yahoo.com.
