[Completed - undergoing final edits. Word count - 92K.] Five years after an enigmatic, parasitic alien force brought human civilization to its knees, the remnants of our species cling to existence in the cracks and crevices of a ravaged planet. Among them is Alec Sumner, a man haunted by the ghosts of a world lost and burdened by a fate that could tip the scales of humanity's fate, a secret nobody can know... As Alec navigates the treacherous terrain of this new regime, he grapples not only with the alien threat but also with the darkness that lurks within the hearts of survivors pushed to their limits. Each day brings new challenges, and each choice carries the weight of unforeseen consequences as the line between ally and enemy blurs in the face of desperation. "Ashes of the Earth" is a gripping exploration of resilience in the face of overwhelming odds. It delves into the depths of human nature, questioning what truly defines us when everything we once knew has been stripped away. As Alec's journey unfolds, readers will find themselves on the edge of their seats, pondering the price of survival and how far you would go to protect the ones you love... Even if it meant sacrificing your own humanity.

A collection of short stories written for the 2024 Spec-Fic Smackdown.

Targeted by superpowered terrorists, an actress is protected by the government's strongest guardian--the same woman who broke her heart two years ago. ☆ Elsie Bates won't deny that she's made a few enemies during her fifteen-year acting career, but she never thought her actions would warrant her death at the hands of meta-human terrorists. As if that wasn't bad enough, her federally appointed bodyguard is the famous Camilla Wyatt, the most powerful guardian in the country and Elsie's sworn enemy. Because behind Camilla's sunny personality is a cold and heartless young woman, and no one but Elsie knows the truth. At least, that's what Elsie initially thinks. As it happens, being forced into a protective lockdown with someone can change perspectives, and Elsie slowly uncovers the secret behind Camilla's complicated character. In turn, Camilla begins to realize that maybe "trust issues" shouldn't be in her superpower repertoire, and self-preservation doesn't necessarily require self-isolation. But as the women grow closer, so do the forces that attempt to split them apart. And when the worlds of superpowered militaries, propaganda movies, and hidden conspiracies begin to collide, Elsie and Camilla must rely on each other to survive. ☆ INCLUDES: ✓ Militarized superheroes ✓ LGBTQ+ romance ✓ Diverse characters ✓ Subtle sociopolitical commentary ✓ "Science" FEATURED: ★ 2023 Amby Awards Top Pick (Sci-Fi) ★ @lgbtq Pride Awards 2023 Category Winner (Sci-Fi) ★ @FreeTheLGBT Pride Awards - Third Place ★ @TripleACommunity Aro Ace Awards - Shortlist ★ @superhero, @FreeTheLGBT, @WattpadUrbanFantasy, @StoriesUndiscovered Mature rating is for violence, grotesque descriptions, and swearing. Applicable warnings will precede the most notable chapters. Word count: +300k Genres: Science Fiction, New Adult, Action, Superhero, Romance Written: 18 MAR 2020 - 28 MAR 2021 Narrative: Third Person Limited, Past Tense This story is only available on Wattpad by @l

For over a millennia, the Line of the Sol Empress had reigned over the scattered planets of the Sol Commonwealth, exerting her constitutional authority and influence for the betterment of all humanity. In a brazen nuclear attack, she and her daughters were murdered. Priestess Celeste Ciel went on the run, with her the last hope for a new Empress. Alone and labeled a terrorist, Celeste stowed away on the cargo starship belonging to a man nicknamed 'Moon', a loner and cynical ex-military engineer who would rather be left alone. Powerful corrupt forces feared the precious package she carried and spared no expense or atrocity to hunt her down. United by reluctant circumstance, Celeste and Moon fled across the galaxy in a desperate quest to restore the Line of the Empress. Previously titled "Children of the Sun and Moon". Highest category rankings: #1 in scifi-romance #8 in spaceopera *** Second Place, "Punk Rock Awards", February 2021 *** *** Second Place, "The Carnival Awards", June 2021 *** *** Third Place, "The Dream Awards", August 2021 *** *** Third Place, "Winter Solstice Awards", December 2021 *** *** Third Place, "Time Turner Awards", December 2021 *** *** Second Place, "Jam Board Awards", November 2022 *** *** Top Pick, 2023 Amby Awards ***

2100. A mysterious ship, nicknamed the Chimera, appears in Martian airspace. It bears the symbol of the international space agency, the BASE, but there is no record of such a vessel. Word and rumour quickly spread. BASE investigator Leanne Ziegler is sent to inspect the ship and make contact with its crew. But the Chimera seems completely deserted, other than the imperious AI caretaker, Valkyrie. Down in the fledging Nerio colony on Mars, suspicion grows. The colonists are already turning against the ways of the BASE, creating their own Martian identity. This potential security threat could prove to be the final rift between Earth and Mars. Trying to keep control of the political situation, Nerio sends a mysterious and cold liaison, Ryan, to aid Leanne. But, in ten days, Mars will turn her guns on the Chimera. Leanne and Ryan must work quickly to discover the secret of the ship - and decide whether its fate under the Martian guns is deserved. [ONC 2024 entry]