Sam is the most promising swordsman among this year’s crop of Paladin trainees...and knows it. Brash, cocky, and unbeatable with a sword (well, almost), Sam is the kingdom of Thule’s best hope against the violence wrought by demons. The only problem is that Sam is really Lady Samantha, daughter of the seventeenth Duke of Haywood, and if her father has his way, she’ll be marrying a Paladin, not becoming one. But Sam has never held much interest in playing damsel-in-distress, and so she rescues herself from a lifetime of boredom and matrimonial drudgery. Pity that Tristan Lyons, the Paladin assigned to train her, is none other than the hero of her childhood. He hasn’t recognized her as Lady Samantha--yet-- but if he does, he’ll take away her sword and send her packing. Sam is not the only trainee hiding secrets: Braeden is a half-demon with a dark past that might be unforgivable. Sam, Braeden and Tristan set out for the western coast, charged with rooting out an infestation of demons that has made the West unlivable. As they travel, they uncover a deep-seated corruption of power that threatens to derail everything they stand for. Rebellion stirs, led by a rival faction of warriors who tempt Sam to join them with an irresistible offer. A war between men is coming, and Sam must pick a side. Will saving the kingdom cost her life -- or just her heart? Reminiscent of Mulan, but with a medieval fantasy twist, Paladin is a tale of adventure, action, and romance.

Rachel, a junior assistant in the cargo bay, wasn't prepared for the spaceship's AI to gain awareness during what should have been a routine update, nor had anyone expected it to take exception to the crew and the crates of illegal cargo aboard. Rachel races against time to try and get life-saving systems back online while stranded in the middle of deep space. Unfortunately for her, the AI can access every system, door, and airlock. As truths emerge, the AI realizes that even computers can make miscalculations, and it focuses on the young woman who had dared to confront it. Rachel is left floundering when the AI decides that she would make an excellent captain, albeit one in need of training. As she struggles to learn her new duties and dodge shady government groups, she must ultimately discover what it truly means to be a Starship Captain. ------- There is no romance in this story. Copyright April 2018. All Rights Reserved. Readers may not copy, alter, translate, or steal this story. Fanfictions are allowed to use my *world* and *AI set-up* as long as credit is given.