Sneak Peek: A Whole New World! (Patreon)

First off: yes, I'm still working on the next PMF. However, I'm stuck on some stuff. Once upon a time, I ran into a similar problem and shifted to a new project just to keep writing... and that's how Good Intentions happened.

I'm a little stuck again, and that last poll was pretty clear on interest in seeing new things. Anyone remember how I once mentioned an idea for "Good Intentions iiiinnn Spaaaaace"?

Naturally, I don't have a title yet. This one is space opera, more so than PMF (which is still space opera, kinda). Looser on the science (not that PMF is hard sci-fi). A little more easy science hand-waving, the tropes are a little more shameless, many more aliens, and in fact aliens that humans can hang out with in bars and maybe, um, get intimate with. Also, similar themes of economic discontent because you know me.  :)

Chapter One is done. Working on Chapter Two. I plan to post Chapter One here at the end of the month. Want to see some world-building stuff? Good, 'cause that's what I've got!

Galactic society reached out to humanity sooner than it ever intended.

In the mid-21st Century, an existential conflict with the relentlessly hostile Rohax left humanity’s neighbors spent and in need of new allies and new energy. Alien envoys came to Earth offering technological advancement and a way into the stars in exchange for supplies, support, and soldiers. Exhausted by their own company and ready to see new people, humanity said yes.

It’s 2140. Though the Rohax never admitted defeat, their threat was blunted and soon crushed. The Rohax remain a threat yet now limit themselves to raids while galactic society grows… and its members recall old grudges and face new frictions. Three decades after the last great battles, post-war civilization is made up of species-centric territories with considerable intermingling at the margins. Humanity is the newest member of a civilization no longer at war, yet not quite at peace.

The Ancients seeded the galaxy with genetic “sparks.” As a result, while species evolve along greatly different paths, many see common notes between them.

Gankriid: if bear people weren’t cute. Minimal fur in earth tones. Gruff, physically powerful, prone to returning to quadruped locomotion when tired.

Xelt: juuust human enough to not set off “bug” alarms. Not slimy, but much of the body is covered in carapace with a range of colors. Human-like eyes (but dark), antennae. The Xelt are generally unified and well-organized as a society and likely to aid one another without question unless conflicting interests are obvious. Xelt poverty is basically unheard of.

A’zhons: crystalline, able to reshape their bodies over time—they’re humanoid to meet the trend! Shorter and often stocky compared to humans. Colors range all over the spectrum. Highly empathic in conversational range and nearly telepathic in physical contact, but only with a welcoming subject; hostile/resistive moods will override the ability easily.

Yiseeph: Reptilian, heads contour out and downward out of neck, tending a little taller than humans. Denser but flexible skin (micro-scales), range of green to brown. 

Ivorrans: aquatic/amphibious predators. Grey, often burly, pitch black eyes and considerable teeth. Big variation in snouts, head shapes, body shapes. The Ivorrans are generally straightforward and no-nonsense in a non-aquatic environment. Playfulness is for the sea and the deep. There are, of course, those who enjoy dry entertainments, and the rest of the Ivorrans say they’re all fucking perverts. Each Ivorran has “male” and “female” internal sex organs. There’s no real gender split.

Nelaen: Related to humans! Big hair, broader palette of skin and hair colors, often showing stripes or spots. They’re believed to have been taken from Earth in the prehistoric past and genetically altered or subjected to a rapid divergent evolutionary path.

Daxxovans: mystery types in opaque tech-covered space suits. Explorers from some far corner of the galaxy, but in enough numbers to create a bit of a diaspora. Inside the suits, they aren’t quite solid, aren’t really gelatinous, but definitely too sensitive and exposed to survive long-term exposure. Their suits are articulated enough to convey tactile sensation; they really like to “feel” things. And people.

OUTSIDERS:

ROHAX are an external threat. Scales and tails, beady eyes, predator’s teeth, often cybernetics and artificially enhanced organs. Any seen in “civilized” space are almost certainly wearing body armor.

They jump in, raid, and often leave behind bio-engineered predators or mutagens to fuck up a planet. Nobody’s sure how far out they come from or what their fucking problem is. Rare opportunities for capture usually lead to fights to the death or self-destruction; even their language only comes out in bits and pieces.

The Rohax are especially covetous of Ancient relics and ruins.

SPECTERS are even more mysterious. Humanoid, all shades of grey, big bulbous black eyes and mouths that gape but rarely make noise, and only nasal slits. Rarely encountered but reliably hostile, the Specters don’t have a proper name because they have even less communication with galactic society. Their ships are stealthy and fast and they may have transporter tech.

Specters are also interested in Ancient relics and ruins and will fight Rohax over them.