Crystal and Flint
by Holly Ash
(Science Fiction)
It’s been 300 years since humans arrived on Neophia and the planet’s intelligent species have yet to agree on how much influence humans and their advanced technology should have on the planet. With the threat of war hanging in the air, Lieutenant Commander Crystal Wolf races to finish construction of the mega submarine, Journey, in order to calm political tensions on Neophia and cement her already stellar military career.
Lieutenant Desiree Flint never dreamed she would leave Earth to serve on Neophia, but with the end of her military career in sight she doesn’t see a way around it. Determined to rebuild her reputation on Neophia, no matter the cost, she sets her sights on dethroning Commander Wolf in order to prove her own superiority.
When Journey is attacked by someone from Crystal’s past, the two women must find a way to work together to save the ship, liberate an underwater colony from an oppressive government, and prevent a war.
Excerpt:
She suddenly heard Flint’s voice from behind her. “Hand-to-hand combat? That’s cute.”
Crystal turned to see Flint leading her team across the field to the obstacle course on the other side. “It’s a little old-fashioned,” Flint continued, “but cute nonetheless.” Her smile struck Crystal as predatory.
It took all of Crystal’s willpower not to say anything. She just hoped Flint would keep walking so that she could get back to teaching her team the skills she knew they would need.
Unfortunately, she didn’t. “See this here?” Flint removed her side arm from her hip and showed it to Crystal in a mocking fashion. “It’s called a gun. It makes what you’re teaching impractical.”
Crystal took a deep breath. Her mind was screaming for her to let the taunt slide by unnoticed, but she couldn’t do it. It was time to put Flint in her place. “Fine. But how would you defend yourself if you didn’t have your gun?” Crystal gritted out.
“A good soldier—hell, even a semi-decent soldier—will always have their gun when they need it,” Flint said as she faced Crystal and planted herself in a firm stance.
“And if someone takes your gun away from you?” Crystal took a step closer to Flint.
“No one can take my gun away from me.”
“Oh, I see.” Crystal slowly turned and took a few steps away from Flint. Before Flint could register what was happening, Crystal kicked the gun out of her hand, sending it flying.
Crystal didn’t even try to suppress her smile at the shocked look on Flint’s face. “I guess you’re not as good as you thought you were.” She knew that was a cheap shot, but Flint had no clue what they would be dealing with once they set sail. What else could she do?
She didn’t see Flint’s nostrils flare in rage, nor did she see Flint’s fist coming toward her face. She did, however, feel it connect with her jaw. Crystal was surprised by the force of the punch: it caused her to stumble back a few steps and end up on one knee. Had Flint’s aim been a little more accurate, she probably would have been knocked out.
Without pausing to consider her actions, Crystal shifted her weight, swung her leg around, and swept Flint’s legs out from under her, jumping to her feet as the other woman fell to the ground.
Flint was back on her feet in an instant. She attempted to punch Crystal again, but she no longer had the element of surprise, and Crystal was easily able to deflect it and then deliver two punches of her own.
Flint dodged the first punch, but the second one connected with her right eye. Still, she managed to remain on her feet, then surprised everyone by kicking Crystal in the chest, making her stagger back. She started to throw another punch to deliver the final blow while Crystal was struggling for breath, but Crystal saw it coming, and she grabbed Flint’s arm and threw her to the ground using the move she had just demonstrated on Grady. Flint hit the ground hard and was slow to get back up.
Author Bio
Holly Ash is the author of the underwater science fiction series The Journey Missions. She has worked for the last ten years as an Environmental Engineer after receiving degrees in Environmental Science and English Literature from Central Michigan University. Holly lives in the metro Detroit area with her husband and two tiny people who constantly want her to do things for them.
Holly is also a member of The Cabin in the Woods Association of writers which works to help indie authors get their books seen.
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