Borealis II

by Stephanie Burkhart, Esther Mitchell, Shea McMaster

In orbit over a deserted outpost at the edge of conquered space sits an aging space station under the control of the Trans Planetary Protectorate. The Borealis is slowly falling apart as the Protectorate funnels its massive resources into the border wars and keeping the outlaying systems in line, as insurrections break out.Shadows and Light by Stephanie BurkhartAlthough used as a controlled -- and controlling -- substance in the Borealis prisons, Uudon is a powerfully addictive drug. Abuse runts rampant, and the violence that has been directly linked to Uudon use is staggering. Nowhere is this more true than on Borealis, where the poor and forgotten will do nearly anything for this drug that will take away the sharp edge of their pain and supposedly make life a little easier to live... until they need their next fix. If they can't get it, their hazed world turns into hell... and depending on their degree of addition -- death may follow.Over the years, the Rebellion has successfully infiltrated every level of the TPP and has slowly been chipping away at their power from their very foundations. Elijah Kess has been aboard Borealis for nearly half a cycle, working as a lieutenant on the Enforcer squad, and gathering information.B So, when he starts suspecting someone is poking around about the Uudon trade on the ship, he has no idea that person has been sent by the Rebellion and his own family. Elijah and Persephone are both strong willed people, and both think they know the best way to handle things... as they trip over each other at every turn, they have to decide to either work together -- or shoot each other -- whichever comes first.Liberty's Flight by Esther MitchellB Libby ended up on the Borealis after her attempt to escape her brutal and domineering husband was thwarted by a freighter captain with ice-blue eyes and a dangerous energy. Desperate to find something better for her young daughter, Nala, she thought she was doing the right thing. Now, she's stuck in hell.She works as a bar wench in one of the many bars on the station, but if she can't find another way to live, she may have to give in to the demands of Jake "Skins" Ruby and join his working girls. When Sam, the mysterious freighter captain from her past, rescues her from a bar brawl and offers to help rescue her daughter from her ex-husband's plots to use the girl to his own ends, Libby finds the 'something better' she always wanted. Purpose. Now, the three of them just need to get off the Borealis alive.Bleu Lies by Shea McMasterCommander Kal Raines began questioning the wisdom and guidance of the TPP when they exiled him to the Borealis. But, he's loyal if nothing else. Since then, he's questioned every choice he's made in the name of the TPP. Summer Merriweather has worked for the Rebellion under many names and in many situations, and now she's on Borealis. When Summer crosses his path, she brings even more choices into question and Kal sees his loyalties have been thrown to the feet of swine. When he realizes he has the chance to help in the ultimate overthrow of the TPP… he stands and the precipice and must either step back or jump. Step back, and let the Rebellion die… Jump… and join Summer in an ongoing, stealthy battle to strengthen the rebellion and perhaps someday overthrow the TPP.

Genres: Anthologies

231 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 31, 2006

About the author

Just a little about me: I was born in Manchester, NH but live in Castaic, California with my husband, and 2 sons. I have fond memories of Manchester, but have made California my home. I earned a BS in political science from California Baptist University in 1995.

I have been writing since I was 5, first making homemade comic books. Now, I work on creating short stories and novels. I spent 11 years in the US Army and over 7 years in Germany. Writing is a passion that still challenges me.

Reviews

[Esther · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lot of fun to write. I enjoyed getting to know Sam and Libby, and the chance to work with my fellow Desert Breeze Publishing authors was great! If you get a chance to pick up a copy of both Borealis I & II, I highly recommend them both! :)

[Vijaya Schartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great action, romance, fun and drama. Reminded me of TV series like Babylon Five, but with a somber slant. Space Station life is definitely interesting.

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Borealis II is the second book set at Borealis, a run down space station. There are three stories by three different authors. All three are Science Fiction Romance stories and each is appealing. Borealis II is an ebook.

[Morgan]

Written under my alter ego, Shea McMaster, the third story of this anthology is Bleu Lies. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it! Some of my favorite characters cavort here.