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Chapter Two
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Los Angeles, California
The descent to earth was a smooth ride, considering they’d felt a little warm upon entry at 100 km. But the ship was built for gravity and drag and could resist higher temperatures more extreme than the earth’s atmosphere. Cleona guided them safely to Franklin Canyon Park. The famous Los Angeles discovery trail lay deserted at three in the morning. But, no one would spot the spacecraft. It was invisible to the naked eye and hovered above the trees.
Stralath rappelled to the ground and waited for his teammate—Cleona—to join him. Once they’d packed away their gear, he stood and took in her human form and nodded with approval.
He’d been to earth a few times. This was Cleona’s first mission to the flourishing planet, and she looked acceptable. A short human stature, though. Her brown hair wa
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Galene traced a fanned paintbrush as her mother worried over a set of expensive oil paints in the same aisle. A Saturday meant a bustling hobby shop, and they both looked a mess, dressed in color splattered dungarees. Galene even had paint in her hair and had pulled it up into a messy bun."I should've ordered online at our wholesaler." Her mother picked up a tube—the same violet color as her name. "Oils isn't your normal medium—you prefer acrylic paints. Why the sudden switch?" Galene twirled in the aisle and ran a hand along a white canvas. "Besides, I like your current work.""My current commission." Her mom grumbled. "I hate painting for other people.""You're getting paid a lot of money.""Which is why I'll take a break and play with a different medium." Bending, she grabbed a bottle of turpentine. "It's not like I need the cash."Her mom was correct—Violet was an established artist with international exhibits under her messy apr
Tidal Souls Chapter Four
Los AngelesThere was little time to rest. Traveling beyond the speed of light led to severe exhaustion—craft lag—and Stralath rallied his energy as they walked up the stairs to the large white mansion. A mix of security personnel and partygoers milled around the front lawns, and Stralath ignored them all, intent on meeting the most powerful person on earth. As expected, a bodyguard stopped him from entering the massive double doors. Cleona waited while he flashed a business card, and the muscled human stepped back, allowing them entry. Heading through the lobby, Stralath knew where to go as he'd been here before. They entered the vast drawing-room and slowed. A bar took up the far end, and a central fountain surrounded by sofas and chairs created a welcoming space. Floor-to-ceiling windows looked out onto the gardens surrounding a small lake. Celebrities took up space and gathered in groups around the massive water feature. A wide staircase beside the
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"You're chasing dangerous targets." Coco locked the door behind them and gestured towards the leather sofa.Ignoring their host, Cleona prowled around the large office, examining Coco's picture frames in a glass cabinet. "What's NASA?" She pointed at a group of astronauts."An organization I worked with for many years.""Miss. Domingo is originally an astrophysicist—a human who studies the universe and its contents." The couch felt comfortable, and Stralath stretched out his legs, ignoring the temptation to take a nap.Cleona huffed out a laugh. "With the archaic technology that humans use? Can they see beyond their solar system?" "Don't be rude." He shot the female warrior a glare. "She's right. If the NIRL hadn't reached out to primitive humans like me, we'd still be wondering about life on other planets." Coco took a seat behind her desk and reached for a folder. Coco ran earth's NIRL sector in veiled secrecy—with limited elected
Tidal Souls Chapter Six
Darghelm led his scouting pod over a sea ridge and into darker depths. They were many miles away from land, and exhaustion ate away at his vigilance. They'd been away from home for two weeks, and he missed the familiar terrain surrounding the Fisheri fortress. He'd gathered enough intel for concern, and their leader would not be pleased with the report. Darghelm's caudal spine throbbed in time with his strokes, and he glanced back at his long tail. A few days of rest should help his strained muscles. His skin was a hybrid of fish scales, sensory cells, and collagen fibers. A combination not ever seen on earth. Plenty of sea creatures on the planet had mastered the art of camouflage, like the cuttlefish. The fisheri species had evolved way beyond any of earth's imaginings. Thanks to their advanced evolution, his alien species had hidden for centuries in the deep oceans. Darghelm watched his tail darken as they drifted deeper. His concealment abilities were so innate and s
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Stralath hummed a human song as the elevator slid below ground, and Cleona shot him a strange look which he ignored. He liked earthling music which showed creativity and spirit. He'd stayed up late scrolling the internet and uploaded an extensive playlist to the "insight device" attached to his skull. Coco cleared her throat, and he reluctantly tapped the disc behind his ear, shutting off the rhythmic sound waves rolling through his mind. "The fisheri won't talk, and we've tried everything short of torture." Coco rocked back on her heels. The doors opened, and they stepped into a concrete tunnel. Soft lighting led the way, and when the two women paused at the entrance to the observation room, Stralath gave them a warning."No cameras. Turn off the recording equipment until I give you the green light." Coco glanced at the small gym bag that he carried. "Are you going to hurt him?"Stralath shook his head. "Not unless he attacks first. Did he give a n
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Galene loved the off-campus studio. She was back in California at the UCLA School of Arts and preparing for her first official exhibition. Three years of hard work led to a taste of gallery life, and she refused to disappoint herself or her professors. She had her last year of college ahead and needed to focus on direction and narrative within her art. Crossing the quiet street, she glanced at the old industrial warehouse and smiled. Ten of her fellow students shared this massive space with multi-level studios. Yes, the old building seemed unaccommodating to the average person, but it felt eclectic and welcoming to art students. Old sofas and messy studios sat next to a make-shift pottery space. They also had a lithographic and printing room, a sculpture space filled with stone, wood, metals, and a workshop and welding area. The sounds of artists working always motivated Galene to try harder to translate her passion onto canvas. Pulling out her security pass, she swiped
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Stralath watched the entrance to the warehouse, hoping his intel was correct. The new SUV was a luxurious brand, and he appreciated the warm leather smell as he reached for the box sitting on the center console and snapped it open. The Hublot watch cost twenty grand and matched his outfit and car. The NIRL had provided a generous budget for the mission, and Stralath wasn't complaining. "Why don't we just rely on Bobby's father—what's his name—to relay a message to the fisheri? That's way easier." Drusdor asked from behind. "There's little trust between the pods, and the fisheri will think it's a trap. I'll need to speak to Vigtor Norvegius myself. At least we now have a name." Strapping on the watch, he glanced at Cleona and scowled. "I can't believe you actually shaved your head." "I hate human hair." She ran a hand over her cropped cut. "I feel free. Such annoying shit. And apparently, I had to wash it with fancy bottled soap just for hair. No thanks.
Tidal Souls Chapter Ten
Galene needed to get her shit together. How had she lost her favorite paintbrush? The stiff hog bristle brush was what she needed for her background blend. And now, she'd gone in search of a similar tool, begging fellow students to lend her theirs. She'd buy a new brush later that evening. Grumbling at how much time she'd wasted, Galene raced back to her studio and headed straight for the open tin. Dipping the broad brush into bright green paint, she turned to her new canvas and, with an arched swipe, let loose. Green globs struck white canvas as she dipped the brush again and raised her hand."What in the living hell!" The deep voice behind the easel had her freezing as a large man stepped into view.He clutched his paint-splattered jacket like he'd been stabbed and gaped at her in shock."O
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Galene felt his warmth everywhere… his body heat… his hard chest as he leaned in and nibbled her ear… warm breath on her skin. The hunger was contagious, and she wrapped her hands around his neck and allowed him to explore with his mouth. He nipped her throat before sliding up her shirt—his large hands easily cupping her ribcage. Welcoming Stralath's touch felt like coming home. She lived in a world devoid of physical affection. Although her human parents loved her, she'd also felt like an outlier, grateful for any attention that came her way. She'd never dated at school—the kids had viewed her as the eccentric weirdo and must've sensed that she was different. Aside from Liam, Gelene didn't have any friends and never let anyone close. Until now. Stralath's touch felt like bliss, and she lifted her arms as he pulled off her shirt. He stilled, and she took in his intense stare. His reverence gave her joy, and she watched as he gently traced a finger along her lacy lavender underwear.
Tidal Souls Chapter Forty Nine
“Drusdor and Cleona found Vigtor's land lair.” Coco handed Stralath her tablet, and he scrolled through the footage. "Vigtor has good taste." Stralath approved of the sprawling villa, which offered privacy, surrounded by high walls."Pacific Palisades is a sleepy town in comparison to Los Angeles." Coco rose from her desk and reached for a file. "His sprawling mansion also has good security. How long do you want him under surveillance?""While Vigtor chooses to remain on the land." Stralath passed the device back to Coco, and she handed him the physical file. "He has to decide on the fate of his pod before he swims back to fisheri territory. We'll send over a few obvious drones—let him know we're watching him.""Alien drones?" Coco grinned. "Your favorite toys?" Stralath returned her smile and suppressed a yawn. He hadn't slept well after dropping Gale back home. And he'd then spent the whole day at headquarters. He glanced at his watch—seven in the evening. A NIRL surveillance team
Tidal Souls Chapter Forty Eight
"I need my legs! Hurry." In full panic mode, Galene hefted herself onto the rocks. She couldn't hear the conversation this far off, but she knew from Stralath's aggressive stance that the fisheri were not here to play. "Calm down." Miro crouched beside Galene. "Deep breaths.""Don't give me that zen bullshit! What do I do aside from dragging this heavy-ass tail meat out of the water.""Visualize the transformation.""I'm visualizing so hard my brain is about to explode. Go and help him?"Miro grinned. "Help who? Stralath or Darghelm.”"Being an indecisive bitch isn't a joke." Galene jabbed a finger at the beach. "They're about to declare war.""I won't leave you unprotected during a shapeshift.""Fine." Galene could do this. She closed her eyes and focused on having legs. All she could hear was a buzzing in her ears. Nothing worked, and Galene tried not to freak out. At Stralath's war cry, her eyes snapped open. He would shapeshift any second.Without thinking, Galene rolled herself
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Stralath watched from the other side of the fence. Galene now sat in a distant rock pool, and he'd given her space. She'd seemed upset earlier, and thanks to his sharp Mesophinean senses, he'd knew Galene had spoken with her human father. Should he approach her or guard her from a distance? Feeling restless, he scanned the periphery for danger. Stralath sensed dark energy coming from the water, and mind made up, he leaped over the fence and jogged towards the rocky shore. The high tide had filled rock pools and crevices, and Stralath wound his way to his target. Approaching from behind, he paused to take a breath. This lost siren unnerved him, and Stralath had never felt this way before—even with females from his species. "Stop hovering." Galene waved a hand. "I need your help—I'm freaking out."She'd know he was there—her fisheri senses had grown in strength. Stralath swallowed hard and walked to her side."I have a tail." Galene looked mortified. Stealth's eyes widened, peering
Tidal Souls Chapter Forty Six
Kalder watched from his BMW as Galene climbed the low fence, hopping onto private land. The intel he'd received over the past week had confirmed his curiosity. The Norvegious family was now on out of the ocean—all vulnerable to attack by the vibrio pod. Both an injured daughter and her rebellious sibling who refused to swim away to safety. Would that mark the end of Norvegius's rule? And now that Galene had begun to heal, Kalder had picked up on her silent energies. Her invisible siren aura vibrated with the same pure energy as her sister. He wondered if she'd make a full recovery—or would the pale-haired fisheri forever be banished to the land. To Kalder, that was a fate worse than death. He enjoyed spending time out of the water—taking advantage of capitalism. But the salty depths always called his name. Instead of walking along the sand, Galene made her way to the rocky water line, and Kalder decided to take a closer look and would approach her from the sea. He left his phone an
Tidal Souls Chapter Forty Five
“My brother is coming over.”Galene nearly dropped her knife as her gaze shot to Harper. “What? I thought he’d gone back to your parents.”“Relax. Kevin is staying with friends on campus.” Harper closed the fridge and eyed Galene’s sandwich. “What’s with the sudden tuna obsession?”“I’m not comfortable around him.”“Well, he’s not here to see you. You can’t stop me from seeing my brother in my home.”“Fine. I’ll leave. When will he arrive?” Galene felt annoyance at having to evacuate the premises. After a long week, she craved her bed and the familiar.“In about thirty. Let Kevin apologize and forgive him. He’s getting professional help.”Galene’s stomach turned. He scared her on some level, and she’d rather avoid contact. It’s a beautiful evening—I’ll head to the beach.”“You know I hate the smell of fish,” Harper grumbled. “You baked sea bass last night. What’s that?” She pointed at the Halibut defrosting in the corner. “Tomorrow’s meal. I don’t tell you what to eat.”“Yeah—but fis
Tidal Souls Chapter Forty Four
Stralath had underestimated her. Resisting the urge to glance at the siren seated at his left, he focused on Galene's father instead. Now that the NIRL had Vigtor Norvegius sitting across the table, it was time to negotiate the accord. The influential leader wouldn't bow down quickly, and Stralath needed to know what motivated the merman. What did he want to accomplish on earth?Would the fisheri continue to hide from humans? Or were they preparing for the eventual confrontation? A war between humans and fisheri? Who would win? The siren pod was an advanced poisonous species capable of camouflage and telepathy. Unlike humans, they were comfortable both on land and in the water. But, there were far fewer of them on the planet. And they didn't have access to tanks, weapons, and troops. Or did they?"How many fisheri reside in the ocean?" Stralath asked bluntly. He'd already laid out his brutal terms, and Vigtor was not happy. "None of your business." The leader shot back. "Tens of t
Tidal Souls Chapter Forty Three
Galene glanced at her sister as they made their way through the NIRL facility. The building's design worked on Galene's nerves. For a brief, surreal moment, she wondered how she'd ended up in a covert facility, layered with security and surrounded by alien friends and family. What was Miro thinking? The mauve-haired beauty hadn't said much on the trip over.Galene would finally meet dad number one. Would the ruler of the fisheri species embrace his lost daughter warmly? Did she want that embrace? No. Galene wanted to turn and run in the opposite direction. Stralath had given her a choice. She didn't have to meet her siren father, yet she'd agreed to the inevitable. "Vigtor won't take me away, will he?" She asked the question for the tenth time. Stralath touched her waist as he guided her into an elevator. "He'll have to fight the NIRL soldiers and me first."Soldiers indeed—Galene glanced at the two armed men who stood at the rear—guards on every corner. A chill ran down her spine
Tidal Souls Chapter Forty Two
Kalder waited in the shadows. Hoping he'd guessed correctly, he shifted to get comfortable. The soft sand encouraged sleep, and he rolled back onto his knees while scanning the dark beach. This location was where the male fisheri had entered the water eight days ago, and Kalder had scouted the area for days, waiting for his return. Kalder had other vibrio informants stationed along the coast. Some cautiously swam the shallows, looking for the fisheri warrior. Movement within the species always indicated opportunity. The fisheri and vibrio were Calder's target market—fish who would buy his product. Kalder needed pod citizens to choose the land. What a world that would be—a new dominant species who could control the humans and exploit their businesses and resources. Only three percent of all sirens had become land walkers. Kalder wanted a new world for his kind. Imagine catering to land-walking pods—everything from preferred foods to skin products, salt water spas, and pod-designed
