SamuZai
Tefler
Tefler

patreon


Three Square Meals Ch. 171 (First half)

Hey everyone,

Here is the first instalment of chapter 171. I'll continue working on it over the next few days and hopefully have it finished by the end of the week.

Please let me know if you spot any typos.

I hope you enjoy it!

Best wishes,

Tefler

Comments

To limit the number of times you can be charged per month before the end of the year to take care of that pesky second placeholder. Go to Membership -> Edit -> Payment Amount -> Set Monthly Limit and enter "1".

Tom Ray

I want to see Matriarch Edraele awaken, ... and have her to be alright or even better, more powerful, ... --and to see the brand new Galkiran Matriarch Kaija, who will shortly awaken after those sexy kittens have kissed her up a few hundred to a few thousand new Wards / Thralls, how well will she handle that power, ... perhaps Alyssa and Helene will be on hand to help her to cope, ... -- And there is about 1001 things I want our sexy red-haired Grand Engineering Overlord to get around to doing, ... ;-) ttfn

Michael56Smith

More like members of the Collective having transferable consciousness able to upload into cyborg Maliri clones. The cloned bodies would need to be linked to Alyssa first, then loaded with synth/cyborg tech that would allow the collective consciousness members (or newly formed entities) to upload into the cyborg brain. It’s a bit of a stretch, but a possibility that would give birth to a hybrid sentient cyborg sub-species. Much more akin to Sakura’s cyborg version, but sentient and lethal nonetheless. The main problem is that the collective are currently pacifist, life-affirming, sentient beings. I seriously doubt Tefler will turn any of them into warriors having to deal with existential crises around becoming ‘alive’ only to take lives.

EroticPoetic

Tom’s dad had thoughts that it was impossible for Tom to betray the Federation. Having kept the secret this long is a habit he might would break only at the last minute. Lynette premonitions could cause her to look at a picture closely. A solid hunch about Tom’s innocence might have her request for Rill to examine the evidence and I don’t believe the hackers are up to her standards now. They were scared of her before John’s boost. If they weren’t so busy at the moment a quick jump and Alysa could verify his guilt or innocence. I believe Dana, Tom, Mace and Annabel are all part of the program.

20 ton

Are you suggesting fully armed and armored cyborg Maliri? Maybe some that have just barely survived this invasion, yet cannot be healed and are integrated into Thrall armor to become John's last resort of ass kickery?

Rayce Royal

I wonder if the ring around the cornea of Tom and Dana is indicative of their genetic ‘parentage’ or the genetic manipulation involved in the experiment… In one scenario, they’re blood related. In the other, they’re common children of the program, and therefore siblings of a different kind. Either way, they share an origin story. For someone like Dana, either scenario would mean the world to her. Alyssa would definitely relate on a primal level, and John would clearly go to the ends of the galaxy for her to get whatever closure… or opening… she needs out of the reconciliation. I can’t imagine how Tefler is going to manage to get Irrilith to notice the hacker trail in time to get Lynette to forestall the execution… Unless Maddox is planning some type of jailbreak to further embroil his best friend in his madness. Either way, that loose end is flapping in the celestial wind of this galactic saga and needs to be woven back into the fabric of the story… or be brutally cut off by letting Tom die a tragic and ignominious death.

EroticPoetic

The Achonin (sp?) spaceport in the outlands? Seems like the Enshunu Boss got some ancient knowledge about the Achonin and stands to become a threat to the surrounding civilizations perhaps, but not necessarily John or the other Progenitors. Mael’nerak’s fleet took them out - a single Progenitor against an entire civilization. I doubt the Enshunu, with reactivated tech, stand to be a significant threat to a Progenitor - even though Mael’nerak’s reign seems to have surpassed many, if not all others because of his genius and mastery of his Progenitor powers.

EroticPoetic

Wow 🤯 20 ton, that could be the potential link they need between the Nexus server tech and the cloning tech to bring our beloved purple sprite to ‘life’! Also, could there be a way to integrate the Maliri bio-synth cyborg tech into the thrall armor? What are the useable possibilities for that technology when combined with cloning and the collective? It might birth the Borg, 😅😂 or something else less sinister. Not sure Tef will explore it, but talk about endless possibilities!

EroticPoetic

Well another month down the drain and a half written story. Not very productive. Any bets on how many placeholders this month?

Jim Owens

I think you're dreaming. We will be lucky to get 2nd half of chapter. Wont be any extra, but I bet he gives us another good excuse

Don Garnett

I mean, it might be done a long with all the back dated chapters

Kensyi

Maybe England has a time dilation problem because it sucks as hard as a black hole.

Green Seadragon

-- yeah, and while the closest relationship between Dana and Tom would be half siblings, .... but it is more likely they'd be distant cousins, .... -- and I remember seeing the movie 'Twins' at the local Drive-In theater, .... yeah, my age is showing too, ... ;-) ttfn

Michael56Smith

I think Andrew is correct about the age difference but an orphan in Dana’s situation would probably appreciate a brother. I was referencing the movie Twins where a human breeding program produced twins played by a buff Arnold and Danny Devito. They took artistic license with combining genes but the physical contrast between the characters was comical. Guess I’m showing my age. Kelly Preston was at her gorgeous best. (RIP)

20 ton

that would be cool if Dana and Tom are twins....so cool.

Taco1085

10/25/24 -- F5, F5, F5, F5, F5, F5, F5, .... And I hope you get the needed care soon, ... my fingers are crossed, good luck Tef, .... ;-) ttfn

Michael56Smith

I’ve wanted Lynette to get Rill involved. Having her pop out on the hackers ship and get John involved, recruiting them of course.

20 ton

-- Even a wormhole jump might not help at this late date, .... how the heck is Tef going to get Tom out of this mess? and what's up with Mason and his repurposed Brimorian Cruiser? --- Is it time for a Jailbreak yet? finally? .... ;-) ttfn

Michael56Smith

I was thinking the “Movie” Twins with Arnold and Danny Divito.(sp?) For a twist did Buckingham or Adm. Walker supply samples as they were egotistical enough to think they were superior humans.

20 ton

I think they mixed up the genetic experimentation on Tartarus with Mael'nerak's experiment with the human race. I also don't think they're twins. I'm 99% sure that Dana is 18 or 19, and that Tom is around 24. My guess is half-siblings.

Andrew Shultes

Lynette’s deluxe upgrade seems to have some premonition abilities with it. She has seen Dana’s eyes and knows she was part of the experiment. If Lynette notices or Tom’s dad comes forward to admit Tom’s heritage , these are my top two guesses. “Only the Tefler knows “ I don’t remember anything that links the genetic experiments to information found on Nexus. I believe it was a selective breeding program. Think “Twins” not “Species “

20 ton

Tefler has said that the whole Outer Rim situation (breaking away from the Tfed) has been written with the sequel in mind. It has been speculated that Tom Walker might be the main character of this sequel. No indication from Tefler that this speculation is in anyway true, but imho it would be a good explanation for his long story arc.

Unresolved Plots

Was the whole saga of TomWalker just a bit of fill as Tefler wanted to write a courtroom drama? We have had hints that he may be the result of the experiment of Terra that Mael’nerak began and Nexus tried to stop. Is Dana his sister? What could save Tom from being executed tomorrow? ???🤔

Malcolm Rickarby

An earlier reply talked about bringing Nikrrit and her species back to life somehow. That would also be a worthy challenge for the Invictus gang. Wow, those would be some amazing allies to have :)

Rayce Royal

Those are some Awesome thoughts, ... especially regarding Nkkrrit, ... ;-) ttfn

Michael56Smith

Alysa or Athena would be ideal for going to the citadels because the spirit maintaining it recognized her as friendly. I’ve wondered if now that John has confronted his guide would he be recognized as their hopes and dreams.

20 ton

Rahn should be able to to contact Athena through the astral if he knew the location on the vast plane. I’ve thought that introducing Nikrrit to the greys would be beneficial to both. They greys are obsessed with cataloging flora and fauna and Nikrrit could allieve her loneliness and let her people live at least in chronological form. I believe eventually Rachael will be able to map Athena while she is in charge of Alysa and work out saving only eight months of memories. Only one stream instead of Faye’s twelve. They just need a break from more attacks.

20 ton

-- Yeah, we are in a club of cock-eyed optimists for sure, .... (F5 F5 F5) , .... hang in there, ... ;-) ttfn

Michael56Smith

--More Athena Thoughts: -- She has the job of being the caretaker of John's Astral Sub-Plane and my thought is that maybe Athena could be able to go exploring into the Deep Astral in search of another of those Kyth'Faren Citadels of Ancient Knowledge, a Library, ... And it would work out as those Citadel consciouses will see her as a Kyth'Faren Princess, .... And would John, the protector, even allow her to go? And might she take a 'fixed' Tashana with her, to translate? -- And Jade is Psychic and can understand Ancient Maliri too, .... might it be a possibility to train her and to have her to go Astral too? She'd be a less risky travel companion for Athena than one of a Thrall species, ... and we might find out something about early Nymph evolution / roots, (Tef willing) .... -- Alternately, John might choose to share his Sub-Plane Location with his Progenitor Father in exchange for another Citadel location (if he promises to be more careful with this one, ....) And that would give Rahn and Jessica an Alternate way to contact their son, .... this would be handy since Larn's Tracker on the Invictus broke, ... so, all good, right? ... ;-) ttfn

Michael56Smith

Sigh. Clearly, I’m insane. You know. When you keep trying the same thing (F5, F5, F5) but expecting a different outcome? The end of the month isn’t that far away anymore.

MVFast

Or, he could heighten the suspense if they’re attacked while they’re bringing her back. One thing that’ll be easy. Nearly all the crew’s psychic impressions are all on the Invictus. However, Faye herself wouldn’t leave any impressions.

MVFast

..... F5 F5 F5 F5 F5 F5 F5 F5 F5 F5 F5 F5 F5 F5 F5 F5, ...;-) TTFN

Michael56Smith

-- I say to build a modern version of the Damocles using Maliri Cystal (10 times as strong as Titanium) and also using some Invictium (Alyssium) in addition to an assortment of Maliri components, .... and yes, on my vote for a big swimming hole with a place to hold a BBQ, .... good idea, .... ;-) ttfn

Michael56Smith

ATHENA -- She occupies only a tiny part of Alyssa's mind and with it some small part of her powers, keeping John's first Matriarch from reaching her full power, .... So, Athena is worried that Alyssa would soon need her full powers, and that it's needed that Athena should become reabsorbed into Alyssa's mind, ... Has it already happened in all the stress and fighting with Gally's forces, might Athena and Alyssa have done the deed already? ,,,, '-) ttfn

Michael56Smith

Hi Phil. I believe that this is an invite link to the Discord server that is not supposed to expire. https://bit.ly/TeflerDiscord If it doesn't work then there is a link to the server on the membership tab top centre of this page. If neither work then just reply to this message and I'll get a new invite link from the Discord admins.

Unresolved Plots

Hey UP which discord server are you on? The only one I've been on hasn't been very active of late.

Phil Dean

Contemplation for the next few days until the 31th. The Fernandez family ship. I thought John might add a lagoon to a Malari cruiser which he now has an abundance of but that would paint a target on them from people wanting the tech. He won’t let them go with a decommissioned federation cruiser. Do you build a replica out of crystal allisium and clad it with a layer of titanium to hide reality. Enhanced weapons that look like their underpowered counterparts?

20 ton

😁

MVFast

Only 15 more days until Halloween. Just be patient

thomas rodrian

Do you remember the Space port from which John and the others rescued Tashana? It was made up of some weird tech that was very different from progenitor tech, but probably just as advanced. A few dozen chapters ago it was mentioned that the Enshunu used some antique device to activate the true functions of the "Space port", which was in reality a massive spaceship that was a relic of an ancient civilization that Mael'nerak had destroyed. This spaceship had very advanced tech that was capable of extreme self repair.

Akram123456

Sigh. I should know better, but, F5, F5, and more F5’s… (Metaphorically speaking, since I’m on an iPhone.)

MVFast

Can you expound on the reference to the Ancient Enshunu? We’ve seen so little of them and the only mention of their tech I can remember came from Shan’s Enshunu pistols. Was there more discussion of them on Discord? I can’t seem to get access to that community.

EroticPoetic

I think I found an oops, ... numbers transposed: In this chapter it was stated that the Maliri on Kythshara were numbered at 200,000 marines, but with previous chapters, the 200,000 were referred to the remaining marines that were located/left behind on Genthalas, and only about 100,000 came to Kythshara, .... the 1 Million Gilkiran marines numbers also might be a bit high due to all of the fighting and crashing, ,,, but earlier ballpark numbers totaled from before several fleets were stopped, and many drop ships were also stopped, ... lessening the total numbers, .... ;-) ttfn

Michael56Smith

-- A few thoughts regarding the upcoming #171, part 2: - Poor Faye must wait for another Asshat to visit, not to mention the rest of the clean-up from the Galkiran mess, ... -- Will Rahn and Jessica, merely wishing to apologize, reach The Loralar Nebula about the same time as the Aetari forces under Aeth'laetar, ... and will Rahns' stealthed dreadnaught be a help to John? -- and will the Progenitor Shuttle with Valeria, and her elite forces reach Keylessae's Fleet, awaiting Baen'thelas's return, ... before the 14 hours are up, ... then what? -- Enquiring Minds want to know, ... ;-) ttfn

Michael56Smith

I'm looking forward to one of these progenitors accidentally running into the newly resurrected ancient Enshunu ship, and getting their a$$ handed to them. And confusing the hell out of old Xar.

Akram123456

So much for restnof chapter done in a week or even 2 go figure

Don Garnett

-- That is assuming that the newest Asshat uses his Dreadnaught to jump in quickly, .... and he could bring a couple of battleships or up to four scout cruisers with him in support, .... ;-) ttfn

Michael56Smith

That number did strike me as being in the ‘neighborhood’ but may or may not be directly next door. Milky Way is about 100,000 light years across, so it’s approaching 10% the way across the galaxy. While a progentior could attack another anywhere in the galaxy with a warp gate the progenitor in directly adjacent territory would probably be what you want so your empire isn’t discontiguous.

AzureReader

--- Just a matter of timing DW, .... those Maliri engineers have gotten pretty good at following Dana's repair guidelines, .... and a portion of those same Maliri fleets could tow those Quantum Flux Platforms that Calara had placed so as to Ambush the Galkirans, and use them to reenforce the defenses around Kythshara, ..... So, with lots of big guns, ... and with Dreadnaught and Thrall sensors almost blind in the Nebula, ole Aath'laetar stands a very good chance of quickly getting his ass clobbered, .... and that sort of a rapid losing battle should make even evil ole Xar'aziuth sit up and take notice, .... ;-) ttfn

Michael56Smith

Just thinking, "7,246 light years away" is not very far in Galactic terms.............

ThunderBird Two

Since it is 12th of the month, be ensured he will upload last half or quarter at the end of month with 2 place holder. Leading to actually publication 4 dollar per chapter on 2 month at minimum price. Also the quality is reducing though due to his high proficiency it is still not highly noticable. But if you read last 5 chapters - too many loose ends and not so engrossing like previous larkelner fight or Drakker fight at start or battle of Terra.

Unctadsk

And „finished“ with „more complete“

J

I think the turrets got destroyed rather than the guns (white metal), but until they are repaired it equates to the same thing. I could be that due to the shroud, X couldn't pinpoint the lesser psychic energy from this fight, and sends him to where the last guy was killed. Good news for John. bad news (potentially) for the Terrans, Bugs and Rock guys

ThunderBird Two

I was thinking the same thing… although I don’t think Xar will allow him to begin making multiple trips for an extended stay to do reconnaissance under the shroud. Send he’s got a crack in his proverbial armor for what threats the ascended Baen’Thelas stands to become.

EroticPoetic

Want the kill zone largely dismantled and dependent on the Invictus to manually target it? The terror mechanism from the pyramids was destroyed and the auto targeting system got most of the cannons in the nebula destroyed by the Galkyran dreadnought. Or did I miss something? It’s been months since the battle began - maybe I need to go back and read it again…

EroticPoetic

--- If we assume Gahl'kalgor jumped to Arcadia due to all the Eldritch energies released there, then the Next Asshat to jump in will show up near to Kythshara, .... -- So, the Aeltari Progenitor is likely to show up in the Loralar Nebula, near to Kythshara, ,,, right in the middle of Mael's powerful protection kill-zone, ..... blam! .... bye bye Aath'Laetar, or at least cause this next Asshat to crap his pants, ... ;-) ttfn

Michael56Smith

I'm not remembering anything about that crew in the last few chapters. I wonder, though, if they might try to sow discord by making it look like the outer rim colonies rescued Tom. That would sow hatred between the Terran Feds and the colonies. More chaos

Rayce Royal

"The first instalment of chapter 171, .... I'll continue working on it over the next few days and hopefully have it finished by the end of the week." -- Tef does tend to confuse the end of the week, with the end of the Month, ... my fingers are crossed, ... ;-) ttfn

Michael56Smith

--- Tom might get some Maliri jailbreak aid from the crew that set him up, .... because they want to get on handsome Baen'thelas's good side, ... ;-) ttfn

Michael56Smith

Hey !raptor, a Progenitors' Dreadnaught can bring up to 4 cruisers with it, or 2 battleships, ..... or make multiple trips, 12+12 hrs round trip, to bring many more search vessels with him, .... mix and match, .... 1 battleship and 2 scout cruisers at a time, ... along with the Dreadnaught, ... and investigate, .... -- Two scouts to search for Baen'thelas, and a battleship to watch his back, .... this could be interesting, .... ;-) ttfn

Michael56Smith

I remember when tefler was only two chapters behind. but over the last year it has gotten much worse. now I will say that I've really enjoyed the book. and I do hope his health gets better. but get back to two chapters behind instead of 10

Rob McDaniel

I'm a bit concerned that tefler is 10 chapters behind now. so is he going to catch up? or in a year is he going to be 20 chapters behind? Just my thoughts

Rob McDaniel

Sigh.

MVFast

Very good point! I has forgotten he couldn't just co-opt Gally's gate and show up with an armada. One dreadnought, while daunting, is manageable. And he would show up on the network so John and the girls would still have some warning. My main point is still valid though and I'm hoping the story doesn't devolve into endless space battles on repeat punctuated by victory orgies. As entertaining as that is short term, I imagine it would get old fast. I'm probably worried over nothing and Tef likely has a plan as you suggest, but still...

SilverBanshee

Keep in mind that this progenitor can only come through alone. he would need to assemble a ring to bring any other ships. So he is at a disadvantage in the short run. So a most we are one chapter with this guys with just his ship. I suspect that Tefler has something unique planned with a twist on this guy showing up. (I also wonder if he starts building a ring in the area, if they would pick up ships with the sensor net and allow them to stop them in advance, )

!raptor

It could be the latest poncy guy will gather intel for a bit, or he could die quickly, as he seems the sort that doesn't like to dirty his own hands, so might not be the best in battel. Or he could just not have time to do very much, as he has to keep going back to report to X. So the whole thing gets dragged out a bit like the first "puppet master" guy. I think if this guy gets toasted, X will hold back. he can't send more than one at a time without rewriting how everything works, or they will attack each other, or at best just not work together. Just feeding John one at a time will make him stronger, not a good plan for X

ThunderBird Two

While I agree that I’d rather not see the story devolve into nonstop space battles…. we spent around 20 chapters watching the Galkiran invasion progress. With dozens of progenitors out there and about a half chapter delivered per month, if they don’t pick up the pace a bit I’m not going to live to see the end of the story.

Drew

My read on the end of the first part of 171 is that Xar put a metaphorical yoyo string on the next progenitor so if John doesn't manage to kill him quickly he will get pulled back regardedless of his progress and give Xar more crucial intel from within the shroud. This could mean more caution from the enemy as you suggested or overwhelming force once he has a hint of John's actual position and strength. This would take the narrative in a direction I hope it doesn't go short-term because there are many other questions I would like answers to

SilverBanshee

Maybe the beating he is receiving at the hands of those same troopers will trigger his latent abilities. Who know what kind of hidden talents he has. We've already seen he is a master tactician and ace pilot. What else will come to bear?

Rayce Royal

I think Tefler is already laying the seeds for Xar to become more cautious or to change tactics completely. The new Progenitor opponent sensed doubt in Xar. If he is quickly killed then Xar might be reluctant to send more Progenitors into the Shroud, giving John time to tie up loose ends.

Unresolved Plots

Remember that "end of the week" means "at the beginning of next month" in Tefler-ese

Puttanegra Ficondo

Leaving aside the issue of deliverables, I have to say I'm a little concerned with where we seem to be headed between the very last update to Ch. 170 and the first part of 171. It seems like we are headed into a death spiral of Progenitor battle and death followed immediately by the next Progenitor battle. The concern for me is that this will see the story's focus shift from the personal interactions and growth to repeated massive choreographed space battles with a paragraph or two noting some offscreen occurrence (Lynette's evolving situation, for example) . I understand that from a storytelling perspective Xar would want to crush John ASAP and has a large number of pawns to throw at him, but I'm hoping Tef will ease off the throttle a bit and tie up some loose ends before diving back into Progenitor battles on repeat. YMMV, but I like the interpersonal moments and relationships and that's what draws me in and keeps me coming back. If I wanted space battles, I could tee up some of David Weber's Honor Harrington books and get my fill...

SilverBanshee

No, he’s too honorable for that. Unless he has abilities like John or his girls, a jail break would likely threaten the lives of the troops who would try to stop it.

MVFast

Trust is earned, but not by empty promises.

Scruples44

F5 F5 F5 F5 F5 F5 F5 F5 F5 ,,,,, ;-) TTFN

Michael56Smith

-- I am still hoping for Tom to make a jailbreak, ... ;-) ttfn

Michael56Smith

Hmmm. Walker could be a timing issue after all. He’s due to be executed soon while the progenitors are coming. So far, the Enshunu are not a timing issue since they are not attacking anyone John cares about. Here’s an old idea. Had the pirates in the unclaimed wastes sold people to the Kirrix?

MVFast

There aren’t likely to be any battle scenes or timing issues in the rest of the chapter, except for Walker. They have to get back to the Terran Federation in time for Irillith to go through the Federation’s databases and clear his name, and perhaps have Alyssa read his mind. That will lead them to the Brimorians… A story line possibility is to draw attacking progenitors through their territory. The abandoned should be relatively safe since they live outside the cities and rarely leave their planets except for sale to the Kirrix, and (perhaps) formerly to the Kintark.

MVFast

Unfortunately, yes I am. Although I hope to be pleasantly surprised.

MVFast

I had to view it on another device. If you downloaded the original version, the link will keep bringing up the old file uncles you delete it on your device.

EroticPoetic

Hope you are well prepared to be irritated

Ben

Actually, things happen. However, it will be irritating if it slips beyond Tuesday.

MVFast

How much? 🤣

MVFast

F5… (for second half) Although Saturday, not Friday is the end of the week.

MVFast

Who else in the Universe stands a chance against Progenitors? There’s no evidence the Kyth’faren actually survived or have any tech that can aid in the war… Unless they are the creators of the shroud mechanisms and also are the ones who enlightened Mael’nerak about the white metal process. Also, who created the Nymphs? And was it the Nymphs psychic network that gave Mael’nerak the psychic advantage that allowed him to rule supreme for over 60,000 years until he set them free?

EroticPoetic

A showdown between John and Kyth’vindathis? As in John and his Kuth’faren alter ego? Or John and his quasi-sentient rune blade? There have been hints of each alluded to as if they could be internal conflicts John must deal with, but it’s unclear whether or not they’re of any significance to Baen’thelas’ development INTO Kyth’vindathis. I’ve heard others mention that they believe Jonah to be a Kyth’faren, and that there might be other survivors, but I must have missed those clues earlier in the story. Maybe someone can enlighten me. Also, what evidence of the Shroud mechanisms were on Karron or Terra? I thought the Shroud predated Mael’Nerak. I’d love to discuss these possibilities if anyone else is up for it.

EroticPoetic

...And here we are at the end of the week. If you believed there would be anything, I have a leaning tower and a bridge in Brooklyn to sell you.

Puttanegra Ficondo

Do you use the app? I think before differences was discovered. I see updates via windows on a pc and it is there.

Myrnalin

I downloaded the revised chapter 3 times and still can’t see that addition. Strange

Wassim Haroun

Tefler updated 170 just before publishing 171, changing the last couple of paragraphs. Basically, they discover that Gahl'kalgor's hyper-warp gate is right where they killed Larn'kelnar, which raises the possibility that the next guy will jump in where they killed Gahl'kalgor.

Tldr

I’m confused. There seems to be no continuity between the end of 170 and start of 171. End of 170 was about intercepting the Galkiran fleets. All of a sudden there is fear of the arrival of a new Progenitor. Am I missing something?

Wassim Haroun

Things I think John and the girls need to do (in no particular order) : Eat humble pie and talk to Dad - they need to know how things work e.g: how to fix all those disabled ships. Get Racheal to find a way to cut Johns jizz, so he can fill up more girls for longer. Get the Star forge running Depending on how the Star forge works and what it can make, get a giant psy shaper that the Greys can use to make stuff - bit like the soul forge, where multiple Greys can all work together to power it, but without the death. Power up the throne world, so the AI (or manually) can fix the gardens, buildings and maintain it, along with powering the defences. Feed the Hacker up so she can hack a Dreadnought Make a cloaked assault craft, so they can get aboard a dreadnought, the hacker can lock all the thralls in, and the gang can then all gank the bad guy at once and overwhelm him - preferably while he is asleep. Kill the guy Gally had on the ropes before he was ordered to go after John - easy kill. Upgrade/build new Invictus out of white metal

ThunderBird Two

Hey Putti, see my response to Dan Davis above. Please, do understand I truly mean only to get a laugh. There's no intended insult. If it bothers you I will delete those posts.

2ndAndrocentric

It is possible John will only have to face one more asshat. As soon as he recruits Puttanegra Ficondo; he can just send her to wipe out all the asshats. It is only a matter of Tefler to get that Negraputta angry enough to finish this war herself.

2ndAndrocentric

Other questions: when will the showdown between the blade Kyth'vindathys and John Blake happen? When will Mad Jonah and the surviving Kyth'faren reveal themselves? Besides the one at Karron, is there another part of the Shroud mechanism buried under Coral Castle in Florida? What is 2nedAndrocentric babbling about?

2ndAndrocentric

Yes, I still miss the descriptions of the girls as Alyssa sees them in her head. I do realize I'm on the extreme of wanting ever more details.

2ndAndrocentric

Please keep doing halves. It stokes the tribe wars. :) anyway, we all have an opinion but only I get to mess with you.

2ndAndrocentric

Not really needed for now, they're just hanging out.

2ndAndrocentric

2 possible errors: managed to gave her a to give her YOU WILL RETURN to your Throneworld and REPORT YOUR PROGRESS.” Was the change to lowercase a deliberate way to show that Xar now has some fear and doubt, thus changing the tone? If so not an error but an EXCELLENT subtle clue.

2ndAndrocentric

I hate to say it, but I am getting way more enjoyment out of reading the comments than I should. EvilBob is comedic gold

Rayce Royal

It would be way cool if John and the gang could rapidly dispatch the newest Asshat, Aath'laetar, and claim all his Thralls through his Matriarch, Caerthyna, ... thus continuing to keep Xar'aziuth in the dark, .... -- I know many Maliri have died, and John hasn't yet recruited any large amounts of the Galkirans, .... but John needs to load up his Nymphs and recruit. recruit, recruit, .... get more eldritch energy, .... ;-) ttfn

Michael56Smith

Yeah, but how much time will John and the girls have before ole Aahn'Laetar shows his face, .... -- And if he does like Gahl'Kalgor's first quick visit at Arcasia and he jumps in with his Dreadnaught, will Mael's old Lianelis Saevarth sensor net detect him early on? -- So. there could be a few more Thrall fleets manned by the Maliri, .... and maybe have those tipped over Quantum Flux Cannons restored to upright, .... and a few more of Gally's Fleet coming over to John's side as well, .... yeah, a much better starting point to battle the next Asshat, .... --- I wonder if Aahn'lartar will assume that the beat to shit wreckage of a Dreadnaught on the surface of Kythshara is Baen'thelas's Dreadnaught from left over after the battle with Gahl'kalgor? .... '-) ttfn

Michael56Smith

Consider the priorities NE, the Invictus gang must stop / recruit / contain all the active ships / fleets first, .... -- I do wonder how many of those stranded ship crews were husked and how many of the remaining committed suicides when Gally lost it, ... ;-) ttfn

Michael56Smith

Very interesting, thanks for that

Dani Vega

I feel a little greasy about the nymphs pretending to be the new matriarch. The new imminent progenitor battle could be great. If Larn’s recovered fleets arrive at Kythshara in time, and some of Gahl’s assets join the fight they should have a lot of firepower and an overwhelming sensor advantage. The 24 quantum flux cannons did quite a bit of damage against Gahl’s dreadnought, but didn’t take it out. If a thrall battleship has six quantum flux cannons there would be 36 cannons per fleet (which has six battleships), 360 cannons every 10 fleets. 360 quantum flux cannons seem like they would make short work of a dreadnought. We’ve had the barely-survived drama with Gahl’. For the next round a good old fashioned ask kicking sounds good.

AzureReader

For the complainers. See 181 Placeholder for some FYI information. Personally I'm happy myself.

Troy S. Cash

I've not seen any mention of all those Galkiran warships that were left stranded with damaged engines by the Invictus. Surely our heroes should be planning to rescue them all? How many are there anyway?

Negative Energy

Agreed, this half is larger than the chapters he started with way back when.

Troy S. Cash

I'm pretty sure after what we've seen, there's not much more progenitor conflict going to happen, or it will get old soon, storytelling-wise. And at some point, X will have to get involved personally, otherwise, his progenitor minions will start to put 2 and 2 together and look for ways to get out of their soulbinding contract. My prediction is, this will be the last encounter, if it even becomes a full-on war. Afterwards, there will be some sort of mega showdown between X plus loyal progenitor minions against John and the girls, plus whoever else they get on their side.

Dani Vega

That's how I see it too.

Dani Vega

I don't get it, Tef... Why don't you just call the half chapter a full one? Or have it charged as a full one? Why pain yourself with delivering "incomplete" chapters and apologize for the missing half and feel pressure to make up for it for free for us, plus catch up with back log? Instead, you just provide half chapters every month until you've caught up with the backlog a bit. I believe most who haven't jumped ship yet would complain the slightest about shorter chapters. Maybe just don't call them half chapters...

Dani Vega

Please quit doing halves... it destroys continuity of the stories.

robert miller

Please do not get your hopes up. Knowing tefler, you will get a few paras more on 31st Oct and get billed for two more place holders

bob lakhanpal

I like the details, like when the catgirl explains how she took damaged armour from one of the galkirans and used it to show the others how she had been healed. Things like that make a great story even better. And yes, they do take time and a brilliant imagination. Thanks for more great reading.

John the 5th

Found a typo. In the post you say “I'll continue working on it over the next few days and hopefully have it finished by the end of the week. “ I think what you meant to type is “I’ll do nothing until October 31 and then finish this chapter while billing you for two more.” I know it’s an easy mistake to make but you should fix that.

Ben

Loved it!! Be well and best wishes Tefler! Been reading you for years now and I’ve never been disappointed in your story!

Eric

I have to say, this first part is quite brilliant, sparking a lot of talk and speculation on Discord! It leaves so many possibilities for how the second half and the next few chapters are going to play out. The story could quite easily veer off in many opposite directions and all would be in keeping with the narrative, which is one reason it is so great imo. I've been requesting a scene with Xar interacting with a Progenitor for a while and this did not disappoint at all.

Unresolved Plots

Fantastic chapter as always. Cant wait to read the other half later this week. Keep up the amazing work! One of my top three stories to read

Charles Bell IV

Yep, that Bob is an Evil one, .... but kind of funny too, ... ;-) ttfn

Michael56Smith

Just a thought reading through the section where Jehanna is talking about the footage Rachel says “Her parents?” after about three times rereading that section, I eventually realized that they were referring to Jehanna, But thought it might be less clumsy if you actually just said it like: “Jehanna's parents?” Just a thought

!raptor

🎉 Announcing the September Psychic Kyth’faren Predictions Contest Winners! 🎉 Fellow seers and soothsayers, the results are in, and it’s time to crown not one, but two Psychic Kyth’farens this month! After careful deliberation (and a generous helping of placeholders), we have our winners: 🏆 Congratulations to Hendrix Morton and Perry Carruthers! 🏆 Both Hendrix and Perry nailed their predictions with 2 placeholders and a medical excuse. While Hendrix leaned toward a family vacation and Perry gave us a fascinating (if a bit exaggerated) medical diagnosis, both had the general theme correct—and for that, we declare it a tie! Hendrix, you were spot on with the placeholders, and though the excuse wasn’t a vacation, the timing was impeccable! Perry, your creativity with the detailed medical condition was a masterpiece in itself—while Tefler didn’t quite suffer from the gallstone-induced apocalypse you predicted, he did deliver the medical excuse! 🎖 Honorable Mention: Michael Pritchett And now, for a special runner-up mention… Michael Pritchett! Your prediction that Tefler was “doing everything he can to get the chapters to us” must be true—surely—because, after all, we did get placeholders, and those take time, effort, and a bit of planning! So, while no new chapters arrived, we must all remain patient and courteous, as you so wisely suggested. 😉 Thank you to all our participants, and remember, the placeholders may continue, but so too does our Psychic Kyth’faren contest! Stay tuned for next month’s predictions—may your foresight guide you to victory!

Evilebob

I'd call that one chapter, its as long as some of the early chapters. Call it done and move on to 172 each chapter doesn't need 2 be 4billion words....

B S

Omg with my current $2 pledge I've already sent Tefler 20$ for unwritten chapters.. like a patron effin' should. It's been more than worth it. I hope you get well soon Tefler, I hope the negativity here won't get to you too much. It's been an incredible journey so far, thank you and for your own peace I hope that you can start making some inroads soon.

RobMob

I AM DONE with this conn artist - writes halves of two chapters so he can bill us double each month - I am too old to put up with his BS - FREAK HIM

Bert Frank

Now the Ultimate Boss, X has been unveiled, the story is truly beginning to ramp up. This is going to get exciting… fast! The core of the story has so many possibilities… other ancient relics… massive, clashing empires… undiscovered technologies… uncharted Astral territories… Will Join have time to develop & activate his defenses? What happens when John reunites with his parents? Can Dana activate the Starforge & build the Invictus 3.0? Will Tom Walker be saved?? When will the Brimorians be dealt with? How many more Nymphs will join Jade and her Sisters? What unlocked abilities will John and current/future Lionesses develop as they continue to ascend together? How many legendary or mythic artifacts will John find or create? Are there potential allies among the Progenitors? I wish Tefler would drop the placeholders and just produce material on time. I’d gladly pay much more to keep this story going. Get well soon Tef. I hope your surgery goes well and you’re able to get healthy. Fingers crossed Tef can actually finish the chapter before the end of next month.

EroticPoetic

There is no link to the story on my patreon again?

rich ed

Interesting. Seems to be a more wasteful character. Can't wait for the next part. I hope the health care is successful and soon

John the 5th

We're falling more and more behind. Tefler, please show some progress catching up.

Buffy

The map they saw with territories had dozens of colored areas for different Progenitors. This could take a while...hope you like placeholders.

Kynkade

Word/spelling error on page 23: “…He felt like he could breath properly again…” I’m pretty sure it should be “breathe” instead.

Tealguy

The over/under is set at 2

SP Rupert

One question, how many of these asshats will Blake and crew have to face?

dan davis

So how many placeholders this time??

bob lakhanpal

First half. Haha. Who didn't see that coming. So dum!

Dominic Janning

Oh great. Now we are at half a chapter a month! Oh well, take my money please…

Puttanegra Ficondo


More Creators