The birds flew Slower-Than-Light, but not by much, spaceships throughout the six stars and dozens of planets spread throughout Betelgeuse. They had a thriving economy, vibrant culture, and a truly massive population. Something like one trillion, yes with a t, souls lived in the system. That was a higher population than every human in the Core Worlds combined. And their population density was still lower than Earth’s. And then there were the surrounding systems.
The Second Great Depression brought down many governments, and increased lawlessness in many others. When drug gangs tried to take over Dixie’s hometown, she had a few things to say about the matter. I don’t use that kind of language so I won’t repeat them here. Suffice it to say she did not approve of their plans. So she “borrowed” some National Guard drones and chased the gangs out of town. And that was how she got started.
I have written stories since I was a kid. Aneerin I first wrote in middle school for instance. Jack is newer, his genesis beginning around a decade ago in an old game. Three years ago, I decided to stop writing fan fiction in other people’s playgrounds, and start seriously playing in my own. And so Jack of Harts was born. I have updated Jack every day since then, in addition to writing stories. This is day 1,000. I’m rather proud of making that number. Now here’s looking to day 2,000…
The birds of Betelgeuse were more advanced than we were when the Peloran made Contact in fact, and had been a space faring race when Caesar crossed the Rubicon. But they had no hyperdrive. That is because of the Betelgeuse star system. It is a Beacon Star, twisting hyperspace far more than normal stars. Our first hyperdrives would have utterly failed at Betelgeuse and so did theirs. Knowing it was impossible their science went in other directions.
Dixie came out of the network to more Texas Tech students as the years went by, though never very many. By the time the Second Great Depression hit, maybe a dozen current and former students knew the truth. They hijacked enough power for her to run, even if it meant breaking a few laws. That turned out to be a good thing in the end. Yes, the show and movies are based on a true story. Very loosely based.
The Martian Affair on Amazon
Forge of War on Amazon
The Audacious Affair on Amazon
Angel Flight on Amazon
Angel Strike on Amazon
Angel War on Amazon
The Family Affair on Amazon
The Thunderbird Affair on Amazon
Wolfenheim Rising on Amazon
Wolfenheim Emergent on Amazon
The Gemini Affair on Amazon