How This Came Together
In Preparations, the colonists of a distant world continue their struggle against the strange new inhabitants of Morven. Their survival hangs by a thread as the world’s foot soldiers gather in overwhelming numbers. With each passing moment, creatures pulled from the colonists’ myth and nightmare swell the enemy ranks. When faced with impossible odds, Tarian is forced to make a choice, not for victory, but for survival. Sometimes the only way forward begins with weighing the options available and choosing one. There are those who call it an act of desperate, while others recognize its necessity.
This is not a story about triumph. There aren’t any grand speeches or heroic charges, only the steady weight of forced choices. It’s a story about resolve. It’s about the quiet, often unseen strength it takes to act when hope is thin and the outcome uncertain. Sometimes, the hardest decisions are the ones no one cheers. They are made in silence, with nothing but instinct, experience, and grit. This moment doesn’t promise glory. It only asks for sacrifice. And it centers on a single truth. When the future hangs in the balance, choosing to move, even without a guarantee, is what defines leadership. This is the kind of hope that doesn’t shout. Rather, it holds the line.
Music Pairing
When selecting music for this week’s video, I didn’t reach for something new, instead I pulled “Washed Out” from my catalogue. Its atmospheric, somber tone matched the weight of this narrative. The slow burn of the saxophones and clarinet reinforce the emotional gravity behind Tarian’s choice to turn a tactical standoff into something deeply human. If you’re drawn to stories that blend of quiet strength with impossible odds—and music that lingers long after the last note, this tale is for you.
Behind the Scenes
While I don’t recall every detail of this series’ origin, I remember Colonization was never meant to be as long as it became. When I went back to review Preparations, I realized that the pace of the early stories was a little forced, including this one. Fortunately, with a little bit of work, I was able to refine and smooth out this story and hopefully the pacing of the series. Granted, I won’t argue that the story wouldn’t have benefitted from a longer buildup. That kind of work was beyond the scope of this revision. This pass through the story was reserved to refine it, especially considering I never planned to do more than provide highlights to this group’s lives on Morven.
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If you enjoyed this story, you may also like:
Dead Man’s Hand – a darker tale of fate, consequence, and the cost of a single choice.
Colonization – explore the origins of Morven and the first steps that the Larians first steps.
Getting it Wrong Vol. 1 Check – a collection of comedic poems featuring Sebastian and Jimmy.
Excerpt of Preparations
Tarian and his closest advisors stood atop the wall, staring out at the horde of alien creatures massing below. Through his telescope, he spotted trolls, goblins, and new, even more terrifying creatures. He lowered the scope, looked over his shoulder, and addressed his advisors. “Kel, there’s more of them than last time.”
Keldon reached out, and Tarian handed the scope over to his friend. With a sigh, Keldon inched toward the wall and examined the gathering monsters. “The horde out there surpasses what assaulted us previously. Besides, I’ve already noted several unique creatures that are probably as dangerous as anything else we’ve encountered.”
“I saw that,” Tarian said, as he reclaimed his telescope.
“While we rebuffed their previous assault, you told us it wasn’t their actual goal,” Sherry said, burying her head in her hands.
“The dwarves like us,” Caleb said, hope shining behind his eyes.
“Let’s hope they remember that,” Tarian said, turning to Caleb.
Keldon’s head swayed back and forth as he sighed. “Our survival will depend on help from them or the elves.”
With a deep breath, Tarian gazed at the looming threat. He pounded his fists on the wall. “That’ll be your job, Kel.”
“What?”
Tarian grasped his friend’s shoulder. “We’ll cause a distraction in their ranks and give you the opportunity to find the elves.”
“Great. A suicide sprint through the horde. How heroic.” He groaned but cracked a dry smile. “I’ll pack light.”
He clapped Keldon’s back and turned to grasp Caleb’s shoulder. “That’s one path, yet we have another to follow. Caleb, find the dwarves. Convince them to stand with us.”
Caleb nodded as he jerked a thumb over his shoulder. “They should. I’ll go prep my team—“
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Have a wonderful day my friends!