How This Came Together
In Evaluating Options, a military science fiction short story set in the Discovery series, a struggling colony faces a critical turning point as resources dwindle and relentless attacks push their defenses to the brink. With their reactor failing and no clear solution in sight, the leadership must weigh a dangerous alternative that could either secure their survival or destroy everything they’ve built.
As tensions rise Jarvis, Fenton, and Dyrk, meet to discuss their options. As each volunteers their option, they must chose between the choices. It reveals a test of leadership, and the willingness to act in the face of uncertainty. With the threat of constant assaults and the possibility of unlikely allies lingering in the background, every decision carries weight, and hesitation could mean the end.
Music Pairing
This story is paired with an original blues composition, “Still Got Something,” which underscores the tension and determination woven throughout the narrative. The steady rhythm and restrained intensity mirror the crew’s resolve as they push forward despite overwhelming odds.
Behind the Scenes
When I sat down to pen this story, I needed to highlight their precarious situation, while highlighting their ingenuity. The tale continues the budding arc of the series, while hinting at the depths built into its predecessor, Colonization. This episode focuses on the command dynamics under mounting pressure, highlighting how leadership decisions evolve when survival depends on calculated risk rather wishful certainty.
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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 Eloquent Tales & Blues presents, Evaluating Options
“Is everything in working order?” Fenton leaned against the conference room’s doorframe as his gaze tracked from Dyrk to Jarvis. But before either could speak, Fenton ran his hand through his hair. “How about you, Dyrk? Have you secured a source of fuel to keep the reactor running?”
Crossing his arms, Dyrk huffed. “Nope, but that’s not my job.”
“Enough. Both of you.” Jarvis struck the table and exhaled as he steadied himself. He flipped a switch, and the small screen next to him activated. Jarvis flicked through the camera feeds and sighed as the crews built the wall. “We don’t have the luxury of snapping at each other. Contrary to popular myth, we aren’t on the brink of ruin. There’s time before the reactor runs dry.”
“Only if those monsters stop their assaults,” Fenton said.
“If the assaults continue at this rate, we’ll burn through our reserves faster than we can build.” Jarvis deactivated the monitor. “Those recovered expedition archives do more than warn of an endless supply of threats. They catalogue what looms over our heads and haunts this world.”
“All those records do is detail how we are going to die.”
Jarvis held Fenton’s gaze. “The logs also mention potential friends.”
“I’ve read Tarian’s entries,” Dyrk said. “But the dwarves and elves don’t come across as useful allies.”
Jarvis closed his eyes for a moment, drawing a deep breath. With a sigh, he opened them. “Dyrk, do you suppose Dianna can locate the resources you’ll need to power the ship’s reactor?”
“How should I know?” Dyrk cracked his knuckles with a harrumph. “But so far, I’m not sure this rock has anything compatible with this boat.”
Fenton walked over and squeezed Dyrk’s shoulder, “Why can’t you help Dianna find fuel for your ship?”
“I am trying to shield the ship’s engines, but I’m not the engineer.” Dyrk swatted Fenton’s arm and jerked his chin toward Jarvis. “Despite my string of failures, I am confident we’re close to isolating and resolving the cause of the power drain. Couldn’t you lend her a hand?”
“Jarvis tasked me with procuring the raw materials for our defense.” Fenton sat next to Dyrk. “Once we’ve collected enough, we’ll be able to assist her in locating fissionable resources.”
“I’m dragging Dianna off that search.” Jarvis pulled a tablet from the bag beside him and slid it across the table.
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Have a wonderful day my friends!