New Aurora Universe author AUPhoric waves hello, provides story "Empire Zukenov Invades!"

Hello fellow Superwomen enthusiasts! I'm trying my hand at a naughty pulp space opera set in the Aurora Universe. No previous AU knowledge needed to enjoy the story, but AU fans will find plenty of references to some of the tales I admire by Shadar and by Brantley Thompson Elkins.
My first installment, "Empire Zukenov Invades! Part 1 of 6" has been submitted for review. When it is published, I'll add the link here.
It appears that for each story, there will be a comments area. If it's an appropriate use of the forum, I'd like for this post here to kick off discussion of my own twist on the Aurora Universe, and on my writing in general as I add more stories over time. Empire Zukenov Invades! is complete; I don't think it's fair to readers to drop of installments of stories that don't get finished.
I have outlines and drafts underway for the next two books in the series, plus a spark of some ideas for the book beyond that.
This first story introduces my AU additions, the Bih'Zah'Ro, the Zukenov Empire and its flagship Glorious Hostilities, the Jus Kadeen system they invade, the Kelsor Institute's mobile communications technology platform for wormhole guardians, the Quadruple Coalition and its Treaty Conference. And of course, the most romantic book in the galaxy, and then the most romantic book of commentary on that book. Further additions, including a full exploration of the Quadruple Coalition, will come in subsequent stories.

Looking forward to reading it, AUphoric.

Good point on not posting installments until you are done. I never had the patience, which explains why a lot of my stories (most) never get finished. I eventually get more interested in something else and go work on that.'

But then, I figure my job is mostly done when I've engaged the reader's imagination, and finishing a story can only take away from that. (Or maybe that's my big, fat rationalization for leaving ends undone. My wife always reminds me that in almost everything in life, I'm a great starter but a terrible finisher.)  

Shadar

I participated in the Spring 2022 workshop. My stand-alone story of super-powered wayward comedy is "Super-brat makes a mess at the beach." I don't see anything more to say about super-brat. If others would like to tell more stories about her annoying bad behavior and her Mom's reaction, please do! If people are interested, I might be able to think of more to tell about the narrator and his girlfriend, whose last day of summer at the beach was ruined by Super-brat and the stuck-up cops.

First Aurora Universe story is complete. Assuming the first installment is accepted, this Sunday's publication batch will include Part 1 of "Empire Zukenov Invades!" Next two AU stories are 80% written. If people like to read what I like to write, I expect I'll be able to go right from the concluding part of one book into the beginning of the next book.

I sent Shadar a note to ask about coordinating the storylines. Thanks, Shadar, for the response explaining that the AU is a big overall premise where people can write their own version within those themes, as each writer sees fit. I love the giant storytelling canvas where I can splash a bit of my own paint. I hope my writing brings some good entertainment to you and others, and that it's a worthy addition to what you, Brantley and others have created. I'm open to detailed AU and storytelling craft discussions with anyone.

My three Aurora Universe stories - all novella to short novel length - do not require previous knowledge of the AU.

Empire Zukanov Invades!
Naughty pulp space opera in the Aurora Universe! A Protector and a Bih’Zah’Ro team up against a new Mighty Empire’s Invasion! Kelsor Institute engineers provide phone booths in outer space! Global newscast and photo contest amazes citizens learning of Velorian powers! A Protector is horny, far from home! There’s a Royal Wedding! It’s the start of a new series! Doesn't require any previous knowledge of the AU.

Genesis of the Bih’Zah’Ro
These top-secret military briefings from both sides of the war reveal: A detailed science analysis of Velorian superpowers. How the Bih’Zah’Ro super-soldiers were created, the superpowered men and women who can effectively fight a Protector. The extremely destructive strategies and tactics of the super-soldiers. The origin and meaning of the term Bih’Zah’Ro.
The genocidal plan to destroy all life on both Velor and Earth, leaving the galaxy wide-open for infinite tyranny of a boot stamping on the human face forever. All for the glory of an Empire far more ruthless than the Aureans ever envisioned. Not that the Aureans get to survive the Grand Double-Cross, either, after those useful fools are manipulated to carry out the genocide on Belside.
The actual reason for the Quadruple Alliance and the end of the war. Original unconditional surrender treaty documents also included, never before available outside the highest level top-secret, need-to-know intelligence and security services.
Will be most interesting to those who like to explore military history and doctrine, weaponry, genetic engineering of superhumans, and the still classified history of the war. Set in the Aurora Universe, no requirement to have any previous AU knowledge. Could be read either before or after Zukanov, which takes place after the war is over.

How Skietra Loved ‘em and Left ‘em
Might need a better title?
Another look at Skietra’s abduction of the Swedish villagers to planet Velor, and her DNA enhancements to give them superhuman powers but keep them in ignorance. What the relocation meant personally to the villagers, especially those whom Skietra ultimately chose to help her build the Maternity Engine. Why we have Sven and Ole jokes today. Why Skietra abandoned the Velorians. How the Scalantran slavery deal with Velor broke Skietra’s original plans for the Velorians, while she was away from Velor. Some little known perspective on the Companion and then Protector programs. The real truth about Aphrodite.
This story includes personal life, romance and sex of Skietra and some key humans, social anthropology of the new world, science of Supremis. And the stunning revelation for th first time ever of what Skietra’s hidden intention from the higher dimensions actually was for the destiny of Homo Supremis. (It was far more than just having superwomen who could become mothers of Galen.)
Set in the Aurora Universe. There is no need to have any previous AU knowledge. Begins over a thousand years before the Bih'Zah'Ro and Zukanov, can be read in any order.

 

I've been enjoying reading the first story that you emailed me earlier this week. You've got a great imagination, and while you do things much differently than me, that's a good thing. Variation and exploration and a different imagination are all goodness. 

As far as canon goes, I could argue that you're outside of it in some areas, but that's Ok. In my view of the world, canon sounds like cannon because both are good at shooting holes in things but not good for much of anything else. 

Instead, big canvas exploration and making whatever you do your own in a splashy way is the best way to interesting fiction. You appear to excel at that.

Shadar 



 

"Give me a big enough canon and a place to stand, and I can make a plot hole that consumes my whole book." - Archimesocrates

Glad you're having fun with the reading!

Don't see how to remove a post. I've removed another guess about the publishing schedule that turned out to be wrong.

One of the best characteristics about writing in the Aurora Universe is that it is just that: a universe. There is plenty of room for variation.

I steal borrow heavily from Shadar, and while at times I veer from the AU as he has written it totally go my own way, no one has slapped me upside the head and told me to knock it off 

anonxyzus wrote:

One of the best characteristics about writing in the Aurora Universe is that it is just that: a universe. There is plenty of room for variation.

I steal borrow heavily from Shadar, and while at times I veer from the AU as he has written it totally go my own way, no one has slapped me upside the head and told me to knock it off 

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As I read this first story, and the exaggerated concepts, I was a little concerned at first. But then I considered the new Bih’Zah’Ro race (Bizarro) and it struck me that you might be intending this to be a form of parody. So I put my crumpled and crooked parody hat on (same one I use for reading satire) and continued, and soon found myself enjoying it from that perspective. 

Of course, AU stories always strike me differently than they do most people, for obvious reasons, so my interpretation might be off base with regards to others. Likely I read this different than you intended, but given I often enjoy parody, I certainly did in this case.

Given our genre, one can hardly fault outrageous exaggeration, as everything we collectively write can make that claim. And there are no limits on the enjoyable forms of art and expression. And you've put a lot of thought and creativity of your own into this. I encourage you to keep writing.

I've got my parody hat properly at hand and am good to go. 

Shadar

Yes, the AU includes a version of Kryptonian women, but not of differently superpowered Bizarro men -- as shockingly powerful and inappropriate in their own way as wayward Velorians. You caught it perfectly, Shadar! This story starts off with intentionally way over the top, scenery-chewing Flash Gordon type of space opera.

Some later writing from me will include heartfelt storytelling, thoughtfully built up complex characters, philosophical themes, pseudo-science about the powers as meticulous as the Supremis mythology. For now, it's the brightly energy-sparking comic book heroes vs.the generic conquering, boastfully bullying Imperial Invasion. Hopefully with it easy to imagine the trumpet fanfares on the grandiose, pretentious soundtrack. Think art by Jack Kirby meets orchestra by John Williams. In Part 2, we meet the crew and some planetary politicians.

I put Part 2 into the review queue for publication. I'm thinking that an episode a week could be a comfortable pace.

Feedback is very welcome and extremely helpful. I know that I'll have a follow up after this story, with further adventures of Annabeth and Chan'g - and also, with the Emperor himself... once Annabeth is through with him. Not sure if I'll do any more, after this story, with the surviving crew of the warship Glorious Hostilities.

While I do have my own plan, there's also lots of opportunity to include more of whatever people tell me they like the most.

Will also see if anyone wants more of my characters from Super-Brat at the beach.

Your parody hat is the perfect reading attire for now! Enjoy a supercilious break from life's worries and woes!

Part 2 is now published.
If you think the invasion crew's in trouble with this super-couple outside the flagship... part 2 shows how things escalate, as they take the fight inside the Bridge, and get involved with the Planet!

I welcome all feedback. What was entertaining? Did something make you gasp? Or laugh?
Or say that was a surprise... or you saw that one coming a mile away?
Any wording you liked? Any places where the wording confused?
Let me know!

Part 3 is in the review queue for next Sunday, May 15. Also, I updated Part 1 so it ends with the link to Part 2.

Question. Should I finish this series before I start another? Or, as soon as another series is ready to go, should I start it and have more than one running at the same time?

 

The entire story's already written, but I've been adding some more flourishes before publishing!
Part 3 is in the queue, ready to go live this weekend!

In part 3:
* Annabeth resolves some personnel issues in the flagship's Bridge, while Chan'g has a unique way to deal with the broken engines!
* The Captain has news for his crew, uses his piloting skills, and has something to announce to the waiting Fleet!
* The Flagship isn't the only Bridge to get a dose of Annabeth taking over! A Marine gets a harsh demotion! Some weapons are too deadly to use inside a Bridge, not that this stops Annabeth from using them!
* Annabeth has some opinions about what she likes in a VIP suite!

In part 4:
* Evril Fahenti is ready to die for having failed his Emperor!
* We learn the aftermath of Annabeth's conversation in person with the Emperor!
* And how this affects ALL the people of the Empire, when they learn what she can  do!

In part 5:
* Annabeth is very busy! All on her own now, she deals with prisoner executions, scientists to love, redefining global politics, hiding things in the Moon, destroying a dam, informing the Scalantrans, eating the silverware, and the world's most romantic love story!

In part 6:
* The conclusion, including Annabeth's personal hands-on reconstruction of the flagship to rip out its primary weapon because it displeases her!

I am LOVING this!  I fail to comment on many stories I read and that is a crime.  Holy cow this is tripping many of my triggers.  Thank you.

I just put Part 4 into the review queue, for publication this coming weekend.
In part 4, Evril Fahenti and Annabeth Lessian (who now is working alone) both talk personally with the Emperor about the events across the wormhole. Also, the People of the Empire learn about Annabeth and what she can do! How do you think that will all turn out??
Comment! Send me a message! I love to hear from readers, and when I have some extra time, to chit chat about details of the story.
Enjoy!

I like your tech explanations.  Funny BOOTH acronym.  Sexy confident ubergirls in action in a campy style.  

Sarge395 wrote:

I like your tech explanations.  Funny BOOTH acronym.  Sexy confident ubergirls in action in a campy style.  
 

That's what I was going for! There's more of the Kelsor Institute product line in Part 6!

Looking forward to it.  Read the first 3 chapters so far.  

I just uploaded Part 5 for admin review, hopefully to get published this Sunday!
Then, there will be one last concluding installment to complete the story.

Will probably have Genesis of the Bih'Zah'Ro as my next story series: government documents from the arch-enemies of the Velorians, who investigate their history, analyze their powers, and make a plan to destroy them! And then, what happens next!
 

Part 6, the conclusion of this story, is written. I'm doing a little more proofreading before I upload it. I got some government paperwork dumped on me, so I don't know if I'll be able to finish and upload in time for this weekend's publication. If not, it will go up next week.

Gubberment always messing the man.  

Looking forward to Chapter six.  

Sarge395 wrote:

Gubberment always messing the man.  

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Looking forward to Chapter six.  
 

This week I hope to put two stories in the queue. Part 6 of Zukenov to finish the story, and also provide the phone booth solution!
And also, part 1 of Genesis of the Bih'Zah'Ro - the war research document of the arch-enemies of the Velorians, pondering the history and powers of the superwomen and how they could triumph over those do-gooder Protectors!

Two stories are in the queue for publication this weekend.

Part 6, the conclusion of Zukenov. Romance at the Oasis. Dinner plates. Why the Emperor was so keen on conquest. The future of phone booths. What happens to the Imperial Flagship, Glorious Hostiliies. New jobs for Evril Fahenti, and for Annabeth and Chan'g.

Part 1 of Genesis of the Bih'Zah'Ro. Enemies of the Velorians investigate the history and science of the Supremis, and what it will take to overcome them so those do-gooder women can't stop their conquest of the galaxy!

I just submitted Part 2 of Genesis of the Bih'Zah'Ro, to the queue for this weekend's publishing. Summary description:Part 2 of the analysis, by the enemies of the Velorian Protectors, about how the superwomens’ flight, eye beams, and other amazing powers are Super Science of Super Genetics and Super Physics, not magic! We also learn more of the Velorian Counter-Intelligence response! We find out why the Igobye Empire has a conquering lust for gold!

This is some good stuff. I love the made up science. Fun and novel.

Genesis Part 3 just went into the review queue.
Description: "We are now creating super-soldiers as living weapons, the most powerful military in the universe! These highly destrucive enhanced men and women will soon let us destroy the superwomen standing in the way of our total conquest of the galaxy – the protective Velorian Supremis, and their genetic offshoot, the cynical (but not as much as us) Aurean Supremis. We will soon conquer Velor, Aurea, and Earth! Our series of detailed military science reports explains exactly how this works. In this third installment, we now turn to reporting our super-soldier development success, as we have identified a stable combination of genetic enhancements for the in-vitro fertilization."

My goals:
1 Within the Aurora Universe comic book pseudo-science, what would it take to have enemies that are a SERIOUS threat to the Velorian Protectors?
2 Amplify that into something that would look really cool with Jack Kirby style Energy Krackles! and Big Science Machines! sprawling across the page.
3 Emphasize the military conquest side, in an intensive burst of MCU style backstory. Setting up for a big Galactic War. All reported in the style of actual military analysis documents.