The Chronicles of Sludge Dragoon – Rattz is a tongue and cheek story about a middle aged and crusty space marine who becomes the key object in a conspiracy that threatens not only humanity, but the galaxy and beyond. It is in a serialized style, with 26 episodes envisioned. I have written six.
I post, in periodic segments, the first episode, more as the readership grows. Here’s the first part:
A Science Fiction saga.
Beginning of Episode One:
Earn a reputation among the Frontier Space Marines and become an invincible big shot. Stub that, it only takes one mistake in the field to end up like any fool, dancing with the reaper, one foot firmly secured in the grave, and the other, only a pint of blood behind.
My ears ring and buzz and drone. It’s crazy. I remember an explosion, a bad one. They’re always bad. My helmet is still in place, but the humming in my head. Why? What happened to my team?
Seconds ago, I’m patrolling this old wreck with my squad. Now, I’m in hellfire. A blast of heat and thunder erupted across my team and left me here in a haystack of wreckage that ensnares my legs. I’m jammed in tight like a nail in wood. Damn, my legs burn, like a swarm of jellyfish wrapping their venom-engorged stingers on every cell of my skin.
I need a plan and decide to assess the area to find the others. Where’s my people, Blasthead, Buzz, Lou, and sweet Carmen. Over the clamor in my head I listen for signs of life, but I hear nothing. I think they’re dead; I’m sure of it, damn it. What dark twist of fate has spared my wretched life and denied me a final communion with my friends? One booby trap has changed everything.
RobArt Penguin 