What happens when, in the face of terrible suffering, the only options that appear to be left are the most desperate ones? What price are you willing to pay for the sake of a life?
I found out when one of Gul Re'jal's stories--The Shadow of the Order--got so deeply under my skin that, afraid the story would end with no solution, a certain scenario wouldn't get out of my head no matter what I did...
These stories are all written and posted with the kind permission of Gul Re'jal, and she has been a wonderful consultant for all of them too, making sure I stay on target with her characters and universe even as I play in her sandbox. This series is also posted with thanks to kes7 at Ad Astra for two writing prompts that served as the impetus to write all of this down.
All stories contain heavy spoilers for Gul Re'jal's The Shadow of the Order. Please read her excellent work first. Please also be sure to read the stories in order.
The spear in the other's heart was the spear in her own--and she could not turn back.
Contains major spoilers for Gul Re'jal's The Shadow of the Order. Please read Shadow first!
A plan born of desperate compassion succeeds--but not everyone can see what is heard deep within.
The continuation to "The Spear in the Other's Heart."
Suddenly he was no longer alone in the void and it was two against the darkness...
The events of "The Spear in the Other's Heart" and "Being Before Seeming," from another point of view.
There is no such thing as a sacrifice without scars.
Twenty-five years ago, Tolkar Saratt made an unthinkable sacrifice in exchange for the life and freedom of his best friend. Now, Ensign Anastasia Ardema has sacrificed for Saratt's sake and finds after the conclusion of the link between them that her sacrifice has not come to an end.
Lieutenant Jeto reflects on the unforeseeable atrocities and sacrifices of the last few days, only to discover some disquieting shifts in perspectives in herself and others.