The Book of Ruth: Finding #Love the Biblical Way {Getting Boaz attention Part III~Approach with confidence}

I will post flash fiction Friday and Saturday. And I will return to the story of Ruth and the search for Love, next Tuesday.

Previous Post:”Part 2~Dressing the Part”

I am a romantic at heart. No, I am not a romance novelist. However, every book that I have written has a romantic element. I am a fan of love. I love seeing happy couples together and cringe when I see unhappy couples tolerating one another—I see that a lot. When I read the book of Ruth, I was fascinated. They actually dated in biblical times. Who knew? Seriously, I read it and I want to share what I learned. I don’t know how long this series will last, but I will keep going until it is done.

The cougar I mention in an earlier post has an easier job approaching a guy with confidence. She got it figured out and experience is an excellent teacher. That is why it was important for Ruth to listen to Naomi.  And why it is important for us to study Ruth for the wisdom it brings.

Now, those I call the sheep have it a little harder than the cougar. They are the ones who do very little to appear alluring. Either because they don’t want to or they don’t know how. They lack the confidence that comes with a man’s jaw dropping when they walk in the room. There are exceptions; some sheep are blessed with a beauty and physicality that is hard to hide.

I am partial to the sheep. Not because I am that great of a man, but simply because I like the mystery of the sheep. No offense to the cougar-type, but the mystery is sexier than the known. Moreover, when you are wearing the tightest, shortest, and sheerest outfit—it does not leave a lot to the imagination.

But there is such thing as too much mystery.

So far, we have talked about what is on the outside instead of what is on the inside. What I think could serve the sheep is having the confidence that the cougar has. The feeling that comes with knowing that you can make a man injure his neck when you walk by. Moreover, you don’t have to dress like Miss America, but you need to carry yourself with that kind confidence.

Why?

Because it is attractive. Low confidence doesn’t attract Boaz types. It attracts predators.   

Next Post: How to gain confidence

Please, feel free to comment below and follow me on Google and Twitter @ Frank_D_Rogers or request friendship on Facebook.  For more information about me and my debut Sci-fi novel, click on the link in “about me.”

The Book of Ruth: Finding #Love the Biblical Way {Getting Boaz attention Part II~Dressing the Part}

Previous Post:”Part 1~Live and Learn ”

I am a romantic at heart. No, I am not a romance novelist. However, every book that I have written has a romantic element. I am a fan of love. I love seeing happy couples together and cringe when I see unhappy couples tolerating one another—I see that a lot. When I read the book of Ruth, I was fascinated. They actually dated in biblical times. Who knew? Seriously, I read it and I want to share what I learned. I don’t know how long this series will last, but I will keep going until it is done.

Okay, here is the part where I tell you to dress like Mother Teresa and you will get the kind of man you want—which of course is just not true. What man looks at Mother Teresa and thinks sexy? Someone with an oedipal complex?

Actually, I will tell you what I tell everyone about life in general. You have to find balance. Dress your age is another way of looking at it. But just because you are a in your early thirties and a mother doesn’t mean you can dress like Kim Kardashian or Beyoncé’. Consider this; it is their job to look like that, so there is a considerable amount of time that they can devote to looking like a movie star. They have time and money to put toward the effort. 

You may not have either.

Nor does it mean that you should dress like the mother's of your church or the P.E. coach. 

There is something to be learned from the “cougar.” A cougar is a woman of age who seeks to date younger men. You will know them by their dress. They tend to dress the part of a sultry woman. Moreover, in some cases you can’t even tell their age. They have wisdom on their side too. They will exercise enough. Eat right enough. And whatever “enough” doesn’t take care of, they will use makeup, girdle, and more underwear that lifts. She does a good job appearing as vibrant as possible, because she knows with men, the initial attraction is half the work. Once we {men} have made up in our mind that a woman is beautiful, very little can change that. She could wake up next to us one morning with all of that gone. No support anywhere and we will still find her as attractive as ever.

Yeah, I know you don’t believe that.

We are such visual creatures how could we maintain our interest if you don’t live up to an image. That is true for the truly shallow man. However, we are not all shallow and even though this series is not about maintaining a relationship, I will say something about it. When men lose interest, it isn’t always because the woman’s body changed. In most cases, it is because something else changes. Something with us, at work, stress overwhelming our minds. However, if it is you—which is possible—it’s because you don’t do the things that you use to do. Or he has grown and you aren’t growing. Or vice versa.

Anyway, my point is that the initial attraction is very important.

See all human beings are sexual beings. Some, more so than others. However, your dress should be the kind of dress that would attract the kind of man you want. If you dress as if you are easy, there is no way a Boaz type is going to date you. I mean seriously. His first thought might be “wow” but his second thought will be how many partners has she had? Third thought: does she have an STD?

I am telling you that it is okay to dress sexy but you have to find a balance between sexy and wholesome. I am no fashion expert, so outside of saying find your balance, and dress your age. I will say never let your style be louder than your personality. Show him that you are more than a big butt and a smile.  

Next Post: Approach with confidence.

Please, feel free to comment below and follow me on Google and Twitter @ Frank_D_Rogers or request friendship on Facebook.  For more information about me and my debut Sci-fi novel, click on the link in “about me.”  

The Book of Ruth: Finding #Love the Biblical Way {Getting Boaz attention Part I~Live and learn}

Previous Post:”Part VI~Diet Boaz ”

I am a romantic at heart. No, I am not a romance novelist. However, every book that I have written has a romantic element. I am a fan of love. I love seeing happy couples together and cringe when I see unhappy couples tolerating one another—I see that a lot. When I read the book of Ruth, I was fascinated. They actually dated in biblical times. Who knew? Seriously, I read it and I want to share what I learned. I don’t know how long this series will last, but I will keep going until it is done.

Ladies. I have something to tell you. It is not your fault. Well it is not completely your fault. If you think back to the beginning of Christian history when Eve took a bite out of an apple just because some serpent saw that she was thoughtful and use that to manipulate her. Adam played his part too, but Eve catches much of the blame.

When you are “seeking” Boaz and you are having a tough time finding him or getting to know him, it’s probably not your fault. On some level, I am inclined to say that your Boaz is just ignorant. Not dumb, but perhaps too ignorant to realize that the one for him is right there in front of him.

If we consider Ruth.  Boaz noticed her, but he noticed her as a wonderful woman—not a potential mate. Shame on Boaz for lacking the insight and perhaps the aggression to get his Ruth, but fortunately Ruth was a winner and Naomi was wise. See the world doesn’t adapt to people, people adapt to the world. Well at least that is what winners do. That is the wisdom that Naomi gave Ruth, we have to adapt or we lose.

Part of adapting is to live the part of the Ruth in hyou. I am not saying to be the type person who is fake in every way you can think of. I am only saying that within you is the kind of woman that men can’t help but notice and you have to let her come on out. You have to walk, talk and live the part of a woman, that any man would be lucky to be with and somehow remain humble. It is a dichotomy in that you have to draw on something that seems polar opposite. You have to be hot and cool at the same time. Portray yourself as a Hollywood beauty while acting with a church girl sensibility.

It sounds impossible, and there are forces both seen and unseen that want you to fail. But there is an even greater force that is on your side and you have to have confidence and faith that it will be all right. In other words, where there is a will there is a way. You may not see it but you can be a sexy siren as well as saved and sanctified. The two doesn’t have to be separate. That is the thought of people who lack the ability to adapt. All they see is what is impossible, while most of us have strong enough faith to overcome the impossible.   

Next Post:  Dressing the part

Please, feel free to comment below and follow me on Google and Twitter @ Frank_D_Rogers or request friendship on Facebook.  For more information about me and my debut Sci-fi novel, click on the link in “about me.”

The Book of Ruth: Finding #Love the Biblical Way {Finding Boaz Part VI~Diet Boaz}

Previous Post:”Part V~Teasing ”

I am a romantic at heart. No, I am not a romance novelist. However, every book that I have written has a romantic element. I am a fan of love. I love seeing happy couples together and cringe when I see unhappy couples tolerating one another—I see that a lot. When I read the book of Ruth, I was fascinated. They actually dated in biblical times. Who knew? Seriously, I read it and I want to share what I learned. I don’t know how long this series will last, but I will keep going until it is done.

I had a friend from my college year who was a definite Ruth type. She was one of those special women who recognize that she can balance getting an education and finding a suitable mate. However, she met several good guys but it didn’t quite work out. After talking to her…well actually, I was listening to her. An important skill to have, but man could this girl talk and talk and talk…

Anyway, I realized that she had a Diet Boaz. A Diet Boaz is a pseudo Boaz. No different from a diet soft drink in that the outside looks similar to the real thing, the inside has a similar taste to the real thing but it was not the real thing. We often drink diet soda because we believe that it is as good as the real thing. But that is hardly the case. A Diet Boaz is a surrogate boyfriend.

We have all had surrogates. Someone willing to complete the duties of the real deal without any attachments—what’s worse is that the both of you are satisfied with what little you give one another. In addition, you have no desire to make a real relationship work, because a real relationship is…work.

You two are happy giving each other only a piece of your heart because you don’t want to put in the work. But are you truly happy? Is your diet drink truly happy? What if Diet Boaz decides that he wants to have more in his life? Do you realize how easy it is to walk away when you are simply a substitute?

Let me tell you something about men.

Yes, we tend to walk away seemingly faster than women do. But that is only true if we are not in love. In truth, and I am willing to bet that there is data to support this, men fall in love harder than women.  It sounds unbelievable but it has been my observation that we have a harder time letting go. But I also believe that we can walk away faster when we believe that we can do better. When Diet Boaz doesn’t want to be Diet Boaz anymore he will seek out the real deal, which means he will drop his Diet Ruth to search for his actual Ruth.

Next Post: Getting Boaz’s attention

Please, feel free to comment below and follow me on Google and Twitter @ Frank_D_Rogers or request friendship on Facebook.  For more information about me and my debut Sci-fi novel, click on the link in my bio.

The Book of Ruth: Finding #Love the Biblical Way {Finding Boaz Part V~Tease}

Previous Post:”Part IV~Casting Bread ”

I am a romantic at heart. No, I am not a romance novelist. However, every book that I have written has a romantic element. I am a fan of love. I love seeing happy couples together and cringe when I see unhappy couples tolerating one another—I see that a lot. When I read the book of Ruth, I was fascinated. They actually dated in biblical times. Who knew? Seriously, I read it and I want to share what I learned. I don’t know how long this series will last, but I will keep going until it is done.  

Most of my posts apply just as much to men as women. It sounds odd to consider a male as a Ruth-type and a female as a Boaz-type. I hope that you have read the bible well enough to know that Ruth’s decision making was heavily influenced by the fact that she was a woman in a strange land.

However in this day and age, we recognize that men and women actually share similarities. Yes, that idea that men are from Mars and women from Venus sold a lot of books, but the fact of the matter is that both men and women are from Earth.

Yet, there are some things that apply to women that do not apply to men and vice versa. One such thing that applies because of the nature of society is labeling women as a tease or a flirt. Many women of high standards and status wonder what to do if people label them as a tease…or worse.

My answer: “Who cares?”

I don’t wish to cause another Christian to stumble, but I can’t live my life based upon what other people want or feel and I don’t expect you to do so either. I know that it is natural to care deeply about what others think of you. There is a time and a place for that, but in the end when you go home and look in the mirror you are looking at the one person who has no choice but to live with the decisions you make.

So your business is your business.

A lot of things you do are between you and God. That’s why it is okay that sometimes you shouldn’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Sometimes the left-hand just doesn’t need to know. If you have a coffee date with Jim on Wednesday, that is fine. If Kwame, who has a little girl that he gets on the weekend wants your little girls to meet at the park for a play date—that is fine too. You are not doing anything wrong. If Jim inquires about your weekend, tell him the truth. Don’t make it out to be more than what it is. Don’t build your relationship on lies. If you have to lie, then obviously you two have more going on than meets the eye. If not, just tell him that you and a male friend have set up a play date for both of your girls.

Now, if you are apprehensive about doing this, then I am going to assume that you and your guy have moved from the “friend” zone to “more than friends” zone. If that is the case than you shouldn’t see anyone else until you have determined that there is no viable reason to pursue this relationship.

Also another reason why the silent treatment is a good thing is because your budding relationship may not work out. But you have told your friends, sisters, and parents about this wonderful relationship. Now, they bring up your relationship every time they see you.

What happens, when you have a rough patch in your ill-defined relationship? You know that place between friends and lovers that confuses all of us? This will only add to your misery….

Do yourself a favor and just shut up…seriously.

Now admittedly, I know men and women who can’t hold water. They have to tell anyone who will listen, a play by play analysis of their life. I am shaking my head right now, because a person like that is like the gunslinger that had a habit of scratching his head with a loaded gun. I mean it may not be a problem, but it is a really bad idea. And of course, habits are difficult to break. I don’t think it is necessary to discuss what happened to the gunslinger….

Again, I can sum this post up in a few sentences. People take a little information and make huge assumptions. So, my solution? Don’t give them even a little information. Your business is your business. And when that doesn’t work—because people will believe what they want to believe—then don’t let what they believe prevent you from having what you believe you can achieve.

Next Post: When you meet Diet Boaz

Please, feel free to comment below and follow me on Google and Twitter @ Frank_D_Rogers or request friendship on Facebook.  For more information about me and my debut Sci-fi novel, click on the link in my "About Me" section.

The Book of Ruth: Finding #Love the Biblical Way {Finding Boaz Part IV}

Previous Post: "Part III ~ Insecurities.”

I am a romantic at heart. No, I am not a romance novelist. However, every book that I have written has a romantic element. I am a fan of love. I love seeing happy couples together and cringe when I see unhappy couples tolerating one another—I see that a lot. When I read the book of Ruth, I was fascinated. They actually dated in biblical times. Who knew? Seriously, I read it and I want to share what I learned. I don’t know how long this series will last, but I will keep going until it is done.   

The Bible says cast your bread on many waters and surely it will return to you. It is a life principle found in proverbs, a great book of wisdom. If you give love, than surely you will receive it. As a mathematician, I can see the logic behind this principle. If you have the time and money, you are destined to win the lottery, buying a million tickets may not be enough but it is possible.

Now, I am not suggesting in any shape, form or fashion that you get “involved” with multiple men or women. However, there is nothing wrong with going to a coffee shop as friends. You may find that keeping an open mind, gives you multiple options. The pianist at your local church, cashier at the corner store, co-worker or your nephew’s teacher is all viable friends at the very least. Get to know them—evaluate them.

Yes, evaluate.

I evaluated all of my dates; it’s like a running total that I calculate as we talk. Sense of humor. Likes to read. Not very nice to the server—red flag. Yes, how she treats other people is an indication of how she will treat me when she is mad at me.

I had to learn that the hard way.

In your evaluation, it is not a good idea to be overly critical. Some things that you feel or horrible may not be horrible at all. He does not own a house; he stays in a studio apartment. He may be thinking there is no point in getting a house until he has someone to share it with. He drives an old car, even though he has a good job. You may think cheap, but I see loyalty. He is willing to keep that car around despite the fact that it doesn’t look like it use too….

Now back to my original point, dating is like the lottery. You date enough and you will meet Boaz. Of course, if you are a guy and you have dated let’s say, several women in the past two months, you look like a guitar hero. However, if you are a woman and have dated several men in the past two months, sex or not—you look easy.

It is a terrible double standard, but it doesn’t have to limit you.

You avoid the limitation by redefining the parameters of dating. Dating doesn’t have to be a relationship starter. It could be a fun time between two interested and interesting people. A lunch date here. An ice cream date there. All very harmless. Besides, as a woman, you have an insight that men lack. I am willing to bet money that you know if you want to see this man again in the first five minutes. Next time we will look at the fear of being labeled.

Next post: Labeled a Tease will post Tuesday.

The Book of Ruth: Finding #Love the Biblical Way {Finding Boaz Part III~Insecurities}

 Previous Post:”Part II…Going where Boaz goes.”

I am a romantic at heart. No, I am not a romance novelist. However, every book that I have written has a romantic element. I am a fan of love. I love seeing happy couples together and cringe when I see unhappy couples tolerating one another—I see that a lot. When I read the book of Ruth, I was fascinated. They actually dated in biblical times. Who knew? Seriously, I read it and I want to share what I learned. I don’t know how long this series will last, but I will keep going until it is done.

I have met beautiful women in convenient stores, at the gas stations, random associates’ house, and on the internet. I formed decently long relationships with each one. I believed that they were all good quality people and would have made excellent wives, but in the end we didn’t want the same thing. I have always been goal oriented and believe it or not, even women have commitment issues…. In truth, we just weren’t at the same place in life.

Other than that, I could point to myself, and say that I had Boaz qualities, but there was still plenty of room to grow.

At any rate, they were all aggressive in their own way, either initiating contact or being opened to my initiation. And like Boaz I wondered, why in the world this beautiful, exotic looking woman was even giving me the time of day. Yes, I had insecurities too. But I didn’t let my insecurities hold me back. This is something you should consider too. Keep your insecurities in check when you meet Boaz. It is a turn off.

Wearing your insecurities on your sleeve is like putting a cracked vase on the coffee table in the center of your new living room set. It just doesn’t belong there. Boaz is going to accept your cracks, but not as soon as he meets you. He needs time to digest the situation. Frankly, he will put his best foot forward, because he knows that he is not perfect and he doesn’t expect you to be perfect either. The problem is that it is just unfair to place a heavy burden on anyone you just met. You will have to address certain issues, eventually—some sooner than later.

You have two [or more] children.

You have a huge college loan—that’s no one’s business until you’ve had a few dates and you can see a relationship in the future. FYI, if both of you have financial issues—it is an issue that has to be addressed and can pretty much kill most relationship.

A physical issue, like if you have six toes or something…. Boaz may surprise you about his acceptance. But you have to address this…eventually.

Seriously. How would you hide that sixth toe?

Anyway, I say play it by ear. And do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

All these scenarios may be a reason for insecurity, but insecurity, fear, and most negative emotions are a matter of perspective. Your future spouse may love children, see a college loan as a good debt, and a physical issue as another aspect of your beauty.

Besides, he will have some issues too.

Next post will post in 48 hours

The Book of Ruth: Finding #Love The Biblical Way {Finding Boaz Part II}

Previous Post:  ”Why take an active role in finding Boaz.”

I am a romantic at heart. No, I am not a romance novelist. However, every book that I have written has a romantic element. I am a fan of love. I love seeing happy couples together and cringe when I see unhappy couples tolerating one another—I see that a lot. When I read the book of Ruth, I was fascinated. They actually dated in biblical times. Who knew? Seriously, I read it and I want to share what I learned. I don’t know how long this series will last, but I will keep going until it is done.

Today we are looking at some of things you will need to do to find Boaz.

If we look at Ruth, as far as we know initially, she didn’t search for Boaz. It took some coaxing on Naomi’s part—not unlike what I am doing here.

Ruth eventually went to the place where she would find her future husband—in the field. Fortunately you don’t have to start a garden or work in one to find your other half, but the idea is the same. If you want to meet Boaz, you will have to go to the place where he would be. Boaz is a creature of habit, no two Boaz-types are alike, but they will share some similarities.

Boaz will be a working man. So the work place is not a bad choice, but of course you will need to be careful. Some employers have an issue with office romance and even I don’t think office romance is a great idea. The young version of me wouldn’t care. But the older version of me, recognize how important it is to have peace at the work place.

Could you imagine if you date/work with some insecure fool and you broke it off? Every day would be a Monday.

But if there is something speaking to your heart and you feel that something is right. Then go for it. I would rather make a mistake and learn from it, then never try and always wonder….

At any rate, Boaz was a working man, but he was also a well versed man. He knew the law of his people and was very knowledgeable of the running of his farm. He was also curious and informed. For the modern Boaz that translates into a person of intelligence. In addition to knowing a great deal about the word of God, Boaz had knowledge of the law and his occupation.

Why is this important?

Well, chances are you will have to go where a man who knows a great deal about God and is knowledgeable. You may have to try new things, and that can be absolutely fun. In fact, that is the way you should view your dating journey. No matter what happens, you won’t have any regrets. Be daring and have faith.

People have been told that having faith is like walking off a cliff. Basically something only an insane person would do. But it is nothing like that. A person who has a particularly good severance pay has what you would call a golden parachute. They could literally take high risk actions that produced high rewards. But the risk to them is the job loss, but the severance pay guarantees a huge payout.

But as a person of faith, you have an automatic spiritual parachute. You KNOW that even if you fall, you have a spiritual parachute right there to catch you and lift you up higher. So why not try?

Next post: Insecurities   

The Book of Ruth: Finding #Love The Biblical Way {Finding Boaz Part I}

Previous Post:  ”Boaz, the good man”

I am a romantic at heart. No, I am not a romance novelist. However, every book that I have written has a romantic element. I am a fan of love. I love seeing happy couples together and cringe when I see unhappy couples tolerating one another—I see that a lot. When I read the book of Ruth, I was fascinated. They actually dated in biblical times. Who knew? Seriously, I read it and I want to share what I learned. I don’t know how long this series will last, but I will keep going until it is done.

Finding Boaz may seem as hard as finding Waldo or Carmen San Diego, but it really isn’t that hard. The Bible says that a man that finds a wife finds a good thing. So Boaz is looking for you. The probably is that Boaz has less of a clue about finding you than you do about finding him.

Oddly enough, you may have already met Boaz, but circumstances made you two passing ships in the night. Sorry for the cliché. Two ways to look at this, you may come across your Boaz again or you may find another. There is more than one Boaz in the sea—but watch out for the sharks. That’s why you have to WATCH and PRAY. I am a living witness that prayer will change things. I have had prayers that I have given up on, but God never forgot my prayer. He answered it on his time schedule—which just so happened to be the perfect time for me.

Now I am not one to suggest prayer without action. I think the action is very important, but in this post, that is the only action I am going to ask you to do—well pray, don’t doubt and don’t give-up.

Faith is key.

But I wanted to address in this post a question you may ask yourself. “Why do I need to do anything? Shouldn’t my man find me?” You are single, sexy and satisfied. You are right to believe that any man would be lucky to have you. There is nothing wrong with thinking that way .But to be honest, it is inefficient and an illogical way of finding love.

Yes, there is a place for logic in love.

Anyway, most of the women that I have come across who felt this way, ironically lacked confidence. They were using that as an excuse to mask their fear of approaching a man. One of the most confident and beautiful women I have ever met, approached me.  She had a lioness’ aggression. It was subtle and powerful.

I don’t want to give you the impression that you have to become ultra-aggressive, but there is room for aggression.  See the battlefield has changed and so has the rules. There has always been a place for aggression but it has to be used in its proper place. Those who think that it is fundamentally wrong to roll up their sleeves and get busy, end up alone.

I am ending the post here, but I will be back Tuesday.

Next Post: Part II ~What to do to find Boaz  

#ShortStory: The Chronicles of Free & Stryker {The Suit Episode 7}

In the year 2304, sentient androids enslaved mankind, as well as many other humanoids throughout the galaxy. Over the centuries, pockets of resistance rose to oppose them. These are the chronicles of one such team, who even in the face of impossible odds, fight to free the galaxy.

Stryker sat right in front of Jacks. In front and to the left of Stryker, stood one of the guards—a free human who fell asleep periodically. Free sat in the stand and testified for and against Jacks. Testifying that in the heat of the situation that Jacks attempted to kill him. But that it was Vira, who believed that Jacks acted in what he thought was the best interest of the mission. Vira’s words weighed heavily, she was a hero who fought bravely to not only complete the mission but to protect her friends. Free was honor bound to repeat what Vira said. Stryker was not, and gave him a scathing report.

The Tribunal deliberated for three hours before coming back with a verdict.

“We have come to the conclusion that, Jacks acted to contribute to the success of the mission,” Judge Te said. His large head loomed over the courtroom. He was telepathic and all of his fingers lit up when he used his powers. Thankfully, his fingers were dim; otherwise, he would have heard several insults thrown at him. Te held up his hand. “But we will find him guilty of attempted manslaughter.”

Stryker celebrated on the inside.

“He will lose all rights of lawful citizens and serve one-hundred and fifty years in a Nu Droid prison without possibility of parole.”

Jacks stood up. “This is outrageous! I have served you faithfully for fifty years. How could you take their word over mine?”

“Sit down, Jacks,” the judge said.

“No. You sit down.” He turned to Stryker. “This is your fault!”

He ran toward Stryker. Stryker reached for the guards gun with his left hand, pulled it out as smooth as water and shot out Jacks’s knees. Jacks fell forward and slid to the guard’s feet. Stryker spun the gun and put it back into the guard’s holster. 

Free slowly walked over. He looked down upon Jacks. “I told you so,” he said.

In the circular transport, Stryker stared at the ceiling’s twisted metal pattern.

“What’s wrong?” Fee asked.

“Don’t you think that this was all a little strange? What were the Droids after? Two covert teams? For what purpose?”

“You think they were after me?”

“All of your abilities are confidential for a reason,” Stryker said.

“And what if I am not the member of Squad 13 the Droids want?”

“What? You think it is me? I don’t even have a sixth sense.”

“And yet, you are the only living creature that can pilot the slipstream with ninety percent accuracy. That makes you very valuable.”

“I never thought of that…. Eh, well I got a new suit out of it. I am going to make some more modifications. It doesn’t matter if they are coming for me or you—I won’t make it easy.”

 The transport stopped and the two men walked with a purpose to the engineering section. Inside they found the engineers working on the engine of the space station. They walked past a junk area of sort. Sometimes people would come by and get used parts if they wanted to save a credit or two. Free stopped and paid his respect. Some of those parts belonged to Nu Droids and Cyborgs. They didn’t always bury their dead.

Once they past the junk area, they came to a white room with a medical bed in the center of it. A white sheet covered the bed. Under the white sheet, a body lay. Free sat at the head. Stryker stayed at the foot of the bed, unwilling to look at the diagnostic. There were no machines attached to the body to indicate that it was still alive.

Free pulled the covers back to reveal the head of Vira. Her soft brown eyes stared at the ceiling. Free looked down and pinched his nose. He then placed his hands on her eyes and closed them. “You were right, you are not human, but you are not bad either.”

Her eyes popped open. “Does that mean we have a date?” Free hopped back and looked to Stryker. Stryker shrugged and looked at him. “Free? Are you still there?”

“Yes. Are you…okay?”

“Yes. Without access to the great machine on Tek Nos, it will take some time before all of my systems are online. The engineers will repair me manually. Right now, my brain is online, but I can’t see, can’t smell, can’t move... can’t even pick up radio signals. I don’t know the words to express how happy I am that you came to see me. I wish I could show you—well you see the shape I am in. The spirit is willing but the flesh is non-operational.”

“Vira,” Free said. “You talk too much. All I asked was if you were okay… and Stryker is here.”

            “Oh…awkward. Hi Stryker.”

“Hi Vira. I am glad you are okay. And Free may not tell you, but he is glad that you are okay too.”

            “Yeah…about that date thing,” Free said.

“If you don’t want to do it,” Vira said. “I understand.”

“Well, I would like to paint Frazier’s comet as it flies past Omicron-1, they says that it happens only once every four thousand years, so I was kind of hoping that you could go with me if you are repaired by then.” Free slapped his forehead and rubbed his hands through his wool-textured hair. “I know it sounds incredibly boring, but it was the first thing that came to mind.”

“Oh, no. I mean yes. That is a lovely idea. I would love to go.”

The End

 

We will return to Ruth and Boaz next week. Look for “The Date” to be posted next month.

Please, feel free to comment below and follow me on Google and Twitter @ Frank_D_Rogers. For more information about my debut Sci-fi novel, click Here.

#ShortStory: The Chronicles of Free & Stryker {The Suit Episode 6}

In the year 2304, sentient androids enslaved mankind, as well as many other humanoids throughout the galaxy. Over the centuries, pockets of resistance rose to oppose them. These are the chronicles of one such team, who even in the face of impossible odds, fight to free the galaxy.

 

She ran in, turning herself into a moving target. Stryker followed her in, going in the opposite direction as they concentrated their fire on her. He blasted the guns right out of their hands. “Surrender or I aim for your head next.” The two of them stood up. He gestured and they moved away from the equipment. “Agent Vira, are you okay?”

Vira dropped down to her knees. “I will need repairs immediately.” She fell face forward.

“Vira! Stay with me!” She remained motionless on the floor. He turned to the remaining crewmembers. “Which one of you is Magu?”

“I—I am,” an android said in the far corner.

“Are you the one who contacted the United Planets?”

“Yes, but I was told to do so by my commanding officer.”

“So you set us up.”

“If you kill all of us you won’t survive, the organic component has been disabled and you are surrounded. So just give up.”

“Whatever.” Stryker took several more shots decapitating the remaining androids.

“All is lost,” Vira said.

“Glad that you are still with us,” Stryker said. He walked to the controls and opened his facemask. His suit powered down. “Do me a favor. Don’t die and shoot anyone that comes through the door.”

The door opened.

“I would rather not shoot him,” Vira said.

Stryker turned around. Free walked through, his clothes ragged, but he was unhurt. “What’s the situation?”

“Bout as bad as it can get,” Stryker said. “We walked right into a trap.”

“Okay, so let’s just walk back out.”

“Working on it.” Stryker turned around and adjusted the controls.

“What happened to you?” Free asked.

“I was shot…a lot,” Vira said.

“Can you make it until we get back?”

“I am not a soldier; it takes a lot less to kill me.”

“Hang on,” Stryker said. “I need to move us to a good jump point.”

“Jump point? Magu said that the organic component was destroyed,” Vira said. “Did he lie?”

“No,” Stryker said. “I am jumping manually.”

“But we could end up lost forever or at the heart of a sun!” Vira coughed. Her voice sounded less organic.

“Don’t worry,” Free said. “Stryker is the best pilot I know.”

“The best pilot anyone knows.”

“He has a ninety percent success rate,” Free said. “A hundred percent when we use my sixth sense.”

“That is remarkable, but that is a ten percent chance that we will miss our destination.”

“A risk worth taking.”

“Either way, I don’t think that I will make it,” Vira said.

Escort ships fired upon them as the broke away.  The ship rocked gently and the shields dropped five percent. “We don’t believe in giving up,” Free said. The familiar sound of Free’s blades caught Stryker off guard. Free cut her top uniform away and studied her wounds. Stryker turned his eyes back to the screen in front of him. Now was not the time to be distracted.

“What are you doing?” Vira asked.

“Trying to save you.”

“Free…all Droids aren’t bad, despite what happened today. Jacks has his CPU in the right place, but he will do anything to complete a mission. That doesn’t excuse what he did, but if I am not able to speak as a character witness at his tribunal….”

“I know that it is a human concept, but you should try having faith.”

“My people have faith…. Hey, when we survive this, how about I take you out? I know that I am not human. But I am not bad, not bad, not bad, not bad, not bad.”

Her loop stopped.

Stryker’s heart stopped. He wanted to ask but couldn’t find the words. “Preparing to jump…” He pressed the initiation button and opened a jump point. Stryker dived in. Left. Right. Up. Straight. Loop left. Straight. Left. He followed his heart through the swirling tunnels. Hoping. Praying that when they came out on the other end, they would be somewhere safe.

How long did they travel? Minutes? Hours? All he knew was that he was growing tired. His adrenaline had long gone and his heart was broken. When they came out on the other end, he immediately checked his instruments. “We—we made it. We are in the Delta Quadrant!” He raised his hands and turned around to see Free cradling Vira’s limp body. Stryker lowered his arms. “Is she?”

“I rerouted her systems, but they all failed. The last one failed shortly after you entered into the slipstream.”

“I—I will signal for help.”

“You know, when I first saw her, I saw only a bunch of wires and metals. Not too different from me, but without an organic heart or brain. But if that is all she is why do I feel….”

“Help is on the way buddy. We don’t have to give up. We can both have a little faith.”

Next Episode will post soon.

Please, feel free to comment below and follow me on Google and Twitter @ Frank_D_Rogers. For more information about my debut Sci-fi novel, click Here.

 

#ShortStory: The Chronicles of Free & Stryker {The Suit Episode 5}

In the year 2304, sentient androids enslaved mankind, as well as many other humanoids throughout the galaxy. Over the centuries, pockets of resistance rose to oppose them. These are the chronicles of one such team, who even in the face of impossible odds, fight to free the galaxy.

  

The Transference ship was ten light years outside of Tek Nos. The T-ship would make another jump soon, so it was now or never. Stryker flew the ship into the direct path of the T-ship. It was bigger than any he had ever seen. It looked like a huge dragonfly in space. “Hey, Free, I am about to hail the ship.”

“Go for it.”

“Ship of Transference, the organic brain controlling our slipstream drive burned out just a moment ago. We request to be towed.” Stryker waited for an answer.

“Position yourself at the following coordinates.”

“Acknowledged,” Stryker said. He pressed the intercom. “You guys got that?”

“Yes,” Free said. “As soon as you are in position get down to the docking bay.”

“Okay.”

In the docking bay, Stryker quickly put on his personal shuttle pack and followed the team outside. Fortunately, the shuttle packs were capable of keeping up with a small shuttle in short burst. Once they landed on the T-ship, they grabbed a ladder, climbed fifty rungs, and opened a hatch.

 So far, all of the information was good.

Free took point. Stryker followed them into the hatch, on the other side; he found his team surrounded by two-dozen android guards.

Stryker’s face drained when Jacks pulled out a blaster and placed it to Free’s head and pull the trigger. Free fell forward and lay motionless. Jacks shot him in the back three more times and held his hands up. “I am on your side. I am Jacks of the Nu Droids. I seek asylum.”

Vira raised her hands. “How could you?”

Free’s hands turned from a deep bronze to a gold metallic color, the wounds on his back and head disappeared. Stryker tapped his thumb and pinky finger. Hidden compartments in his forearm opened up and his blasters shot forward. He grasped the blasters and fired into the crowd of Droids; Vira grabbed the nearest guard, just as Free spun up and removed a guards head with his Vibraxian blades. In less than five seconds, the only bodies standing were squad seven and squad thirteen. Free withdrew his two middle blades and thrust his fist toward Jacks’ neck. His thrust pinned Jacks against the wall; trapping his neck between the two outer blades. “You have one second to explain.”

“I was going to gain their confidence and complete the mission.”

Claxons blared.

“I don’t know if you are telling the truth or not,” Free said. He popped the two blades in the middle and twisted his fist. Jacks head rolled to the floor. “But you can help complete the mission by staying here and keeping watch.”

Stryker turned to Vira and pointed his gun. “What’s going on?”

“I have no idea,” Vira said. “You have to believe me, I would never hurt Free. Even if I had known that he could survive, I would not have jeopardized the mission by injuring him.”

“His intent wasn’t to injure. He aimed for my spine,” Free said. “Let her go. We will need her help.”

Stryker lowered his gun. “Don’t try anything.”

She ran to Free. “Let me check your wounds, if you are too damaged, I will take…point…. What happened to your wounds? You regenerated?”

“Stay behind me,” Free said. “I got point, but Stryker don’t be afraid to outpace me.”

“Got you covered.”

“Vira stay close.”

Free’s knowledge of T-ships allowed them to navigate the quickest path to the bridge. On the way there, they passed through the frozen storage, a cascade of cryogenic tombs for organic life. Life forms that even Stryker had never seen before.

They used precision attacks, when they met the opposition. Some of the soldiers went down with one shot to their upper spine. Others needed their head removed. The sentient tanks were the hardest to stop. They had neither a spine nor an off switch. In fact, they weren’t even androids, they were essentially cyborgs. Brains attached to heavy machinery and forced to do work. They outnumbered the three of them two to one.

“Get to the bridge,” Free said. “I will take care of this.”

“I am not leaving you behind,” Vira said.

“Come on,” Stryker said, “trust me, he can handle it.”

Free picked up one of the tanks and threw it upon the other.

“You would just get in the way,” Stryker said.

Free fired a laser blast out of his left palm and cut one of the tank’s legs. He then used his new toy to beat the tank down.

Vira slowly turned away and followed Stryker. They pulled the sliding door to the bridge open. Two of the officers fired at them. “Don’t fire back,” Stryker said. “We need all of the equipment intact!”

“Well we can’t just sit here!”

“I am open to suggestions.”

She looked down. “If you are as good as they say you are,” she said as she lifted her head, “you can take them out without getting me killed.”

“Wait, what are you about to do?”

Next Episode  will post within 48 hours

Please, feel free to comment below and follow me on Google and Twitter @ Frank_D_Rogers. For more information about my debut Sci-fi novel, click Here.

#ShortStory: The Chronicles of Free & Stryker {The Suit Episode 4}

In the year 2304, sentient androids enslaved mankind, as well as many other humanoids throughout the galaxy. Over the centuries, pockets of resistance rose to oppose them. These are the chronicles of one such team, who even in the face of impossible odds, fight to free the galaxy.

Stryker placed the suit on. It came with a pair of black pants and boots for effect. The top was a metallic black and white scheme, which included a white face piece. The face piece had sensors for eyes, a dent to simulate a nose and a voice enhancer. He slammed the face piece down and the suit activated. He breathed deeply, took a step gingerly and then broke into a full run. He stopped just short of the docking bay doors and turned around. How fast had he run?

“How does it feel to be in one of our skins?”

Stryker turned around. “Vira. This is no different than wearing body armor.”

“Oh, really? And where do you think the command center got the technology?”

“You know what? I don’t care; I need to get use to this thing.”

“I agree, that you need training,” she said. “Let’s spar.”

Stryker pointed. “You and me?”

“Sure, everyone knows that you are a highly skilled fighter, for a human. I am a service class Nu Droid. Surely you can handle me.” She moved into a stance and gestured, welcoming him to advance. He walked toward her. She lashed out. “I noticed that Free only speaks to us when he is giving orders and when you speak it is with obvious contempt.”

“Really?” Stryker blocked her kick. “I hadn’t noticed.”

She followed with a chain of punches, all of which, Stryker blocked. “Well I have. I try to understand but, in my opinion, this decreases the possibility of a successful mission.”

“Free’s plan will work as long as we are on the same page.”

“And how can we be on the same page if we don’t communicate?” She swiped his feet, knocking him down to the floor.

He kicked flipped to his feet. “Good move.”

“Thank you.” She kicked him in his chest. And he fell back to the floor. “What do you have against us?”

Stryker lay on the floor. “Maybe it is because every time I look at you, all I see is the Droids who enslaved my people.”

“So you think that we are all the same?”

Stryker sat up and crossed his legs. “No. But how are you guys so different? You lack a respect for life. You kill to accomplish your mission. And the resistance turns a blind eye because you get the job done. But that’s not what we are about. We respect life. Even if we hated you, we wouldn’t take your life because of it.”

“You think that we kill because we don’t respect life?”

“Yeah, what do you call it?”

“I call it trying to survive. Have you read our mission files? You haven’t because you don’t have access to it. You base your beliefs on the numbers, but sometimes numbers lie.”

“Numbers never lie.”

She reached out her hand. “I guess we should agree to disagree. But I assure you that I regret every life taken in the name of freedom.”

Stryker accepted her help. “What about your partner?”

“He—”

“What’s going on here?”

Stryker turned to Jacks. “Nothing, we were just sparring.”

“Sparring? You would spar with a gynoid. She is not even fighter class. Pathetic.” Jacks closed the distance and grabbed Stryker’s arm. “Perhaps you should battle a warrior.”

“Jacks don’t,” Vira said.

Stryker threw Jacks about fifteen feet. Jacks charged him and kicked him with a spinning wheel kick. Stryker caught his leg and slammed him to the ground. “I am starting to get the hang of this suit.”

Jacks tackled Stryker, pinned him against the wall and punched him relentlessly. Stryker gave as good as he got but it wasn’t enough.

Vira grabbed Jacks. “Please stop.”

Jacks stopped, but then slapped Vira. Stryker kneed him in the groin and struck him with his elbow.

The bay doors slowly opened. Air blew quickly out into open space. Stryker grabbed the railing, as did Jacks. However, Vira had nothing to hold on to and she found herself floating quickly out to space.

Even with the Android sensors, Free was almost a blur. He grabbed Vira’s arm with his gold metallic left hand. From the knuckles of his right hand, four unbreakable blades anchored in the wall of the ship. “I don’t recall allowing any of you to spar on this ship,” he said via wireless connection.

“Did you open the bay doors?” Jacks asked.

“Yes. Were you the one who started this fight?”

“Close the bay doors, you are going to suck us all out into space!”

“I started it,” Vira said. “I asked Stryker to spar because I thought it would help the mission.”

Free turned to Stryker. “Is this true?”

“Yes, but that clown over there took it too far.”

Free nodded and the bay doors closed. Stryker sighed. “Vira, you will repair the damage that I just did to the ship,” Free said. “Stryker return to your quarters and make sure that suit is still operational.  And Jacks, you are resigned to your quarters until I call for you.”

“What? You are just going to dismiss me, like I am some household pet?”  Jacks stepped toward Free.

Stryker stepped in front of Free. “Round two, baby.”

Free placed his hand on Stryker’s shoulder. He withdrew his claws and stood in front of Stryker. Jacks stopped two feet away.

“What right do you have to tell any of us what to do when you just tried to kill us?” Jacks said.

“Kill you? I just saved you. If you had fought a minute longer, Stryker would have injured you or worse. That would have jeopardized the mission.”

“Kill me? How arrogant.”

“From this distance, Stryker can shoot you right between the eyes.”

Jacks glared at Free and then walked away. Vira followed but grabbed Free by the arm. “We are not all the same.” She looked in his eyes, searching for something, released him and then walked away.

After she cleared the door, Free turned to Stryker. “What was she talking about?” Free asked.

“She is concerned. She thinks we hate all things Squad 7.”

“Hate? Strongly dislike would be more accurate,” Free said.

“I am not sure she is all that bad. Jacks on the other hand, he may be a problem.”

“Yes.”

Stryker leaned in close. “You do know that I don’t have my gun with me, don’t you? I have very little tactile sensation in this thing. That and the fact that we are on a ship.”

“You are smart,” Free said. “Figure it out and never let your guard down around him.”

 Epsiode 5 will post soon

Please, feel free to comment below and follow me on Google and Twitter @ Frank_D_Rogers. For more information about my debut Sci-fi novel, click Here.