Author Description

In a turbulent far world, young cron-Azoron fighter Solomin Apollo Zivic (rebuilt as part flesh-metals, part living, breathing, being) draws conflict in his actions following the crash of a skyship. He is slated for termination partly for his role in damages caused by his unit in an allied territory which is home to a mystic race called Mythicons. A cron's lifespan is between twenty to thirty shifts (similar to years), and so he is also slowly breaking down. As a string of unexpected events unfolds, he has a choice to either go forward with his assigned termination or stick around a while longer to try his hand at navigating the delicate balance of power while engaging in the battle for control of the satellite which is linked to the magnetic line - a critical component of regenerating breathable free-flowing air atmospheres for all of the systems. The story follows Solomin's journey with some newly gained allies and dealings with enemies as a major conflict erupts in several main territories in the system. And finally comes a struggle with internal and external forces as a result of being reborn as a cron, and accepting that he - a man-machine - might just have the same needs for companionship as any blood and bone being. Light sci-fi. Lightweight romance. Heavier social conflict.This is a republished version of the original story, new title, penname, and significant changes.