The drop ships neared the rocky surface and inched towards the ground. Landing gear sprung forth, but 69 hit a rock outcropping and jerked into the air.

"Shit!" Miguel yelled again. Ina closer eyes, but the sleepless JJ was unwavered. It wouldn’t be pretty, but they’d land.
The drop ship slammed onto the asteroid and skidded into the wasteland’s dirt. The craft smoked, but the Captain held tight. The small ship sped to a rough stop. It was stupid, dangerous, yet somehow fun-the perfect opportunity for JJ’s sarcasms.
"Another happy landing." She smiled and locked down her helmet.

The drop ships’ hatches fizzed one after another, and the geared up teams filed onto the hard terrain. JJ surveyed the battlefield with her rifle ready. She knew the ins and outs of all the Combatant weapons, but every single Combatant was just that-a hand to hand lean, mean, fighting kick ass weapon. But of course, in situations like these, weapons from a distance were best.
“We made a noisy entrance. Someone should be here to great us.”
“Don’t jinx it.” Ina followed her Lieutenant.
“How’s she read, Sergeant?” JJ called Miguel forward.
The team tinker and engineer, Miguel pulled out his scanning equipment as ordered. “We’re all accounted for, so far. No additional signals or pathogens.”
“The Nukes wouldn’t need any pathogens here.” Ina put forth. “Throw a rock and crack our face shields why don’t you?”
“I didn’t come all this way to suffocate,” Kimmie grumbled and turned on her helmet’s lights. Indeed the entire environment was deadly. Dark, no atmosphere, and tough terrain as far as the dim combat headlights could show.

They marched on from the landing area, but JJ inched ahead of her crew. She stopped and the column halted behind her. She motioned, and the team turned to the left with her. Westmayer was a capable commander, in league with the other Mother Ship Captains. Their fleet was small, but while the big wigs sat back in comfort, it was JJ who led her shipmates into battle. It was how she got as far as she did. She fought, and fought well. What else was there to do? JJ looked at the digital maps lighting up her gear.

“The facility is this way.” JJ climbed over a pile of natural rubble, and the Combatants followed. They marched over the tough terrain, and JJ continuously eyed her handheld diagram. Stones slid under their feet, and her stride lowered.
“It feels like we’re descending.”

Miguel brightened the lights on his helmet and surveyed the area. “Let me risk a little more power. It looks like a crater rim there. We must be near the middle of the hole now.”
“I’ve see one too many of those.” JJ pocketed her device. “This intel is wrong.”
“Asteroids are constantly changing,” Kimmie contested.
“Good for asteroids.” JJ looked towards the microphone inside her helmet. “Johnson to Westmayer.”
“I’ve got something!” Miguel raised his arm and the column trudged idle again. “Heat signatures. 98.6.”
“Us?” JJ turned to the Sergeant.
“Are we moving?”
“Fuck!” JJ exclaimed. “Ambush!”

Lights beamed from the crater rim and pulse weapons blazed around the trapped Combatants. She knew it! It hadn’t felt right. She knew it was absurd, and now it was too late.
“Take cover!” JJ ordered.
High tech colored lasers blasted all around. The unit fell to the ground one by one-some as ordered, others victims of the Nuke’s carefully laid plains. JJ flattened herself on the ground, but in the colorful firelight, she saw Miguel collapse next to her.
“Sergeant!” JJ called to him. “Miguel!”

JJ crawled through the crowded crater basin, careful of enemy fire and the jagged rocks. Such a perfect set up! The sharp ground ripped the outer layer of JJ’s sturdy-but not full proof-spacesuit.
“Shit!”
JJ increased the speed of her spider-like crawl. She fumbled past her still comrades, unsure of the direction she was going.
“Johnson to Westmayer.”

There was no time to look at her data-not that it was accurate enough to help anyway. JJ scrambled to get clear. Out of the shootout, she could fix her suit and get back to the drop ships.
“Any drop ship, please respond.”
Were the drop ships ambushed as well? Did they prep for rescue as was procedure?
“Shit. No.” JJ approached the edge of the crater but looked back at the Nukes. They closed into the crater and finished off any twitching Combatants.

“Any Combatant respond.” Had she alone the wits to delay the inevitable? JJ rolled across the crusted crater’s edge. The gravel crumbled beneath her, and JJ rolled down the sharp terrain. JJ groaned and screamed at the rocks sticking her and tearing her suit. Sharp pebbles reached her skin and scrapped JJ’s elbows. Blood and dirt marred the rustling fabric.
“Oh! Ow! Fuck!”

Jagged jabs and hard rocks punctured through the space gear one fizz and pop after another. JJ gasped and slowed her tortured descent. She rolled once more and smashed her face shield against a rock.

~On The Way To New Isoceles
by Leigh Wood
Coming Soon from Eternal Press!
http://leighwood.blogspot.com

JJ was as hard nosed as they come-and them some. But, hey , the destruction of earth did that to everyone. Humanity fractioned into three groups. Affectionately known as 'the Shitters', the Shipper Brigade manufactures the best space faring vehicles for themselves. Skilled fighters and martial artists Combatants like JJ fight the Shippers for what they can-even though Combatant numbers were severely depleted by the third faction.

The Nukes rescued chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons from earth's doom and aren't afraid to use them. You can imagine JJ's surprise when she meets the Nuke Lieutenant Rub. Their initial meeting didn't rub either the right way. Despite her Nuke anxiety-JJ has to put it all aside. Her Captain and the Nuke Colonel have struck a deal to defeat the Shippers once and for all. The Nukes leave their tiny outpost on a far flung, degrading planet and join the Combatants in taking the lush planet protected by the Shippers.

It's a long, tough journey on the way to New Isosceles, and the animosity between Rub and JJ gets hotter by the day.......

An Isosceles' Who's Who

Lieutenant Jessica Johnson - Nicknamed JJ by her Combatant comrades, the strong
willed red head has seen much and harbors her share of ill will towards her
enemy the Shippers, and her former enemies the Nukes. JJ was a child when the
comet destroyed Earth, and the otherwise all business Lieutenant often has
nightmares reliving the destruction if her hometown in Iowa-the crash site of
the deadly meteor.

Lieutenant Jason Rubelli - Rub is the Nuke Ladies Man almost by default. His
wit, fighting prowess, charm and good looks make he an easy leader to follow.
Most of the Combatants has no trouble answering to Rub. JJ, however, resents his
presence and his attraction to her. Rub's not afraid to mix business with
pleasure, but his attitude begins to change once he's forced to bunk with JJ.

Captain Scott Westmayer - Scott Westmayer knew JJ on earth, and their history is
very special to JJ. The only person allowed to call her Jess, JJ isn't afraid to
tell her Captain what's on her mind, and Westmayer always lends an ear. A dear
friend and command, Westmayer is always giving JJ the support she needs-except
when it comes to Nukes. Westmayer wants to see an end to the war, and he expects
JJ to follow his lead.

Staff Sergeant Miguel Carlos Santiago Rafael - Once the fresh Latino befriends
Rub, he's not afraid to discuss his sexuality with the Nuke. On the journey to
New Isosceles, Miguel develops into something of a double agent. Trusted by both
JJ and Rub, Miguel is able to give each of the Lieutenants valuable information
regarding their turbulent relationship.

Colonel Jackson Gauthier - The commended leader of The Nukes is determined to
keep the delicate alliance with the Combatants alive, even going so far as
agreeing to put the opposing Lieutenants JJ and Rub together. When Shipper
threats become a reality, Gauthier's leadership saves the day.

Private Ina Wu - Witty Korean Ina Wu is a swift fighter and swifter woman for
attempting to stay above ship politics and romances. She is perhaps JJ's closest
friend on board, often providing level headed advice and logical plans of
action-in ship operations on and off the bridge.

Private Kimmie Dejonaire - Although she is slightly ditzy and known more to her
fellow combatants for her bedroom services, Kimmie Dejonaire is an exceptional
hand to hand fighter. She gladly trades techniques with her new Nuke friends and
develops a special relationship with Nuke Corporals Tammy Lyn Filago and Miller
Worthington.

Corporal Tammy Lyn Filago - Tammy Lyn is lovingly called TLF by her male Nuke
pals, and not because its her initials. Her romantic history with Rub isn't
exactly clear, and it causes some awkward moments between Tammy Lyn and her
newfound superior, JJ. Despite their similar hot hot status, Tammy Lyn and
Kimmie become very close, even developing an unusual relationship with Mills
Worthington.

Corporal Miller Worthington III - Mills is somewhat of a geek or nerd. His
genius is behind most of the Nuke technologies, but the Corporal is also part of
the popular Nuke set. Rumors about his physical prowess spread through the
Combatant Mother Ships, and Miller quickly finds himself at the center of both
Kimmie Dejonaire and Tammy Lyn Filago's affections.

Corporal Edward MacDonald - Mac may appear stupid and living every moment
according to his Machismo nickname, but the Nuke is shrewd in strategy and
planning. Often the final piece of a Nuke puzzle, Mac also uses his wit for
elaborate pranks and relationship theories. A long time friend of Rub, Mac also
becomes a source of strength for JJ where the Nuke Lieutenant is concerned.

http://leighwood.blogspot.com

http://kristin724.livejournal.com

http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/kristinbattestella

Newly married and living the high-rise condo life, Leigh Wood is not tech savvy and fights with writing on her laptop between baking and sewing projects.  She prefers handwriting with weird pens and odd paper and collects animal prints and records via rummage sales.  Leigh loves naughty fantasy and science fiction, but sharpens her skills with nonfiction essays and reviews.  Her articles can be found at I Think, Therefore I Review (http://ithinkthereforeireview.blogspot.com) or her own blog (http://leighwood.blogspot.com).  Previously, Leigh boldly wrote her memoir Cracked, and is currently working on her next epic erotic novel-a fantasy tentatively titled Horns of Myleness.

It was Iowa, twenty years ago. The wheat fields were golden, the sky aqua- but JJ knew it was just a dream again. Every night Earth-luscious with life, vegetation, water-returned to JJ as it once was. The powerful atmosphere blew an ever so gentle breeze through JJ’s astral red hair. Her younger self walked knee deep in the swaying grains. It was hot; the sun shone its mid day summer brightest. Her little dress billowed-she was bare foot, and the seeds itched yet tickled her soles and bare arms. That morning it had rained, and beads of water still trickled from the budding grain and dropped between little JJ’s toes. Her feet would get dirty, and her mother would send her to the hose before JJ was allowed to enter the house.

Just as it had then, a shadow slid over the glistening grains. Not simple wisps of clouds, but a sudden, massive blanket of darkness. The golden sunlight vanished from view. A red glow lit up the afternoon, the horizon streaked with the colors of sunset and wildfires, and a fiery red meteor smoked across the sky. Hot coals rained down on the twelve year old, and JJ ducked below the equally defenseless grains. Lava like fire smothered the ground, and sulfur filled JJ’s lungs. The girl tried to turn and crawl home, but the ground was hot and quaked. It was dark, and the burning grains cast the dim flickering light of a thousand little candles. Iowa submerged into Hell. The comet fell to earth, and all that humanity knew of Gaia was gone.

JJ sat up in her bunk and hit her head on the solid deck plating. There was little room to breath on the Mother Ship, but better inside the hearty old ship’s cramped walls, then out in cold, black, oxygen-free space. Of course, JJ had chosen the top bunk.
“Another nightmare?” Her bunkmate’s concerned feminine call came from beneath the top bed.

JJ pulled her hair from its messy bun and wiped the sweat from her chest. Her heavy breathing calmed. Her hair was still red, but shorter and darker. She wasn’t flat chested, but her boobs weren’t as big as she would have liked. And of course, earth was still unable to sustain life. Well, it had been when what was left of humanity left ten years ago. How her home planet had faired since JJ hadn’t heard.
“J?”
“As you were, Private,” JJ finally acknowledged. She laid back down and listened to their spaceship rumble. She was a Lieutenant in the Combatant Brigade, she needn’t give explanations when she wasn’t ordered to by her Captain. Ten years of space faring and fighting their rival human factions didn’t give time to go soft. Not that JJ was ever soft. She would, however, drift off to sleep again if she was left alone. Sleep was necessary to her business, but alarms stirred JJ again.
“Combat Teams to your drop ships,” The intercom echoed. “All Combat Teams to your drop ships.”
“That’s us!” JJ’s bunkmate jumped up and pulled on her gear. Her perfect uniform was on and her backpack ready before JJ slid off her bunk and carelessly tossed away her sleep shirt. The tall, fit Korean was a proper soldier, and as strict as JJ was, sometimes Ina Wu’s no nonsense attitude irked her. But JJ had little time to be irked, especially now. Her uniform was on and in tip top shape. Gear? Check. Backpack-JJ halted at the sight of a third, empty bunk. Their quarters were small for one, inconvenient for two, but their third roommate was not interested in bunking with other women.
“Wu, where is Kimmie?”
“I believe its been Private Lucas for awhile,” Ina informed.
JJ buttoned her top and locked her gear into place. “If she’s not at the drop ship, Captain Westmayer better not chew my ass.”

The women jogged down the shaking corridor with other combat specialists in rustling dark spacesuits, helmets, backpacks, and jiggling space gear. The team had been to the weapons lock up and took up their spacesuits with their rifles. The hefty doors of the Mother Ship beeped its warnings and opened before them.
“Let’s move it!” JJ rushed into the Lift Off Zone. Shuttles and drop ships waited for their personnel as the Mother Ship shook and echoed.
“Zone Doors Opening in two minutes. All Combatants to your drop ships.”

Combatants marched onto their drop ships, and Ina climbed up the rumbling ramp of Drop Ship 69. The swift Asian strapped into her designated seat, but a tall shadow prevented JJ from entering the transport.
“Lieutenant Johnson, I’ve told you before about the need for timely deployments.”
“I know, Captain.”

Where Ina’s severe stature and jaw line deceived about her dry wit and sometimes impish personality, Captain Scott Westmayer meant to look menacing, even if he was warm at heart. Although JJ had known Westmayer on earth, so maybe his warmness was for her and her alone. Not that there was time to really know people while hurling through space.

“Jess, you’re the best hand to hand combatant in the unit, but you’re lead by example attitude only goes so far.”
JJ wasn’t a leader. She was a fighter, but the Combatants needed leaders, and she didn’t argue with her superior. At least, not when there was a mission to be had.
“I know, Captain.”
“You’ve got to show more authority, Lieutenant.”
“Yes, Sir.”

A disheveled private approached the ramp, and both her superiors glared. Her uniform was mis-buttoned over her lacey bosom, and what gear she did have was tangled around her shoulders. JJ was a bit jealous of her friend’s lust and carefree attitude, but sex doesn’t last. Combatants were fighting for their very existence, and this private was not doing her share. It wasn’t her fault. Everyone on earth had to choose a side. Kimmie couldn’t fly a spaceship, and she didn’t build nuclear weapons-she hadn’t the brains for those.

“Kimmie Dejonaire.” The Captain sighed with slight bemusement at the messy blonde, but he entered the drop ship. “Let’s go, Private!”

The Mother Ship was old-scorched on its hull, and rather clunky as spaceships go. The Combatants didn’t exactly get first choice in spacecraft, but this Mother Ship had been JJ’s home since she left earth. It was easy to personalize the old broad. Still chugging after all these years in her routine. The girl’s belly opened smoothly, and the Mother Ship’s doors released the drop ships one by one. JJ looked out the tiny window beside her seat. Cramped rows of jury rigged chairs carried the Combatants as the smaller crafts fell into space. Captain Westmayer stood by the controls in the drop ship and braved the descent. Never seemingly disturbed by anything, Ina smoothed her cropped dark hair and snapped on her helmet.

“Who is it Captain, Shitters or Nukes?” The man next to her asked.
“We’ve seen no signs of the Shippers,” The Captain stressed the proper nickname, and several of the boys laughed. Westmayer remained business. “We’ve learned the Nukes may be building more weapons on Asteroid 891X726.”

Westmayer put the information on the ship’s small display screens. The images shook and jumped with the jittery ship. Maps and pictures of the asteroid rotated before the team. All business as well, JJ studied the data.
“That’s a pretty big asteroid,” She cut in. “Still, all our drop ships won’t make the landing.”
“It will be tricky, but we have to land as many as possible.“ Westmayer focused on the material, not his personnel, as was his usual custom. “You’re objective when we land is to take their weapons facility by any means necessary.”
The Captain pointed to the proposed facility’s location, but the drop ship’s screens flickered.
“If we land.” Kimmie found her headgear and held onto her jiggling helmet. Their tiny ship shook more as it descended nearer the asteroid.
“When we land,” the Captain repeated. “If it cannot be taken, we will abort for an aerial assault.”
JJ frowned. “Why not an air raid first? Our lasers were up to 87 percent. The Mother Ship could be done before we…”
“Those are my orders, Lieutenant.” Westmayer turned away from JJ and fiddled with the controls.

A hearty Latino man looked squashed in the locked chair beside Kimmie.
“What’s going to stop the Nukes from releasing those pretty little bio hazards they like?”
“Shut it, Miguel.” Ina snickered. “You're always afraid a biological weapon is going to ruin your libido.”
“The Sergeant has a point,” JJ intervened, still perplexed at their unnecessary risk. “The asteroid could be flooded now. What guarantee do he have?”
“None.” Westmayer was grim. “They've used chemicals against us in the past. You all have your current inoculations.”
“We’re five years behind them!” Kimmie grumbled to Miguel.
If Westmayer heard, he did not let on. “Take them by surprise and get to that facility before the Nukes can push any buttons. Good luck."
“Don’t lay it on all at once.” Miguel crossed himself.

The drop ships fired their thrusters and descended slowly and evenly toward the asteroid. JJ felt the rumbles and quakes, but she was used to it. When they first took to spaceflight, they all became ill and nauseous ascending, descending-every time a ship shook. JJ turned from the tiny window and looked up and down her team. This was old hat now. Some of them even slept, but no one turned green.

“Check your comms,” JJ ordered as she adjusted her headset. Already there was ships’ chatter.
"Drop Ship 73 your coming in too fast!"

A drop ship zoomed passed the others and skidded over the rocky terrain. It deflected off a rough peak and crashed onto the asteroid’s abysmal surface. JJ blinked at the brief flashes outside her window. Pieces of hot metal slammed against the other drop ships, and Kimmie jumped at the echoes and clangs. More drop ships overshot the asteroid.
“57 shorten your thrusts.”
"Drop Ship 34, we’re trying to circle back for another go."
"Negative," Captain Westmayer ordered. He looked at the fritzing monitors and sensors. "Stay off as reinforcements. 41, 83, you’re on call as well."
"What number are we again?" Miguel turned to Kimmie.
"Drop Ship 69."
"Shit."