Three Square Meals - Chapter 133

Chapter 133 “There have been no sighting so far, Shoal Master. “There have been no sightings so far, Shoal Master. -or- “There has been no sighting so far, Shoal Master. He heard the squelch of his fruit being crushed and let out an anguish cry. He heard the squelch of his fruit being crushed and let out an anguished cry. -or- He heard the squelch of his fruit being crushed and let out a cry of anguish. but despite hitting the barrier with everything she’d got, but despite hitting the barrier with everything she had, Enclave forces safely navigated half the way across the field. Enclave forces safely navigated halfway across the field. flickered into existence on both flanks of the armada, then began to drew closer. flickered into existence on both flanks of the armada, then began to draw closer. “It looks like I was too late to spar with you, Master.” “It looks like I am too late to spar with you, Master.”

Bp Hlpt

Miguel I agree with your sentiments completely. The side story is flat, up until the battle I read it but it never caught my interest. After that, I didn't even skim it, I just bypass it and press on with the interesting parts of the chapter. I'm sure Mace is alive and planning on hiding in the Brimorian Enclave...but like all traitors he will get a big karma sandwich. I'm sure Tom will come out of it ok but I don't really care about his character or his story

I don't. We've had other side stories and cameos which were great. The whole Traitor Tom side story though just feels, well, flat. Even the finally confrontation between Tom and Anna does not excite or intrigue.

ByzFan

So I have to ask....why should we care about Anna and Tom?

This was mentioned during a conversation with Edraele after her personality was rebuilt. A Progenitor can drain energy directly from Thralls if needed, but they use a Matriarch as a conduit

I've just finished binge reading with a re-read of chapters 128 & 129 and 1st read of 130, 131, & 132 and now stuck on the Astral Plane at the beginning of 133. During my reading I noticed that John is really focused on figuring out how to beat the thrall armies of each of the Progenitors because the Progenitors are unbeatable until they exhaust their thralls. Then it hit me - maybe the real target is not each of the Progenitors, but instead their Matriarchs. John and a couple of helpers can attack and distract the Progenitor, while the rest of the Girls can hunt down the Matriarch. If the Matriarch is killed, won't that break the link of psychic energy between all the thralls and their Progenitor? The thralls will be saved and then Progenitor quickly wore down and killed. I'm sure this is not a new idea but I have not seen it. Sure seems simple to me - attack and fight the guilty while sparing the innocent.

Robert Hibbs

I hate the Astral Plane! I would rate every chapter that has a trip to the Astral Plane as a 1*. The trips there are depressing and exhausting to read and I have yet to understand why it needs to be part of the story. Yeah, I know that Xar’aziuth and the dead Progenitors exist there, but I find the trips there are a waste of words and time to read - the battles feel unending and by the end I have lost interest in whether John and crew live or die - just get it over with, exit the Astral Plane, and get on with the story. The rest of the story environments are awesome and entertaining - the Astral Plane is dark, ugly, unpleasant, and a mood killer for the rest of the story.

Robert Hibbs

Folks, remember, you still have up to another 34 hours, 10 minutes to go for another release this month. Not that I’m keeping track, of course…

Evan

Waiting with baited breath for the next chapter 🥶🥶

Duncan Smith

Hitting refresh on a very regular basis

Wookey

More like: within the next 65 hours... :-) :-)

Heinz Molck

Quite possibly within the next 3 days.

Evan

Any word on next update?

James Mayer

Yeah Jesse it is awfully quiet....

Robster

BP. Wasnt john giving the girls power that matched their 'personality' (other than Alyssa where he didnt know what he was doing other than subconsciously). So he could give the girls all the same powers but their ability to utilise them might be hampered. Just like john and some of hi powers that he struggled with because of his rational brain.

been getting anxious and fidgety for a week now no idea why.... realized i hadnt gotten my fix yet....

Lol

Timothy Lucas

Dam

Timothy Lucas

Refreshing

Timothy Lucas

more importantly is it F5 time yet?

Tony

The more cannon-fodder they throw at you, the less often you can allow people see you reloading.

alan johnson

If you are going to win, win cool, if you are going to lose, lose cool. Bare victories and losses are for the common folk.

alan johnson

Always have at least five witty cliches ready at all times, you never know when you'll need one.

alan johnson

Your mecha need not be cooler than your enemies, you just have to win.

alan johnson

for sakura

alan johnson

Not a power that we've seen yet, but no doubt Jehanna would enjoy the ability to compel people to tell the truth without having them crap their pants in the process. Good power for an investigative reporter.

Would Faye return ????

Robster

I am hoping that John will soon have access to all of his powers and the spread and strength of what he can do will be limited only by Teflers imagination . With the girls powers ,I think that Rachel is the one that could use some backup in the healing department.

Malcolm Rickarby

I have never understood everyone's concern that John can't give power X to girl A because girl B already has it. What is wrong with having more than one girl capable of filling each role? When they split up on various missions, then someone with each role is able to be with each group. Even if they are all together, then they are able to help each other. Or on the ship they can take shifts for some of the tasks. There is no jealousy, so that won't be a problem. Even Edraele and the other Maliri matriarchs knew the value of this concept when they each had more than one assassin. If that ends up meaning that more girls are needed, that's fine with me. If the argument from the fans, and John, is they don't want the harem to get too big, then Edraele can assign Maliri girls duty on the ship to help on either a permanent or rotating basis. So what's the problem?

Bp Hlpt

Food for thought!

Arrowglass

So, I actually have been thinking about this for awhile, considering WHAT actual powers are left to spread around so that everyone feels relatively unique in their roles. Controlling tech seems to Dana or Irillith, even if it’s a different application. Hacking belongs to the Maliri girl, too, so even a supplementary role might overshadow one or the other. Telekinesis on flying drones seems more Alyssa, though not unlikely for the reporter. So then, what would be left...? As far as displayed powers are concerned, we have currently seen a handful that haven’t been personally assigned: super strength, x-ray vision, growth, psychic summoning (like those insects of Larn’s), short range teleportation (again done by Larn), and elemental masteries of darkness, light, and earth. I feel like the strength, teleportation, and summoning will be given to the assassins, just to reinforce their superior combat skills, so that leaves vision, growth and the elements. I further suspect that if/when John recruits Aurelei the Laranthyran, as she is botanically inclined, she will be a florakinetic, or an earth manipulator with a focus on plants. What remains is vision, growth, darkness and light. And of those, vision and light seem best suited to investigative reporting: with properly enhanced vision, she could improve her combat skills by watching every muscle twitch and possibly tell who might be lying when telepathic powers can’t work or would tip their hand, while light manipulation would give her shielding and a great way to ‘illuminate’ a person’s secrets. My two cents, anyway.

Brian Woods

I was thinking about upgrades Jehanna might enjoy. The obvious option would be to enhance her public relations role for the Lion. She could have Dana create some camera drones that she can psychically control to always have the perfect shots from multiple angles. Knowing Dana, they would probably also have offensive capabilities. With Faye out of commission, it would be useful if she was able to compile the footage for publicity reels of their adventures. Her abilities as an investigative reporter could also be enhanced to supplement the espionage skills of Sakura and the hacking skills of Irillith.

MARK W TALBOT

I think this is a very interresting point !! Tefler ? Any thoughts about this ?? Perhaps a new item to develop ?

Robster

A few questions I've been mulling over the last few days... When was the last time the TFed oligarchy actually made a visit to the outer rim colonies? If the outer rim colonies are so important that unrest has to be put down, then why does the oligarchy not have permanent bases in those regions? Right now, especially along Kirrix space, they have fleet patrols; but, that's like the British Empire of the 1800's sending a regiment or two to a territory with nothing but horses and wagons for a few months, and continuing to swap them out with new regiments. Even the Romans had fortifications in their far flung reaches. I think that if Devereaux is so worried about maintaining a peaceful connection with the outer rim colonies, she needs to get her ass out there and actually TALK with these people. You know, actually show that you give a shit, rather than just act like it by sending some transports with supplies. Maybe have plans in hand for establishing permanent bases to show that she is serious about not leaving them on their own again. Anyway, just a couple questions and my opinions. Looking forward to the next chapter.

Any news on next chapter?

It sounds like the shroud to me BD, but I could be wrong!

Braw

And what was that "thing" on Karran that Big Tony found with the ladies?

Big Dude

The Star forges?

SuperAzureReader

i remember some easter eggs suggesting a progenitor forge in trankaren space.

Didn't Dana and Tashana do something special together a few chapters back with metallic structures? Foreshadowing?

Big Dude

You know I was thinking how in the heck Dana is gonna design a forge to make super strong metal and psychically charge it. And it may not be what you do but could they make a forge that is similar to the psi-shapers but inscribed with runes to amplify and other stuff plus some forbidden runes(maybe we have to see what they do first) that would massively reduce the energy needed to shape the metal and allow them to charge it with psychic energy like what Dana did when she repaired the ship on Arcadia but permanently. The metal forged can like be inscribed with runes like John's blade except a lesser version. I'm pretty sure something like that would slaughter progenitor ships once perfected. Though it might now allow for producing as many ships as a progenitor in the short term but they'd like be far better. Maybe include the psi-communicator a bit to help reduce the strain even more and might even allow for non telekinetics to use it

SuperAzureReader

Great chapter! Really looking forward to the next one! Here's a typo that I found: "Yeah, they’re mostly a bunch of heartless assholes... but you’re letting the [our?] side down by falling apart over Charles,*

CJ Mora

Laurence Walker is referenced in Ch. 108, Ch. 111, Ch. 125, Ch. 126, Ch. 130, Ch. 132. I would start searching in 125 thru 132 for what you are looking for.

prsstarid

Brian Woods, you mentioned "During a drive the Walker's took to visit their son in hospital " where did you read that? I have read chapters 130 -133 3 times and not seen that bit. Am I missing a bit? Perhaps an update on one of the chapters?

John Gregory

Someone asked about how far their sensors worked as they could see the Kinta bombardment. Wasn't it like over 2 parsecs with the progenitor sensors?

Big Dude

Hmm, not a fan of the Charles and Lynette scene where she removes her engagement ring. Otherwise an excellent chapter as usual. Thanks for writing.

John Teeter

Ohh these chapters keep getting better and better I can’t wait for John to kick the ever loving shit out of his guide once and for all. Keep em coming tefler ASAP please you don’t need sleep or food you just keep writing this epic tale please.

Jim lynch

I wonder...I kinda have to disagree. There are numerous events that should occur or will need to occur before Gahl’kalgor shows his ugly mug: obviously the guide fight in 134, the dealings with the Matriarchs at Genthalas, investigating both the thrall site on Valaden and the Mists for Kyth’shara, capturing at least a small fleet of thrall vessels, possibly the recruitment of Aurelei the Laranthyran, defeating the Brimorians and the Kirrix over the slave trade, and maybe an encounter with Mason so as to set up saving Dana’s familial relation in Tom Walker. Seems like too much for just 5 chapters, maybe needs another 8-10, so possibly by 143 or 145 the next big Progenitor battle will be here.

Brian Woods

Just finished we are ramping up to a chapter 140 big climax. At. Least that's what it feels like!

Grimlakin

More like two weeks according to Tefler...

Heinz Molck

You bastard😉 3 cliff hangers in the 1 chapter. And finally J v PJ comes to a head and we have to wait another month 😭

Tamalaz is one of the Kintark's deity/god figures... (of luck I would say!!)

B S

typos ( found none before page 72 of 83) But I can't helping feel like an obnoxious SB "can't help feeling" btw, found it interesting to think of Kinta on orbital path 2, Mar'Trinark on orbital path 3 and the asteroid belt that hid the Kintark fleet on orbital path 4. That could mean massive distances between the objects, with their sun in the middle. quite lucky for all of that to line up with Calara's defensive needs. better to be lucky typo what are you orders s/b what are your orders confidant smile s/b confident is the comment "A thousands blessings to you, Tamalaz the Fortunate" meant to be Tamolith the Fortunate? I just wasn't sure. Zorlin could guess what that were planning s/b guess what they were planning? Besides, now we know how s/b now that we know how

Str8NotNarrow

excellent chapter. I'm sure I speak for hundreds when I say that I'm eager to get to it with John's guide.

Str8NotNarrow

I must as always thank you for all your time, work and effort in writing this wonderfully entertaining and imaginative story it is always a highlight to follow on to the next chapter of this amazing ongoing story

Deryck Stevenson

SO GOOD! Much anticipation for the next installment.

AlyxHaestrom

Tefler, what is the last line of this chapter? I want to make sure I have downloaded the most up to date version of your chapter.

Philip Hannum

happy birthday to your mom. Maybe as a treat you could read her some TSM chapters?

TF4EVA

Nice one Tef. You leave each chapter hanging, making us beg for more! Bravo!

I had forgotten the excitement of reading and imagining as a Classic Tefler Space Battle develops. I absolutely love Tefler’s use of local vernacular for the different cultures.

DCM

So...well done. I was expecting a crazed attack on Kinta, but not the planetary bombardment on the scale you seem to have taken it, aka like Galon Prime. I was thinking more like Unity City and just a small section of the planet itself, but it feels like you went whole hog and started wrecking everything planetside. Over the top, of course, but likely necessary to set up whatever happens next in 134. To the story you have provided so far, I would assume you intend to have the guide fight on the way to Genthalas, judging by how vehemently John indicates his frustration at himself for a distraught Calara not foreseeing a crazed Shoal Master reacting badly. That says the Matriarch meetings will be either at the end of 134, or the beginning of 135. Either way, the Invictus refit will be top priority once they get home, plating the ship in whatever black metal equivalent they can come up with. Should be fun to see what’s up ahead!

Brian Woods

Yeah Great Chapter... well worth the wait for that... Have you finished the next one yet? (Joking) Actually you should release a paragraph a day... have everyone checking thier feed every hour :)

eclipse

What a rush...as usual he brings us screaming right up to a STOP...HOLD...WAIT...ANTICIPATION!!!!!!!!!!! Another WELL DONE!!!!!

Arrowglass

I’m so glad you posted the las little bit of this chapter. I’m very excited to see how the fight against johns guide plays out.

Navekiller059

Where is my TARDIS when I need it... Bloody authors and their inability to crank out good stuff faster. Lol

Jewbear

Yellow burst of light —> should probably be: bursts feelings he’d remembered all too well. —> should probably be: he remembered Besides, now we know —> should probably be: Besides, now that we know Very nice finishing point for the chapter, Tefler! Now, I have to go back to the beginning and re-read it all again, but I’m not going to do it today. It’s my Mom’s birthday so I’m going to try to do something to help her to make it an enjoyable day.

Evan

Dude!!!! Great chapter! I can’t wait for the next!!! This is the worst cliffhanger in quite sometime!!!! You are genius. Keep up the great work!

Thanks, Tefler!

Bp Hlpt

Thank you O Master Wizard... it's been an interesting chapter! Already looking forward to 134 chop chop 😂

Thank you for all your hard work.

Droidmek

Thank you, Tefler! Will do!

Evan

The completed chapter is now up. Let me know if you spot any typos! :-)

Tefler

Tefler was on discord earlier. "soon". but you should probably check around midnight (0000BST), because that's roughly when Patreon gets updated..

Tomorrow morning it should be available...

Heinz Molck

How long are we looking at for the rest of 133? Are we talking hours, days or weeks? Want to read the whole thing in one go.

G

I’m not sure I understand what the irony is...? Maybe as a literary device, wherein Zorlin is ironically realizing that for all the tactics they employed to stall the Brimorian fleets, he was forced in the end to engage his opponent on a field of his choosing. THAT is somewhat ironic, I guess, or did you have something else in mind?

Brian Woods

*Sees only one final scene to go* *Begins hammering F5 frantically*

David Shmilowitz

I was just thinking of irony... The Kintark High Prelate is now fighting to get between an attacking armada and the Kintark home world, where his outnumbered forces will be the last line of defense, all the while hoping that allies will arrive in time… and hoping that her tactics have delayed the arrival of the invading forces enough so that the Maliri (and the Invictus) will arrive in time! Is anyone else seeing this and smiling?

Evan

Try again. It was possibly updating again when you tried at that moment.

Evan

I get a broken link when i try to open the latest iteration.

Frostfyre

Tefler, a few items: Plasma Cannon batteries recoiled congealed plasma leaked over Unless I’m mistaken, plasma wouldn’t congeal, given that state of matter, and I’m not clear why there would be any recoil to Plasma Cannon batteries. Perhaps saying that the plasma was spreading or flowing or cascading or… well, I’ll leave that up to you. :-) Libtegh whirled around to face the shoal master (and throughout the remainder of these paragraphs) You’ve been using Shoal Master as a title everywhere else, so I’m not sure why it’s lower-case here. Other than these minor nits, very enjoyable additions. Thank you!

Evan

Crap! Why can’t you write faster than we can read? :)

MVFast

Thank you, Tefler! I’ll go read some more…

Evan

I've updated the chapter again with some combat scenes. You can find the beginning of the new content by searching for a # symbol. I need to write one more scene, then I'll end the chapter there. :-)

Tefler

Same! I want to read it in it’s full glory!

SomeYoungGuy

I really like this gradual release of the final version of a chapter, as it reveals a lot about the storywritiing process to patreons, but also provides a more sustainable exposure to the story for addicts.

John Jameson

Just want to know when it's story done ot edit done. ;)

Grimlakin

Sorry I should probably called you by your proper title “Grand Storytelling Overlord”

steve angel

Dear writer Tefler. I just want to thank you for your continued efforts. I love your writing. I love your story. I hate it when others complain about how you release the chapters. I like it when you release them in multiple parts. Those that want to wait can, and those who wish to read ahead can, so everyone can be happy. But everyone is a critic. I have read or listened to your writings 3 times. Plus just went back and did 58 forward again. I don’t read anything else know. I just go back through again. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! But please don’t just bring to an abrupt end. I pray that the ending will be well thought out. A am sure you will continue your excellent storytelling. I will read / listen to all your work in future.

steve angel

If you can, another great help would be to repost the old chapters that have been edited to StoriesOnLine. Not the e-book versions, just the edited versions so those of us who obsessively reread TSM can bombard you with new edits instead of the same ones over and over, lol.

Frostfyre

I guess chapter 133 could have stopped where it originally did and all the add ons appear in the final edited version except I suspect some of the scenes impact on the next chapter so 134 would not flow as intended. I understand the frustration of looking for the new bits (especially if they aren't just tacked on the end) but for me every time I read a TSM chapter I find new things, new insights etc so its not a biggy. Just grateful to receive the bounty provided and bless the hand and mind that brought such deliciousnesses to my table.... Definitely hanging out for 134

TF4EVA

Whenever I publish a chapter here, it's still a work in progress. There's going to be new dialogue and narration added based on feedback from patrons, and sometimes entire new scenes. I originally intended chapters to range from 25k - 30k words, so the original release of chapter 133 at 28k is "complete" in terms of size. I wanted to end the chapter at a specific point, so I've basically been adding extra scenes for free since then to reach it. I try to add "Final Version" to the post for a chapter when I'm done with it, but for the last few chapters, one of my editors was busy with rl issues. That meant I've slacked off with wrapping up the edits as I was waiting for his notes, but I'll try to get back to finishing the edits off in a more timely fashion. I know there are a few people that like to wait until a chapter is "done" before reading it, so apologies to them. :-)

Tefler

I’m loving the daily updates to the chapter. Little Easter eggs to find every day.

!raptor

I agree 100 % with you he has added stuff here and there and if you already read it mise well read it again because you just dont know were he added too

I really like this story and always look forward to the next chapter being posted. That being said, I don’t like it when a chapter is posted with a note saying more will be added. If I read it right when it’s posted, then when the new scenes are added, I have to try to figure out where the new stuff is to continue reading. Since I read on an iPad, it makes it kind of a pain. In the past, the new scenes were added within a day, so it wasn’t that big of a deal to just wait to read it the next day. With this chapter, I’m basically checking in once or twice a day to find out when the chapter will be completed before I start reading and it has been 5 days since the chapter originally posted. My question is, why post an incomplete chapter in the first place? Its not like you’re on a schedule or deadline, so I just don’t get the point? I understand some people are impatient to read any new content (I’m pretty impatient myself), but for me, it just isn’t worth the hassle on my part to read it when it is first posted only to then have to go back again (sometime multiple times) to finish reading it. Maybe if you could somehow mark where the new content is it would make it easier for people who read it when it is first posted to find and read the new content? Thanks for the great story and please keep up the great writing.

Was literally just thinking that last night.

Since Athena can enter and exist on the Astral Plane without Alyssa being there too, would she be able to search for any other Kyth'faren fortresses and not be noticed or discovered by the Astral monsters?

Arrowglass

I think there is some variance of word counts over the years. I know when i was a young lad, taking typing class on a typewriter, my teacher told us every 8 characters was a word for word count. Modern times being what they are the programs usually count every individual word and character. Open Office shows the current count for this chapter to be 32.7k.

mistwolf_2k

I'll certainly do my best!

Tefler

Tefler, does your document system count words differently?

Big Dude

John dying would be evil and tragic but not the worse ending. He could wake up on the Foolsgold and it was all a dream. Like the Newheart show. Mind you Tefler would have to go into hiding but it could happen. 😈

I swear to God...please don’t do that.

Jammus1

Yes we are all readochists

and we keep coming back......

TF4EVA

I've taken this from ch.127 as sort of prophetic! Irillith snorted indignantly. “If I watch a holo-movie and the hero dies at the end, I feel like I’ve just wasted two hours of my life I’ll never get back.”

ringill

So I have been rereading this with each update and it is amazing to read it that way, the build up to this battle is amazing. I can't wait for the full battle of Kinta.

Kensyi

By the way, Tefler...If you kill John, I’ll never forgive you. It’s been eating at me.

Jammus1

I loves me a good ol’ fish fry. 😁

Jammus1

Ahhhh!!! I love the battles!

Jammus1

Tefler, will you be planning to deliver two chapters this month?

Big Dude

i bow to your ability to make multiple cliffhangers in only one chapter.

Lol, now you're just teasing us that want to wait for the complete chapter. Thank you for torturing us with a good story.

John Teeter

Very enjoyable! Looking forward to maybe some weekend reading! :-)

Evan

Thank you sir

jerry661

Thank you...keep 'em coming!!!!

Arrowglass

I've added a number of new scenes since the original release, taking it up to 32.5k. I'll be adding more to wrap up the battle. :-)

Tefler

Is the final version of 133 out yet?

jerry661

Tefler, I really liked the new additions, especially the part with Lynette and Charles, but I did see one thing that bothered me in the later bit with John. It says: those wonderful women and I think it should be: these wonderful women because John’s thinking about the women in his life who are there, not some who are separate or distant. Minor, I know. :-) Also, totally as an aside, instead of John’s saying “There she blows...”, shouldn’t it be: “Thar she blows…” ;-) I was also very happy to see that my supposition was correct.

Evan

Yes, more to come in this Chapter, Tefler said ^^ he plans on finishing the battle in 133

!raptor

It sounds like he plans to have the Kinta battle in this chapter, so no - not yet :)

Stephen B.

So, are we at the final edit or is there more to come in this chapter?

I couldn't tell from Tefler's comments from 2 hours ago. Is chapter 133 complete now? I don't want to stumble across any spoilers so I only read Tefler's comments right now unless he is discussing points in the chapter in response to comments. So, is it done yet?

Nonconformist

She never disconnected from her attempt to contact him. She was put on hold rather than called back. I'm not entirely sure a Progenitor dreadnought shows up on caller ID, so there would be no callback number available.

Jedi Khan

Is there some way to use that last transmission from Jessica as a source. She sent a message and he responded back. Seems like that would be a start to broadcast another message to open the door?

Arrowglass

Thank you, Tefler! I’ll go re-read the chapter again this evening!

Evan

I added a couple of new scenes to round off a couple of points in this chapter. I'll crack on with the battle now. :-)

Tefler

"they could use Jessica to make Rahn worm hole over to the Kintark" But they don't have any way of contacting Jessica. Even if the girls told John about Jessica's change in behaviour aboard the dreadnought, they would have had to wait until John's parents broke cover and made contact. They also only found out that the Brimorians were heading straight for the Kintark homeworld after the last detour to take out Khatri... which was after John effectively hung up on his mother's attempt to call him.

Tefler

I think Calara missed a huge tactical advantage in the last 2 chapters. In this chapter, we find out she knew about Alyssa's changes to John's mom and they told her their entire history. So, she should have pushed much harder to tell John so that they could use Jessica to make Rahn worm hole over to the Kintark. Just park there and when the Brimorians show up - smoke a few out of space, no problem. Tell them to all go home quietly and then follow them there to make sure they listen and do not massacre the abandoned. This way, the team could get to Genthelas sooner (therefore, to Brimorian planet sooner) and it would be a way for Jessica to prove to John she really has changed and can influence Rahn. Maybe Calara cannot see that far forward yet? I know Alyssa said no in the last chapter, but as close as those 2 are, Calara should have been able to change her mind.

After reading about the tactics that Calara has used so far, i feel "almost" sorry for the fish boys, i'm sure there are even more surprises in-store.

He added a couple of extra scenes at the end in the first edit, then in the 2nd edit extended the bit after Alyssa said "I've got a better idea..." - on the Word app I just searched for "better idea" & read from there down to the next *** & Brimorian fleet scene.

Thank you, Tefler! I especially appreciated the additional content to the scene where Alyssa adjusts their course!

Evan

If you're using a phone like me...you have to redownload it

Timothy Lucas

Its just a couple pages at the end

Timothy Lucas

I got a comparison tool on my phone just for this.

cp

Oops.... accidentally hit done to soon. Typing on phone is a pain sometimes. Anyhow, I am pretty sure he extended scene third to last where he is reminiscing with Calara and Alyssa....

I am pretty sure he extended the scene where

I scanned through all the *** looking any added sections in the middle but did not see them. Maybe it was just content added to existing sections. Thanks

Chicken

There were a couple of extra scenes at the end vs the first posting, but it was easy to miss them.

Benjamin Herne

Where did you add? I assumed at the end but was incorrect :)

Chicken

I added a bit more and it's past 30k now. I still want to conclude the Kinta battle in this chapter, but a few rl issues came up that cut into my writing time. I'll finish it off tomorrow. :-)

Tefler

There have been no sighting so far, Shoal Master s/ either have been no sightings or has been no sighting

Str8NotNarrow

I'm gonna wait till it's all done.. first end scene was great

Nchalada

Lol I agree with the kintark I pity the bastard who faces Calara in a game of tactics

dakota downey

Sweet!! New scenes

Muledrvr

Thanks for the feedback! I liked the idea of having Edraele inform the group directly... I've updated the chapter to reflect that. I'll go back and see if I can add in more conversation between the twins... that's a good idea too. John's plan is to head back to Genthalas very soon, so they're likely to play a much bigger part in the story. He still has to resolve the Sarinia situation, as well as the matriarch council, upgrading all the fleets to thrall ships, and investigating Kythshara. It was taking John and Sakura a couple of blows in the same location to break through Rachel's hexes, but she rotates the shield very fast. Even with them using hasted, they struggle to knock hexagons out quick enough. John countered that by creating the special link with Sakura. I won't comment on the rest... but you'll see why in chapter 134! :-)

Tefler

Just in case Tefler ever see’s this. Firstly, thanks for the chapter it was great as always. It would have been great for Edraele to address the group instead of Alyssa parroting her words to John. I know Alyssa is more open with going into other people's heads and does this with the Maliri on several occasions, but with Tashana distraught it would have been a good time to see some of that mother daughter bridge mending that hasn’t been touched on yet. It would also be nice to see the other members of the crew adopt Johns distant gaze as they are talked to by their various matriarchs and the twins with each other. It would make sense for Irillith to be trying to console Tashana. We also finally get more on the Maliri with sinister plots at work which could very well be Sarinia’s plan B, I just hope that we can see Edraele solve or contribute in the solving of the issue. She was introduced as a powerful telepath and should be even stronger now, but I feel like she hasn’t done anything with that besides buffing John since fighting his guide. Like the other non-human races, the Maliri have limited screen time, it would be great to get even small sentence asides that bring up Edraele’s and the Matriarchs actions in the Protectorate whenever she appears or talks to John. Finally, I am curious how Rachelle held of John and Sakura so long with a single shield when they were using enhanced speed. I may be grossly underestimating her, but I got the impression that at least John only needed 2 blows on the same spot to get through. Is she spinning it faster than they can strike again, or can she react at a speed on par with their enhanced speed? It may be nice in the crews travel time to have John spend time with the new members Helene onwards (maybe robots too) as the rest of the crew are veterans, can run the ship, and have already had plenty of screen time, maybe after John defeats his guide though and they can comb his mind for the archives. Now none of these are criticisms, I love the story and it is the first work I have crowd-funded so congratulations. You are also the author while I am not even a writer, so feel free to disregard anything that I have said. Cheers.

Remember, there are more of them (supposedly), and this is a story. So, I can only deduce that through the dubious and all-encompassing powers of plot convenience they will find another, and have a far easier time of it than Rahn.

Benjamin Herne

The problem is they've never properly sat down and talked so Rahn doesn't know John's guide has gone rogue and John's making most of it up as he's going along.

ringill

Really enjoying this. Also idk how his dad has any room to be mad about the fortress. There is no way that he would know that considering his guide holds a significant portion of the knowledge he should know. The guide his dad created. He literally had to keep trying to do stuff with no guarantee that it would work or risk dying at the hands of the progenitors. Feel bad for him in that regard

SuperAzureReader

While we're waiting, congratulations to Tefler for a selection of Literotica 2019 Readers Choice awards, Sexiest Female Character to Alyssa in ch.113, Sexiest Male Character to John, also in ch.113 and Best Sci-Fi & Fantasy Story to TSM ch.124.

ringill

He will. He's eeeevile like that. Ht's an *gasp* AUTHOR!

J B

Looking forward to how this battle plays out, don't keep me waiting tefler

Jewbear

I know, right

Jewbear

not a full chapter and you still leave us on a cliff hanger you inglorious bastard!

Given the parlous state of the Kintark defence fleets **perilous?** **defense** Merriam-Webster indicates parlous is obsolete with a definition of "dangerously shrewd or cunning" or "full of danger or risk."

Florida Reader

Clearing his throat, the Shoal-Commander tried again. “Perhaps we should sent scouts into the asteroid field? It would be the ideal location for an ambush. The Kintark could have concealed more warships inside the cover of the belt.” **sent should be send**

Florida Reader

Alyssa is plotting evil! I foresee the maiden flight of the Lion's Dragon Wing!

yip got fish face second guessing the second guess. Will be important for the Maliri and John to shut the door so word does not get back to Athgiloi too soon

TF4EVA

should say Outer Rim, not outer room

Str8NotNarrow

it seems outrageous to me that Alyssa forgives herself for the outer room debacle. She says "Consider us even for what happened with the Outer Room colonies. I'm sorry I hurt you over that" that would been a fair statement from Lynette, but it is not a fair or mature statement from Alyssa. it's backwards

Str8NotNarrow

Are the new scenes added at the end or in-between?

divovido

Hehe. Calara sure is good at her job. She's turned the Brimorian commander into a nervous wreck and caused him to take leave of his senses. The Kintark stand a much better chance of survival now, but it's still going to be a close fight.

Jedi Khan

"However, he did allow himself a confidant smile" s/b confident

Str8NotNarrow

wonderful stuff, I'm glad to be back in the action and looking forward... perhaps too soon.... to chapter 134

Str8NotNarrow

AWESOME! I love these battles so much!

MaydaysSin

One of the best chapters of TSM. Expecting the next will also be so stimulating.

Thank you, Tefler! Now, some of us (and you) can sleep, knowing not to expect anything more until tomorrow! :-)

Evan

Typical Tefler triumph...he gives you something to get your teeth into...then he leaves you hanging by the same teeth!!! WELL DONE!!!

Arrowglass

So good. The suspense of the upcoming fight with the fish men and lizard men has me on the edge of my seat. Wow, so, so good.

Philip Hannum

sigh I know.......

TF4EVA

He's not done with this one yet, he's going to be adding more this chapter.

AWESOME!!!! Another cliff hanger ending.......

TF4EVA

I love you!

Hayden Linder

I've added a couple more scenes with the Brimorians and Kintark. I'll add the rest tomorrow! :-)

Tefler

waiting is the hardest part is playing in my head

Tony

Tefler the only problem I have with your work is that I'm ravenously reading every new piece as quickly as I can (cause you've definitely got me hooked) and then I suddenly hit the end ... arrgggghh!! Seriously though another great piece to the story, can't wait to read the finished chapter. Bravo!

Just eeewww! Teeth!

I still think Tamolith would make a sexy dragon-girl.

AlyxHaestrom

This was only half of chapter 133, but eat on the second half.

discord WAS pondering what was going to happen in 133. none of us were close. now we're all speculating WILDLY about what's gonna happen in 134 that has been planned out for months. and we're not thinking too much of brimorian tactics...

It sounds as if Ch 134 is going to be an important one! Next Tuesday right?..........................lol

F5?

Tony

I just looked, and it's just below 28k words. I'm holding off for now; it's annoying to know there are changes and not know if you've caught them all.

I don't think tashana actually had a proper look at the entries before they left

QUESTION? John wishes he had been able to see what Tashana did about the personal enhancement runes. So, why doesn't Alyssa do the same thing as she did with the old "videos/projections" Tashana saw about Mael'Nerak and Valada?

Arrowglass

I never know if its okay to start reading when I see a post like this. Will the unfinished parts be added to the end or will I accidentally miss a scene in the middle that’s added afterwards?

Author W

Probably my first complaint... I thought the scene with Charles and Lynnette was disappointing. Charles was oversimplified and kind of manipulated and it didnt seem consistent with their characters. Rushed

Anther awesome chapter Sir Tefler! But for the record.... I HATE c,cliffhanger! Lol . I loved the conversation the girls had with John about his mom excellent work! Looking forward to the next chapter.

And as eager as I am for more, wow. That was masterfully written! Loved it.

Evan

Any idea timing on those?

Evan

Well, I binge-read hard last night, eagerly awaiting the last scenes!

Evan

Ahh Tef always thinking about your drug addicted readers. I mean loyal readers! It's like smack (I imagine). Just cant get enough and always itching for more. But you never leave us hanging. Thank you kind sir.

Dammit even the unfinished chapters are ending on cliffhangers now!!!!!!!

B S

Huge fan here love your work thnkyou for the early birthday present my birthday is june 9th so you made my day with all this rioting going on in my town i have something to do while im home

I'm bad Ash... and you're good Ash. You're a goodie little two shoes, goodie little two shoes! *BOOM* I ain't that good.

Tefler

Gotta rush to work. Two words: TOTALLY MAGNIFICENT. Watching that prelate writhe as Calara’s traps functioned perfectly, one after the other, was priceless...

Timbo

Is it wrong that got a flash of the fight between good John and evil John an thought of "Army. of darkness" ; Ash VS Ash. 🤔 {I blame the other movie reference} 😃 or worse yet a meme of John talking about his boom stick. Late night thinking can be insanely evil 😈.

'Wait for it... WAIT FOR IT! Nope! Fuck it, I'm going in!'

Crom

Still going to end on a cliffhanger, because that's what he does.

Jedi Khan

Well darn. Here I was hoping that after I finished reading what has been posted so far, the rest would be done and uploaded. Guess five hours isn't enough time, huh?

Jedi Khan

Thank you for the fix. I hated to see the fortress go like that but it made for a great read. I can't wait to read the rest of the chapter.

Mark Kowitz

Now, a clever man would put the poison into his own goblet, because he would know that only a great fool would reach for what he was given. I am not a great fool, so I can clearly not choose the wine in front of you. But you must have known I was not a great fool, you would have counted on it, so I can clearly not choose the wine in front of me.

Stephen

Haha haha... The scene with the Shoal Commander is The Princess Bride in Space

Stephen

Mr. Tefler, what an amazing story, once again. love the hijinx Calara planned out for the Brimorian fleet... so fun to read and wonder what is going to happen next.

Taco1085

Great chapter, for some reason I had to download it from the website and couldnt do it from the app, the file I got from the app was a blank word doc with file name.

Jewbear

Thank you!

I just saw the down load for the chapter and didn't read everything that Tefler said in the post. I came away thinking that it was one evil cliffhanger, then I read the rest of post whooosh.

I wish the astral fortress had not been destroyed, they barely got anything out of it.

Justin Webb

Another top drawer Tefler tale...loved the differing vignettes...cannot wait for what I am sure will be a fantastic finish to this chapter!!!!

Arrowglass

Excellent chapter, Tefler! Thank you so much! I can’t help wondering if Alyssa is going to use the devastating speed of the Invictus to cause its hyper wake to eliminate the communications between the invaders and their origin point… and I’m looking forward to finding out.

Evan

Thank you Tefler

Old Cruiser

Well spotted, thanks!

Tefler

Cheers Tefler

“Do you think if has a lot of untapped abilities we don’t know about?” Should perhaps be: “Do you think it has a lot of untapped abilities we don’t know about?”

Evan

2,45 AM - time to read - thanks Tef

Kim Biel-Nielsen

Thank the maker!

commatoes

Thank you very much! I really appreciate the partial Chapter 133 and very much look forward to getting the rest tomorrow.

BrianM

Thanks, Tefler!

Bp Hlpt

Thanks for the early "FIX" to my TSM addiction!

Arrowglass

Thank you Tef, we greatly appreciate all of your hard work in bringing us your universe.

GDay (FMS)

Awesome thanks for the release.

I 2nd this lol

Knucklehead

wonderful

Mac of Alden

I want to read it But I want to wait until it's all there. DAMN YOU TEFLER......

Robert Wrigley

Awesome!!

Awesome

Muledrvr

Thank you, Tefler!

Evan

Sure it will be worth the wait!

Thank you sir!

Big Dude

Thx Mister Tefler

Robster

Thanks!!!

First to the key!

Tefler

Damn you guys are fast!

Thanks Tefler

Cignal

Not first

DemonHunterCole

Thank you good sir!

Steve

Yay!!!

Yes!

CJ Mora