You have no idea how excited I am that I got through and was able to register as a supporting author. Registration is pretty cut throat so I was worried I wouldn't make it. All my friends are coming into the Chicago area for the conference and (since I live in the area) , I really, really wanted to go too.

I almost did something bad when I kept refreshing and wasn't getting a shot in, but it happened and I am oh so happy.

Now I am off in search of an actual picture of me to put on the author bio. I avoid cameras like the plague so finding one isn't easy.

Oh, dear gods, what was Thorsten doing at his Portal? Why did the scourge of human existence want into Tobias's hub? No. It had to be a dream. Maybe he never really woke up at Dr. Goldstein's laboratory. The blast from the unpressurized Portal knocked him unconscious.

He had gotten knocked hard.

The pain filled nightmare with the Modifier's had been an expression of Tobias's mind wanting away from Thorsten. Yes. That could explain everything.

"Would you like to eat at the Spicy Noodles shop, or would you prefer the Indian stall with the good naan?"

Nope. Tobias sighed. This was his reality. Thorsten stood in the doorway, Tobias's coat in hand, ready to escort him to the Ichiban. The implications made his head hurt. The only saving grace at the moment would be his father hadn't contacted Tobias demanding explanations for yesterday. Maybe the negotiations kept him too busy to get angry. Probably not but one could hope. Tobias rubbed his forehead, trying not to frown too deeply.

"Or we can eat at the Hamada's Mine Restaurant. Their food is always excellent."

Tobias slid a glance to Thorsten. He had to figure a way out of this debacle waiting to happen. There was no way he could be see with the son of one of the biggest Loyalists on the colony. Gods only knew what Tobias's father would say if Thorsten continued to hang around.

Oh no. Noooooo. Oh, gods. Tobias's shook his head, feeling more caught then a helium miner without a life suit. Thorsten was mad if he thought Tobias's would walk with the dolt around Orion 1 together.

"Why are you shaking your head, Tobias? I thought you loved Hamada's Mine Restaurant," said Thorsten, crossing his arms. "You eat there all the time."

"I am not going to the Ichiban," stated Tobias quietly, controlling his voice carefully. Any perceived weakness and Thorsten would strike.

With a practiced flick of his hand, Thorsten pulled out his pocket watch then cocked an eyebrow. "You always go to the Ichiban this time of day, without fail."

Had Tobias gotten that predictable? Not good. He could become a target, or worse, the Loyalists would plan something disastrous when they knew Tobias would not be around. Bad. Very bad. How could he get so complacent? Stupid!

"Tobias?"

"What?" He snapped back, more than annoyed.

"Banging your head against the wall can't be good for you."

When had he started doing that?

"You need all your faculties undamaged. I'm not sure you have any to spare."

Not a whole lot to say really. Just a cover to show off for the MCB Anthology (Number 4!). This one is a science fiction theme, and will be out April 2, 2014.

With time being precious to me, I've had to consolidate, which means the blog I used to have is now on my webpage. Plus it allows me to share easier than my old blog too. 

So welcome! Enjoy.