#spacestories

[mcczines]

WELCOME

Hi!

Thank you so much for looking into “Constellations in Flux: A Romance Anthology Zine”

We will be opening for submissions soon, and we will be looking for prose, poetry, and artwork/photography that follows the theme of “Stars/Space”. All content should fall under the romance genre, though we’re not limiting content to hetero-norm relationships. LGBTQ, Inter-species, or unusual pairings are welcome, as long as the story is romantic in nature and is connected to the stars in some way!

“Constellations in Flux” will be published online, with a limited print run that will be funded through crowdsourcing. All contributors will receive a free copy of the zine.

Start brainstorming and follow us on Tumblr to get updates! Thank you again, we’re excited to put together this project and hope to make a great collection of heartfelt stories and art.

#zine promo #zine #romanceanthology #spacestories #celestial

[jtsteiny]

Big Page One Hundred And Ninety - ABAW Publishing Company #wods #newwords #wordtalk #wordsphlegm #timelapse #lineattack12 #lineattackactivitybook10 #storytime #spacestories #hopfulwords #lineart #lineuse #manypictures #watercolor #scrabbletime #seriousmother #rianspit #wetstories #dogsout #cowlove #pigs #ok https://www.instagram.com/p/CqEcqSePmCi/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#wods #newwords #wordtalk #wordsphlegm #timelapse #lineattack12 #lineattackactivitybook10 #storytime #spacestories #hopfulwords #lineart #lineuse #manypictures #watercolor #scrabbletime #seriousmother #rianspit #wetstories #dogsout #cowlove #pigs #ok

[niceshoesexpres]

(storytime 9) the zaku gundam and remember playing this when I was younger.......

I wish I could of found a better picture, anyway this, I use to play a game like this , I think it was gundam encounters in space and I use to fight in space and see a bunch of lights shooting at me and see robots leaving a spaceship and see stars over there and see people getting cut up with laser swords, the blue electricity ,

ok so the game helped me get Over the boring things in life, you know there something about space that makes me forget things. Forget the things that's boring. The things I really don't want to talk about. I dont know why that is. Its like a feeling space gives you. Space is like another world where things are quiet and make enough sense to get where you want to be. I think I trying to get there. Floating in the darkness and dealing with the stars and floating with the other people I guess, yeah, Somewhere in space I'm trying to get where I want to be. Or atleast find something that feels like space. Will I find space? I am not sure I just going to look for it.

#space

#zakugundam

#florida

#videogame

#lifestory

#spacestory

#florida #outer space #space story #zakugundam

[technobroo]

⚽🚀 Did you know that a soccer ball survived the Challenger shuttle explosion in 1996? 🤯 The ball was found floating in the Atlantic Ocean after the tragic crash that killed all seven astronauts on board. This resilient ball is a testament to the durability and strength of soccer balls, as well as the human spirit in the face of tragedy. 🙌🏼 Have you ever heard of this incredible story before? Let me know in the comments! ⬇️ #ChallengerExplosion #SoccerBall #Survivor #Resilience #Durability #Strength #HumanSpirit #Tragedy #SpaceFacts #NASA #Inspiration #InstaScience #ScienceFacts #SpaceExploration #NeverForget #EmojisInTheAir Hashtags: #ChallengerExplosion #SoccerBall #Survivor #Resilience #Durability #Strength #HumanSpirit #Tragedy #SpaceFacts #NASA #Inspiration #InstaScience #ScienceFacts #SpaceExploration #NeverForget #ScienceCommunication #ScienceNews #ScienceDiscoveries #ScienceHistory #ScienceStories #SpaceStories #AstroTrivia #AstroFacts #STEM #Educational #EmojisInTheAir #InstaFun #FunFacts #DidYouKnow #FactOfTheDay (at USA) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpRnEFDPyOp/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#challengerexplosion #soccerball #survivor #resilience #durability #strength #humanspirit #tragedy #spacefacts #nasa #inspiration #instascience #sciencefacts #spaceexploration #neverforget #emojisintheair #sciencecommunication #sciencenews #sciencediscoveries #sciencehistory #sciencestories #spacestories #astrotrivia #astrofacts #stem #educational #instafun #funfacts #didyouknow #factoftheday

[starfaring-princelotor]

-

First Scent

-

Summary: Emperor Lotor makes a full recovery.

-

★ Disclaimer: I do not ship Lotura and I respectfully ask that this story to not be tagged as Lotura. This is a Lotor x Reader/Self-Insert OC story which is in no way related to Allura at all. Please be respectful of my chosen pairing.

★ Warnings: N/A

Touch Series: Part One___Part Two___Part Three___Part Four___Part Five

Taste Series: Part One___Part Two___Part Three___Part Four___Part Five

Sight Series: Part One___Part Two___Part Three___Part Four___Part Five

Scent Series: Part One

-

“We are all on the same side. It doesn’t have to change our future together.”

Kylan would never dare consider doubting Lotor, but he was also no fool to leave loose ends hanging, so to speak. He worked along with their leader and his intentions - his goal - was always about keeping Alteans and the invaluable culture of said race alive. Against all odds, all naysayers and doubters, he kept to it. And he succeeded. 

“You enslaved countless Alteans! How many innocent lives did you destroy?!”

Slaves? No. They were not slaves. They were not treated as such. If anything, they were flourishing and well on their way to becoming a better society than the one led by King Alfor. The progress was well on the way and the future looked bright. So, what happened? He needed to hear it, needed to have the physical evidence right in front of him. 

“Surely, you can see the greatness we’ve already accomplished -”

The audio distorted then, signifying Sincline was most likely damaged from an unsuspecting attack. 

“-llura, stop! You and I - zzt - Altean culture. We were meant - kkzzt -”

The black box was heavily damaged. Being exposed to the elements, especially quintessence, no doubt rendered it beyond repair. Except, Kylan knew how to save the proof and secure the device for future use. Plan B. Have a backup. Always have a back up. 

“You’re more like Zarkon than I could have imagined.”

He closed his eyes slowly, releasing a solemn and heavy sigh of disappointment. He wasn’t going to say he knew everything, even if the hidden picture was revealed right in front of him. No, what he has here ultimately didn’t matter in terms of putting Lotor back on the throne. 

“Who are you to question my tactics - “

But it was enough to clear his name. It was enough to show that Voltron started a whole new, deadly, and severely costly war by attacking the Emperor. 

*

They had suggested putting him in a pod to stabilize his quintessence levels. Lotor’s soul may have returned, but that doesn’t mean his body was in a relatively safe state. Logically, it made sense to use the technology at hand to quicken the process, but you convinced them to keep him on a bed instead. Convinced was putting it lightly. You wouldn’t move on your decision, even if it meant using logic as a tool to get what was best for Lotor.

“I will siphon it from him, as I do with the other patients,” you explained, “It’s safer this way.” 

It was your reasoning and also what you used to convince yourself, too. Your hand was loosely holding his as the steady flow of quintessence ebbed through the contact. When he had collapsed from exhaustion in your arms, you already knew that a confined space wouldn’t do well for his recovery. He needs to wake up naturally in a comforting environment, somewhere open, somewhere...safe. You promised him that at the very least. 

But the longer you stayed with him, the more you came to the haunting realization at exactly how bad it was for the Galra Emperor. His skin was shriveled, no doubt either from over exposure or the action of his soul literally being sucked out of his body. Maybe even both. But the inside is what worried you the most. Starvation. His organs were scarily dehydrated. Lotor’s system was off for so long, you weren’t sure he could even eat anything nourishing. 

And, oddly enough, there were times you couldn’t...see him as a patient. You saw him as something more, something beyond just Emperor. Allowing those buried thoughts to unfurl left your stomach stirring in uneasiness. 

Lotor wasn’t talkative. Recovery was slow and, sometimes, he barely woke up long enough to sip water or open his mouth for ice chips. You weren’t even sure if he was coherent enough to answer the typical questions for patients who experienced such acute delirium. Do you know who you are? Where you are? What happened?

No. No, overflowing with too much would stunt his progress. Plus, you often found yourself hesitating to even speak with him. Maybe it was wrong of you to take advantage of his illness to push your own discomfort away. If he didn't ask, you don’t need to answer. But there were urgent questions lingering between you two and you know they will come around to rear its ugly head eventually. You’ll have to face them, whether you like it or not. You’ll have to hear what he has to say. What you’ll say. What you’ll feel. 

But...

Lotor first. Your thumb ran over his knuckles softly, gaze longingly focused on your conjoined hands. Lotor first. That’s how it felt like when trapped in Sincline’s…

*

The Black Paladin has seen many haunting horrors in his life, but nothing will be more traumatic than seeing his own body as a corpse. No...his alternate self was alive, he just looked shriveled and sick and rotten. Sunken eye sockets, skin blemishes from what he knows as quintessence burn. The bite marks, oh, there were so many torn in his suit. Different sizes, different states of decay. 

But he was safe and, more importantly, alive. Now, the matter of what state his mind will be in is something not even he can help with. 

“I will pass the message on to the doctor once Emperor Lotor is in stable condition,” Kylan accepted the letter handed to him by the Black Paladin then carefully slid it into his coat pocket, “Thank you, again. You have done us a great honor. Saved us all, actually.”

Yet, as much as he would like to accept such gratefulness, he couldn't help but keep his lips set in a firm line. Saved them? Or condemned them? This war in his reality wasn’t theirs to deal with, but wouldn’t it be just as neglectful and dispassionate to allow the hoktril to be exposed to other realities? A double edged sword. Damned if he does, damned if he doesn't. 

“I only hope that his return was not too late. Unfortunately, time does not appear to be on our side as of late.”

Kylan nodded in agreement, “You have your duties, we have ours. And yours must be urgent if you need to leave so soon.”

Nebulous orbs slowly closed, easily remembering the scribble he quickly jotted down for your eyes only. A message, a dire one, explaining why his leave of absence was absolutely necessary, but not for the reason anyone would assume. The Black Paladin had received a distress call, one he had not heard from in a very, very long time, and he had every intention to answer it. Sven’s voice rang in his ears clearly, as if he was standing right behind him. His hushed whispers panicked from hiding. He knows the tone well.

“I implore you to use the communication stone with utmost discretion. However, as soon as matters have settled here,” Paladin Lotor gave a wave, a vague gesture at all of this, “Let me know when your forces are ready to fight.”

He gave a noble, respectful bow. He shouldn’t have regrets, but perhaps he had one nagging the back of his head. Chewing on his tongue, he wonders if it was his cowardice that told him it was better to leave without telling you face to face. 

*

If there was one thing Emperor Lotor despised about hospitals, it was the smell. The acute, sanitized scent of alcohol and sterilization never brought him comfort when awake. Even now, during every odd moment he would rouse from a deep comatose-like state, he found it absolutely much worse. The air was cold, chilling his nostrils, yet there was a warm blanket covering most of his body, all the way up to his shoulders. Warmth...something he cherishes now that he had the cold touch of death’s finger beckon his soul from his body. 

It took days for him to realize he was alive, longer to know that the doctor had dutifully tended to his recovery. It wasn’t easy, regaining his senses and awareness. His thoughts were slow, as if relearning everything that which went dormant in his mind. Words, thoughts, actions, feelings. Feelings...like your hand gently clutched in his. Not at all unlike that memory of falling in a pit of darkness, tethered by the mere simple contact of entwined fingers. 

And damn, to remember that utopia-esque simulation. Was it a simulation? It all felt too real. Too perfect, too...happy, one he thinks he will never really get to experience ever again. That love, that peaceful life, that completion. At the time, he didn't question it. Who would? But now, now as you read the holographic screen and scanned the details about his vitals in silence, he has so many to ask you.

Was it a hedonistic crime to still feel that inkling of love as he stared fondly at you? 

Or maybe...that was just a lingering side-effect. A sort of after-high from being forced into an addictive drug-induced state of mind from a mere memory. 

You knew he was awake. Lotor made it clear with his silent shifting, a gentle squeeze of his hand in yours, and a slight, almost quiet, groan of discontent when he felt his body ache in the worst possible ways. Part of him would've chuckled at the thought that maybe you were avoiding him, or rather, avoiding looking at him. Then another part would caution that it was wise of you to do so, for both yours and his sake. 

Maybe, just like him, neither of you were ready to ask questions about the intimate life you shared. Maybe if he kept his mouth shut, both of you can pretend it didn’t happen. It was a trick. A ruse, a test. One conjured deep from within the heart’s desires and brought to the surface without warning or care. 

The light above was dimmed in a cool blue hue, offering him a sense of peace and tranquility, but what really helped calm his nerves was the smell of a warm cup of hot chocolate wafting through the air. A promised treat, giving him the freedom to choose if he wanted to drink or simply hold it in his hands. And yet, he didn't reach for it.

Lotor reached for your hand. You gave it willingly, almost instinctively, and he was quite aware of how his heart beat just a little louder at the gesture. Lotor wasn’t sure he liked that or not. Well, he did, but he shouldn't. He really shouldn't because it was wrong to harbor such feelings for you considering the circumstances. But the heart wants. The heart yearns. 

Lotor can control it. He swears he can. 

So many unspoken words between you two, yet silence was clearly winning here. Then again, he can’t complain too much. Or at all, really. Your thumb slowly roving over his knuckles was nearly entrancing. The simple touch made his body compliant, whether because it was you or because the action itself was an unconscious act on its own, he would never find out. 

You stopped suddenly then gave him a light squeeze, “How are you feeling?”

“I’ll be…” he paused, recalling how he felt when falling out of that cockpit, the panic, the pain, the cold, so, so cold, “fine.”

And while normally, those few words would be firm confirmation that you’ve done your job flawlessly well, you can’t help but let your heart seed doubt in your mind.

“And you, good doctor?” 

Was he asking about your health or how you felt coming out of that life-like experience?

You twisted your wrist, closing the holographic screen before giving him your full attention, “Coming back to life is not what I expected, but neither was dying. It was different than-”

A twinge in your shoulder pulsed, reminding you of the last time you danced with death so romantically. 

“I recovered faster than you. Kylan informed me i was gone for a mere few minutes. Clearly not long enough for all the heat to leave my body, but long enough to give him a fright.”

Lotor had a certain look behind his eyes, a certain longing for the truth. You turned away.

*

It’s been a week. The metaphorical wall was back up. But it wasn't just you that decided avoidance was the best course of action for now. He, too, opted to shove those unanswered questions in the back of his mind as far as he could. Lotor only wondered exactly how long he can let it fester. How long you could let it fester. Maybe the two of you were more alike than you want to admit. 

When the deepest, most intimate, most raw secrets and desires surface, that exposed vulnerability suddenly becomes a dangerously choking weak point. Becomes something to fear. Becomes tangible and no longer yours to hide. But to acknowledge such a thing now? What? Were you two going to sit and talk about it? Have a coffee date and reminisce of those fake nights of feeling safe in each other’s arms?

No. It was much easier, much smarter, to stay focused on the goal. It was more important. 

Was it awkward? Not at all. You dressed him in silence with careful fingers, wary that the lightest of touch could bruise his still-healing body, and he watched the concentration consume your task. Such a simple thing spoke volumes to the careful observer. Lotor was the patient. You were the doctor. Play the roles well and everything will be fine. 

But just to be sure…

“We are not going to talk about this, are we?” he asked his one question, voice just a tad lower than normal, meant only for you to hear. 

Slipping the new bracelet around his wrist, you waited a few moments until the indicator glowed green, “No. Not now.”

Lotor’s hands went slack at his side, a sign of obedient understanding. He offered his hand to you, not as a gesture of intimacy. It was for his health, of course. His quintessence levels were still a little high. He was sick, still out of sorts, and a full recovery only worked if kept to schedule. 

For his health, you told yourself as the two of you walked out of the room hand in hand. 

*

“Dear Esteemed Doctor,

By the time you receive this letter, I will no longer be in your reality. I have been called back with urgent news and must return post haste. Please accept my humblest apologies for the sudden leave. If I had the time, I would have stayed to offer you my aid at any cost. With your Emperor under your care, I have no doubt that the next step with our alliance will be needing as much resources and command as possible. Rallying the forces as soon as possible will be difficult, though if there is any advice I may impart with, it is this: 

Galra are survivors, through and through. 

When civil wars raged upon our brothers and sisters, history has repeatedly shown that it is not the toughest fighter who wins. Rather, it is the one who fights to protect the one at their side. 

I look forward to seeing you once more in the near future. Please, stay safe.

Sincerely,

Lotor”

His handwriting was eloquent, not a curve or line extending awkwardly in the entire paragraph. At first glance, anyone would take in the script as romantic at face value, but the prose itself was completely opposite. He wasn’t here anymore and, as the Black Lion Paladin, of course the he had to tend to his duties. With Voltron, no doubt a shining beacon of hope for those suffering in his reality, he couldn't risk squandering his time. 

You folded the letter then pocketed it in your coat, waiting for orders from Emperor Lotor, who was sitting at the helm of the ship and staring deeply off into space. Kylan had updated him about the current situation. Colonies displaced, warlords razing worlds for their own, Haggar’s search for him. That last one put him on edge. Yes, he’s well aware you worked for her, but he is also aware of your need for self-perseverance.

Or perhaps, it was for a completely different reason? If Sincline utilizes memories from souls, then he should’ve seen his mother’s memories mixed in yours, as well. Assuming, of course, you were brainwashed like his previous... 

Lotor isn't such a naive fool to believe you would never lie in the face of certain death. He caught on faster than expected, knowing full well that sometimes telling people what they want to hear is for your own benefit, not theirs. Manipulation was often a tactic swept under the rug and reserved for those who were labeled as cowardice rats. Weak. Not strong enough. Not smart enough. 

No. Not you, though. In the short time he’s known you, words were your choice of weapon in a fight. And apparently, his mother was desperate enough to fall for your schemes. One day, he’d compliment you on such a ruse. One day, he’ll tell you that she was actually the one who gave birth to him. How would you take it, he wonders? Anger at leaving the minor details out? Distrust? Betrayal? 

“-of Marmora have gone underground. There has been news of Voltron recently en route to Earth months ago in response to Sendak’s battalion overthrowing the planet. Olkarion has been devastated by unknown forces and survivors have been scattered. Currently, no one has claimed the throne at the main headquarters and the next crowning ceremony will begin in but a few short weeks. Many separated factions are - “

Lotor had options. Many paths he could take to begin repairing the split and broken empire. He could free planets that were overtaken by warlords, spreading hope and securing rogue armies. No, that was what Voltron did and they failed to protect those they promised. Perhaps return to headquarters then declare his status as alive? He will certainly have more resources at his hand then. But no, Haggar and her spies would discreetly sabotage his throne.

Recruit the scattered Alteans? No, he doesn’t have the forces necessary to defend them all right now. They were safer with their captains, fortified with the necessary firepower and supplies. What of the Blades of Marmora? Should he spend valuable time searching for them? Their espionage skills will be most beneficial, especially with their network of spies spread out all over the universe. Then again, what about Voltron? 

What about Voltron, indeed. 

In truth, Voltron had more use as a gun than anything else. Perhaps there were still people faithful that it was their savior, their answer to all this despair and death in the galaxy. Yes, he could save them. That fight when he was piloting Sincline showed him where Voltron’s strength truly lies: as a false ray of hope. It was weak, in more ways than one. 

However, the problem with saving Voltron would confuse many people. If he were to align with them again, that would leave many to doubt his role as a leader and the Emperor of the Galra Empire. He would lose support in the time of need and Voltron itself wasn't good enough to go around. He needed numbers and he would take a loyal military over a disillusioned vigilante any day.

A conundrum, indeed. 

“Doctor, Kylan. A moment of your time, please.”

The Emperor ordered the rest of the crew around to give you three some much needed privacy. You stood at his left, Kylan at his right, both in silence. It was no surprise that just like Lotor, you were already calculating what the best course of action would be. Or at least, the best without risking potential deaths and destruction.

 “Sir, rallying the Blades would greatly help connect our network with those still loyal to the throne. Although it may take some valuable time to search for their leader and the rest of their members,” Kylan took a deep breath before continuing, “We simply do not have the power alone to protect the Colony and the entirety of the universe, let alone the upcoming war with the other reality.”

Lotor glanced at you from the corner of his eye, awaiting your input. While Kylan’s plan was sound, he couldn't afford to make a hasty decision so soon. 

“Sendak has taken over Earth, where Voltron currently resides. I don’t know the lore following the mech, whether the pilots need to be dead before the lions accept a new paladin, but leaving a nuclear cannon that can rip holes into other realities is not something we should leave to a power-hungry warlord. Find out if the paladins are alive. If they are, fight Sendak with both Voltron and Sincline on your side.”

“And if they are not?” the Emperor asked, partly curious about how you would react to your friends dying and partly curious as to why Earth, the one place you didn't want to return to, was even an option you’d consider. 

“If not, then…” you trailed off, “If not, steal one of the lions. Voltron cannot be formed without all 5 pieces together. At the very least, it will prevent Sendak from using it to its full potential, regardless if he has located new paladins.”

“Stealing requires stealth. Something the Blades can provide,” Kylan interjected. 

“A distraction works just as well. Drawing Sendak’s eyes off of Earth, even for a short time, will give us a small chance to enact our plan,” you countered, then placed a finger on your lips in thought, “If Sincline can attack his battalion, that’s more than enough attention to keep Sendak on a trail.”

Lotor found both plans sound, but there was a small problem, “Sendak will not take the bait. He fights with the ferocity of a thousand suns, but he views a proper battle for the throne as an honor. To taunt him to fight me, use my status as alive in order to claim rights over the empire is not how he views righteous combat.”

“You are the Emperor. If strength is not what determines loyalty, then perhaps it is better to show him with fealty and duty.”

You knew little to nothing about Galra culture, but that letter folded in our pocket did tell you one thing: Galra are not savages. Their history goes beyond blood and guts and gore. It’s a mystery you hope to read about one day, discover how wise veterans compare to the current warriors of the Empire. If what Lotor says is true, then maybe one of the strongest warlords in the galaxy will yield to the rightful emperor. 

“Very well. Here is my thought: Kylan and I will send for a search party to locate the Blades of Marmora. They will need this ship and I will not risk the Alteans on board near Sendak’s sights. While we are carrying out our side of the plan, doctor, you will go to Earth and infiltrate the military base as a slave. Give us the details of where the lions are and generally pass on the intel about what is going on. Because you are human, I would imagine it would be quite a simple task for you to blend in,” Lotor bit the inside of his cheek, “Blend in carefully. You are going into the mouth of the beast, after all. From there, we go either two ways: take a lion or confront Sendak. I will leave that judgement up to you, doctor.”

“It’s risky. I don’t suppose you know how long it would take for you two to find the Blades?” you questioned, though already knowing the answer.

Kylan pinched the bridge of his nose, “No. We are not even sure if the Blades still exist. If that be the case, then we should have a back up plan.”

“Regardless of how this turns out, doctor, we will need updates about Voltron and Sendak. Can you handle this on your own?” came Lotor’s final question, but there was a hint of...concern visible in his tone. 

Earth, the place you were born in. Earth, the place you left behind for good. Earth, the place soon to be used as a slavery planet for Sendak’s militaristic needs. You’re not heartless. You don’t like the idea of death and destruction on any planet. And that’s what Earth was to you, after spending so many years away, it was just another planet. The attachments you had all died with your father. 

For what reason did you have to keep any ties with the land? This was for the safety of the universe and much more.

“Yes. yes, I can. Just don’t leave me behind if things take a turn for the worst.”

Again.

*

 There was a knock at your door, drawing you to pause from packing what little belongings you had into a rucksack. 

“Come in.”

And so he did, all of his tall glory stepping into your meager room. Bland, plain, empty and void of sentimentality. Lotor wonders faintly if you lived your entire life like this, with little color and even littler personality. It looked remarkably like the room back on the Castle of Lions. The door behind him closed slowly, but he had no intention of leaving soon anyways. 

“Was there something important I missed?” 

Lotor stayed silent, watching you and trying to think of how to exactly say his thoughts. He was a man of action when the time was right and right now? Part of him was choking at the very thought of you being alone on a planet ruled by Sendak. His heart screamed at him when he suggested the plan, calling him a fool, an idiot, a bastard that keeps risking those he loves -

No. No, it wasn't love. He had to remind himself that. It was NOT love. 

If it wasn't, then why did you come here? 

Wordlessly, he bent over to unclasp his boots and pile them neatly by your door. Next came his gloves, followed by his waist cape, and then the rest of his armor until he was standing before you in nothing but his skin-tight body suit. The entire time, you watched in silence with only the beating of your heart getting louder and faster in your chest. 

The heart wants. The heart yearns. 

“May I stay here tonight?” he asked, but surely he already knew you would say yes. Surely he did. Surely you would. 

With a soundless nod, you slipped off your coat then hung it up, just for tonight. Not a doctor, not a soldier, not fighting, not running. Just...being. Existing. Like when trapped inside Sincline’s simulation, except this will be real. Was it okay to do that one more time? 

Lotor slipped under the sheets with you, trapping you between the wall and his solid frame. He was never one to call himself a man who hesitates, but he did exactly that when he cautiously slid an arm over your waist to pull you closer. Closer still, until his chest was flushed with your back and his nose nuzzled the top of your head. This let him take in your scent, as if trying to burn it in his memories. 

That’s when it clicked. As much as part of you wanted this, you needed it. You both did, after cheating death together. The way he held you tight. The way you leaned into him. He was … scared, just like you. There was no certainty you would not be killed, nor him surviving the trek to find the Blades. You two just found each other again and, while your partnership before wasn't deemed as together, as someone to fight alongside the other, the idea of being separated so soon started to leave an uneasy tension in the air. 

There were other ways. More safer, less isolating. He could come with you. Or you can stay with him. Strength in numbers, right? 

Oh, where did the confidence go?

Gentle fingertips touched over his knuckles, asking permission to hold, to thread together and seal an unspoken vow between you two. A promise that you can do this, that he will find the Blades, that everything so far is only the beginning and it will work out in the end. It was two simple words. Just two.

Trust me. 

#lotor x reader #spacestories #ok the real chapter this time lol #not a rick roll i swear

[kuiperkat]

This just in: #MU69 is a half-flat snowman ⛄️ From Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory: ‼️‼️BREAKING‼️‼️ Images from @nasa New Horizons confirm 2014 MU69 is not, as it turns out, quite so round as initially anticipated. These images from NASA New Horizons demonstrate the highly unusual, flatter shape of the Kuiper Belt Object, the the most distant world ever explored. New Horizons scientists confirmed that the two sections (or “lobes”) are not spherical. The larger lobe more closely resembles a giant pancake 🥞 and the smaller lobe, is shaped like a dented walnut.

#mu69 #jhuapl #newhorizons #nasa #spacecraft #space #spacestories #science #johnshopkins #appliedphysicslab #apl #kuiperbelt #kbo #newspacephotos #photosfromspace #spaceexploration

[geekbroll]

Tweety and the Space Cats A Coloring Book - Tweety and Sylvester - 1984 A Golden Book 1141-70 (Western Publishing) - Colors by me. #looneytunes #tweetyandsylvester #martians #spacemen #spacecats #greencats #cartooncats #catsofinstagram #cats #birdsofinstagram #birds #tweetybird #cartooncharacters #cartoons #coloringbook #coloring #digitalcoloring #westernpublishing #sylvester #sylvesterpussycat #flyingsaucers #flyingsaucer #catfood #spacestories #bookstagram (at Portland, Oregon)

#greencats #cats #spacemen #looneytunes #flyingsaucers #sylvester #digitalcoloring #birdsofinstagram #coloring #sylvesterpussycat #westernpublishing #tweetyandsylvester #flyingsaucer #spacestories #cartooncats #catfood #spacecats #bookstagram #tweetybird #cartooncharacters #birds #martians #cartoons #coloringbook #catsofinstagram

[thebookdragon217]

"Towns like this don't want girls like us to succeed". Have you ever read a story that was just so magical that you couldn't stop smiling from the very first sentence? Miss Meteor is that story for me. It was heartfelt, hopeful, funny, sweet, dreamy and 100% enchanting. It cracked my heart wide open, made me grin from ear to ear and made my happiness spill over like a stardust and glitter explosion. Tehlor Kay Mejia and Anna-Marie McLemore knocked this one out of the atmosphere with seamless writing and characters that you instantly fall in love with. The elements of outer space weaved into the main story was icing on the cake. Lita and Chicky were so relatable, it was easy to root for them and other girls just like them. Watching them transform and claim their power felt like the underdog story of the year. I want more of this dynamic duo in the future. Highlights: ☄ realistic female friendships & sisterhood ☄ dispels standards of beauty & feminism ☄ celebration of Mexican culture ☄ great pansexual & trans representation ☄ beauty pageant shenanigans ☄ sweet, innocent teen romance ☄ unlikely heroes ☄ dispels elitism & toxic masculinity ☄ promotes tolerance & acceptance ☄ family and community ☄ own voices narratives This bookdragon rates it 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 #LatinxHeritageMonth #Latinxstories #missmeteor #YAfiction #LatinxYA #lgbtqrepresentation #tehlorkaymejia #annamariemclemore #harperteen #epicreads #latinxbookstagram #bookdragon #bookworm #latinx #latinxreader #ownvoicesreview #queerbooks #weneeddiversebooks #spacestories #booksandbeauty #readlatinxbooksallyear #latinxlit #latinxIG #bibliophile #bookreviews (at Bushwick) https://www.instagram.com/p/CF778lzgSLU/?igshid=nleh1edd0qwv

#latinxheritagemonth #latinxstories #missmeteor #yafiction #latinxya #lgbtqrepresentation #tehlorkaymejia #annamariemclemore #harperteen #epicreads #latinxbookstagram #bookdragon #bookworm #latinx #latinxreader #ownvoicesreview #queerbooks #weneeddiversebooks #spacestories #booksandbeauty #readlatinxbooksallyear #latinxlit #latinxig #bibliophile #bookreviews

[supersteviegeekout]

Maybe it's that I find the idea comforting. That your echo is louder than your voice. - Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir ~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~ Sliding in under the wire with book six this month. This book is really interesting, well told, and a whole new kind of world for me. My brain is just not focusing so it took me a while to get through it. Definite must read if you like necromancy, mystery, and smart asses! ~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~ @foxandwit #fnwreadchallenge #readersofinstagram #bookstagram #bookswelove #bookaholic #booklife #booklover #readingchallenge #gideontheninth #tamsynmuir #necromancers #lesbians #spacestories https://www.instagram.com/p/B4TTK6ugqV5/?igshid=19l2ae77rasd1

#fnwreadchallenge #readersofinstagram #bookstagram #bookswelove #bookaholic #booklife #booklover #readingchallenge #gideontheninth #tamsynmuir #necromancers #lesbians #spacestories

[orchestrators]

The perfect gift for any scifi lover. Ive been packaging up copys of both Broadsider books all day! Thank you to everyone who purchased one this holiday season. You make this writing journey worth taking. Get in touch via pm if you would like a copy or either Broadsider book! #story #ShortStory #writeblr #writer #writing #sciencefiction #scifi #scififantasy #space #spacestory #spaceship #drawings #art #conceptart #indiewriter #artist #characterdesign #characterconcept #characterdevelopment #freesciencefiction (at Dungeons and Donuts Galway) https://www.instagram.com/p/CXOXBIisRMT/?utm_medium=tumblr

#story #shortstory #writeblr #writer #writing #sciencefiction #scifi #scififantasy #space #spacestory #spaceship #drawings #art #conceptart #indiewriter #artist #characterdesign #characterconcept #characterdevelopment #freesciencefiction

[downtoearthguy]

Journal of an Astronaut (part 1)

May 27th, 2020

Dear Diary,

If I had the most number of butterflies in my stomach, it would be this day.

Two years of rigorous training, space simulations, and various classes has led to this day. You have no idea how much I had to train to be an Astronaut. Lifting heavy dumbbells, running literally a thousand miles, millions of jumping Jack’s and burpees, thousands of hours in the Mock-Up Facility, getting used to weightlessness (before the actual weightlessness you feel in space) by surviving the Vomit Comet (AKA the KC 135, where even the veterans throw up), learning to spacewalk by being in a sweaty, bulky, second-hand spacesuit and moving underwater, moving large things in the Precision Air-bearing Floor. And the list goes on and on. Well, not really, it kind of ends there. Anyways, all the training finally paid off, because I get to take my picture taken for the world’s leading newspapers and magazines, where I can be seen walking (very dramatically, ‘cause why not?) towards Spacex’s new Crew Dragon spacecraft. Taking long strides, hair neatly combed as a pompadour, helmet on my bosom, smiling that Colgate smile. I was looking towards the cameras, then gave one final glance at that huge missile-shaped capsule before I entered the Lift. “This must be what Trump meant by ‘make America great again!’ hehe” my colleague Bob Behnken said. That guy has a wicked sense of humour.

We enter the capsule, and it wasn’t like anything I ever saw, it wasn’t anything like I ever felt. I mean, of course, we sat in the simulated one before, one with all the controls and the simulated launch and all the mumbo jumbo, but this…. this feels surreal. To sit in the actual thing brought out a whole new level of nervousness. I suddenly feel the weight of the mission falling on my shoulders. This is NASA’s and Spacex’s first ever collaboration, the first time a private space organization is sending a manned spacecraft to space, the first launch (in a really long time) from American soil. I could see the pressure getting to Bob too, because he was shivering and breathing heavily, like as if he was trapped in a freezer in Antarctica. I put a hand (which was in vibrator mode) on his shoulder and said everything’s gonna be alright. That seemed to calm him down. “Plus, we look like goddamn Avengers in that Endgame movie in these space suits.” That cracked both of us up. I was right though, we did look awesome in our suits, spotless white, with TRON-like dark blue inlays, sleek and slim (unlike its predecessors), really cool and surprisingly roomy helmet. The Dragon itself was a work of wonder. Imagine the richest guy on earth has his own chartered airplane, but flip it 90 degrees upward. That would be an apt description of the Dragon, I think. Real comfy chairs. Dude, it even has CUP HOLDERS!

Okay, enough writing. I can hear Elon Musk giving us both a pep talk, and now we have to prepare ourselves for the launch. That includes fastening our seat belts, getting comfy, pressing all those buttons, pulling those levers, and announcing everything we do to Mission Control. Yes, I know it sounds tedious, but then we have to be alive and well for the mission to be successful, so I can’t really complain.

Falcon-9 is in start-up.

Dragon is in countdown.

FPS is armed for launch.

FTS is armed.

SpaceX Dragon, we are go for launch.

Let’s light the candle.

(based on SpaceX’s historic first manned space flight, the launch of Crew Dragon. The next entries in this series will be fictional.)

#space #spacestory #astrostory #astronautstory #journal #fiction #shortstory #series #spacex #nasa

[bearizy]

A background art I did for a while 💖 Like I said before, this is my original character meant to be in a space themed story. I love how all the colors turned out, probably my favorite of my pieces so far. #art #backgrounds #spacetheme #spacepalette #spaceart #artwork #sai2 #illustration #digitalillustrationart #dibujos #dibujodigital #drawings #spacestory #originalcharacter #coolatmosphere #digitaldrawing #bearizyart https://www.instagram.com/p/CbPDp6ihf-D/?utm_medium=tumblr

#art #backgrounds #spacetheme #spacepalette #spaceart #artwork #sai2 #illustration #digitalillustrationart #dibujos #dibujodigital #drawings #spacestory #originalcharacter #coolatmosphere #digitaldrawing #bearizyart

[khabarexclusive]

Stars कैसे बनते हैं और हो जाते हैं खत्म, जानिए विस्तार से Science With S...

#MakingOfStars Immortals SpaceStories

[blogspacestories]

Our company The Spacestories Is the best company in Delhi/NCR for interior design Services. All types of, Bathroom interior, Bedroom interior, Home interior, Home Decor, Living room, Interior design Ideas and many more Interior Design Ideas available within your budget ( For all Residential & Commercial Places).

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#interiordesignforhouse interiordesignforhall interiordesign moderninteriordesign spacestories delhi noida #moderninteriordesign

[starfaring-princelotor]

-

Wait

-

Summary: Prince Lotor goes through some self-destructive habits.

-

★ Disclaimer: I do not ship Lotura and I respectfully ask that this story to not be tagged as Lotura. This is a Lotor x Ven’tar story which is in no way related to Allura at all. Please be respectful of my chosen pairing.

★ Warnings: Depression, drinking, suicidal thoughts, vomiting, death mention.

★ A/N: Heed the warnings.

- 

Today was the anniversary. 

The liquid burned going down his throat, yet it did little to thaw the cold ice spiking through his heart, through his entire body. He was frozen in all sense but literal. It was a familiar feeling that he made friends with long ago, this muteness. Part of him never really pushed it away, he supposed. Part of him never really knew what to do with(out) it. 

Because that’s it, isn’t it? Pain makes you feel (sort of) alive. Numbness is a feeling (note: lack of feeling). And grief, as much time has passed, always finds a creeping way to force him into these bad, awful habits that reared its ugly head specifically for today. Drinking until he passes out. Forgetting food until he is puking stomach acid (it burns just like alcohol). Building brick walls and refusing to speak about anything with anyone. 

Just for today. Today, only today. 

Therapy. Go get help, he was told by himself. But why? He knew what was wrong. He was just too stubborn (too busy, he lies) to waste time when he already had an abundance of it filled with irreversible decisions. It’s easier this way, more controlled this way, because vulnerability is never something he will be comfortable with anymore. (Ever.) 

Another gulp and the dark room begins spinning shadows. Demons that he looked upon with dull, passive eyes as if his existence also thrived on what lurked in the pathetic corners of this life. Fuck, this was horrible. His thoughts were stabbing and clawing and tearing this...this ghost into shreds. That’s what it was, he felt like a ghost. Or maybe that’s what he wanted to be? Maybe he wanted to be dead so he could be celebrating this anniversary the right way. 

With Ven’tar. It’s been years since she died. By his own damn, idiotic actions. By his stupid, fucking, powerless, weak - 

He drinks again. It doesn’t help him in any way at all.

Lotor misses her. He can’t lie to himself about that. He misses her so damn much, he has dreams about her, and he wakes up crying with a panic attack, or anxiety attack (or both) and he finds that he can’t breathe in the middle of the episode. Like half of his everything was severed from him - half his heart, half his lungs, half his mind, half of his will to live.

And when he’s done and remembers his exercises (slow breaths, count to 20, touch the blanket), he drowns in grief. It happened last night. It’s happening now, yet those streaks of tears dripping down on his shirt did nothing to alleviate his mood. Crying helps. It helps, he swears it does, so why does he feel (or not feel) better? 

Lotor had too many feelings and too small of a body to contain them. The weight of them was crushing his shoulders sometimes. The hole in his soul was getting bigger and bigger with every day that passes. One day, he knows it, one day it will swallow him up, and he won’t be able to return from it. He won’t have that strength anymore and he will be glad (will be at peace) with it. He’ll be happy to be with her. 

It’s funny. He and Ven’tar celebrated everything together. They drank, partook in festivities (both in public and in private), they ate questionable food with equally questionable side-effects. When it came to this, though, he found it hard to “celebrate” her death (a death he caused, that’s what he gets for carelessly playing with people’s lives as if they were dispensable pawns.) 

Oh, if she were to see him now. She might weave words of wisdom, something like it wasn’t his fault. He just has a shit father. A shit mother. (He’s the result of them, after all.) Or she would push him on his back and envelope him in her warmth until all he knew was her, her, fuck, he loved HER -

But she’s dead. And she took his better half. And he took another drink. 

It felt like a kick to his stomach, that bile just about ready to make him hurl because of his aimless actions. Lotor was tired. He was capable of saving himself from, well, himself (sometimes). He was alone. (Not really, he knew Acxa was lurking right outside his door). He was...not living right now. He’s hopeless, he’s terribly hopeless, and he’s not sure how long he’s going to let this haunt him. 

He’s so sorry, but that won’t change what happened. 

Lotor is not okay. He has no more pieces to pick up. He’s bleeding out and he can’t stitch himself up anymore, not when there’s so much guilt on his hands. He both hates and cherishes this, this self-pity, this unfairness (he didn’t ask to be born, ask to be motherless and raised with an iron fist in his face by that pathetic excuse of a father), because he is stubborn. 

He is stubborn to know “Maybe tomorrow might be better…”

Maybe after being kicked down, after having his face rubbed into the dirt, after the ghosts stop following him (he only meant to do good), after life goes on no longer hurts to think about, maybe it gets better. 

Heartlessly, he kissed the bottle until there wasn’t even a single drop left, then threw it on the wall. It shattered (he’ll have to clean that up later), but like the drink itself, it did nothing to quell this hollowness. There was no anger behind his actions, just acceptance. He threw the chair he was sitting on. He can’t feel his heart. He threw the dresser, watched it break and spill the contents of it on the floor (morbidly, he thinks that’s how he’s going to die one day.)

Killing his father won’t bring her back. Killing his mother wouldn’t satisfy his revenge. Killing himself would dishonor her memory (but it will bring him closer to her.)

It’s been 247 years. Lotor didn’t heal from her death, if that gaping hole in his chest was anything to go by, and he doesn’t think he ever will. It’s an addiction that he doesn’t want to give up. He’s scared of it, sure, but he also knows how to get rid of it (if only until next year). It’s a nauseating fix he shamefully uses to push on with this disastrous life he made for himself. There’s no forgiveness for him, not for this and not for what happened to her. 

It’s...this is a poison he never found the cure for. 

Lotor is sick, this time in both literal and metaphorical sense. His depression is getting the best of him. He doesn’t want to forget her, but he knows that he wants (or needs?) to remember her in this way. There’s a reason for this unhealthy madness, this never-ending descent into self-destructiveness. He loved her. His beloved Ven’tar. His best friend. His wife. 

He blinks and he finds himself hunched over the toilet, puking bile until his stomach clenches and convulses in itself. It hurts (he forgot to eat today and yesterday and the day before…), but it’s clearing his head. There is no medicine for this, no vaccine for this disease slowly destroying him from the inside of his decaying mind. That’s okay, he tells himself. It’s okay, you have time. 

You have time. Get up. You have to keep going.

Lotor robotically walks to his bed, a sway in his step and a goal in mind. He will be with her one day. Not today, not tomorrow, but one day. The monsters are gone for now. They will be back and he’ll do this all over again. It’s a cleansing, in an odd (miserable) roundabout way. Darkness begins creeping in the corners of his eyes, exhaustion finally claiming victory after a week-long battle with himself. 

It gets better. 

“Wait for me, Ven’tar. Wait for me...”

#spacestories #ventor

[fionaostby]

The first page of Space Story is on Tapas

#comics #comic #digital art #space story