In the first installment of Colonization, we meet Tarian, Keldon, and Sherry, leaders of the pioneers on the brink of starting the next great chapter of Laria. Their mission? Establish a new home on a distant, habitable planet that shares an orbit with their own. Equipped with Laria’s best technology, these colonists are determined to build a future. As the ship nears the new world, everything seems to go according to plan. However, as they are making their final descent, an unexpected scenario strikes the ship. What started as a momentous step toward expansion and exploration quickly sours, forcing the crew to face challenges they never expected. With their training and instincts put to the ultimate test, Tarian and his team must navigate a situation that no mission prepared them for. #SciFi #SpaceExploration #CrashLanding #Colonization #Survival #AlienWorld #flashfiction Shortly after discovering flash fiction, I was excited about exploring the format. However, I needed a story to explore, and while I’ve written one offs for my patrons, check the link below if you’re interested, I wanted to explore a larger story. And what had started off as a simple line item in my universe’s timeline, I realized I had the perfect opportunity to expand this solitary bullet point. While I’ve used this series as a starting point to explore more corners of my literary universe, it has a special place in my heart, because it was the first ongoing series I wrote. You can explore the stories on Wattpad to explore the worlds that I’ve explored. However, Colonization focuses on Morven, the twin planet of Laria. In my universe, a twin planet is simply one that shares an orbit around the same sun. Here Laria and Morven are on opposite sides of their sun as they race around it. Support: If you enjoyed the tale, head over to my Patreon site and become a patron. For $2 a month, you get access to the genre poll (a way to help shape the exclusive stories every month), three pieces of exclusive flash fiction (sub 1000 word stories), and early access to all my artwork. https://bit.ly/3GL7sY9 Or consider buying me a croissant: https://ko-fi.com/stevenmeehan Links: Dead Man’s Hand: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Mans-Hand-Forgers-Book-ebook/dp/B0DHY1WMT8/ref=sr_1_1 Landing on Morven: https://www.wattpad.com/762038689-colonization-landing-on-morven

In the second installment of Colonization, the colonists who survived the crash have turned their focus on surviving. On this new world, they were expecting a fresh start. However, they've been forced to relearn forgotten concepts in their effort to survive. Tarian and his crew are determined to establish Laria's fist colony on Morven, a planet locked in a shared orbit with their homeworld around their sun. Despite surviving the devastating crash, they soon realize their biggest threat isn’t their dwindling resources or broken technology, it’s the planet itself. #SciFi #Colonization #SpaceExploration #SurvivalStory #AlienWorld #ScienceFiction When one of the scouting teams stumbles upon the impossible, their mission shifts from exploration to something far more terrifying. What they thought was an uncharted frontier may already have rulers of its own, and they're watching the newcomers. While the first tale practically wrote itself, this one needed a little bit of time to ruminate on the story I wanted to tell. However, after the mental exploration of the concepts, I'd developed the broad strokes for this initial series of flash fiction. While I definitely embellished upon the original outline, this story was easy to create after writing that guideline. Join me in enjoying this gripping installment of Colonization, a sci-fi adventure where the unknown is far deadlier than expected! Support: If you enjoyed the tale, head over to my Patreon site and become a patron. For $2 a month, you get access to the genre poll (a way to help shape the exclusive stories every month), three pieces of exclusive flash fiction (sub 1000 word stories), and early access to all my artwork. https://bit.ly/3GL7sY9 Or consider buying me a croissant: https://ko-fi.com/stevenmeehan Links: Dead Man’s Hand: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Mans-Hand-Forgers-Book-ebook/dp/B0DHY1WMT8/ref=sr_1_1 Exploration of Morven: https://www.wattpad.com/762038883-colonization-exploration-of-morven

In the third installment of Colonization, the expedition’s leadership grows increasingly desperate as more colonists have vanished without a trace. To dispense with the rising fear and uncertainty of the colonists, they have dispatched several teams out to search the areas near the shipwreck. Each team is charged with searching for the truth behind the disappearances and resources that they can use to repair the damaged systems. One such mission is led by Keldon, and it takes an unexpected and chilling turn. #SciFiMystery #Colonization #LostExplorers #SpaceSurvival #AlienWorld #SciFiAdventure Despite the dangers already lurking throughout the planet, they’ve realized the ecosystem seems tailor-made to keep them on edge. According to that pattern, Keldon’s team encounters another new danger and equally unsettling. As they push deeper into the unknown, their myths and legends, once dismissed as simple stories have emerged into their world. Every shadow conceals an additional threat, and survival is no longer just about their endurance. Rather, it’s about unraveling the mystery of the planet before it swallows them whole. Is this world simply hostile, or is it actively rejecting them? As I look back on this series, I’m constantly reflecting on the motivations and origins behind each story. Some stand out as if marked by neon lights, while others remain as elusive as the wind. The Missing falls somewhere in between. It’s a story driven by a desire to highlight just how relentless and terrifying this new world for the Larian expedition truly is. In the previous entry, I introduced dragons to shake the foundation of this expedition’s reality. Now, a new nightmare emerges, one designed to haunt the colonists on the ground. What they find in the forest’s depths may change everything for them. Support: If you enjoyed the tale, head over to my Patreon site and become a patron. For $2 a month, you get access to the genre poll (a way to help shape the exclusive stories every month), three pieces of exclusive flash fiction (sub 1000 word stories), and early access to all my artwork. https://bit.ly/3GL7sY9 Or consider buying me a croissant: https://ko-fi.com/stevenmeehan Links: Dead Man’s Hand: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Mans-Hand-Forgers-Book-ebook/dp/B0DHY1WMT8/ref=sr_1_1 The Missing: https://www.wattpad.com/762038896-colonization-the-missing

In Assault on the Walls, Tarian and his people were promised a peaceful world, one that wouldn’t require defenses. The scans said the planet was empty of dangers. It was safe. But Morven had other plans. As colonists begin to vanish and monstrous creatures rise from the wilderness, Tarian pushes for a wall, a last line of defense against the unknown. Half-built and surrounded, the colony faces more than a battle, because this assault isn’t about territory. It’s a message from the planet itself. #SciFiStory #AlienInvasion #PostApocalyptic #ColonySurvival #SciFiBattle While the colonists fight to survive, their leaders race to uncover a darker truth. With every appearance of these living legends, the mystery deepens, especially with the disappearances. Most only whisper about a possible connection, but only Tarian, Keldon, and Sherry know the truth. As tension builds and theories spread, Tarian must hold the line, not only against the monsters at the gate, but against the secrets threatening to unravel what little certainty they have left. 📖 Behind the Story: Despite a complete rewrite, I still can’t recall what first sparked this story. But honestly, that’s true for much of this series. Only two elements were always clear to me. The central mystery of the planet, and I’m not ready to surrender those secrets yet. And the final resolution between the colonists and their new world. The bigger mystery to me is why I chose to reveal certain truths when I did. Worldbuilding is a balancing act. Give too much, and you smother the reader’s curiosity. Withhold too much, and you risk losing them entirely. I may not recall every step in shaping this tale, or the series as a whole, but this revelation still feels right. ☕ Support the Channel: Enjoyed the story? Support my work on Patreon (https://bit.ly/3GL7sY9) for $2/month—get access to exclusive flash fiction, monthly genre polls, and early access to artwork. Or, if you’d just like to show some appreciation, buy me a croissant on Ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/stevenmeehan). Links: 📘 Dead Man’s Hand: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Mans-Hand-Forgers-Book-ebook/dp/B0DHY1WMT8/ref=sr_1_1 📘 The Last Resort: https://www.stevenmeehan.com/archives/2018/10/25/last-resort/ Attributions: The video’s thumbnail was designed using a mockup from Freepik. Follow the link below to see what they can provide. https://www.freepik.com ⏱ Timestamps: 0:00 Song Start and Introduction 0:24 Story Begins 6:58 Story Ends and Sign Off 7:16 Song Ending

In Allies, the colonists of a distant world continue their desperate search for the missing. Survival in the alien wilderness has become a daily battle, with threats pulled from nightmares and myths. Every step into the mysterious forest risks new horrors, predators lurking behind every tree, and unseen watchers in the dark. #scifisurvival #ColonizationSeries #CreepingDread #NarratedFiction #SciFiSuspense Tarian refuses to abandon the lost. He leads multiple search parties deep into hostile terrain, hoping to recover missing colonists or find vital resources to keep the settlement alive. But the forest offers only silence. And in a world that seems to want them dead, silence may be the most dangerous sound of all. Radios crackle with dread. Boots fall quietly. Not everything in the wilderness is a monster—but not everything offers hope either. Allies is the fifth installment in the sci-fi suspense series Colonization, perfect for fans of dystopian survival, creeping dread, and unsettling discoveries. 📖 Behind the Story: While I don’t remember all the decisions I originally came to when crafting this narrative, after redrafting it, a singular idea resonated within me. Our relentless nature. While there are those who don’t have this desire, those who do help lift people up from where they are simply because they refuse to quit. And I wanted to highlight that trait in these colonists. Despite everything being arrayed against them, their leader will never stop moving forward. ☕ Support the Channel: Enjoyed the story? Support my work on Patreon (https://bit.ly/3GL7sY9) for $2/month—get access to exclusive flash fiction, monthly genre polls, and early access to artwork. Or, if you’d just like to show some appreciation, buy me a croissant on Ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/stevenmeehan). Links: 📘 Dead Man’s Hand: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Mans-Hand-Forgers-Book-ebook/dp/B0DHY1WMT8/ref=sr_1_1 📘 Allies: https://www.wattpad.com/762038931-colonization-allies ⏱ Timestamps: 0:00 Song Start and Introduction 0:24 Story Begins 6:39 Story Ends and Sign Off 6:59 Song Ending

In Preparations, the colonists of a distant world continue their struggle against the strange new inhabitants of Morven. Their survival hangs by a thread as the world’s foot soldiers gather in overwhelming numbers. With each passing moment, creatures pulled from the colonists’ myth and nightmare swell the enemy ranks. When faced with impossible odds, Tarian is forced to make a choice, not for victory, but for survival. Sometimes the only way forward begins with weighing the options available and choosing one. There are those who call it an act of desperate, while others recognize its necessity. #SciFiStorytelling #FlashFictionStory #EmotionalBlues #AlienSeigeTale #EloquentTalesAndBlues This is not a story about triumph. There aren’t any grand speeches or heroic charges, only the steady weight of forced choices. It’s a story about resolve. It’s about the quiet, often unseen strength it takes to act when hope is thin and the outcome uncertain. Sometimes, the hardest decisions are the ones no one cheers. They are made in silence, with nothing but instinct, experience, and grit. This moment doesn’t promise glory. It only asks for sacrifice. And it centers on a single truth. When the future hangs in the balance, choosing to move, even without a guarantee, is what defines leadership. This is the kind of hope that doesn’t shout. Rather, it holds the line. Behind the Story: While I don’t recall every detail of this series’ origin, I remember Colonization was never meant to be as long as it became. When I went back to review Preparations, I realized that the pace of the early stories was a little forced, including this one. Fortunately, with a little bit of work, I was able to refine and smooth out this story and hopefully the pacing of the series. Granted, I won’t argue that the story wouldn’t have benefitted from a longer buildup. That kind of work was beyond the scope of this revision. This pass through the story was reserved to refine it, especially considering I never planned to do more than provide highlights to this group’s lives on Morven. When selecting music for this week’s video, I didn’t reach for something new, instead I pulled “Washed Out” from my catalogue. Its atmospheric, somber tone matched the weight of this narrative. The slow burn of the saxophones and clarinet reinforce the emotional gravity behind Tarian’s choice to turn a tactical standoff into something deeply human. If you’re drawn to stories that blend of quiet strength with impossible odds—and music that lingers long after the last note, this tale is for you. ☕ Support the Channel: Enjoyed the story? Support my work on Patreon (https://bit.ly/3GL7sY9) for $2/month—get access to exclusive flash fiction, monthly genre polls, and early access to artwork. Or, if you’d just like to show some appreciation, buy me a croissant on Ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/stevenmeehan). Links: 📘 Dead Man’s Hand: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Mans-Hand-Forgers-Book-ebook/dp/B0DHY1WMT8/ref=sr_1_1 📘 Preparations: https://www.wattpad.com/762038946-colonization-preparations ⏱ Timestamps: 0:00 Song Start and Introduction 0:24 Story Begins 6:50 Story Ends and Sign Off 7:15 Song Ending

In Dwarven Aid, a monstrous horde assembles beside the Larian colony. Their constant shuffle shakes the ground and devours the setting sun. As this danger looms over the colonists, Tarian dispatches two colonists in a last-ditch effort to secure allies in their struggle. Among them, Caleb ventures deep into the wilderness, hoping to find support from the group that seemed most willing to help the dwarves. #FantasyShortStory #EpicFantasy #FantasyNarration #Storytelling #MythicalCreatures #AudiobookShorts #IndieAuthor With trolls, goblins, and other fearsome creatures preparing to lay siege, Caleb’s desperate search may be the colony’s last hope. However, will his search for the elusive dwarves prove fruitful? And if he is, will they agree to defend the colony, or will they turn their backs on them and let the horde overwhelm the defenses? This sci-fi fantasy short blends cinematic storytelling, tense diplomacy, and rich atmosphere. If you enjoy epic fantasy with adventure narratives, or tales of reluctant heroes and unlikely alliances, this video delivers. Paired with haunting blues music, Dwarven Aid draws you into a world on the brink, where every step forward might be your last. Behind the Scenes: With my original plan, already skewed, I needed a way to integrate the new races into the colony’s life. However, each race needed their own time to develop. Ideally, it would have been more than a single tale, but I didn’t want to drag it out either. That said, when I picked up the original draft, I realized the story held a fair number of rough edges that needed to be smoothed out. ☕ Support the Channel: Enjoyed the story? Support my work on Patreon (https://bit.ly/3GL7sY9) for $2/month—get access to exclusive flash fiction, monthly genre polls, and early access to artwork. Or, if you’d just like to show some appreciation, buy me a croissant on Ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/stevenmeehan). Links: 📘 Dead Man’s Hand: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Mans-Hand-Forgers-Book-ebook/dp/B0DHY1WMT8/ref=sr_1_1 📘 Dwarven Aid: https://www.wattpad.com/762038967-colonization-dwarven-aid ⏱ Timestamps: 0:00 Song Start and Introduction 0:24 Story Begins 6:40 Story Ends and Sign Off 7:04 Song Ending

In Elven Aid, danger looms over the fledgling Larian colony, prompting Tarian to dispatch Keldon in search of potential allies. But when Keldon crosses into forbidden elven territory, he’s met not with open arms, but with arrows, silence, and simmering hostility. Will he crumble under their scrutiny, or spark a battle of words that might sway their aloof attitude? #FantasyStory #FantasyDialogue #FantasyConflict #OriginalFantasy #StorytellingChannel Step into a world where alliances are fragile and survival demands more than strength, it demands persuasion. What would you risk to convince an arrogant neighbor to stand with you against a monstrous threat? This original fantasy short features tense dialogue, moral conflict, and the looming threat of annihilation, perfect for fans of fantasy, intrigue, character-driven storytelling, or any combination of the three. If you love traditional fantasy tropes or gripping conversations that decide the fate of a people, you’ll feel right at home here. Behind the Scenes: Having recently reintroduced the dwarves, I wanted to shift the focus to the elves. Building this scene around Keldon’s desperate plea helped highlight the arrogance and elitism of the elves. While I could’ve gone deeper into the cultural nuance, but there were more important beats to develop in the series. Fortunately, when I returned to record the story, the core felt solid despite needing a fresh coat of paint. 📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more cinematic storytelling and original blues music. 🛡️ New episodes every week, don’t miss what’s coming next. ☕ Support the Channel: Enjoyed the story? Support my work on Patreon (https://bit.ly/3GL7sY9) for $2/month—get access to exclusive flash fiction, monthly genre polls, and early access to artwork. Or, if you’d just like to show some appreciation, buy me a croissant on Ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/stevenmeehan). Links: 📘 Dead Man’s Hand: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Mans-Hand-Forgers-Book-ebook/dp/B0DHY1WMT8/ref=sr_1_1 📘 Elven Aid: https://www.wattpad.com/762038980-colonization-elven-aid Attributions: The video’s thumbnail was designed using a mockup from Freepik. Follow the link below to see what they can provide. https://www.freepik.com ⏱ Timestamps: 0:00 Song Start and Introduction 0:24 Story Begins 7:00 Story Ends and Sign Off 7:20 Song Ending

In Crumbling Walls, we return to the Larian settlement, beneath a battered sky and behind a fractured wall. The tension amongst the defenders is coiled tight, ready to snap. Strange creatures mill about just beyond the damaged walls, regrouping their numbers as they prepare a fresh charge. Despite the dangers to his people, a lone commander clings to a fragile sliver of hope. Their resources are low. The morale is even lower. Yet they must hold the line to buy time for the soldiers who ventured into the forest in search of allies. #FantasyFlashFiction #EloquentTalesAndBlues #AudioStory #FantasyMusic #OriginalBlues #ShortStoryWithMusic #NarratedFiction This immersive flash fiction experience is set to the organic and meandering sounds of Twirling Foliage. The combination of these two original components, amplifies the fantasy beats of the story by blending psychological suspense and rising stakes. Step into a world where one decision can tip the balance, and where even nature itself seems to march with the enemy. This tale is perfect for fans of grim fantasy, military suspense, and audio storytelling with atmosphere. This episode invites you to breathe the charged air before the battle and witness what happens when courage dares to bloom amid despair. Behind the Scenes: When I reached for this story from Wattpad, I flew back into my past as I sat down to write this scene. I wanted to create a moment that highlighted the precarious nature of this fledgling colony. After a seasoned edit, the emotional core, resilience in the face of despair, rose to the surface. 📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for weekly original stories, original blues music, and magical storytelling. 🛡️ New episodes every week, don’t miss what’s coming next. ☕ Support the Channel: Enjoyed the story? Support my work on Patreon (https://bit.ly/3GL7sY9) for $2/month—get access to exclusive flash fiction, monthly genre polls, and early access to artwork. Or, if you’d just like to show some appreciation, buy me a croissant on Ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/stevenmeehan). Links: 📘 Dead Man’s Hand: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Mans-Hand-Forgers-Book-ebook/dp/B0DHY1WMT8/ref=sr_1_1 📘 Crumbling Walls: https://www.wattpad.com/762039020-colonization-crumbling-walls ⏱ Timestamps: 0:00 Song Start and Introduction 0:24 Story Begins 6:50 Story Ends and Sign Off 7:12 Song Ending

In Nick of Time, devastation looms over the Larian colony in this gripping sci-fi short. The undulating horde is on the brink of breaking through their final defenses. With hope dwindling and resources disappearing, the colonists have scraped together one last desperate strike. Whether it saves them, or just delays the inevitable, Tarian bets everything on a potential miracle. #scifi #scifistories #colonization #shortstory #audiostory #epicbattle #militaryscifi #voiceoverdrama #scifidrama #originalstory #eloquenttalesandblues This episode of Colonization is underscored by the bouncy tones of “Joyful Jaunt.” While the music may seem at odds with the bleakness of the story, its lively rhythm anchors the tale with a subtle undercurrent of resilience and hope. As the siege reaches its crescendo, this story keeps you on the edge of your seat. With every choice made under pressure, themes of bravery, loyalty, and loss rise to the surface. Fans of military sci-fi, alien invasions, or intense character-driven action will find plenty to love here. 🔔 Watch now and subscribe to Eloquent Tales & Blues for more original sci-fi shorts that blend heart and heroism. Behind the Scenes: While some of the backing reasons elude my recollection for this series, this story's kernel isn't one of them. This is the apex of the last handful of tales. However, my youthful exuberance was quite apparent when I grabbed the originally published version. The imagined idea was there, yet it needed to be cultivated, refined, and deepened. Despite getting a more intensive editing, this installment still rings true to my original intent, just with more conviction. 📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for weekly original stories, original blues music, and magical storytelling. 🛡️ New episodes every week, don’t miss what’s coming next. ☕ Support the Channel: Enjoyed the story? Support my work on Patreon (https://bit.ly/3GL7sY9) for $2/month—get access to exclusive flash fiction, monthly genre polls, and early access to artwork. Or, if you’d just like to show some appreciation, buy me a croissant on Ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/stevenmeehan). Links: 📘 Dead Man’s Hand: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Mans-Hand-Forgers-Book-ebook/dp/B0DHY1WMT8/ref=sr_1_1 📘 Nick of Time: https://www.wattpad.com/762039036-colonization-nick-of-time ⏱ Timestamps: 0:00 Song Start and Introduction 0:24 Story Begins 6:32 Story Ends and Sign Off 7:01 End Cards

In Forging Alliance, we rejoin Tarian and the defenders of the Larian colony after the arrival of the elves and the dwarves. Their combined assault on the monstrous horde shattered the enemy ranks. However, in the wake of the brutal siege, the survivors are left to grapple with the true cost of survival. #FantasyShort #AfterTheBattle #OriginalFiction #EloquentTalesAndBlues #FantasyDrama #MomentsOfRest #storytime Yet among the wreckage, something unexpected begins to take root, a sense of cooperation. This new entry in the Colonization series follows the warriors and leaders as they navigate suspicion, gratitude, and duty in the uneasy calm that follows battle. Can trust truly grow in a place so recently soaked in blood? 🎵 This piece is paired with “Moments of Rest”, a contemplative piece whose calm, measured pace mirrors the tentative peace settling over the ravaged colony. Its quiet melody captures both the tension and the relief of survivors who must now rebuild from the ashes. Behind the Scenes: After showcasing the arrival of the dwarves and elves, I knew I needed to highlight what came next. If I’d fully mapped out this short story, I might’ve allowed this subplot more room to breathe.. But for the sake of the broader series arc, I needed to build a believable alliance quickly. In my experience, actions speak louder than words. That’s why I used the aftermath of the battle as the moment to sway both races toward Tarian’s offer of friendship, while laying subtle groundwork for its fragility. It took a few rounds of tender care, but I’m happy with this revised installment in the series. 📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for weekly original stories, original blues music, and magical storytelling. 🛡️ New episodes every week, don’t miss what’s coming next. ☕ Support the Channel: Enjoyed the story? Support my work on Patreon (https://bit.ly/3GL7sY9) for $2/month—get access to exclusive flash fiction, monthly genre polls, and early access to artwork. Or, if you’d just like to show some appreciation, buy me a croissant on Ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/stevenmeehan). Links: 📘 Dead Man’s Hand: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Mans-Hand-Forgers-Book-ebook/dp/B0DHY1WMT8/ref=sr_1_1 📘 Forging Alliance: https://www.wattpad.com/762396485-colonization-forging-alliance ⏱ Timestamps: 0:00 Song Start and Introduction 0:24 Story Begins 6:55 Story Ends and Sign Off 7:19 End Cards

In Foundation, we step into a rare moment of calm for the surviving Larian colonists as Tarian and Keldon share wine, banter, and uneasy questions beneath timber-scented beams. A banquet meant to cement peace instead stirs old questions. What begins as light teasing over strong elven wine slowly sharpens into suspicion, and hints at buried truths waiting to surface. #Colonization #FantasyShort #MomentsOfRest #FantasyStorytime #OriginalFiction #StoryWithMusic #EloquentTalesAndBlues Despite surviving the siege, the colonists, elves, and dwarves seek a fragile release from their dread. This chapter of Colonization follows Tarian as he works to solidify new alliances, even as unsettling discoveries simmer just out of sight. ✨ For those who’ve followed the siege and the fight, this is that rare breath between storms — where diplomacy and doubt share the same table. 🎵 This scene flows perfectly with “Moments of Rest,” a reflective blues piece that lingers like a deep breath after battle. Its soulful cadence underscores Tarian’s balancing act between duty and unease, tinting every exchange with a quiet, fragile tension. Behind the Scenes: As I wrote this banquet, I circled back to the planet’s deeper mysteries, the monsters’ DNA, the missing colonists, and the uneasy ties between these three races. Even in a scene of wine and laughter, those shadows creep in, planting seeds for what’s to come. 📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for weekly original stories, original blues music, and magical storytelling. 🛡️ New episodes every week, don’t miss what’s coming next. ☕ Support the Channel: Enjoyed the story? Support my work on Patreon (https://bit.ly/3GL7sY9) for $2/month—get access to exclusive flash fiction, monthly genre polls, and early access to artwork. Or, if you’d just like to show some appreciation, buy me a croissant on Ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/stevenmeehan). Links: 📘 Dead Man’s Hand: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Mans-Hand-Forgers-Book-ebook/dp/B0DHY1WMT8/ref=sr_1_1 📘 Foundation: https://www.wattpad.com/765521241-colonization-foundation ⏱ Timestamps: 0:00 Song Start and Introduction 0:24 Story Begins 6:40 Story Ends and Sign Off 7:10 End Cards

In Rising Tensions, the fragile alliances between the elves, dwarves, and humans are tested. After Keldon's mysterious injury, Tarian seeks aid and answers from his new allies, only to discover that help comes with its own dangers. An unexpected arrival brings both hope and suspicion, forcing decisions that could reshape or shatter their fledgling alliance. #ColonizationSeries #FantasyStorytime #OriginalFiction #EloquentTalesAndBlues #Storytelling Join me for another chapter of political intrigue, quiet heroism, and the small victories that can alter the course of survival. 🎵 This chapter is paired with my original blues piece Creeping, whose slow and deliberate rhythm mirrors the story’s undercurrent of mistrust. The steady pulse of the song echoes the guarded steps of conversation, letting you feel both the weight of diplomacy and the shadow of the hidden threat to their survival. Behind the Scenes: From the beginning of this series, I’ve shown that this world is dangerous and unpredictable. I chose to bypass the attack on Keldon, instead picking up after he had already been struck down. This story, including bypassing the attack, allowed me to plant seeds of distrust between the three races, a tension that will continue to grow. 📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for weekly original stories, original blues music, and magical storytelling. 🛡️ New episodes every week, don’t miss what’s coming next. ☕ Support the Channel: Enjoyed the story? Support my work on Patreon (https://bit.ly/3GL7sY9) for $2/month—get access to exclusive flash fiction, monthly genre polls, and early access to artwork. Or, if you’d just like to show some appreciation, buy me a croissant on Ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/stevenmeehan). Links: 📘 Dead Man’s Hand: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Mans-Hand-Forgers-Book-ebook/dp/B0DHY1WMT8/ref=sr_1_1 📘 Rising Tensions: https://www.wattpad.com/785544078-colonization-rising-tensions ⏱ Timestamps: 0:00 Song Start and Introduction 0:24 Story Begins 7:14 Story Ends and Sign Off 7:45 End Cards

In Fragile Alliance, Tarian struggles to hold together a coalition already strained by mistrust. A forged signature surfaces, the elves demand answers, and the dwarves reject every accusation. Each word spoken risks tearing the pact apart, and when suspicion sharpens, even the strongest bonds may break. #SuspenseStory #FantasyDrama #BluesNoir #FlashFiction #EloquentTalesAndBlues #StoryAndMusic #CreepingBlues #FantasyIntrigue When trust wavers, shadows creep in, and betrayal poisons the room... Tarian must wield every skill he has to keep the alliance from crumbling. 🎵 Creeping provides the perfect backdrop for this tale of suspicion and fracture. Its stalking blues tones echo the tension of every accusation and every silence that pushes the coalition closer to collapse. Behind the Scenes: As I approached this chapter, I wanted to heighten the pressure on an already fractured alliance. Revisiting the draft, I realized the foundation was stronger than I’d first assumed. It just needed sharper tension and more polish to bring the cracks to the surface. 📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for weekly original stories, original blues music, and magical storytelling. 🛡️ New episodes every week, don’t miss what’s coming next. ☕ Support the Channel: Enjoyed the story? Support my work on Patreon (https://bit.ly/3GL7sY9) for $2/month—get access to exclusive flash fiction, monthly genre polls, and early access to artwork. Or, if you’d just like to show some appreciation, buy me a croissant on Ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/stevenmeehan). Links: 📘 Dead Man’s Hand: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Mans-Hand-Forgers-Book-ebook/dp/B0DHY1WMT8/ref=sr_1_1 📘 Fragile Alliance: https://www.wattpad.com/817354963-colonization-fragile-alliance ⏱ Timestamps: 0:00 Song Start and Introduction 0:24 Story Begins 6:12 Story Ends and Sign Off 6:35 End Cards

In Shifting Form, Tarian’s grief and guilt leave him brooding in the meeting hall, hunched over a cracked table with dagger in hand. His friend Keldon tries to pull him back from despair, but their exchange takes a sinister turn when a monstrous impostor invades their bond. What begins as self-recrimination erupts into suspicion, steel, and the chilling revelation that trust is more fragile than ever. #FantasyStory #MonsterInDisguise #EloquentTalesAndBlues #FlashFiction #BluesMusic #FantasyDrama #BetrayalAndTrust #OriginalStorytelling Every strike of Tarian’s dagger echoes his fractured alliances, and when the shapeshifter reveals itself, the cost of vulnerability becomes undeniable. Shifting Form blends tense friendship, sudden violence, and eerie transformation into a tale of doubt and survival. 🎵 I chose Washed Out to accompany this tale, not one of my more eerie pieces, but the one steeped in melancholy. Its drifting saxophone lines mirror the sorrow eating at Tarian’s soul, while the clarinet’s grounding voice underscores the weight left in the wake of broken alliances, hinting at something more to come. Behind the Scenes: When I got to this point in the overarching tale, I wanted to amp up the danger and further explore the world the colonists discovered themselves in. As a result, I dropped myself into this situation and asked, "How could this be made worse?" It didn't take long for me to discover a truly devastating turn to take and explore. After they were stripped of their alliances, they must contend not only with looming threats but also with dangers wearing familiar faces. The story asks a haunting question: how do you fight when you can’t be sure who stands beside you? 📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for weekly original stories, original blues music, and magical storytelling. 🛡️ New episodes every week, don’t miss what’s coming next. ☕ Support the Channel: Enjoyed the story? Support my work on Patreon (https://bit.ly/3GL7sY9) for $2/month—get access to exclusive flash fiction, monthly genre polls, and early access to artwork. Or, if you’d just like to show some appreciation, buy me a croissant on Ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/stevenmeehan). Links: 📘 Dead Man’s Hand: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Mans-Hand-Forgers-Book-ebook/dp/B0DHY1WMT8/ref=sr_1_1 📘 Shifting Form: https://www.wattpad.com/822506017-colonization-shifting-form ⏱ Timestamps: 0:00 Song Start and Introduction 0:24 Story Begins 6:23 Story Ends and Sign Off 6:53 End Cards

In Colonization, Tarian presses the settlement’s scientists for answers as unease consumes the colony. Within the makeshift lab, the shapeshifter’s corpse offers more questions than solutions. When the scientist's whispers of a potential solution raises the fragile line between trust and survival grows thinner. #Colonization #SciFiShort #EloquentTalesAndBlues #SuspenseStory #Shapeshifters #SpaceColonization #FlashFiction #SciFiThriller This chapter deepens the tension at the heart of the colony. Tarian and Keldon clash over strategy while Francis and his team reveal discoveries laced with as much danger as promise. The uncertainty of allies and the looming threat of doppelgängers sets the stage for choices that could doom or save the settlement. 🎵 I chose Eerie Stroll because its haunting tones echo the creeping dread within this scene. The careful pacing mirrors Tarian’s escalating frustration and the scientists’ hesitation, while the underlying unease in the melody enhances the suspicion that shapeshifters may already walk among them. Behind the Scenes: Despite having a decent memory of these stories, some of the minutiae have been lost to time. However, I knew I wanted to showcase the spark of ingenuity of the colonists. Enter this entry in Colonization, where Tarian was presented with the opportunity to push back against the world’s aggression. While the scientists uncovered fragments of information about the shapeshifters, their investigation only raised more questions. And that’s a common thread for everyone. May you all enjoy this polished version of the tale. 📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for weekly original stories, original blues music, and magical storytelling. 🛡️ New episodes every week, don’t miss what’s coming next. ☕ Support the Channel: Enjoyed the story? Support my work on Patreon (https://bit.ly/3GL7sY9) for $2/month—get access to exclusive flash fiction, monthly genre polls, and early access to artwork. Or, if you’d just like to show some appreciation, buy me a croissant on Ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/stevenmeehan). Links: 📘 Dead Man’s Hand: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Mans-Hand-Forgers-Book-ebook/dp/B0DHY1WMT8/ref=sr_1_1 📘 Investigation: https://www.wattpad.com/838575446-colonization-investigation ⏱ Timestamps: 0:00 Song Start and Introduction 0:24 Story Begins 6:22 Story Ends and Sign Off 6:54 End Cards

In Hunting Shadows, Caleb and his squad are dispatched into the dense forests beyond the settlement, chasing whispers of shapeshifters that have filled the colony with fear. What begins as a tracking mission becomes a deadly game of reflection and deceit. Where even your own face might turn against you. In this world, shadows aren’t always cast by light. #Colonization #SciFiShort #Shapeshifters #EloquentTalesAndBlues #SuspenseStory #FlashFiction #OriginalStory #SciFiThriller #FantasyAudio #BluesAndStorytelling As the squad follows a trail through the fractured woods, the unseen grows ever nearer. Every step deepens the uncertainty, forcing them to wonder if they are the hunters or the hunted. The forest conceals truths that shift as easily as flesh, and survival means facing the most dangerous reflection of all. 🎵 Still Got Something was a fun and challenging song to finish. This blues composition hums beneath the narration like a restrained heartbeat. While nearly silent during the reading, it lingers in the background, its rhythm echoing Caleb’s tension and the fragile calm before the shapeshifters strike. Behind the Scenes: Fresh off the heels of the previous story, I needed a vehicle to capitalize on the unraveling of the alliance. I also wanted to showcase the depth of the human spirit. Even when we are terrified, when something needs to be done, there are those who will abandon everything to achieve that goal. Here, Caleb’s encounter is one of those moments where identity, trust, and survival blur into something far darker. 📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for weekly original stories, original blues music, and magical storytelling. 🛡️ New episodes every week—don’t miss what’s coming next. ☕ Support the Channel: Enjoyed the story? Support my work on Patreon for $2/month—get access to exclusive flash fiction, monthly genre polls, and early access to artwork. Or, if you’d just like to show some appreciation, buy me a croissant on Ko-fi. Links: 📘 Dead Man’s Hand: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Mans-Hand-Forgers-Book-ebook/dp/B0DHY1WMT8/ref=sr_1_1 📘 Hunting Shadows: https://www.wattpad.com/848360783-colonization-hunting-shadows ⏱ Timestamps: 0:00 Song Start and Introduction 0:24 Story Begins 6:15 Story Ends and Sign Off 6:42 End Cards

In Undulating Confinement, tensions rise as Tarian and Keldon confront the ethical and tactical limits of science. When a captured shapeshifter surrenders the secrets to its abilities, the fragile trust between command and research begins to fracture. Secrets, ambition, and fear twist through the laboratory walls as containment becomes more illusion than reality. #SciFiShort #Colonization #FlashFiction #EloquentTalesAndBlues #SuspenseStory #AlienThreat #Shapeshifter #EerieStroll #SciFiDrama In this chapter of Colonization, discovery takes a dangerous turn. The boundaries between safety and arrogance blur as Tarian pushes the scientists toward results, no matter the cost. But when the creature mirrors familiar faces, the experiment turns into a confrontation with the unknown. 🎵 Music: “Eerie Stroll” The story pairs with my original blues-inspired composition Eerie Stroll, chosen for its haunting rhythm and measured pulse. The piece’s steady heartbeat reflects the scientific precision of the lab while its subtle unease mirrors the creeping tension of what's unfolding before their very eyes. Behind the Scenes: When I began crafting this installment, I wanted to explore the resolve of the Larian colonists and their struggle to understand the shapeshifters. The story highlights the uneasy alliance between science and command. Specifically, how ambition and fear can erode judgment when the unknown looks back. The original title was Shifting Form, but when preparing the video, I discovered I had already used it, so Undulating Confinement was born after I finished the fresh editing process. 📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for weekly original stories, original blues music, and magical storytelling. 🛡️ New episodes every week, don’t miss what’s coming next. ☕ Support the Channel: Enjoyed the story? Support my work on Patreon (https://bit.ly/3GL7sY9 ) for $2/month—get access to exclusive flash fiction, monthly genre polls, and early access to artwork. Or, if you’d just like to show some appreciation, buy me a croissant on Ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/stevenmeehan ). Links: 📘 Dead Man’s Hand: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Mans-Hand-Forgers-Book-ebook/dp/B0DHY1WMT8/ref=sr_1_1 📘 Undulating Confinement: https://www.wattpad.com/864559877-colonization-undulating-confinement ⏱ Timestamps: 0:00 Story Hook and Introduction 0:16 Story Begins 6:22 Story Ends and Sign Off 6:55 End Cards

In Devastating Loss, an unexpected alarm tears through the night, pulling Tarian from restless sleep into a fight for survival. When he sees the lights bathing the compound, he rushes out to meet the unknown. But as the smoke clears, he learns that bravery and loss often walk hand in hand. Every act of courage demands its price. #FlashFiction #SciFi #Fantasy #ShortStory #EloquentTalesAndBlues #MomentsOfRest #EmotionalFiction #ActionDrama #Audiobook #Storytelling #OriginalMusic #CreativeWriting As the siren fades and silence returns, Tarian is left to count what remains. This is a story about duty in the face of despair, about the quiet strength that follows tragedy, and the weight of every decision made in darkness. 🎵 Moments of Rest accompanies this tale with a slow, soulful blues progression that mirrors Tarian’s exhaustion and reflection. The music breathes between lines, carrying the ache of loss while offering a fragile calm. It’s a reminder that even after battle, a moment’s rest must come. Behind the Scenes: This story continues the Colonization saga, where the Larian colony is teetering on obliteration. As the end of the series bore down on me, I knew I needed to lay some groundwork for what was planned. As a result, I leaned into the recent installments and used them in order to explore the composure of Tarian. Despite wanting to weigh his worth, I wanted to explore the burden of leadership and the silence that follows chaos. 📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for weekly original stories, original blues music, and magical storytelling. 🛡️ New episodes every week—don’t miss what’s coming next. ☕ Support the Channel: Enjoyed the story? Support my work on Patreon (https://bit.ly/3GL7sY9) for $2/month—get access to exclusive flash fiction, monthly genre polls, and early access to artwork. Or, if you’d just like to show some appreciation, buy me a croissant on Ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/stevenmeehan). Links: 📘 Dead Man’s Hand: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Mans-Hand-Forgers-Book-ebook/dp/B0DHY1WMT8/ref=sr_1_1 📘 Devastating Loss: https://www.wattpad.com/864559875-colonization-devastating-loss ⏱ Timestamps: 0:00 Song Start and Introduction 0:16 Story Begins 5:43 Story Ends and Sign Off 6:05 End Cards

In Message, a lone figure appears at sunrise and refuses to move as it sets off a chain of fear, speculation, and grim realization. As Tarian, Keldon, Sherry, and Caleb confront the creature’s intentions, the truth becomes undeniable: not all of this world's threats charge the walls. Some do something far more devastating. They offer a smile. #Colonization #FlashFiction #SciFiStory #ScienceFiction #SpaceFantasy #Shapeshifters #IndieAuthor #BluesMusic #EloquentTalesAndBlues #Storytime #ShortStory #SpecFic This chapter turns stillness and inaction into suspense. What begins as an eerie standoff becomes a chilling revelation when the shapeshifter reveals its intentions. If you enjoy tense sci-fi moments where danger arrives quietly before the storm, this installment won’t disappoint. 🎵 Creeping is the blues track paired with this episode. Its slow, stalking pulse mirrors the dread building on the ramparts. Its rhythm and atmospheric tone amplify the creature’s unnerving patience and the quiet terror of a message delivered with a smile. Behind the Scenes: As this entry in Colonization was being penned, I needed a way to wrap up my ideas. Going into this tale, I knew it was the penultimate entry of the series, so I wanted to build the tension and amplify it to an eleven before heading into the conclusion. This story highlights how known threats evolve and how even a fortified wall can’t protect against the unknown lurking just out of sight. 📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for weekly original stories, original blues music, and magical storytelling. 🛡️ New episodes every week, don’t miss what’s coming next. ☕ Support the Channel: Enjoyed the story? Support my work on Patreon (https://bit.ly/3GL7sY9) for $2/month—get access to exclusive flash fiction, monthly genre polls, and early access to artwork. Or, if you’d just like to show some appreciation, buy me a croissant on Ko-fi (https://ko-fi.com/stevenmeehan). Links: 📘 Dead Man’s Hand: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Mans-Hand-Forgers-Book-ebook/dp/B0DHY1WMT8/ref=sr_1_1 📘 Message: https://www.wattpad.com/902360071-colonization-message ⏱ Timestamps: 0:00 Song Start and Introduction 0:16 Story Begins 5:34 Story Ends and Sign Off 6:02 End Cards