Optical Orifice of the Beholder Read online

  But the vast majority of the Rock's residents don't live in the surface domes; instead, they have tunneled downwards, moving ever further towards its fiery heart. The upper levels are safe, comfortable, secure—or as secure as anyone can be on Omega Station. The lower levels, now; they are home to the detritus of a double dozen races and species, all living in uneasy juxtaposition, fighting, loving, eating—and being eaten.

  The Rock's location in space, the last real port before exiting the galaxy, has made it a valuable commodity to many governments and private corporations, as has the addictive drug straz, which grows only in its recycling vats. Control has been taken and given in a hundred bloody battles over the years, but those who live in the lower levels—and further down, in the Depths—are often barely aware of whoever claims to be in charge.

  No one, really, rules the Rock, whatever they may claim, however many weapons and warriors they throw against it.

  For the Rock is eternal…and it has many stories...

  Underworld by K.G. McAbee

  Scum by J.A. Johnson

  Endurance by J.A. Johnson

  Abduction by J. Kirsch

  Extraction by K.G. McAbee

  Catch of the Day by J.A. Johnson

  Belly of the Beast by K.G. McAbee

  Manifest Destiny by J.A. Johnson

  Accidents Will Happen by K.G. McAbee

  Retribution by K.G. McAbee

  Betrayal by J. Kirsch

  And now available from all three authors with bonus material:

  Tales from Omega Station: the Omnibus Edition