Exordium of Tears
Cover Story

Welcome back.

Last week, I discussed how the cover of The IX told you something about the story within.

This time out, we’re going to get a hint about what you’ll find in. . .
The IX – Exordium of Tears:

 

Before we start, here’s the back-story for Exordium.

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Fight or die.

That simple yet brutal reality is the tenet by which the refugees from Earth – including the fabled lost 9th Legion of Rome; the 5th Company, 2^nd Mounted Cavalry Unit; and the Special Forces Anti-Terrorist Team – were forced to live by while the Horde menace existed. Believing that the threat is over, the survivors now yearn to settle down, start families, and reclaim the lives stolen from them.

But such aspirations might remain beyond their reach, for a shadow looms on the rose-tinted horizon of new beginnings.

The release of the re-genesis matrix has done much to foster a restoration of exuberance across Arden. Along with a resurgence in floral and faunal diversity comes the results of splicing the Ardenese and human genomes: transmutation. A metamorphosis of stunning magnitude that not only affects the living, but those still is stasis as well.

Recognizing the emergence of a new hybrid species, the Architect – the arcane AI construct tasked with the preservation of the Ardenese race – responds by unlocking previously hidden and inaccessible areas of the city. It also releases an archive of sealed state secrets. Such revelations are eagerly perused, whereupon a shocking discovery is made.

Prior to the fall, it was common knowledge amongst the Senatum (the highest levels of Arden’s government) that not all the rabid Horde had joined in the rampage across the stars toward Arden.

Realizing that the peril still exists, the newly reformed administration elects to respond in earnest. Existing resources are utilized, suitable candidates are chosen, and a flotilla of ships is sent out to secure, quarantine, and reclaim the outer colonies.

A mammoth and hazardous undertaking. And nowhere more so than at the planet from where the outbreak was known to have originated – Exordium – for there, the ancient Horde are not only supremely evolved and highly organized, but are capable of a level of lethal sophistication, the likes of which has never been witnessed before.

It is into this kiln of incendiary potential that the cream of Arden’s fighting forces is deployed.

Worlds are torn asunder, suns destroyed, and star systems obliterated. Yes, tragedy is forged, in a universe spanning conflict which proves once again that…

Death is only the beginning of the adventure.

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So, knowing what’s coming, how are some of these facets related in the cover?
Let’s take a look:

First of all, you’ll immediately note the setting is much darker. That’s because we’re addressing the discovery of a hidden menace threatening calamity. A calamity our heroes can’t ignore. They are forced to respond, and it is evident from the outset that not all of them will return.

Then there’s the title itself. The IX – Exordium of Tears.

Exordium means “origins”. This book highlights the beginning, the source of the sorrows our refugees from Earth will have to face. But do they have what it takes to address the genesis of all their fears?

Look at the subtle differences from the last story.

Lean in closely and look at the “I” in IX.

Do you see how the letters SPQR have faded? That’s because those letters used to represent – Senatus Populus Que Romanus – (For the Senate and the People of Rome). That’s no longer the case. The letters are now etched into the fabric of the letter “I” itself - though they're barely visible - and into the character of the warriors who now defend Arden.

Yes, our heroes fight for their new home.

Serovak Pluserak Qen Rhomanax

(For Security Prosperity and Rhomane)

 

The outworking of the re-genesis matrix means the two civilizations are blending. That’s why the DNA helix is much smaller and hard to see. It's portrayed in a similar manner within the “X”. And do you notice how you can’t see hints of the quantum gateway that transposed the refugees to Arden? Something has replaced the transporter beams. Do you see it, cutting down from the top left hand part of the image?

 

A laser beam.

 

Why?

 

Here’s a clue. Look at the eagle. It’s been cast anew in iron. The words “Exordium of Tears” are forged afresh in steel. The 9^th – which now includes all those brought from Earth on the ninth and final intake – represent the epitome of death to the Horde, for the Senatum intends to end the monsters’ existence in the crucible of battle.

They are going to war, and conflict abounds. But who lives and who dies? Is death really the beginning of the adventure?

You’ll find out, in an epic, action packed adventure that once again, pitches warriors together into a kiln where they have but one choice:

 

Fight or Die!

 

And remember, this story is dark. Not everyone will make it home.

(And as always, much thanks to Roy Mauritsen for his interpretation of the story)

See you next time.