M. Pax TalesOriginal fiction by M. Pax. Human Written and Read by M. PaxTHE SKY IS NOT EMPTYA M. Pax TaleThijin Ocklan has spent most of her life working for Heliox Corp Industries on Io, following regulations, breathing recycled air, and keeping her head down. Until she decides to skip work.Sneaking past the Internal Oversight Patrol, Thijin discovers an abandoned deep-sky observatory outside the colony. There, for the first time in her life, she sees Io as it truly is and Jupiter looming above it in all its terrifying beauty.The observatory holds another surprise. A forgotten communications system.Behind the story: This was my first full M. Pax Tales video made in Shotcut, and I learned a lot about motion, transitions, filters, and keyframes along the way. It's not perfect, but it's done. Still learning...More stories, more worlds, and free reads from M. Pax:https://mpaxauthor.comEscape BeckonsNASA/JPL-Caltech imagery is used in accordance with applicable NASA/JPL image-use guidelines. NASA, JPL, and Caltech do not endorse or sponsor this work.Credits:Written by M. PaxNarrated by M. PaxAudio production by M. PaxVisuals created by M. Pax using MidjourneyIo imagery: Courtesy NASA/JPL-CaltechAdditional video footage: PixabayIntro/Outro Music: AI-generated track from Pixabay

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Human Written and Read by M. Pax

Ashes and Dust
A M. Pax Tale from the Backworlds

Pauder thought he'd found a place where the past couldn't find him.

On the barren moon of Pardeep Station, he keeps watch over hidden weapons, suspicious neighbors, and the ghosts of those he lost in war. When the Fo'wo's come looking for secrets, Pauder knows there's more at stake than weapons caches.

Then there's Meelo, a shattered farmer trying to survive, just as haunted by her past as Pauder.

On a world of ashes and dust, two wounded Backworlders discover that survival may not be enough. Maybe healing is possible. Maybe sometimes you have to look out for each other even when you don't want to need anyone.

Behind the story: The ghost voices made me laugh so hard while recording that I had a hard time getting through this episode. I had to edit out 20 minutes of laughing.

More stories, more Backworlds, and free reads from M. Pax:
mpaxauthor.com

Escape Beckons

• Written by M. Pax
• Narrated by M. Pax
• Audio production by M. Pax
• Visuals created by M. Pax using Midjourney
• Intro/Outro Music: AI-generated track from Pixabay

Human Written and Read by M. Pax

Jahan Moridi and her husband Sanam live under the absolute control of Bowman, the AI that governs every aspect of their lives. Their days are dictated by commands transmitted through conduits embedded in their bodies, leaving no room for deviation, conversation, or choice.

But when Bowman sends them home by an unfamiliar route, something goes terribly wrong. For the first time, the AI falls silent.

And Jahan discovers that when Bowman makes a mistake, the consequences may be far more frightening than obedience.

A science fiction short story about memory, loss, control, and the first unsettling crack in a world where humanity has surrendered its choices to artificial intelligence.

Find out more about my stories at mpaxauthor.com

• Written by M. Pax
• Narrated by M. Pax
• Audio production by M. Pax
• Visuals created by M. Pax using Midjourney
• Intro/Outro Music: AI-generated track from Pixabay