{"id":231,"date":"2025-11-30T19:44:02","date_gmt":"2025-11-30T19:44:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/?p=231"},"modified":"2025-12-03T19:47:10","modified_gmt":"2025-12-03T19:47:10","slug":"231","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/?p=231","title":{"rendered":""},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"pl-231\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-231-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-231-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-231-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<div class=\"post typography\" dir=\"auto\">\n<div class=\"body markup\" dir=\"auto\">\n<p><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wide-image alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/substackcdn.com\/image\/fetch\/$s_!B-8U!,w_1100,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep\/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F92a91f79-8565-46c8-99ce-fbbb3feac5a6_1024x1536.heic\" alt=\"\" width=\"550\" height=\"825\" data-attrs=\"{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com\/public\/images\/92a91f79-8565-46c8-99ce-fbbb3feac5a6_1024x1536.heic&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:1536,&quot;width&quot;:1024,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:668878,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image\/heic&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.substack.com\/i\/180285750?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F92a91f79-8565-46c8-99ce-fbbb3feac5a6_1024x1536.heic&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}\" \/>HYPERSPACE \u2013 HALF A CYCLE AFTER AZURYN<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Hyperspace streaked around the Fogrunner in long violet ribbons, rippling like curtains blown by some celestial wind. The hum of the drive pulsed through the hull, through the floors, through Julian Fog\u2019s bare feet as he stood in front of the cockpit mirror adjusting a shimmering cloak that absolutely did not want to be adjusted.<\/p>\n<p>The cloak was purple. Very purple. A formal diplomatic hue used exclusively by high-ranking ministers who attended peace summits, negotiated interplanetary treaties, and generally did <em>not<\/em> do the sorts of things Julian Fog was well-known for.<\/p>\n<p>It also kept sliding off his left shoulder as if it was personally offended by him.<\/p>\n<p>JULIAN (grumbling): \u201cC\u2019mon, work with me. I need you to make me look vaguely legitimate for at least thirty seconds.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Nikara leaned against the console across from him, arms crossed, expression wearing the familiar blend of amusement and exasperation reserved solely for Julian Fog. Her armored jacket was unzipped halfway, her hair pulled back into a practical braid, blaster strapped to her thigh. Even on their best day, she looked ready to kill someone. On a day like this? She looked ready to kill <em>him<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>NIKARA: \u201cThis is a terrible idea.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Julian gave her a smug look in the mirror.<\/p>\n<p>JULIAN: \u201cCorrection: this is an <em>excellent<\/em> idea attempted by someone with terrible impulse control.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>A hologram shimmered to life on the console beside her, Z1N, glowing blue, mechanical face stern as always. Z1N tilted his head wisely, which would\u2019ve been impressive if Julian hadn\u2019t known the droid\u2019s \u201cwise tilt\u201d setting had been accidentally locked on two years ago.<\/p>\n<p>Z1N: \u201cFor legal clarity, Captain: impersonating a deceased Galactic Minister is punishable by vaporization on five systems, dissection on two, and etiquette counseling on one.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Julian paused.<\/p>\n<p>JULIAN: \u201cEtiquette counseling?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Z1N: \u201cWidely regarded as the worst of the three.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Julian tugged the cloak forward again.<\/p>\n<p>JULIAN: \u201cRelax. I look exactly like the guy.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>NIKARA: \u201cHe had jowls.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Julian puffed his cheeks with determination.<\/p>\n<p>NIKARA: \u201cPlease stop.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Z1N: \u201cAnd the late Minister Ardos spoke with a distinctive glottal trill.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Julian inhaled deeply and attempted:<\/p>\n<p>JULIAN (attempting accent): \u201cGwee-tingsh, honored de-\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Z1N: \u201cCaptain, you sound like a malfunctioning opera droid drowning in soup.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Julian coughed, reassessed, and tried again. This time, his voice rolled and wobbled like a pompous carousel announcer.<\/p>\n<p>JULIAN (better accent): \u201cGreetingsh, esteemed shummit attendees-\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Nikara blinked.<\/p>\n<p>NIKARA: \u201c\u2026Actually, that wasn\u2019t awful. Deeply unpleasant. But accurate.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Julian grinned, triumphant.<\/p>\n<p>JULIAN: \u201cThank you. I\u2019m calling that a win.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>She rubbed her temples.<\/p>\n<p>NIKARA: \u201cFog\u2026 please tell me you know what you\u2019re doing.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Julian snapped the cloak\u2019s collar into place like a man supremely confident in his bad decisions.<\/p>\n<p>JULIAN: \u201cNope. But I look fantastic doing it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>APPROACH TO THE CITADEL OF ACCORDANCE<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Fogrunner fell out of hyperspace with a thunderous ripple of displaced reality. The nebular clouds of the Carthax system swirled in copper and emerald shades, luminescent and stormy. Ahead loomed the Citadel of Accordance, an enormous rotating ring of gold and glass suspended between two gravitational pylons the size of mountains.<\/p>\n<p>It was the kind of breathtaking architectural marvel that inspired peace, unity, and absolute dread for anyone carrying a fraudulent diplomatic badge.<\/p>\n<p>M.O.L.L.I.E.\u2019s voice buzzed alive through the cockpit speakers.<\/p>\n<p>M.O.L.L.I.E.: \u201cIncoming transmission from Citadel traffic control. Would you like me to mute it so you can maintain plausible deniability?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>JULIAN: \u201cNope. Time to shine.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The comm crackled, followed by a stern, clipped voice:<\/p>\n<p>CONTROLLER (over comm): \u201cMinister Ardos\u2026 we were informed you were recovering from a severe gastric malfunction.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Nikara choked on a laugh.<\/p>\n<p>Julian put on his best dignified expression, or at least, an expression he imagined dignified people wore, and cleared his throat.<\/p>\n<p>JULIAN (in-character): \u201cMy recu- recupearshun wash <em>miraculoush.<\/em> Pleashe preepshare\u2026 embashee\u2026 docking. Yesh. Docking.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>A long, painful pause.<\/p>\n<p>CONTROLLER: \u201c\u2026Of course, Minister. Proceed.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The line clicked off.<\/p>\n<p>NIKARA (whispering through clenched teeth): \u201cOh my stars, we are absolutely going to die.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>JULIAN: \u201cSee? Already convincing.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>M.O.L.L.I.E.:<br \/>\n\u201cI\u2019ve been reviewing holograms of the real Minister Ardos. Statistically, Julian\u2019s impersonation is\u2026<br \/>\n\u2026well\u2026<br \/>\n\u2026a hate crime.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Julian waved the comment away as the Fogrunner slid into the elegant docking corridor. Golden lights pulsed in a ceremonial rhythm. Holographic banners flickered: <em>UNITY. REMEMBRANCE. DIPLOMACY.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Julian tightened the cloak.<\/p>\n<p>JULIAN: \u201cOkay. We walk out confident. Assertive. Regal. Like someone who definitely isn\u2019t wanted across twelve systems.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Nikara holstered her blaster.<\/p>\n<p>NIKARA: \u201cI swear, Fog\u2026 if this ends with another building on fire...\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Julian grinned.<\/p>\n<p>JULIAN: \u201cNo promises.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>DOCKING BAY ENTRY<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Fogrunner settled down with a magnetic <em>thunk<\/em>. The ramp extended. Warm amber light flooded the cargo bay as the hatch opened to the Citadel\u2019s immaculate docking bay, a breathtaking expanse of polished stone, floating holo-fountains, and robed attendants drifting across the floor like walking incense burners.<\/p>\n<p>Julian stepped forward with ceremonial gravitas.<\/p>\n<p>The security drones scanned him, lights flickering across his face.<\/p>\n<p>A holographic text flashed in shimmering blue:<\/p>\n<p><strong>IDENTITY VERIFIED, MINISTER ARDOS<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Julian shot Nikara a wink.<\/p>\n<p>JULIAN (quietly): \u201cSee? Easy.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>A deafening explosion shook the entire docking bay.<\/p>\n<p>BOOOOOOOOM.<\/p>\n<p>Delegates screamed. Lights flickered violently. A shrill alarm blared.<\/p>\n<p>Overhead speakers thundered:<\/p>\n<p>ALERT VOICE: \u201cHOSTILE SHIP ON APPROACH. SECURITY TEAMS TO POSITIONS.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Nikara turned to Julian like a woman resigned to fate.<\/p>\n<p>NIKARA: \u201c\u2026Tell me that\u2019s not Larkon.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Z1N crackled over the comm in a whisper-tone rarely used.<\/p>\n<p>Z1N (through earpiece): \u201cCaptain\u2026 incoming signature belongs to Galactic Council Special Detachment Delta.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Julian stiffened.<\/p>\n<p>JULIAN: \u201cOh no. Worse.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>NIKARA: \u201cWorse than Larkon?!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>JULIAN: \u201cThese guys don\u2019t negotiate. They don\u2019t chat. They don\u2019t blink. They vaporize, file a report, and vaporize again for good measure.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Another explosion rocked the Citadel, showering the bay in sparks.<\/p>\n<p>Nikara shoved Julian.<\/p>\n<p>NIKARA: \u201cTime to move!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Julian nodded.<\/p>\n<p>JULIAN: \u201cFollow me. And stay diplomatic.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>She pulled her blaster.<\/p>\n<p>NIKARA: \u201cScrew diplomacy.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>GRAND ATRIUM \u2013 CHAOS UNLEASHED<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Grand Atrium of the Citadel was a marvel of crystalline architecture, towering spires of translucent stone, floating platforms, hovering archivists, and a massive central holo-map that displayed the alliance borders of seventy-seven star systems.<\/p>\n<p>All of that beauty was now covered in panicked diplomats and shrapnel.<\/p>\n<p>Julian pushed through a cluster of robed ambassadors shrieking in seventeen languages. Nikara followed at his heels, shoving aside anyone too slow.<\/p>\n<p>Security guards herded crowds toward sealed blast doors. The scent of ozone and stress sweat hung in the air.<\/p>\n<p>JULIAN: \u201cWe find Chancellor Vorrick, clear my name, and leave before the kill squad levels this place.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>NIKARA: \u201cThat is the stupidest plan I\u2019ve heard in at least three episodes.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>JULIAN: \u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Blaster fire erupted behind them.<\/p>\n<p>A sleek, obsidian-black gunship smashed through the exterior wall in a shower of fire and debris. A hatch detonated off its hinges.<\/p>\n<p>Five armored figures stepped out, matte-black suits, glowing red visors, weapons crackling like lightning held in mortal hands. Their movement was synchronous, mechanical, terrifying.<\/p>\n<p>Council Kill-Team.<\/p>\n<p>The lead soldier raised his rifle.<\/p>\n<p>KILL-TEAM LEAD: \u201cTarget Fog identified. Terminate.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Julian flung himself sideways as a plasma bolt scorched the floor where he\u2019d been standing.<\/p>\n<p>NIKARA: \u201cI TOLD YOU THIS WAS A BAD PLAN!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>JULIAN: \u201cRUN!\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>BANQUET CHAMBER \u2013 IMPROVISED MAYHEM<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The two sprinted through an ornate corridor and burst into a banquet chamber arranged for some diplomatic luncheon. Floating trays held shimmering delicacies from across the galaxy, crystalline fruits, hovering bowls of neon noodles, steaming platters of creatures still arguing about their fate.<\/p>\n<p>Julian skidded to a halt, grabbed a glowing silver platter, and hurled it like a discus.<\/p>\n<p>It slammed into the visor of a pursuing soldier, staggering him.<\/p>\n<p>NIKARA (shouting): \u201cWhy did that WORK?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>JULIAN: \u201cI once got detention for a food fight at Marine Academy!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He upended an entire anti-grav buffet table. The table floated into the path of the kill-team, blocking their shots temporarily.<\/p>\n<p>Z1N\u2019s voice crackled in their earpieces.<\/p>\n<p>Z1N: \u201cCaptain, statistically, your continued survival defies probability. You should purchase a lottery ticket.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>JULIAN: \u201cZin, buy me ten of them!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The table suddenly split in half, under a barrage of plasma fire.<\/p>\n<p>Nikara shoved Julian forward as the kill-team advanced.<\/p>\n<p>NIKARA: \u201cMOVE!\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>THE DIPLOMATIC CHAMBER<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The main council chamber was enormous, a circular hall with tiered seating, floating holo-banners, and a central levitating table shaped like a radiant starburst. Delegates cowered behind glowing barriers, clutching their ceremonial tablets like shields.<\/p>\n<p>Julian leapt onto the floating table.<\/p>\n<p>JULIAN (shouting): \u201cHonored delegates! I propose a motion!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Everyone froze.<\/p>\n<p>Even the kill-team hesitated, momentarily confused.<\/p>\n<p>KILL-TEAM LEAD: \u201cFog. Do not move.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Julian raised his hand dramatically, cloak fluttering behind him.<\/p>\n<p>JULIAN: \u201cI invoke the Ancient Clause of the Summit of Accordance!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Delegates gasped. Audible gasps. Real fear.<\/p>\n<p>A Zelthan representative clutched his pearls.<\/p>\n<p>The kill-team lead stiffened.<\/p>\n<p>KILL-TEAM LEAD: \u201cThat clause is obsolete.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>JULIAN: \u201cObsolete\u2026 but <em>binding.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n<p>A hush fell over the hall.<\/p>\n<p>Nikara stared at him like he\u2019d lost his mind.<\/p>\n<p>NIKARA (whispering): \u201cWhat clause?! How do you know any clauses?!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>JULIAN (whispering back): \u201cI read it on a bathroom wall in Sector Four!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>NIKARA: \u201cOf course you did.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Chancellor Vorrick, a crystalline insectoid with shimmering wings, scuttled into the chamber, pale and trembling.<\/p>\n<p>VORRICK: \u201cThe clause\u2026 exists.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The kill-team leader cursed softly.<\/p>\n<p>Julian smirked.<\/p>\n<p>JULIAN: \u201cSee? This is going great.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>JULIAN\u2019S PLEA<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Julian cleared his throat theatrically.<\/p>\n<p>JULIAN: \u201cEsteemed delegates\u2026<br \/>\nI, Julian Fog, am not a threat to the galaxy.<br \/>\nYes, I delivered explosives to a peace summit.<br \/>\nYes, I may have accidentally contributed to General Kreel\u2019s\u2026 uh\u2026 rapid decomposition.<br \/>\nYes, I sometimes set hotels on fire!<br \/>\nBut I am NOT a murderer!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Delegates murmured.<\/p>\n<p>Julian\u2019s voice cracked with dramatic flair.<\/p>\n<p>JULIAN: \u201cI am guilty only of poor decisions...overconfidence...questionable taste in beverages...and an above-average commitment to chaos.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Nikara coughed.<\/p>\n<p>NIKARA: \u201cAnd arson.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>JULIAN: \u201cThat too.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The kill-team leader stepped forward, rifle steady.<\/p>\n<p>KILL-TEAM LEAD: \u201cRequest denied. Orders remain active.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Julian squared his shoulders.<\/p>\n<p>JULIAN: \u201cThen I invoke Clause Two.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Delegates screamed.<\/p>\n<p>NIKARA: \u201cWhat\u2019s Clause Two?!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Julian winced.<\/p>\n<p>JULIAN: \u201cTrial by combat.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>NIKARA: \u201cWHAT?! Why would you DO that?!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The kill-team leader gestured.<\/p>\n<p>A massive obsidian-plated champion stomped out, seven feet tall, built like a war mech, holding a plasma halberd buzzing with caged lightning.<\/p>\n<p>Julian swallowed hard.<\/p>\n<p>JULIAN: \u201c\u2026I was hoping for something smaller.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>TRIAL BY COMBAT<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The chamber\u2019s central platform retracted. A circular arena rose from the floor, encircled by shimmering barriers. Delegates peered over the edges, whispering and placing discreet bets.<\/p>\n<p>Julian stepped into the arena, rolling his shoulders.<\/p>\n<p>JULIAN (to champion): \u201cAny chance you\u2019ll take a bribe?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The champion roared.<\/p>\n<p>JULIAN: \u201cNot a bribe guy. Got it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The fight erupted immediately.<\/p>\n<p>The champion swung the halberd, and Julian dove, rolled, dodged, each strike narrowly missing him by inches. Plasma arcs scorched the floor.<\/p>\n<p>Julian yanked a ceremonial spear off the wall.<\/p>\n<p>JULIAN: \u201cFog\u2026 don\u2019t die in front of your girlfriend. It\u2019s tacky.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>He parried a blow, sparks exploding.<\/p>\n<p>Nikara cupped her hands around her mouth.<\/p>\n<p>NIKARA: \u201cKICK THE KNEE!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Julian pivoted, slammed the butt of the spear into the champion\u2019s knee joint.<\/p>\n<p>The giant staggered.<\/p>\n<p>Julian spun, leapt, and kicked the visor, cracking it.<\/p>\n<p>JULIAN (shouting mid-air): \u201cYEEEEEEEEAH!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The champion crashed onto his back, armor cracking.<\/p>\n<p>Silence.<\/p>\n<p>Then applause thundered.<\/p>\n<p>Julian bowed, panting.<\/p>\n<p>JULIAN: \u201cTrial concluded\u2026 right?\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>RESOLUTION \u2013 TEMPORARY ALLIES<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The kill-team leader lowered his weapon.<\/p>\n<p>KILL-TEAM LEAD: \u201cAs per Accordance law\u2026 verdict stands. Fog\u2019s execution order is suspended.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Julian beamed.<\/p>\n<p>JULIAN: \u201cMuch obliged.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Chancellor Vorrick fluttered forward.<\/p>\n<p>VORRICK: \u201cI cannot erase Larkon\u2019s bounty\u2026 but I can grant you temporary diplomatic immunity. Seventy-two hours.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Julian snapped his fingers.<\/p>\n<p>JULIAN: \u201cPerfect.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Nikara glared.<\/p>\n<p>NIKARA: \u201cFor what?\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Julian grinned innocently.<\/p>\n<p>JULIAN: \u201cTo ruin someone else\u2019s day.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>ESCAPE FROM THE CITADEL<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Sirens blared. Security teams scrambled. Delegates fled.<\/p>\n<p>Julian grabbed Nikara\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n<p>JULIAN: \u201cTime to go!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>They sprinted through collapsing corridors, dodging falling pillars, through clouds of marble dust and flickering emergency lights.<\/p>\n<p>They dove through the docking bay doors as the Fogrunner powered up.<\/p>\n<p>Z1N stood at the top of the ramp like a proud guardian.<\/p>\n<p>Z1N: \u201cCaptain! Reinforcements are arriving. Time is short.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>JULIAN: \u201cStory of my life!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The ramp sealed shut. The Fogrunner blasted off the pad, engines screaming as plasma shots rained past from Council interceptors. Julian surged into the pilot seat, cloak torn, hair wild. Nikara slid into the co-pilot\u2019s chair, breathing hard.<\/p>\n<p>NIKARA: \u201cYou are absolutely insane.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>JULIAN: \u201cScientifically verified.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Z1N\u2019s face flickered onto the console.<\/p>\n<p>Z1N: \u201cCaptain\u2026 Larkon has doubled your bounty.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Julian groaned.<\/p>\n<p>JULIAN: \u201c\u2026Frazz.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The Fogrunner punched into hyperspace. Stars stretched out into eternity.<\/p>\n<p><strong>TO BE CONTINUED\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Next Time on Julian Fog:<\/strong><br \/>\nJulian seeks refuge with an old Marine buddy\u2026<br \/>\nOnly to find he\u2019s joined a rogue mercenary fleet waging a private war.<br \/>\nTanto-3 challenges a starfighter.<br \/>\nJulian steals a mech during a funeral.<br \/>\nAnd the Hooves of Nebulon-4 return.<\/p>\n<p>Catch Up on Previous Episodes!<\/p>\n<p>The Fortunate Misadventures of Julian Fog<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/substack.com\/@thecynicalpatriot\/note\/p-163205236?utm_source=notes-share-action&amp;r=5hpf1o\" rel=\"nofollow ugc noopener\">Episode 1 Bounty Beginnings<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/substack.com\/@thecynicalpatriot\/note\/p-163706215?utm_source=notes-share-action&amp;r=5hpf1o\" rel=\"nofollow ugc noopener\">Episode 2 Wormhole Roulette<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/substack.com\/@thecynicalpatriot\/note\/p-164265967?utm_source=notes-share-action&amp;r=5hpf1o\" rel=\"nofollow ugc noopener\">Episode 3 The Smuggler\u2019s Mall<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/substack.com\/@thecynicalpatriot\/note\/p-165645885?utm_source=notes-share-action&amp;r=5hpf1o\" rel=\"nofollow ugc noopener\">Episode 4 A Space Rash and Warrior Hogs<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/substack.com\/@thecynicalpatriot\/note\/p-165907550?utm_source=notes-share-action&amp;r=5hpf1o\" rel=\"nofollow ugc noopener\">Episode 5 Relax and Run!<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-blog so-widget-sow-blog-grid-c34ffc02d075\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\t\t<div\n\t\tclass=\"sow-blog sow-blog-layout-grid\"\n\t\tdata-template=\"grid\"\n\t\tdata-settings=\"{&quot;columns&quot;:3,&quot;featured_image&quot;:true,&quot;featured_image_empty&quot;:true,&quot;featured_image_fallback&quot;:false,&quot;featured_image_size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;tag&quot;:&quot;h4&quot;,&quot;content&quot;:&quot;none&quot;,&quot;trim_manual_excerpt&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;excerpt_length&quot;:55,&quot;excerpt_trim&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;read_more_text&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;date&quot;:false,&quot;date_output_format&quot;:&quot;default&quot;,&quot;author&quot;:false,&quot;filter_categories&quot;:false,&quot;categories&quot;:false,&quot;tags&quot;:false,&quot;comment_count&quot;:false,&quot;read_more&quot;:true,&quot;template&quot;:&quot;grid&quot;,&quot;pagination&quot;:&quot;disabled&quot;}\"\n\t\tdata-paged=\"1\"\n\t\tdata-paging-id=\"faabd4fc3f4a\"\n\t\tdata-total-pages=\"2\"\n\t\tdata-hash=\"8961cbc7\"\n\t>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-blog-posts\">\n\t\t\t\t<article id=\"post-264\" class=\"post-264 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-essays category-fiction\" style=\"margin: 0 0 30px;\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-entry-thumbnail\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/?p=264\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img width=\"720\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/65a1e939-42f5-42de-adbe-90088db36d70_1024x1536-720x480.webp\" class=\"attachment-sow-blog-grid size-sow-blog-grid wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/65a1e939-42f5-42de-adbe-90088db36d70_1024x1536-720x480.webp 720w, https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/65a1e939-42f5-42de-adbe-90088db36d70_1024x1536-272x182.webp 272w, https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/65a1e939-42f5-42de-adbe-90088db36d70_1024x1536-360x240.webp 360w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-blog-content-wrapper\"\n\t\t style=\"padding: 20px 25px;\">\n\t\t\t\t<header class=\"sow-entry-header\">\n\t\t\t<h4 class=\"sow-entry-title\" style=\"margin: 0 0 5px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/?p=264\" rel=\"bookmark\">The Fortunate Misadventures of Julian Fog Episode Nine Graveyard of the Warborn<\/a><\/h4>\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-entry-meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/header>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"post-259\" class=\"post-259 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-fiction\" style=\"margin: 0 0 30px;\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-entry-thumbnail\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/?p=259\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img width=\"720\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/15832aa9-08e0-419c-a965-ea132d330f1c_1536x1024-720x480.webp\" class=\"attachment-sow-blog-grid size-sow-blog-grid wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/15832aa9-08e0-419c-a965-ea132d330f1c_1536x1024-720x480.webp 720w, https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/15832aa9-08e0-419c-a965-ea132d330f1c_1536x1024-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/15832aa9-08e0-419c-a965-ea132d330f1c_1536x1024-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/15832aa9-08e0-419c-a965-ea132d330f1c_1536x1024-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/15832aa9-08e0-419c-a965-ea132d330f1c_1536x1024-272x182.webp 272w, https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/15832aa9-08e0-419c-a965-ea132d330f1c_1536x1024-360x240.webp 360w, https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/15832aa9-08e0-419c-a965-ea132d330f1c_1536x1024.webp 1456w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-blog-content-wrapper\"\n\t\t style=\"padding: 20px 25px;\">\n\t\t\t\t<header class=\"sow-entry-header\">\n\t\t\t<h4 class=\"sow-entry-title\" style=\"margin: 0 0 5px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/?p=259\" rel=\"bookmark\">The Time Makers Plot<\/a><\/h4>\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-entry-meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/header>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"post-244\" class=\"post-244 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-philosophy category-uncategorized\" style=\"margin: 0 0 30px;\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-entry-thumbnail\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/?p=244\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img width=\"720\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/0fe2add9-e733-4f9a-ba8e-79d42bbb408f_1536x1024-720x480.webp\" class=\"attachment-sow-blog-grid size-sow-blog-grid wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/0fe2add9-e733-4f9a-ba8e-79d42bbb408f_1536x1024-720x480.webp 720w, https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/0fe2add9-e733-4f9a-ba8e-79d42bbb408f_1536x1024-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/0fe2add9-e733-4f9a-ba8e-79d42bbb408f_1536x1024-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/0fe2add9-e733-4f9a-ba8e-79d42bbb408f_1536x1024-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/0fe2add9-e733-4f9a-ba8e-79d42bbb408f_1536x1024-272x182.webp 272w, https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/0fe2add9-e733-4f9a-ba8e-79d42bbb408f_1536x1024-360x240.webp 360w, https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/0fe2add9-e733-4f9a-ba8e-79d42bbb408f_1536x1024.webp 1456w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-blog-content-wrapper\"\n\t\t style=\"padding: 20px 25px;\">\n\t\t\t\t<header class=\"sow-entry-header\">\n\t\t\t<h4 class=\"sow-entry-title\" style=\"margin: 0 0 5px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/?p=244\" rel=\"bookmark\">Crass Words, Uncomfortable Truths: Culture, Gratitude, and the Moral Preconditions of America<\/a><\/h4>\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-entry-meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/header>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"post-252\" class=\"post-252 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-faith category-uncategorized\" style=\"margin: 0 0 30px;\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-entry-thumbnail\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/?p=252\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img width=\"720\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/976da849-4b5d-4d1a-affe-5b67eac7793a_1536x1024-720x480.webp\" class=\"attachment-sow-blog-grid size-sow-blog-grid wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/976da849-4b5d-4d1a-affe-5b67eac7793a_1536x1024-720x480.webp 720w, https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/976da849-4b5d-4d1a-affe-5b67eac7793a_1536x1024-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/976da849-4b5d-4d1a-affe-5b67eac7793a_1536x1024-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/976da849-4b5d-4d1a-affe-5b67eac7793a_1536x1024-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/976da849-4b5d-4d1a-affe-5b67eac7793a_1536x1024-272x182.webp 272w, https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/976da849-4b5d-4d1a-affe-5b67eac7793a_1536x1024-360x240.webp 360w, https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/976da849-4b5d-4d1a-affe-5b67eac7793a_1536x1024.webp 1456w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-blog-content-wrapper\"\n\t\t style=\"padding: 20px 25px;\">\n\t\t\t\t<header class=\"sow-entry-header\">\n\t\t\t<h4 class=\"sow-entry-title\" style=\"margin: 0 0 5px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/?p=252\" rel=\"bookmark\">The West Isn\u2019t Dead. It\u2019s Forgotten Why It Worked.<\/a><\/h4>\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-entry-meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/header>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"post-249\" class=\"post-249 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-fiction category-uncategorized\" style=\"margin: 0 0 30px;\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-entry-thumbnail\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/?p=249\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img width=\"720\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/c32bfb3e-d4b8-47de-a670-acd74f491384_1024x1536-720x480.webp\" class=\"attachment-sow-blog-grid size-sow-blog-grid wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/c32bfb3e-d4b8-47de-a670-acd74f491384_1024x1536-720x480.webp 720w, https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/c32bfb3e-d4b8-47de-a670-acd74f491384_1024x1536-272x182.webp 272w, https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/c32bfb3e-d4b8-47de-a670-acd74f491384_1024x1536-360x240.webp 360w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-blog-content-wrapper\"\n\t\t style=\"padding: 20px 25px;\">\n\t\t\t\t<header class=\"sow-entry-header\">\n\t\t\t<h4 class=\"sow-entry-title\" style=\"margin: 0 0 5px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/?p=249\" rel=\"bookmark\">Julian Fog Episode EIGHT: THE GLASS ARCHIVE OF VEXALON-3<\/a><\/h4>\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-entry-meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/header>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"post-235\" class=\"post-235 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-essays category-fiction\" style=\"margin: 0 0 30px;\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-entry-thumbnail\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/?p=235\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img width=\"720\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/bfe68255-12b7-4cc2-bb77-6d1233a6fa6e_1024x1536-720x480.webp\" class=\"attachment-sow-blog-grid size-sow-blog-grid wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/bfe68255-12b7-4cc2-bb77-6d1233a6fa6e_1024x1536-720x480.webp 720w, https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/bfe68255-12b7-4cc2-bb77-6d1233a6fa6e_1024x1536-272x182.webp 272w, https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/bfe68255-12b7-4cc2-bb77-6d1233a6fa6e_1024x1536-360x240.webp 360w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-blog-content-wrapper\"\n\t\t style=\"padding: 20px 25px;\">\n\t\t\t\t<header class=\"sow-entry-header\">\n\t\t\t<h4 class=\"sow-entry-title\" style=\"margin: 0 0 5px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/?p=235\" rel=\"bookmark\">Julian Fog Episode Seven &#8211; Ghosts, Guns, And The Iron Funeral<\/a><\/h4>\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-entry-meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/header>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"post-221\" class=\"post-221 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-essays category-fiction\" style=\"margin: 0 0 30px;\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-blog-content-wrapper\"\n\t\t style=\"padding: 20px 25px;\">\n\t\t\t\t<header class=\"sow-entry-header\">\n\t\t\t<h4 class=\"sow-entry-title\" style=\"margin: 0 0 5px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/?p=221\" rel=\"bookmark\">Global Stability &#8211; Ananke\u2019s Tale<\/a><\/h4>\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-entry-meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/header>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"post-214\" class=\"post-214 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-faith category-uncategorized\" style=\"margin: 0 0 30px;\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-entry-thumbnail\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/?p=214\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img width=\"720\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/0c3726c3-3087-437b-8341-5080e696e435_1024x1024-720x480.jpg\" class=\"attachment-sow-blog-grid size-sow-blog-grid wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/0c3726c3-3087-437b-8341-5080e696e435_1024x1024-720x480.jpg 720w, https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/0c3726c3-3087-437b-8341-5080e696e435_1024x1024-272x182.jpg 272w, https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/0c3726c3-3087-437b-8341-5080e696e435_1024x1024-360x240.jpg 360w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-blog-content-wrapper\"\n\t\t style=\"padding: 20px 25px;\">\n\t\t\t\t<header class=\"sow-entry-header\">\n\t\t\t<h4 class=\"sow-entry-title\" style=\"margin: 0 0 5px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/?p=214\" rel=\"bookmark\">The Great Surrender<\/a><\/h4>\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-entry-meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/header>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"post-174\" class=\"post-174 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-essays category-fiction\" style=\"margin: 0 0 30px;\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-entry-thumbnail\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/?p=174\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img width=\"720\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/f5b02c64-c4b0-4a34-a2df-0de934dad028_1024x1536-720x480.webp\" class=\"attachment-sow-blog-grid size-sow-blog-grid wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/f5b02c64-c4b0-4a34-a2df-0de934dad028_1024x1536-720x480.webp 720w, https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/f5b02c64-c4b0-4a34-a2df-0de934dad028_1024x1536-272x182.webp 272w, https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/f5b02c64-c4b0-4a34-a2df-0de934dad028_1024x1536-360x240.webp 360w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-blog-content-wrapper\"\n\t\t style=\"padding: 20px 25px;\">\n\t\t\t\t<header class=\"sow-entry-header\">\n\t\t\t<h4 class=\"sow-entry-title\" style=\"margin: 0 0 5px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/?p=174\" rel=\"bookmark\">Julian Fog Episode Five &#8211; Relax and Run (Or Another Hotel Fire)<\/a><\/h4>\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-entry-meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/header>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"post-169\" class=\"post-169 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-essays category-fiction\" style=\"margin: 0 0 30px;\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-entry-thumbnail\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/?p=169\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<img width=\"720\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/a14d0995-3fff-49c1-b1ca-07d3af457f1e_1024x1352-720x480.webp\" class=\"attachment-sow-blog-grid size-sow-blog-grid wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/a14d0995-3fff-49c1-b1ca-07d3af457f1e_1024x1352-720x480.webp 720w, https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/a14d0995-3fff-49c1-b1ca-07d3af457f1e_1024x1352-272x182.webp 272w, https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/a14d0995-3fff-49c1-b1ca-07d3af457f1e_1024x1352-360x240.webp 360w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-blog-content-wrapper\"\n\t\t style=\"padding: 20px 25px;\">\n\t\t\t\t<header class=\"sow-entry-header\">\n\t\t\t<h4 class=\"sow-entry-title\" style=\"margin: 0 0 5px;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/?p=169\" rel=\"bookmark\">Julian Fog Episode Four: A Space Rash and Warrior Hogs THECYNICALPATRIOT<\/a><\/h4>\t\t\t<div class=\"sow-entry-meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/header>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>FOGRUNNER \u2013 GALLEY \u2013 MORNING CYCLE AFTER THE SMUGGLER&#8217;S MALL The lights hummed to life with a flicker as the Fogrunner coasted through deep space. The scent of synthetic bacon and burnt caf steeped into the recycled air. Julian Fog leaned against the galley counter in a ragged T-shirt that read \u201cHARLEY DAVIDSON \u2013 EARTH\u2019S&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":234,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5,1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-231","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fiction","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/231","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=231"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/231\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":233,"href":"https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/231\/revisions\/233"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/234"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=231"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=231"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thecynicalpatriot.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=231"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}