When a towering Chonta mercenary discovers a tiny Halnarian priestess opening a shrine on a space station, he's certain she's either delusional or running a scam. After all, any species that's reached space knows religion is just a tool to exploit the faithful.
But the priestess's Faith of the Allmother doesn't ask for prayers or demand donations. It offers childcare for working parents, hot meals for the hungry, and a safe place to sleep—services she provides while struggling to keep her own accounts out of the red.
What begins as a mercenary's contempt evolves into an unlikely friendship spanning decades, as a cynical warrior discovers that some faiths don't require belief in gods—only in the value of helping each other. And sometimes, the smallest acts of stubborn kindness can transform an entire station, one flower at a time.
A story about finding purpose where you least expect it, and the quiet revolution of simply being yourself.
From a young age, I was enchanted by fairy tales, legends, and the realms of sci-fi and history. I discovered a talent for practical work and connecting with people, leading me to pursue a career in photo sales and consulting. My passion for fantasy and sci-fi was further nurtured while working in a fantasy item store. Though I had to move on, those experiences remain close to my heart. My journey through various creative fields inspired me to write, drawing me back to the fantastical and sci-fi worlds I've always adored. Now, I'm committed to crafting the stories that have long captivated me.View all by Christoph Gerber