This story is set in the Swarm Cycle Universe created by
Thinking Horndog. Any resemblance between the content of this story or any of
the characters depicted herein and real persons or events is probably
coincidental.
The tale of Azahar parallels and extends my previously
published stories. It should not be necessary to have read "The
Librarian", which itself incorporates "The Starbucks Incident"
and "The Starbucks Aftermath", or "Behind Enemy Lines".
Some survivors from "Behind Enemy Lines" appear in Chapter 11, which
also begins the sequel to "The Starbucks Aftermath". The
continuation of "The Librarian" starts at Chapter 24. The short
story "A Pickup in Texas" is included as Chapter 31.
This story also contains oblique and direct references to
the works of other Swarm Cycle authors including The Duke of Ramus' "The
Cadet Saga" and "Neptune", and Allan Joyal's "A Peril at
Ishtar".
I am grateful for Mulligan's help making this tale easier to
read. I alone am responsible for the errors, omissions, and inaccuracies
contained within this story.
WARNING: ADULT CONTENT! This story contains scenarios that
are unsuitable for minors and narrow-minded individuals. It contains sex,
violence, and other socially unacceptable behavior. You have been warned!