Auberon: An Expanse Novella

tl.lane

Sep 09, 2025

Fun short storyI found this to be a fun short story that explained the realities of what Sol space and the colonies are to what Laconian rule might entail.It was obvious early on that the man with the metal arm was important somehow. That he turns out to be Timothy’s friend from Baltimore was humorous. I guess he figured out his place in the scheme of things after Earth. That he did so and so well, wasn’t all that surprising.I liked how the Laconians held themselves to a higher standard, but only so far. Love from the Governor was enough for him to turn his back somewhat on the Laconian concept. Though maybe getting rid of one of your own, like Overstreet, is a Laconian object lesson too and in that sense he didn’t turn on Laconian law? It’s hard to say.That he got his own back by taking over Veronica into a Laconian post and then she knows she is subject to those same heavy traditions was a nice turn-around. They took a lieutenant from the Governor, so the Governor took one of theirs.I am sure it is correct when it’s said that each of the Laconian posts all over the colonies are only now figuring out their posts and what they might or might not be able to achieve without some comprise of themselves and their ideals. That is just human nature.Of course once the Laconian government fails, what becomes of these people and their posts will be interesting. Because they might have superior weaponry and strength, does that mean they have just created their own little fiefdoms and powerbase? Or do the Laconians just mildly get shipped back to their own world? Probably some of each, depending on the colony world, but either way it should prove interesting.