I'm doing a weekly post on my journey with Stable Diffusion, an AI art generation tool. I pick a character from the Evaranverse and see what Stable Diffusion can make based on my prompts. I used to use Midjourney, but I'll be using Stable Diffusion going forward!
This week it's Yuldaris, a Covendrin commander of the Sixty-Seventh Company. Covendrins come from cold worlds, and they stand around seven feet tall with silver skin and red eyes. Their civilization is one of the few that embraces mercenary work as a part of their culture. Although they have formal military units, it's more of a loose confederation. Covendrin mercs are the most feared in the galactic quadrant earth is in. If someone crosses a merc, the whole Covendrin civilization comes down on them depending on the situation.
Some bounty hunters like the brutal Krikus Det work with the Covendrin, while others like Kreol Juul stay far away and closer to places Covendrin mercs would least be likely to be at. The Covendrin are known to be contracted at times by the Kreagan Star Empire to provide escort or protection services in far flung areas. This has given some legitimacy to the Covendrin.
Yuldaris's fearlessness and pragmatic behavior has earned him respect among many. He has many contracts under his belt and is a master in close quarter combat and weapon usage. His company has several ships, and when other companies need help, they turn to his.
Yuldaris lost a fight against Evaran while providing security services to Seeros in The Fredorian Destiny, Book 2 of The Evaran Chronicles. Evaran gave Yuldaris a chance to live, and he took it. Twenty years later, he ran into Blake Brown in Biogenesis, Book 2 of The Earthborn. Yuldaris would go on to become a close friend and ally of Blake, and after learning of Blake's indirect connection to Evaran, Yuldaris often wondered if that was why Evaran let him go earlier. It could also have been that he was merciful.
At the end of The Earthborn series, Yuldaris had been promoted and now oversees all Covendrin military and contract operations. He had forged a strong relationship with Fredoria and the Android Nation. He even gave the Android Nation a moon in Covendrin space to build their home on while being protected. There was a social event that Blake threw when Evaran had brought people from Blake's past, but Yuldaris didn't attend. Although he suspected nothing would happen, and Blake had assured there wouldn't be issues, he wasn't taking any chances.
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A snippet from Biogenesis, Book 2 of The Earthborn, where Yuldaris joins Blake's crew and they talk before Yuldaris is introduced to the rest of the crew. Blake suspects Yuldaris knows Evaran.
Blake exhaled from his nose. “That’s settled. Second topic. I know you keep information close to your chest, but if we’re going to be working together, we’ll be sharing it. I’m willing to make the first gesture by giving you access to information on what we know of the black slime.”
“And I’ll reciprocate,” said Yuldaris. He chuckled. “I understand your hesitation, but I wish to know more about this slime as much as you do. I’m just glad it was you that got Delkis.”
“High praise from a Covendrin merc.”
Yuldaris shrugged. “You’re well-known, and have been...neutral...with the Covendrin, which is far more than what most can say.”
“I’ve worked with a few...and had to kill a few. I guess it all balances out,” said Blake.
“It does, and we accept that.”
Blake grinned, baring his fangs. “Your culture intrigues me. Ruthless, yet professional. You’d make great vampires.”
Yuldaris drew his head back.
“Don’t worry. Like the slime, Covendrin blood doesn’t sit well with me.”
“That’s...good to hear,” said Yuldaris.
Blake chuckled. “Okay, third topic, and this one is more personal.”
“All right.”
“When you were at the bombed facility on old Kreagus, you were employed by Seeros.”
“That’s right.”
“Every record I’ve looked up on that situation has been altered, and your involvement is just a high-level statement that you were involved but had no wrongdoing,” said Blake.
“That’s what it says.”
Blake leaned forward in his chair. “Seeros was quite powerful, and with the Covendrin mercs backing him, he still died. I’ve heard he was strapped to a slab when he was recovered. Well, what was left of him.”
Yuldaris sighed. “Yes, he was.”
“You...not planning on doing that to me, are you?”
“Of course not. That situation was unique. There were,” said Yuldaris, grimacing, “powers at play that should...never exist.”
Blake wrinkled his eyebrows. It was the first time he had ever seen a Covendrin exhibit what looked like fear. “Never exist?”
“I dare not say the name, lest it come back and find me. I was given a second chance, and I should have died that day,” said Yuldaris. His eyes dulled. “Nothing should have that power.”
“So Seeros and you ran into something more powerful, and Seeros paid the price, but you were left alive. I also read that Andia Kiggs and Rakar Ho Jador were there, but like your statement, it’s all high level.”
“Yes...they were there. They know the situation as I do.”
Blake eased back into his chair and took a swig from his blood vial. “Whatever that power was that should not exist, it must be very powerful to not only cover up the situation, but keep you from saying its name.”
Yuldaris eyed Blake. “Andia and Rakar probably haven’t told you its name either.”
“You’re right,” said Blake. “I know of several powers that fit that description, but...I was just curious.”
“I don’t normally speak of the event but I offer it as sign of trust.”
“And it’s appreciated,” said Blake. He gestured his hand out in an arc. “If you need or want to discuss anything with me, I’m always available.”
Yuldaris nodded “Anything else?”
