Colonization: A Warning is Delivered Through a Twisted and Unnatural Smile

In Message, a lone figure appears at sunrise and refuses to move as it sets off a chain of fear, speculation, and grim realization. As Tarian, Keldon, Sherry, and Caleb confront the creature’s intentions, the truth becomes undeniable: not all of this world's threats charge the walls. Some do something far more devastating. They offer a smile.

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This chapter turns stillness and inaction into suspense. What begins as an eerie standoff becomes a chilling revelation when the shapeshifter reveals its intentions. If you enjoy tense sci-fi moments where danger arrives quietly before the storm, this installment won’t disappoint.

🎵 Creeping is the blues track paired with this episode. Its slow, stalking pulse mirrors the dread building on the ramparts. Its rhythm and atmospheric tone amplify the creature’s unnerving patience and the quiet terror of a message delivered with a smile.

Behind the Scenes:
As this entry in Colonization was being penned, I needed a way to wrap up my ideas. Going into this tale, I knew it was the penultimate entry of the series, so I wanted to build the tension and amplify it to an eleven before heading into the conclusion. This story highlights how known threats evolve and how even a fortified wall can’t protect against the unknown lurking just out of sight.

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Links:
📘 Dead Man’s Hand: https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Mans-Hand-Forgers-Book-ebook/dp/B0DHY1WMT8/ref=sr_1_1
📘 Message: https://www.wattpad.com/902360071-colonization-message

⏱ Timestamps:
0:00 Song Start and Introduction
0:16 Story Begins
5:34 Story Ends and Sign Off
6:02 End Cards