In recent years TransAsia, the former Republic of China has expanded territorially. Yet its latest imperialist objectives are part of another strategy, one which aims to preserve the country's status as a superpower. They are playing a long game, so the rest of the world is kept ignorant of TransAsia's real goals. This is easy enough given how often democratic power bases change compared with other governmental systems.

One of the players on the other side of the Chinese Checkerboard is Avalonia, formerly Great Britain. One member of the government, Laurence Carroll, finds his personal and professional life turned upside down by events outside of his control, yet he does not know why or what part he has played in his upheaval.

Meanwhile, for TransAsia, Avalonia and Laurence, the age of reinvention continues.

Toronto-born David Seidel currently lives in the United Kingdom. He holds degrees in English literature and law from Toronto's York University. He is an award-winning writer in radio and has been nominated for various awards for his stage work. He is also the author of Gun Barrel Polka, also published by Ace of Swords Publishing.