Starflake (T'aafhal Legacy Book 3)

by Doug Hoffman

  “Hai, Bobby.”

  Over suit-to-suit the Gunny told JT, “Set your flechette velocity to less than 1200 fps. That way, if we do have to fire, the flechettes won't penetrate Dr. Ogawa's armor.”

  “All ready did that, let's hope we won't need to.”

  * * * * *

  Mizuki carefully moved from one row of enormous flowers to the next, her presence masked by her suit's active camouflage. Ahead she spotted a large bushy tail that could only belong to the creature spying on the Earthlings. Silently slipping into the space between the rows she crept forward.

  That tail and those markings look familiar for some reason, she thought, I think we've encountered this alien species before. “I am about to flush the alien from its hiding place, please be ready to capture it.”

  Creeping ever forward she finally stood less than half a meter behind the furry creature. Turing off camouflage mode, activating her suit's external speaker, and spreading her arms wide, Mizuki said, “Boo!”

  With a startled yelp the alien jumped up, spinning about as it did. On seeing the gray monster behind him the creature bolted into the open space beyond the flowers. There it found itself surrounded by more gray monsters. Before it could decide which way to jump a hard armored hand grabbed it by the scruff of the neck.

  Lifting the creature from the floor, Mizuki set her translator to one of the common trade languages and spoke to her captive. “So what business brings you to spy on us from the bushes, Kieshnar-rak-kat-tra?”

  To its credit, the trader stopped squirming when it heard recognizable words coming from its captor. “A thousand pardons, gentlebeings, but I was merely trying to select the proper moment to introduce myself to your august personages. I am Trader Shanakta-fek, ha-have you come for trade?”

  “We will not harm you Shanakta-fek. If I let you down do you promise not to scamper off?”

  “Yes, esteemed one. One makes no profit by running away.”

  Setting the trader on the deck, Mizuki took a wary step backward thinking the creature might bolt despite its assurances. The alien before them looked like an oversized lemur with a long bushy tail and extraordinarily large, bulbous, red-orange eyes. Its body was covered with fuzzy, cinnamon colored fur that was frosted with black highlights. Its tail, fully as long as its body, was banded in black. White fur extended from tufted ears, framing face and forehead, also running down the trader's throat, chest and belly. A pointed black nose and muzzle formed its face, from which black fur swept up and around the eyes giving the appearance of a bandit's mask. Its only clothing was a short, unbuttoned tan vest.

  Mizuki had been correct, she and the others standing before her had seen creatures like this before—on a space station more than a thousand light-years from Earth.

  CIC, Peggy Sue

  “You say you found a what, pardner?” Though Billy Ray could plainly see the trader on the video feed he was still a bit incredulous.

  “A Kieshnar-rak-kat-tra. Like those on Ring Station. I know you haven't forgotten the little double crossing stink weasels.”

  “Hell no. Captain Jack and the rest of you painted quite a portrait of them after your odyssey on the M'tak Ka'fek. I'm beginning to think these critters are like space rats, you can find them scurrying around any starship port in the Orion Arm.”

  Beth arched an eyebrow at the Captain and turned to more pragmatic matters. “Have you found out anything useful from the trader? Like who is in charge of the station?”

  “The obsequious little fur ball has been effusively uninformative regarding what other life forms inhabit the station and who, if anyone, is in charge. Giving the way he was skulking around in the underbrush, spying on us, I'm going to go out on a limb and say it ain't the Kieshnar-rak-kat-tra.”

  “So other than establishing that there is intelligent life on board the station we are no further along than before.”

  “I wouldn't say that, Beth. We've managed to figure out how the local elevators work and Mizuki found some really nice flowers in this greenhouse section.”

  “Roger that, pardner. How are you going to proceed?”

  “The Gunny's got the squad all set to execute a devastating vertical envelopment of the shopping mall below us.”

  Muting the comm, Beth turned to her husband. “He's having entirely too much fun with this.”

  “Yeah, that's what bothers me Number One. Usually the fun comes just before the fecal matter hits the fan.” Reactivating the comm, the Captain gave his blessing to the next phase of exploration. “You are clear to continue into the shopping mall, but keep yer eyes pealed.”

  “Roger that, Peggy Sue. Danner out.”

  Karf Habitat

  “Are we ready? Are the forces in place to spring our trap on these interlopers?”

  “Things are proceeding as planned. The hardest part is getting the splagg into position—they are not very intelligent and tend to react to prodding with violence.”

  The leader hissed, the Karf equivalent of a frustrated sigh. “Have they descended to the commercial district yet?”

  “No, but they seem to be preparing to do so soon.”

  Another would be leader spoke up. “What of the signal to the Others? Should we not send a summons saying we have been attacked, oh glorious leader?”

  “No, you gelatinous slime! If we destroy the interlopers ourselves, when the foul ones arrive and find no threat to counter they will just take their frustration out on us—if you promise the Others a fight you had best deliver. We will defeat the aliens on our own and unless something unforeseen happens we will not summon our murderous associates.”

  “That makes surprising sense, coming from one as intellectually limited as yourself.”

  The leader snarled. “You are as perceptive as a whooboo. We are in good position to ambush them. Whatever is left after the splagg attacks should be easy for our forces to clean up.”

  Several other Karf hissed in response, but whether in agreement or dissent was not clear—perhaps it didn't matter.

  2nd Squad

  Sgt. Aurora and her Marines finally reached the topmost floor of the cosmic condo. The spire had narrowed by about half, obvious to the Earthlings as they spread out across the roof of the housing section. The spire continued on above them for at least another kilometer, though there was no obvious way to reach any higher level. In fact, the ceiling above them looked to be made from the same crystalline substance as the transparent outer walls, not the silver metallic material that the apartment structure was made from.

  “I think this is the end of the pack ice, cubs,” Aurora said to the squad. The rooftop area was decorated like a park, with seating and sunken areas that might have contained liquid at one time. Along the crystalline walls were veins that glowed softly with internal light, though what their purpose was remained unclear.

  “It's a good forty meters to the ceiling,” observed Haddad. “What do you suppose this place was?”

  “A place to hold parties?” mused Kato. “A little dining and dancing under the stars.”

  “It would make one epic nightclub,” commented Enrico.

  “Rico, all you want to do is party,” said one of the human females, eliciting a smattering of laughter over the squad frequency.

  “Hey, just sayin', dawg.”

  “Whatever it was used for it doesn't seem to be in use anymore. Time to check in with the LT.” Aurora switched to command frequency and called her CO. “Ice Castle, 2nd Squad, over.”

  “Go 2nd Squad.”

  “we've reached the top of the cosmic condo and there seem to be no accessible areas above our position. We observed no intelligent life forms, just some biological cleaning staff. Interrogative what should we do next?”

  “Wait one.”

  “What's the LT say, Sarge?”

  “Shut it, the officers are thinking.”

  “2nd Squad, If there's nothing further to investigate head back to the docking level. We'll get back to you.”

  �
�Roger that. 2nd Squad is headed back down toward the shuttles.”

  1st Squad, Shopping Mall

  Bosco's fire team, supplemented by Walker and Davis, arrived on the balcony simultaneously via three different elevators. Facing the balcony's edge, Fanni and Simba were on the right flank, Davis and Walker on the left, and Bosco and Keti in the center. They immediately spread out to inspect their surroundings, dispersing so as not to present an inviting target to any hostiles.

  “Going left!” called Davis, Walker kneeling by a column, providing cover.

  “Going right!” Simba and Fanni performed a similar evolution on the other flank.

  “Would you look at this place!” Walker gushed, his eyes sweeping across the cascade of balconies, tall columns and interconnecting ramps. Scattered about, free standing transparent columns glowed in all the colors of the rainbow, while tiny bubbles drifted upward within them. “It's like a combination fairytale castle and shopping mall.”

  “Keep your eyes out for hostiles and skip the architectural digest commentary, mate.”

  “I'm looking for movement, Bubba. Chill out. There are a number of smaller balconies and overlooks above our position which could put us in enfilade.”

  “Look alive people,” Bosco called out. “The others are about to land in the open area below us.”

  Down three more glowing elevator shafts rode the other half of 1st Squad. Farthest away from the balcony Zippy and Jimmy immediately sought cover. Closest to the balcony, the Gunny and Beau landed and were in motion immediately, disappearing from sight beneath the balcony's overhang. In the middle, Inuksuk and Vinny found themselves in the open. The bear took two galloping jumps away from the shaft, stood erect, and bellowed over his suit speakers.

  “What the hell is that all about?” asked Keti, watching the landing from the edge of the balcony.

  Bosco shrugged. “Is better than peeing on a column to mark his territory.”

  “Polar bears, at least the male ones, are all batshit crazy,” said Fanni.

  “I have movement,” Simba shouted. “Third balcony over from the middle elevator shaft.” His teammates shifted position to cover the indicated target. Walker too, spun about. A sizable brown shape appeared for a second and was gone.

  “What was that?”

  Keti snorted. “Am I your guide to the local flora and fauna?”

  “There's another one,” called Davis. “Ten o'clock two flights down.”

  “She-it!” Walker turned his attention back to covering his friend.

  “I think Inuksuk's friendly 'hello' has sent the natives running.” Bosco switched to the common frequency and gave the Gunny a status report. “We have movement on several of the smaller balconies. No hostile action, they seem to be fleeing.”

  “Roger, Bosco. I'm calling the main floor secured.” As the gunny was assessing the situation four more figures descended, three humans in light armor and one very nervous Kieshnar-rak-kat-tra.

  Chapter 17

  Shopping Mall

  From the center elevator JT and Shanakta-fek stepped onto the main floor of the soaring commercial area. “Stay close, trader.”

  “Yes, yes, honored sir, but could we move to someplace less exposed? Over by those shops perhaps?”

  “So these are all shops? Where are the shopkeepers, and where are their customers?”

  “I would guess that knowledge of your arrival preceded you, honored warrior.”

  “All right. Inuksuk, take your team and see if there are any creatures in the shops on the far side of the platform. Gunny, we're coming to you.”

  “Roger, Lieutenant.”

  JT and his furry companion strolled across the empty plaza headed for the shops sheltered by the balcony above. There Bobby and Mizuki were already snooping about the storefronts, watched over by the attentive Gunny and Beau. Goods were visible in only a few of the shops, most being sealed off by heavy overhead doors, just like stores in an earthly shopping mall after closing time.

  All that's missing are bored teenagers and middle aged women power-walking around the perimeter, JT thought, that and some muzak. “Seems awfully quiet, Gunny.”

  “Yeah, I'd say too quiet at the risk of sounding cliché.”

  “I have always hated this urban combat shit,” JT muttered. “Just once I'd like some open rolling terrain on an alien planet with a real atmosphere and room to maneuver.”

  “You rather be in a swamp eating snakes, Army?” The Gunny grinned inside her enclosed helmet.

  “Not on your life, Rosie. I'm happy to be on a shopping trip with you and the other Jarheads.” This was not the first time they had been together, exploring an alien space station. Problem was, those trips had always ended in battle with one or more groups of aliens. Do not jinx this, soldier! Think happy thoughts.

  Standing behind the armored humans, Shanakta-fek peered nervously around the deserted shopping mall. Out of habit or instinct he kept pulling his long fluffy tail past the scent glands in his armpits. Thankfully, the humans were sealed inside their space armor and not subjected to the malodorous bouquet his actions were creating.

  * * * * *

  Several closed shops away, Mizuki and Bobby found one that was open. Arranged on sloping shelves facing foot traffic were a wide assortment of glittering trinkets.

  Mizuki carefully picked up a string of stones that looked like lapis lazuli: a deep blue with golden inclusions that shimmered like little stars. “Look Bobby, this one is pretty.”

  “Great, sweetheart. I'll buy it for you if we can find the shopkeeper, and figure out what they take for money around here.”

  “You are so sweet, Bobby. Hey look, there are more things inside.” Mizuki headed for the interior of the shop, slipping through an open isle barely wide enough to fit her armored frame. Bobby shook his head and followed. We come one-hundred and fifty light-years just so she can shop.

  They disappeared deeper into the store. Beau, wearing heavy armor could not enter the shop without breaking things so he stood helplessly outside.

  Small Balcony Overlook

  “Can you see them?” the Karf commander demanded.

  “Yes, they are well inside the shop and the larger one has stayed outside. Start the diversion and we will spring the trap.”

  “Just be ready for my signal and do not fail.”

  The reply from the other Karf was unintelligible.

  “Diversion team, are you ready with the splagg?”

  “We are raising it in the large freight elevator and will dump it out on the main level in twenty seconds.”

  “Attention, warriors! The splagg will arrive in a few seconds. Wait for it to attack and pull the aliens out into the open. Then eradicate them all.”

  Well, the attack commander thought to itself grudgingly, it looks like this plan might actually work.

  Inuksuk's Fireteam

  Zippy and Vinny were exploring the shop fronts on the other side of the main floor from the Gunny and the officers. Jimmy was ten meters away, covering them while Inuksuk sat on his haunches a bit farther toward the center of the large open space.

  “You primates finding anything useful?” the bear growled, already bored with looking through shops. Inuksuk judged this an activity only fit for primates. Though polar bears possess an amazing amount of patience, it was only used for stalking seals or other game. Unless a prospective meal was involved they had little time for snooping around.

  “Nothing much, Corp. Looks like everything is all locked down.” Jimmy turned to look back at Inuksuk and in doing so he was the first to see the splagg. Near the center of the encircling facade, it burst through the closed and shuttered storefronts facing the main plaza.

  “What's that?”

  “What?” Inuksuk pivoted to face the noise. Zippy and Vinny paused their search to look as well. As they watched, sheets of material, bracing, and merchandise flew in all directions as a huge gray mass emerged from the exploding wreckage.

  The creature was gigan
tic, forty tons of whirling destruction. It spun on its vertical axis like a top, its periphery a blur of large flaps and sinuous appendages. Shrieking like a tortured pipe organ, the monster headed straight for Inuksuk.

  “What the hell! That looks like a herd of break-dancing elephants with their asses all glued together.” Vinny was right, ear-like flaps alternated with flexible trunks as the creature twirled ever closer.

  Inuksuk stood, roared, and charged the flailing maelstrom of trunks and ears. Colliding with the creature, Inuksuk was battered, thrown ten meters into the air, and sent crashing through a closed shopfront.

  “We got hostile contact!” Vinny yelled, running forward to stand by Jimmy.

  “What should we do?” Jimmy asked as Zippy joined them.

  “Shoot the damned thing!”

  Streams of green tracers from their railguns reached out to the rampaging monstrosity. The splagg trumpeted even more loudly as the hail of 5mm flechettes tore into its body at 1800 meters per second.

  Curiosity Shop

  A muffled crash filtered through the open shop front. Bobby turned to face Mizuki, a frown on his face. “What do you think that was?”

  “Nothing good.”

  The shop front slammed shut, a metal curtain descending from the ceiling in an instant. At the same time both humans were hit with streams of viscous goop from several directions. As the goop hit it turned to foam, swelling and encasing them. Bobby swung his arms trying to get the stuff off of him but it was like fighting whipped cream.

  “I think this foamy stuff is stiffening up.”

  “It must be meant to immobilize us.”

  “I can't get to my weapons!”

  “We are blind, nothin to shoot at if you could.”

  “I'm losing communications!”

  “Bobby, give me your hand!”

  Reaching out blindly he groped for her hand. Making contact they moved to stand closely side by side, hands grasped tightly as the foam set up.

  “Mayday! Mayday! This is Dr. Ogawa and Cmdr. Danner. We are being abducted by hostile aliens.”