A New Threat

by Aaron DeMott

  We’ll hurry, Tomed answered.

  They ran the rest of the way back to the shuttle. Bast made sure that Tomed and Rrrark got on board safely before she jumped into the shuttle. Bast was just about to ask where Hrrarr was when he entered the shuttle bay. He dragged two humans by the collar. Bast didn’t recognize either of them.

  “Who are they?” she asked.

  Hrrarr pulled them up into the shuttle and slapped the button to close the door with his tail before he answered her.

  Hrrarr dropped them humans onto the floor of the shuttle. “Prisoners. I was ambushed by four humans on our way back from the lab. I killed the others. These two were rendered unconscious, so I brought them back with me.”

  The shuttle lurched out of the landing bay, and Bast clung to the seat hard enough to avoid being thrown to the back of the shuttle. Hrrarr managed to maintain his footing while holding onto the prisoners, and he made it look easy while he did it.

  Bast struggled forward and poked her head into the cockpit. “How’s it going?”

  “Fairly well, so far.” Nilre answered Bast without looking away from the controls. “We made it off the station before it exploded. It looks like two other soldiers made it out too. We detected another shuttle leaving just before we did.”

  Tomed made sure Vincent and the other prisoners were secured before he joined Nilre in the shuttle’s cockpit. He hadn’t really needed to. Hrrarr was practically sitting on them, and the big Meskka growled anytime they so much as twitched.

  He chuckled and lowered himself into the pilot’s seat.

  “What’s so funny?” Nilre asked.

  Tomed looked over at her. A strand of hair had escaped her ribbon and hung down in front of her face. He reached over and tucked the stray strand behind her ear. “Oh, nothing…”

  He sent the picture from his memory to Nilre.

  She smiled. “Well, they shouldn’t give us any trouble on the ride back, then.”

  “No, I—” Tomed groaned when he tried to shift his position in the pilot’s seat. “Ow—don’t think they will.”

  “Are you okay?” Nilre asked.

  Her hand rested on his shoulder, and her eyes grew wide. Tomed thought they might even be tearing up.

  “Well, I’ll live anyway. Too many close calls, Nil.”

  “Tomed, I—I try not to bother you about it, but what if you’d died back there?”

  Tomed shifted in his seat and glanced at the instrument console. “I try not to think about that. Felt close this time, though. Sometimes I wonder what the point of all this is.”

  He leaned back in his seat and stared out at the stars. He’d always done what was right. Possibly just because it was how he was trained, possibly because it goaded him to see innocent people suffer when he had the power to stop it. He shook his head and sighed. What was the point? When it was all over, why did it matter? He hated these introspective moods. They always provoked unanswerable questions. More and more of them were appearing lately. He hadn’t had this many since the war with the Alphas.

  Then there was that pesky fear of death. It hadn’t bothered him in the old days, but it got worse as he aged and had more and more close calls.

  “Are you ready to listen, then?” Nilre asked.

  Tomed looked over at her and bit back a rude reply. She always tried to tell him about her religious beliefs—and it was irritating to have a friend who knew exactly what you were thinking, even better than you did. She looked at him now, her eyes wide and pleading.

  He closed his mouth and thought about that. Nilre did know what he was going through and still didn’t let anything bother her.

  “All right.” Tomed sighed. “I won’t make any promises, but I’ll listen.” He ran his hand through his hair and grinned at her. “I’m sorry, Nil. I haven’t really cared about that kind of thing, and I’ve been blowing you off. But I do care about you, and I should at least try to care about it if for no other reason than it’s important to you.”

  Nilre’s eyes lit up and she opened her mouth.

  Tomed held up a finger. “I said I’d listen, but I can’t promise anything more.”

  “That’s all I’ve ever asked,” Nilre said.

  The shuttle ride back to the Goddard was uneventful. Bast had almost expected a fighter or something to chase them down. She was glad when the shuttle set back down in the Goddard’s shuttle bay without any complications.

  Bast was the first one out. Ara waited for them along with Captain Trenton and a squad of marines. The Psygen doctor peered into the shuttle before she noticed Bast.

  “Hi, Bast. Everyone come back in once piece?”

  Bast dropped her prisoner at the feet of the waiting marines and then answered. “Yes, we all made it back fine. The pirates tried to destroy the space station before we found it. And we caught Vincent!” she paused and glanced back into the shuttle. “Oops. I think I should have let Tomed tell you.”

  “Because they were trying to destroy the station.” Tomed limped down the ramp. “I wonder what was there that they didn’t want us to find.”

  “You’re hurt again!” Ara rushed forward and ran a hand over his leg.

  “Oh, I’m fine.” Tomed sat down and let her look at his leg. “I got caught in an explosion, but it’ll be fine.”

  Nilre and Rrrark were the next to exit the shuttle. They pushed a sullen-looking prisoner in front of them.

  “Where’s Vincent?” Captain Trenton peered at the shuttle door.

  Tomed grinned. “He doesn’t want to leave the shuttle. Hrrarr’s convincing him.”

  Sounds of struggle came through the shuttle’s hatchway, and a moment latter Vincent came flying out. He slammed into the deck at the feet of the waiting marines. Hrrarr strode out and sat down behind Vincent.

  A beep sounded over the intercom. “Captain Trenton to the bridge, incoming transmission from the von Braun.”

  The captain turned to the marine who held Jonathan Vincent. “Bring him.”

  The marines saluted and followed the captain as he left the shuttle bay. Two of them held each of Vincent’s arms. Bast followed them out the door along with the others.

  An image of a short fat man was next to the pirate Captain Loker on the view screen when Bast reached the bridge. She squeezed forward to hear what he said.

  “—long enough. We demand that you recognize our right to independence, return the supplies you stole from us, and withdraw from our borders!”

  “The game’s up, Smarthe.” Captain Trenton smiled and gestured for the marine to bring the prisoner forward. “We have the SeQish ambassador, and we have Vincent.”

  Smarthe avoided eye contact with Vincent. “Am I supposed to know him?”

  “We have all the files from his office.” Captain Trenton turned and sat in his command chair. “I’ve received word from UGAL, and here’s our counter offer. Vincent goes to jail, we keep the stolen supplies we recovered, the pirate activity stops, and you provide transportation back to Earth for anyone on Paradise who wants it. In return, you’ve got your independence, as long as you don’t leave your borders, and let us in to arrest pirates. If all goes well, we’ll contact you in six weeks to establish diplomatic relations.”

  Smarthe blinked. “Done. I’m surprised to see you offer such generous terms.”

  “Those terms are from UGAL—I just delivered the message. Don’t forget that the man you’re standing next to is one of the pirates we want.”

  Smarthe shifted his weight and looked away. “Well, that may have to be discussed later. Captain Loker has been granted a full pardon for his previous actions.”

  “Hmm.” The captain raised an eyebrow. “Let’s both withdraw from the border for now and let the diplomats finish this discussion later.”

  “Agreed.”

  The transmission terminated and the image on the viewer returned to an exterior view. The von Braun turned and headed away.

  “Incoming transmission from the von Braun, sir. Text only.” Lieuten
ant Strouse turned around in her chair to face the captain. “It says we’re to stand by to receive passengers from the Human Republic who wish to emigrate to Earth. A transport ship will meet us here in twelve hours.”

  Bast had expected a more violent reaction from the pirates. From their actions in the past, their only motivations were money and a lust for violence. Apparently they’d been paid quite well. She stood, stretched, and turned to return to her quarters. It might be a while before they went back to Earth. Perhaps she could use the time to get a report turned in before it was due for once. At least this time she looked forward to writing it. A report of a peaceful settlement might not be good for the pirates, but it should be very good for future relations between her world and the humans of Earth.

  Epilogue

  The grass felt so good between Bast’s paws after the long time spent on human spaceships. It was good to be home. Bast ran toward the forest. It was nice to stretch her legs again, too, after being cooped up in the human spaceship.

  Bast’s mother met her just inside the khaal.

  Bast skidded to a stop and sat at attention. “Hello, Mother.”

  “Welcome home, Bast.” Mother stepped forward and licked the top of Bast’s head. “I hear you defeated the pirates?”

  “Well…” Bast dipped her head. “Not exactly. But we did catch their leader and rescue the SeQish ambassador. After that the humans made a treaty with the rest of the pirates.”

  “That’s good to hear.” Mother glanced over her shoulder. “There are still some clan leaders who are leery of the humans. That the humans can make peace between themselves will do much to reassure said clan leaders.” Mother smiled. “Oh, on that note, I almost forgot. Master SarrOw wanted to see you on official scout business. When you get a moment, come back so we can talk as mother and daughter.”

  Bast lifted her tail and purred. “I’d like that. Where is Master SarrOw?”

  Mother blinked and looked over her shoulder. “He’s in the forest on the other side of the khaal.

  ***

  Master SarrOw sat at the base of a large evergreen a few paces off the main path. He held a note-block and waved his tail in greeting. Bast sat across from him.

  “Welcome home, young one. But don’t get too comfortable,” he said.

  “Master?” Bast flicked an ear in confusion and tried to think of what she’d done wrong now.

  “Don’t worry.” Master SarrOw chuckled. “You’re not in trouble. Far from it, in fact. You’ll be pleased to know that the Council has reviewed the reports from Hrrarr, Rrrark, and yourself, and has decided to send an official ambassador to Earth. Depending on how things progress from there, it may lead to a closer relationship with the humans.”

  “Really!” Bast jumped up and perked her ears forward. “That’s great! Who did they send?”

  “Calm down, Bast. That’s no way for an official ambassador of Alkask to act!” Master SarrOw waved a paw at her to indicate she should sit.

  “Wait,” Bast said as she slowly settled back to the ground. “I’m not a—” She shot back to her feet. Did he mean…? “But I’m too young! I don’t know enough to be an ambassador!”

  “Sit!” Master SarrOw bellowed. “Do not question the Council! You may be young, but you have several things few other Meskka have. You have an understanding of humans and friends among them. You also have the recommendation of Hrrarr, and that is something not to be taken lightly. The Council sent him because he never makes wholly positive reports on anything.

  “Imagine their surprise when his report on your mission was, for him, absolutely glowing. The only negative thing he had to say about you was that you were young, inexperienced, and let your sense of honor, courage, and loyalty talk without thinking about diplomacy first.”

  “I don’t know what to say.” Bast slowly sank back to a crouch.

  “Say you’ll take the job.”

  “Wait.” Bast cocked her head to the side and looked her master in the eye. “I’m confused. First, you said that Hrrarr didn’t say anything negative about me, even though he did. Second, I don’t think it makes sense to send me as an ambassador if everyone thinks I lack experience, no matter my other qualifications.”

  Master SarrOw nodded at her with approval. “Now you’re thinking before you speak—good! And I never said you’re going alone. Rrrark will be the senior diplomat; you will be sent as a junior diplomat to assist and learn from him. Your human friends are being informed of this right now, and I’ve received word that they will take you back to Earth with them.”

  “Really! That’s great! Thank you so much!” Bast jumped up and gave Master SarrOw’s neck a quick lick. She jumped up and raced through the forest in the direction of the shuttle.

  ***

  Bast sighed as she left the khaal. She’d wanted to leave with the humans right away. It had been three days. Three long days of interviews with the other clan leaders, paperwork, and frustrating ceremonies. Sure, talking with her mother about her adventures and all had been nice, but Bast was still restless to get back to exploring.

  She tore through the forest at top speed. Running helped to vent the stress. That, and she wanted to have a moment alone at the shuttle before everyone else got there. She burst out of the forest and slowed to a stop in front of the human’s shuttle.

  Good, she was the first one here. Bast purred and walked around the shuttle with her tail held high. She inhaled the now familiar alien odors of grease, metal, and the slightly musky human scent. It was almost time to see what else was out there. Finally.

  Bast rounded the front of the shuttle and stopped mid-step. Rrrark was halfway from the edge of the forest to the shuttle.

  He stopped when he saw her. “Oh, sorry. I wanted to get here early and reflect for a bit. Looks like I’m not the only one with that idea.”

  “I don’t mind if it’s you.” Bast took a step closer to him.

  Rrrark leaned in closer to her and they stared at the shuttle together in silence. After a moment, Rrrark flicked an ear.

  “We never did get the full tour of Earth, did we?”

  Rrrark looked over at Bast. Her heart beat faster in her chest when he didn’t look away.

  “No, we didn’t.” Bast gazed back at Rrrark.

  “I’d like to see that with you, if you’ll have me.”

  “I’d like that.” Bast glanced down and Rrrark brushed his chin across the top of her head. Bast leaned into him and purred. Despite some rough patches, meeting the humans and everything resulting from that was the best thing that had ever happened to her.

  More in the Psygens and Space Cats Series

  If you enjoyed this book, you can learn more about the book and the author, as well get updates on when the next book in the series comes out at:

  https://www.aarondemott.com

  Glossary

  Alkask – The homeworld of the Meskka. The planet has two moons, and generally Earth-like conditions, the exception being slightly higher gravity (1.21 g's) and a more oxygen rich, heavier atmosphere.

  Anaheim Q-tronics – Technology corporation that designs and builds much of the UGAL equipment and ships. The main office is located in the city of Anaheim on the western coast of the North American Alliance.

  Blaster – The weapon of choice from the 26th century onward, the standard blaster fires a continuous charged plasma beam at its target. The beam’s intensity can be set from a low that will immobilize living beings to a high that will melt most metal alloys.

  Clan – The Meskka of Alkask live in social and political units called clans. Each clan consists of several families of Meskka, and each clan has its own territorial boundaries.

  The following are the known clans: Mer-ahsh, Naral, Sar-alss

  Colony – Since the invention of the hyperdrive 600 years ago, humans have founded two colony worlds, in addition to the four current mining colonies.

  Great Council – A group made up of the leaders from all the Meskka clans. Clans are usually a
utonomous, but a meeting of the Great Council can be convened by the leader of any of the clans for issues that would affect all the clans.

  Era of Anarchy – The period between 2290 and 2470. Commonly (and incorrectly) referred to as the "Second Dark Age," it began when the old United States and other leading world governments collapsed due to excessive bureaucracy. Various rumors abound that the Psygens were formed during this era and brought order to end the Era of Anarchy, but no accurate records from the period exist.

  Psygen – A Psygen is a member of a law enforcement and oversight organization. Psygens tend to work alone or in small groups, and assist law enforcement with difficult situations. They also observe all governmental meetings and will override any malevolent or detrimental decisions. No one knows how the organization came to this position of authority. Psygens mostly consider themselves to be observers and protectors of humanity.

  Heim Class Cruiser – The latest and most advanced starship produced by Anaheim Q-tronics. It was primary designed to both explore the outer reaches of known space and to combat the rising threat of pirates preying on luxury space liners and colonies. The class of ship (and the prototype model) are named after Burkhard Heim, whose theoretical work on extra-dimensional space and anti-gravity in the 1950s eventually led to the development of the hyperdrive engine (and, incidentally, anti-gravity technology) in 3063.

  Ships in this class:

  Heim

  Goddard

  von Braun

  Upcoming ships:

  Korolyov

  Oberth

  Also see:

  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burkhard_Heim

  http://space.newscientist.com/article/mg18925331.200/