A Space Story 22

            Head of Sercurity Therazan Sajan put out an emergency alert to her security team.  She was going to need to come up with a plan fast.  And she needed to change out of this little green work out outfit.  She had been thinking earlier that she should not have taken Kerrigan’s advice and sat in on the super soldier fitness demonstration.  But now she was glad she had been there to see this Zai creature with her own eyes.  Damn did she even have time to change?  Who knew what else Zai was capable of?  No she had to get in uniform.  She had to look like a head of security if she was going to lead her men.  Zemwell Tickbird chased after her.

            “Thera are you okay?” he asked.

            “I’m fine,” she replied.

            “Hell of a thing,” said Zemwell, “I guess this kind of puts things in perspective doesn’t it”

            “That it does.”

            “So I just want you to know, that I’m there for you Thera.  Whatever happens I want you to know how I feel.  I want our relationship to be…”

            “What?” said Therazan as she stopped, “are you really doing this?  Right now?  Fine we’ll do this now.  We do not have a relationship Zem.  What we do together, that is not a relationship.  That is us helping each other do something that feels good to relieve stress.  Now in case you were not paying attention, there is a fucking alien on this ship that basically just threatened to kill all of us if we don’t behave.  I need to get my team together and come up with a plan.”

            Therazan did not wait for Zemwell to react before rushing off again.  She was concerned about the fate of the crew and fearful for what Zai might do.  But also in the back of her mind was a thought and with it hope.  This was her chance.  She was going to take down this alien Zai and it would make her career.  It was not going to be a super soldier or the commander; it was going to be her.  Therazan Sajan was going to lead the Daedlus security force against a hostile alien and make it possible for humanity to win against the Spectral Horde without any distractions and she would be a hero for it.  This goal entered her mind and she would allow for no others.

            Evan Evaide often went to the common hall to think.  The last time he went there Anyantha Whitecross had been there to and they had talked and it had gone well and they were going to meet and have lunch together tomorrow.  Now things were different.  She was Mr. Kerrigan’s assistant and he would need her now more than ever and she would probably not have time for Evan.  At least that is what Evan Evaide thought until he saw Anyantha in the common hall again.

            “Are you all right?” he asked her.

            “I’m not sure,” she said, “I think Mr. Kerrigan is scared.  I’ve never seen him scared of anything before.  He asked me to leave him be for a while.  I can’t do anything to help him.  Evan there’s an alien on this ship that might kill us all.  And we can’t do anything about it.  You saw the broadcast didn’t you?  You saw what he did to Ryoko and Raddy?”

            “Yes I saw.”

            They stood there looking at each other for a time.

            “Do you want to kiss me Evan?” she asked.

            It took him a moment for his brain and his ears to communicate and process what he heard before he said, “yes.”

            “Then I think you should kiss me because I’m so scared right now I think I might cry and I really don’t want to and I think if you kissed me it would help.”

            “Okay.”

            At first neither of them did anything they just kept looking at each other.  Then Anyantha took a step closer and he put his arms around her and they kissed.  Afterwards they did it again a few more times.

           

A Space Story 21

            “Attention crew of the starship Daedlus,” Zai said, “this broadcast is now being received in all parts of the ship and can not be interrupted.  I am Zai, last of the Raath and this ship belongs to me.  I came to your planet one year ago and offered the leaders of your world the opportunity to use it to fight the Spectral Horde.  Everything you have been told about this ships origin and its technology is a lie.  The only thing the Solar Fleet contributed was a new coat of paint.  The Daedlus is the last Raath warship in existence as I am the last Raath warrior in existence.  Understand this; I have not come here for altruistic reasons.  I am here because That Which I Serve commanded me.  That Which I Serve has sent me not to save or aid humanity, but to judge you.  Most of you are on this ship because of me.  I selected the crew of the Daedlus.  I selected you to serve as the example of humanity to prove if you deserve to be saved.  I will be watching.  If you prove to be worthy, I will continue to aid you and help you defeat the Spectral Horde.  But if you prove to be unworthy, I will take my ship and leave you to whatever fate the Spectral Horde intends for you.  And have no doubt that without this ship you will not be able to win.  You may continue to conduct yourselves in any manner you wish but no one on Earth is to know of my existence.  Any attempts to send a message about me or to make a recording of me and send it to Earth will be intercepted and destroyed.  I can monitor everything on this ship.  I have defeated two of your greatest soldiers with ease.  Only one of them was smart enough not to take on an unknown foe.  Do not make any attempt to attack me or disable me or take control of this ship away from me.  I am Raath and the consequences will be severe.  I will no longer hide in shadow.  I will walk the ship in plain view for all to see.  You have no secrets from me.  Fear me if you feel you must but I will do no harm to you as long as you do not attempt to harm me or each other.  That is all.”

            With a gesture of his arm the arm device flipped shut and Zai put his mask back on.  The silver liquid crawled over his scalp and reformed the helm.  Zai walked out of the gym through the main door.  Regular control of the camera was restored but any footage of Zai was gone.  Junitha’s eyes followed Zai as he left but she did not move from the spot where she was standing.  Janessa went to Junitha’s side.

            “Why would he do this?” said Junitha.

           

            In his suite Vanz Kerrigan sat in his office and looked at the now blank screen.  Anyantha Whitecross stood right by him and said, “Mr. Kerrigan, what does this mean?”

            All Kerrigan could say was, “Fuck.”

           

            In the command and control center the command crew asked Commander Duron Ardiniero what they were going to do about this.  All Duron said was, “this was not part of the agreement.  He lied to us.”

A Space Story 20

            Raddy stepped aside to let Ryoko and Janessa take the floor.  Ryoko was more than ready to prove enhancile superiority.  Janessa was in a bad mood and just wanted to scream and hit things and break stuff and she was going to take that enhancile bitch down a notch.  It only took Janessa a second to realize what a stupid thought that was and that she was about to completely and utterly get her ass kicked.  Janessa hesitated for a long time.

            “Are you going to make a move or not?” said Ryoko, “Or did I miss something about hipper philosophy?  They do like to stir up trouble but they never actually want to get in fights.  At least that’s the impression I get from their record so far.  Always preaching, never getting anything real done.”

            Janessa got angry all over again and tried to sucker punch Ryoko.  Ryoko caught Janessa’s fist in her hand.  She then yanked Janessa forward and sent her tumbling to the floor.  Janessa got back up quickly and Ryoko was coming at her again so she jumped.

            Janessa was a better pilot than she was a fighter.  But Janessa was also a trained gymnast.  Her favorite event had always been the uneven parallel bars but she practiced the others as well.  Janessa jumped and flipped and Ryoko missed her.  Ryoko was as surprised by this as Janessa but that only slowed her down for a second.  Ryoko came at her again so Janessa kept jumping and flipping and avoiding the blows.  Ryoko found it quite frustrating.  Janessa knew she would not be able to keep this up forever so she had to come up with something else.  Before she could Janessa landed funny and a second later Ryoko was grabbing her by the ankle.

            Janessa remember flying through the air and the room spinning around her and hitting the mat hard.  Someone told Janessa that Ryoko had thrown her across the room.  Someone helped Janessa to her feet.  Once she was standing and felt a bit more clearheaded she saw it was Samal.

            “Anybody else wants to challenge me?” said Ryoko much less playfully than she had been earlier, “who else wants to challenge the best enhancile super soldier humanity has to offer?”

            “I will take that challenge,” said a deep voice that Janessa recognized.

            Zai appeared out of nowhere in the middle of the gym floor mat.  Ryoko looked him over and said, “What the hell is this?”

            “You really believe you are the best humanity has to offer?” said Zai, “let us put that to the test, unless you fear to do battle with me.”

            “I don’t know where the hell you came from and I don’t care,” said Ryoko, “We can talk more after I beat you down.”

            Ryoko attacked Zai.  And it was obvious that she was no match for him.  Zai barely moved.  He swatted her blows away easily.  When she tried to kick him down, he forced her off balance and she fell.  She got right back up and went at it again.  Zai countered her effortlessly.  Then he caught her arm by the wrist.  He made a quick strike and everyone close by heard a cracking sound.  He let go and Ryoko stumbled and fell on her back.  Then she screamed, “You broke my fucking arm you bastard.”

            Zai lifted his foot and stomped down on Ryoko’s knee and everyone heard the crack of breaking bone again.  Ryoko screamed in pain and rage but there was nothing she could do.  She could not even stand up now.

            “Get the hell away from her,” shouted Raddy as he charged at Zai.

            Zai threw a single punch into Raddy’s face.  Raddy fell back as blood came pouring from his nose and mouth.  Zai was not done.  He grabbed Raddy by the throat.  Then he reached down and grabbed Raddy by the crotch and lifted him.  Raddy was not small.  He was not as tall as Zai, but Raddy was a heavy muscular well built man.  And Zai was now lifting Raddy up in the air above his head.  Zai threw Raddy and he landed with a thud against the watering unit.  Junitha stood frozen looking at Zai and dropped the cup of water she had been drinking.

            “What are you doing here?” Janessa was the first person to attempt to talk to Zai, “Why are you doing this?”

            “Who are you?” demanded Samal.

            “You are the last super soldier,” said Zai, “Do you wish to challenge me as well?”

            Samal hesitated before saying, “Are you going to hurt anyone else?”

            “Only if they are foolish enough to believe they are capable of defeating me,” said Zai.

            “Then no I will not challenge you,” said Samal, “No one is to attack this creature do you understand me?  Will you allow us to take commander Jeagan and pilot Volcane to the medical center?”

            “Do as you please,” said Zai.

            Samal directed people to help Ryoko and carry Raddy out of the gym.  A great number of people followed them.  Samal and Janessa stayed at the edge of the mat just out of Zai’s reach.  Felina followed Raddy away from this, the cameraman kept recording.  Junitha remained unmoving, staring at Zai.

            “How did you do this?” said Samal, “how is it humanly possible for you to defeat two enhancile super soldiers so easily?”

            “Whoever said I was human?” replied Zai.

            Zai grasped the front of his helm by the four mandibles that were perfectly placed for gripping.  The part of the helm behind his head turned to silver liquid and descended into the suits collar.  All that remained of the helm was the front part, the mask part with the goggle eyes and mandibles and the antennae.  With the rest of the helm gone everyone got their first look at Zai’s true face.  He had not hair whatsoever.  His skin was gray and had a glossy sheen to it.  His ears were large pointed things; some might have said they were elf like.  Then he lowered the mask.  His eyes were yellow like an animal, like some nocturnal predatory cat.  His nose was a flat ugly thing like the nose of a bat.  His lips were thick and full and behind them he had pointed white teeth.

            The mask attached to Zai’s left sleeve so he was free to use both hands.  There was a device on his right arm that flipped open.  Zai began typing on a little keyboard.  The camera moved towards Zai.  The camera man was no longer in control of it.

A Space Story 19

            “Your friend is doing pretty good,” whispered Raddy Volcane to Janessa.

            Raddy decided what the hell life was short and all that crap he might as well take a shot at the red head.  Janessa did not like the way Raddy Volcane smiled at her.  It seemed insincere.  He smiled like an animal stalking prey not a man who was in a good mood.  Janessa saw something behind Raddy Volcane’s eyes that made her sure he was untrustworthy.  She trusted his skill as a pilot and a soldier but as a man she wanted to keep far away from him.  She did not answer Raddy’s comment because she truly did not want to talk to him.

            “I feel like we should get to know each other better,” said Raddy, “all of us since we are squad mates.  I hope you don’t feel any special need to keep up with us, you know since we’re super soldiers.  If you ever feel any pressure, like someone is expecting too much of you, I just want you to know you can always talk to me.”

            “What are you doing?” asked Janessa.

            “I’m just trying to be your friend,” said Raddy.

            “No you’re not,” she replied, “you have some stupid idea in your head that I might be willing to sleep with you.  Women may have thrown themselves at you on Earth because the government built you up as some kind of celebrity to gain support but they won’t here.  The women on this ship are here to fight just like you and they all have a little thing called self respect.  So don’t for a second start thinking I might be interested or that anyone else is.  I’ll work with you because we are on the prime squad together.  But when we are not in our fighters or training, stay the hell away from me.”

            Janessa moved to the other side of the sparring mat to get away from Raddy.  Raddy Volcane knew what it was to get angry.  Only one woman had ever made him feel this way before and he did not like to be reminded of her.  As he saw that red head move to get away from him he thought he was going to explode.  But he held it back.  He buried it the same way he used to.  There were a great many things coming back in this brief moment that he had thought were gone.

            Ryoko Jeagan was enjoying herself.  She enjoyed being the commander of prime squad and she enjoyed the adoration of the other women on the ship.  But as she was fighting Junitha Findragon is was the first time on the mission so far that she found herself truly having fun.  This fight was a challenge.  Ryoko had done wilderness survival training and randomized obstacle courses that pushed her to her limit.  But in one on one fighting she had never had an equal.  For the first time she was in a fight she was not sure if she would win and she loved it and she wanted more.  Then it was over.  The soldier in her saw an opening and she took it and a moment later Ryoko had Junitha pinned to the ground.  Even in defeat Junitha seemed to be having a good time.  Ryoko liked to win but something about this victory felt wrong.  It was like at the last moment something changed in the way Junitha was fighting.  It did not feel like she had really earned this victory.  Still when Felina came over with the camera again Ryoko smiled and said it was good to work with such brave and skilled men and women.

            Junitha went to Janessa and said, “I got in a fight, an awesome fight.  I need a drink of water.”

            Ryoko saw Junitha pass Janessa on her way to the watering unit.  Ryoko turned the training mat over to Raddy so he could do his own presentation.  Ryoko walked towards Janessa.  Ryoko knew more about fear and keeping secrets than anyone realized.  But she knew none of these people saw that in her.  She knew what they saw.  They saw Ryoko Jeagan the super soldier, idol to millions.  Because she knew no one noticed her anxiety she was able to overcome it.

            “Pilot Janessa Kepshawn how are you?” said Ryoko with a smile.

            Janessa was not in the mood for this.  On top of Duron and Kerrigan and Zai and now Raddy trying to make a move on her Janessa was fed up and did not want to have to deal with this bitch right now.

            “The fitness attire looks good on you,” Ryoko added.

            And now she had to remind Janessa that she had dressed up like everyone else.  And what for?  Why was she even here doing this?  Why was she on display like a piece of meat for the camera?  Oh yeah because the squad commander had ordered everyone to do it.

            “Did you need something commander?” said Janessa.

            “No need to be formal here Janessa,” said Ryoko, “This is all just eye candy for the documentary anyway.  The viewing public loves to see young people in tight fitting little outfits.  It’s not like the body is anything to be ashamed of.”

            “Eye candy?” said Janessa, “I thought we were fighting a war not marketing a product.”

            “Thanks to the Solar Fleet we will win this war,” said Ryoko, “and once the war is over the crew of this ship will return to the Earth and we will be a unifying force for the world.  It helps when public figures are nice to look at.  Speaking of figures I never realized how nice yours was.  And put that with your face, you are very beautiful you know, if not for your parents reputation no one would even suspect that you were a natural.”

            The thought never entered Ryoko’s mind that Janessa might take that as an insult.  No matter what Ryoko’s intentions were Janessa perceived it as an attempt to offend.  All Janessa heard was Ryoko saying between the lines ‘I am better than you and I know it’ even with her smile.

            “Well I guess its too bad I had to grow up with real parents instead of having my DNA turned into soup by doctors before I was born,” said Janessa with every ounce of scorn she was feeling.

            Ryoko was shocked.  She was just trying to be friendly with what she thought was a nice girl and now she was being all bitchy for some reason.

            “Do you have some sort of problem Janessa?” said Ryoko.

            “Being an enhancile does not make you a better than anyone else,” said Janessa, “it just means you didn’t have to earn your skills.”

            “Whether you hipper friends like it or not, enhanciles are the future of humanity.”

            “If they can still call themselves human in the next ten years.”

            “If being a natural is so great how come there are not more on the crew of this ship?  Can you tell me that?”

            “There are plenty of naturals that could take you down.”

            Neither Ryoko nor Janessa noticed that there were a lot of people paying attention to their argument including Raddy who had delayed his own presentation to listen in.

            “And I suppose you think you are up to that challenge?” asked Ryoko, “Do you think you have what it takes?”

            “Let’s find out,” said Janessa.

A Space Story 18

            The bearded man in charge of producing the documentary of the Daedlus mission used the display on his camera remote to make sure he had the shot framed right.  He did a test run walking towards Ryoko Jeagan to make sure it would look okay.  There were plenty of men and women in the sparring room today.  Everyone was wearing their provided fitness outfits.  Everyone except the super soldiers who had custom outfits.  Raddy Volcane had a red and white shirt, that he had already taken off, and blue shorts.  Samal Hectorese had on a desert camouflage type sleeveless shirt and pants.  Ryoko Jeagan was wearing black spandex that left her legs and arms bare.  Even Felina Golumbine was in an exercise outfit even though she never made use of the ship’s gym but it was all about the image.

            The recording began.  It went great.  Samal as usual just stood there and waited for it to be over with.  Raddy and Ryoko were not camera shy and were eager to get their images out there.  Felina could already tell her chemistry with Raddy was going to look perfect for the broadcast.  But overall Ryoko dominated the presentation.

            This was the first time Janessa had worn the provided fitness attire.  She tried to blend in with the other pilots in her red sports bra and little red shorts.  But enough of them knew who Janessa was and she noticed their glances at her.  This was the first time she had occasion to really interact with the rest of the crew.  So far the only people she had spent time with was the rest of prime squad during fighter training and she spent her lunch and free time either alone or around Junitha, Anyantha and Suchin.  Now here she was ordered to take part in this event for the documentary Felina Golumbine was hosting.  Janessa found herself wondering what all of these people would think if they knew about Zai.  What if he were to show up in the middle of this?  The whole thing was being broadcast throughout the ship as it was being filmed.

            “You look good,” said Junitha as she snuck up on Janessa.

            Junitha was not in the provided fitness attire.  She was wearing gray sweatpants and a gray t-shirt that said ‘magical liopleurodon’ on it in orange letters.  Janessa read it aloud then asked, “What does that even mean?”

            “It means we’re going to candy mountain,” replied Junitha.

            “What?”

            “Hey look our squad commander is showing off again.”

            Ryoko had challenged the three women from another fighter squad to all attack her at once.  They were a bit nervous but after a moment they got into it and tried to hit Ryoko.  Ryoko had knocked them all to the ground in seconds.

            “Who else wants to try their skill against a super soldier?” said Ryoko with a smile.

            Junitha smirked and said, “Oh I am so taking this action.  I’ll do it.”

            Ryoko was glad to hear that someone was not afraid to face her until she saw Junitha then all she could ask was, “what are you wearing?”

            “I don’t do spandex,” said Junitha, “or whatever.  I prefer a certain level of comfortable movement.”

            Ryoko asked Junitha if she wanted any assistance in the match.  Junitha declined.  Junitha made the first strike and Ryoko blocked.  When Ryoko tried to strike back, she missed.  Junitha was fast, too fast for Ryoko.  Janessa knew Junitha was a gene mod soldier but she had never really thought of her as one because Junitha simply did not act like most other enhanciles.  Now she was seeing Junitha go up against the greatest gene mod soldier of her generation and she was holding her own.

            Ryoko was not used to losing.  In fact her whole life she could not remember losing at anything.  She always won and there was never any doubt it would happen.  Junitha was not something she had been expecting.  She did not know what Junitha would do next.  Then she realized why she was having so much trouble.  Yes Junitha was fast, her reflexes were incredible.  But there was something else.

            Ryoko held her position and said, “You know how I was trained to fight don’t you.”

            “What?” said Junitha feigning ignorance, “oh wait are you talking about how you were taught to observe an opponents muscle movements and predict their moves.  Yeah I think I read something about that on you once.  There is a lot of skin on display in here.  Everyone is in their tight little gym outfits.  And everyone here is nice and fit so you can almost see the muscles under their skin.  But I’m wearing a loose t-shirt and baggy sweatpants.  You can’t see enough of me to predict my movements.”

            Junitha then leaped in the air and tried to kick Ryoko in the face.  Ryoko blocked it.  Junitha took a moment to shoot a thumb up to Janessa.  Ryoko punched Junitha in the face.

            “Never look away from your opponent in battle,” said Ryoko smugly.

            Junitha rubbed her cheek and smiled.  Then she turned back to Ryoko and laughed and renewed her attack.

A Space Story 17

            “So here is the thing Doc, I have not been getting a lot of action since I got on this ship.  This is like the worst dry spell I’ve ever had.  Now I have nailed that reporter chick Felina a few times but I like to have a little more variety if you know what I mean.  I guess I just need some advice.  You’ve been around you got any suggestions.”

            Raddy Volcane was confident he had come to the right place to discuss his troubles.  Dr. Winchester Faction was not sure what to say.

            “You know I’m a medical doctor right?” said Winchester, “I’m not a psychologist.  You know the ship has a counselor, this sounds like the sort of thing you should be talking to her about.”

            “I can’t go to her,” said Raddy, “This ship’s counselor is way too hot.  I know she’s a little older but damn she is still pretty smokin.  No there is no way I can talk to her.”

            Winchester had never met anyone like Raddy Volcane before and he was really not sure how to talk to him.  Luckily Zemwell Tickbird entered the medical bay just in time.

            “Good to see you again pilot Tickbird,” said Winchester, “are you feeling well?”

            Dr. Winchester Faction’s medical experience mostly involved treating wounded soldiers in the middle of battle, or meeting someone once before performing surgery, or examining the dead.  He was not used to treating people on a regular basis so he always had to remind himself about the whole doctor patient privacy thing.  He had come very close to asking Zemwell out right if he was already out of contraceptives again.  But Raddy was there and from what Winchester had seen; Zemwell and Therazan did not want anyone to know about their relationship.

            Raddy did not mind letting the doctor go to talk to his fellow pilot and American.  Zemwell admitted he needed another pack of contraceptives.   While Winchester went to get them, Raddy came up to Zemwell.

            “So looks like things are going pretty good,” said Raddy, “You don’t have to be modest.  I know all about you and the head security chick.  I just want to say, good job man.  Just tell me one thing.  What are her tits like?  I bet they are amazing.”

            Zemwell was torn.  In part he did not like Raddy talking about Therazan that way.  Another part of him did not want to admit that in all their sexual encounters he had never actually seen Therazan’s fully exposed breasts because she never took her bra off, although he had felt them a few times and they certainly felt amazing.

            “Listen you can’t tell anyone about this,” said Zemwell.

            “Yeah I know she wants to stay professional and all that,” said Raddy, “Still I’m surprised you don’t brag more about hitting that.”

            “Do not talk about her like she is just some… Just don’t do that okay.”

            “Oh man,” said Raddy, “you are really falling for her, like for real.  Well for chicks to settle down with I guess you can’t do much better than one with amazing tits like that.  I’m not the settling down type myself.  Just one thing before I leave you, I’m having second thoughts about this doctor.  I don’t think he’s the best person to come to for advice in your personal life.”

            “He’s a medical doctor why would I come to him for personal advice?”

            “Yeah I was thinking the same thing; maybe I will talk to that counselor anyway.”

            Raddy left the medical bay with a good feeling about the future.

            Doctor Vandis Bane was the oldest woman aboard the Daedlus.  She had published several papers of the history and changing psychology of the world due to gene mods.  Most of them did not frame gene mods as a positive thing for the world.  Dr. Bane was good at her job.  She found the key to being good at what she did was secrets.  Everyone had secrets.  Dr. Bane herself had secrets.  As a psychologist she was in a position to know peoples secrets and she found it helped to let people keep their secrets.  Their secrets were usually small.  Sometimes she came across someone with a secret that could be dangerous.  But Dr. Bane knew how to keep a secret.

            Dr. Bane was interested to hear what Janessa Kepshawn had to say.  She was aware that pilot Janessa was the only other natural born human on the ship with no gene mods.  Janessa looked distressed.

            “I used to talk to my friend Tania,” said Janessa, “when I had a problem.  When I was younger I would talk to my parents.  When I got older and went off to school and then the Solar Fleet, I couldn’t talk to them anymore.  I still love them, but the world turned out to be different than they tried to teach me it was.  It’s like they taught me more about how they wanted the world to be than how it actually was.  I got my first taste of the real world when I was fourteen at the summer Olympics.  Then I went to the Solar Fleet University and… I met Tania.  I made friends.  And I could talk to them.  Then Tania died.  And ever since then it’s like I’ve been alone.  I don’t know how to do this.  I’ve never talked to a counselor before.”

            “You are doing fine,” said Dr. Bane.

            “And I don’t even know if I can talk to you about everything that’s on my mind.  It turns out some of it is classified.”

            “As the psychological counselor for this mission it is necessary for me to be aware of all information,” said Dr. Bane, “you can be assured that there is very little classified information about this ship and its crew that I am not privy to.”

            “Do you know about Zai?” asked Janessa.

            Dr. Bane raised an eyebrow and said, “No, what is Zai?”

            “Nevermind I can’t talk about it,” said Janessa, “You know Zai isn’t even what I really want to talk about.  I think I can handle Zai.  What I can’t handle is Duron?”

            Dr. Bane made a note to ask about this Zai later.

            “You mean commander Ardiniero?  As I recall you and he were engaged to be married three years ago.  But after the death of Tania Zed you relationship dissolved.”

            “Wow you really do know everything,” said Janessa, “I thought I was over him.  It’s been three years.  Isn’t that enough time to get over someone?  Then I get assigned to this ship and there he is and it all just comes back.  And I can’t do that.  I can’t be that person.  I refuse to be the girl that takes back the asshole.  But it’s not like he ever really was an asshole.  It’s just… after Tania died… he was just gone.  He just left me without reason.  But maybe there was a reason.  But why couldn’t he just say that?  Why couldn’t he just talk to me about what happened?”

            “Tania died while he was in command, did you ever blame him for that?”

            “No, it wasn’t his fault.  Tania gave her life saving all of us.  Duron did what he had to do as a commander.  I know that.  Why didn’t he come to me and say it for himself?  Why did I have to hear it from everyone else?”

            “It sounds like you mourned the loss of your friend but you never mourned the loss of your relationship.  The best thing you could do for yourself is to go to Commander Ardiniero and confront him.”

            “I can’t do that,” said Janessa, “When I get near him I feel this combination of disgust and… part of me wants to kiss him and tear his clothes off.  God I hate myself right now.  Besides Duron needs to be able to command this mission without distractions.  If we fail Duron will get the blame, I’m sure Kerrigan will make sure of that.”

            “You think the mission might fail?”

            “Probably not considering this ship… well if you don’t know about Zai you don’t know about that either.”

            “You mentioned this Zai again.  Is Zai a person?”

            “Not in the traditional sense.  I have to go.  My squad commander is doing some kind of training demonstration this afternoon and that blonde girl and the camera guy are going to be there.  I can’t even remember her name now.  Anyway Ryoko wants all of prime squad to be there.”

            Janessa left and Dr. Bane was left to wonder about this Zai.  Unbeknownst to her, Zai, last of the Raath was watching.  He decided it was time.

A Space Story 16

            Therazan Sajan and Zemwell Tickbird had just had sex again.  Therazan was getting her skirt back on while Zemwell pulled his shirt back on.  Therazan was not sure why Zemwell took his shirt off half the time.  It was not like their encounters were meant to be very long.  And she was not about to start taking all her clothes of just to have to put them all back on again a few minutes later.

            As soon as they stepped out of the storage compartment together Zemwell kissed Therazan.  It was not the first time he had kissed her.  But it was the first time he had kissed her in a place where anyone could see them.  She found herself savoring the kiss.  Then she pushed him off and told him to be careful.

            “What for?” he asked, “Why do we sneak around like this?  I like you Thera.  I don’t see why it has to be a secret.”

            This was just the kind of crap Therazan was hoping to avoid.  Zemwell was a nice guy.  He was cute and he was pretty good at sex.  But Therazan Sajan was not after anything that resembled an actual relationship with him or any other guy.

            “Because I’m the head of security,” she lied, “I need to look professional.  If people found out what we were doing they could start spreading rumors.  I can’t afford to lose the support of my security staff.”

            “Oh my god I’m so sorry,” said Zemwell, “I didn’t even think of that.  Okay we can keep it like this for now.  I guess I have another reason to go out there and kick those aliens’ ass.  The sooner this mission is over the sooner we can get back to Earth.  Maybe then we can go on a real date.”

            Zemwell kissed her again then went off.  Therazan wondered for a moment if Zemwell was really that dumb or if he was messing around with her.  She decided the ones that cute and that nice were always also that dumb.  She actually felt a little bad about it all now.  But she did not have time to deal with this crap so she let it go and went back to her rounds.

            Zai, last of the Raath watched this all with curiosity.

            Anyantha Whitecross sat in the common hall looking up at the stars through the dome.  She wondered if she should go back to check on Janessa and Mr. Kerrigan.  But Mr. Kerrigan always called for Anyantha when he needed her.  He had not sent any messages to her data frames.  If she went back on her own without his request he would just get irritated and tell her to go away until she was needed.

            Evan Evaide struggled for long time with what to say to Anyantha.  He saw her enter the common hall and she had been there alone for a long time now.  He wanted to go up and talk to her but he could not think of what to say.  He came up with an excuse but he was worried it would sound dumb.  Then she noticed him.

            “Is that you Mr. Evaide?” she asked.

            Evan walked over and said, “You can just call me Evan.”

            Anyantha liked that and told Evan that if he liked he could just call her Anya.  Evan claimed he wanted to talk to Anyantha about a report on the amount of supplies Kerrigan was personally consuming.  Anyantha thought that was a bit strange and an idea came to her.

            “I might be completely wrong,” said Anyantha, “and I apologize in advance if I am but it sounds almost like you made this whole thing up just so you would have an excuse to talk to me.  Is that what you are doing Evan?”

            “No,” he said without any conviction.  After a long pause he followed it up with a maybe.

            “This must seem really weird,” said Evan, “I am so sorry to bother you.”

            “Wait it is okay,” she said, “I have never had anyone, you know, do anything like that just to get my attention.”

            “Why not?” said Evan, “I mean to say, why wouldn’t someone want to get you attention?  You’re great.”

            “I spent most of my free time working in Solar Fleet’s home office on Earth.  I was so good at my job I was promoted to Mr. Kerrigan’s personal assistant.  I was always working so boys never approached me I guess.  And I was always to nervous to approach them.”

            “Do you want to do something together sometime?” asked Evan, “I know a starship is not the best place to take a girl out, but I can be creative.”

            “That would be nice,” said Anyantha.

A Space Story 15

            Kerrigan’s suite was much larger than the regular crew quarters.  It was actually made from on of the ships many viewing rooms that allowed you to see outside the ship and watch the stars go by.  Kerrigan was sitting behind an antique wooden desk in the area designated as his office.  He was putting his digital signature on some data pad reports.

            Kerrigan asked Anyantha to go elsewhere for the time being.  Janessa was alone in the office with him.  He got up from his desk and came closer.

            “You seem to be spreading rumors,” he said, “some story is going around that I want to rule the world.  And you seem to have some ideas about the technology on this ship that you are not qualified to back up.”

            “Its good to know you can get straight to the point without any of the usual bullshit,” said Janessa, “since we are getting to the point why don’t you try telling the truth?  Where did this ship really come from?  There is no way the Solar Fleet was able to develop technology this advanced so fast.”

            “We have had a long time to work on it,” said Kerrigan, “this ship is the culmination of years of research.  Why can’t you accept that?”

            “Because she knows that it is a lie,” said Duron Ardiniero as he entered the office, “as soon as your assistant left I let myself in.”

            “How did you get in here?” demanded Kerrigan, “even with your command codes you don’t have access or permission to enter my suite.”

            “You are right,” said Duron, “normally I would not be able to come in here without permission.  But I had help from the one person who has access to every part of this ship.”

            Janessa could not move.  It had been so long since she had been this close to Duron, so long since she had heard his voice.  And now here he was coming to her defense.

            “You do not have permission to divulge classified information Commander Ardiniero,” said Kerrigan.

            “He has my permission,” said a deep voice.

            The thing that appeared came from nowhere.  One moment there was nothing then the dark figure was standing among them.  It was shaped like a man.  It was over six feet tall towering over everyone else in the room, even Kerrigan who was not a short man.  It wore a black bodysuit with gray tubing.  Its head was covered by a dark metal mask with round black goggle lenses and four sharp looking mandibles around the mouth and antennae on the sides of the head that were like great ears or horns.  Overall the thing was quite menacing.

            “What are you doing?” said Kerrigan startled.

            “You are a clever young woman,” said the tall dark creature, “you are right.  This ship was not built by the Solar Fleet.  This ship belongs to me.”

            “And who are you?” said Janessa trying to hide any sign she might be confused or frightened.

            “I am Zai, last of the Raath,” he replied, “That Which I Serve has sent me to aid humanity in this time of war.  I came to Earth one year ago with this ship, the last remaining Raath warship, and I am allowing the Solar Fleet to use it to combat the Spectral Horde.”

            The reality of it truly started to hit Janessa what was happening.  She understood what she was talking to and said, “You’re an alien?”

            “By your definition, yes, I am an alien.  I come from the planet Zeith.  Before you even ask it, no, I am not the same species as the Spectral Horde.  Their origin is unknown.  My world and people are gone now.”

            “Did the Spectral Horde have something to do with it?” asked Janessa, “did they destroy your world and now they want to do the same thing to us?”

            “No,” said Zai, “my people were destroyed by a force far more powerful and dangerous than the Spectral Horde.”

            Janessa wanted to ask what could possibly be worse than the Spectral Horde but Zai touched something on his arm and he vanished.  From nowhere his voice came one last time, “You would do well to remember who this ship belongs to Mr. Kerrigan.  You may hold the highest position of authority in the Solar Fleet, but you have none over me.”

            Kerrigan was nervous.  He told Janessa she was not to tell anyone about this, that it was beyond top secret.  Then he told her and Duron to get the hell out.  Janessa was standing alone in the corridor with Duron.  He was looking at her but she had no idea what he was thinking.

            “Kerrigan has a point,” he said, “We don’t know how the crew would react to Zai.  It is best if he stays hidden.”

            “How long have you known about this?”

            “They told me about him a week before launch.  Only the leaders of the six international blocks and their closest advisors know about Zai.  They had to tell me because I needed to know in case I had to work with him.  Apparently he just showed up out of nowhere with this ship a year ago.  Everything they have said about how the ship was built and its technology is a lie to keep Zai’s existence a secret.  That is how he wanted it.”

            “There’s an alien on this ship and I can’t talk about it to anyone.”

            “I am here if you need to talk Nessa…”

            “No,” she said abruptly and held out her hand as if to keep him at bay, “don’t call me that.  Just please, don’t call me that.  Not you.  Just don’t.”

            Janessa could not bring herself to look at him anymore.  A few moments ago she might have been ready to kiss him, but then he called her by that name, the nickname Tania had given her and all the other feelings the less affectionate ones she felt towards Duron came back to the surface.

            “I see,” he said, “of course.  I did not mean to… I wish our meeting again could have been under different circumstances.”

            He walked away without saying anymore.  And for a moment Janessa remember a time when he was the center of her whole world and she was the center of his.  She remembered a time when he was her fiancé and she had a best friend and their nickname for her was Nessa.  And then she remembered the day Tania died and what came after and why she would not let herself forgive Duron for it.