Chapter One
Caution is always a good policy when approaching an alien system. Kabrina took her seat at the comm-center on the bridge and waited for the moment when we would be challenged.
I sat in my chair, watching the screen, and I saw the small craft appear from behind the closest moon. When I say small, I don't really mean tiny. It was ten times larger than our ship, and bristling with turrets. If they weren't in a good mood our ship would make a nice new temporary star in the planet's sky, and we wouldn't have to worry about our oxygen supply.
The computer replaced the screen's view of space with the larger-than-life image of a Srax-male. He was in uniform, obviously an official.
"Approaching vessel! State your origin and your business." The voice was deep, grating.
"This is Starsurfer," Kabrina kept her voice neutral, cool. She didn't speak Srax, because there was no need. Our computer would send the transmission in the Srax-language.
"We are a human-based merchant ship. Our life-support system sustained damage in an encounter with pirates. We need assistance with the repairs."
"Am I speaking with a female?" the Srax asked. Both of his protruding eyes focused on me. "Why is the male not talking?"
I gave him a friendly smile. "I am Thomas Stone, the captain of this ship. As my comn-officer said, we need your assistance. Our life-support system could fail at any time. We have no other business with you, but if necessary we could do some trading; after all, we are merchants."
"What do you carry?"
"You are welcome to inspect our cargo," I said. "Maybe there is something that might interest you."
"I will accept your invitation, Captain Stone, but let me warn you, I will be accompanied by two armed guards." He showed large black teeth. "I've dealt with humans before, and I don't trust you."
The screen blackened for a split-second, and then we looked again into space, or at least a small portion of it. The image of the alien patrol vessel filled most of the screen. The ship rotated until we faced a huge hatch. It slid open, like the jaws of a huge shark, displaying a dark, gaping hole that swallowed us up as if we were nothing but a tasty morsel. I could almost hear the satisfied burping as the giant maw closed again.
As soon as we were inside, lights lit up to show black metal walls all around us. We were inside the belly of the alien ship.
"The air is breathable on the other side," Sharina said. "Atmospheric pressure is very close to ours."
"Well then, let's put out the welcome mat," I said, getting out of my chair. I climbed the stairs down to the lower deck, walked down a short corridor and threw open the airlock. I never trust this job to a computer.
The air entering our ship had a different smell to it. It was breathable, a little warmer, and more humid than ours was, but alien. According to our analysis, it didn't contain any toxic particles, but it had traces of unknown elements. Even though they were supposed to be harmless to humans, I felt nauseous for a moment. I took a few deep breaths to get my body acclimatized. When an oval porthole dilated in the back wall of the hangar I was almost used to the air.
The uniformed Srax we had spoken to stepped through the opening, followed by two of his guards. In their hands they carried mean looking weapons. Their leader seemed unarmed, until I saw the huge rifle slung across his back.
One thing was certain; these people were big on intimidation.
I had stepped out of our ship and stood beside the airlock to greet them. People like these craved respect and recognition. I needed their help and therefore had no problem groveling a little.
"Welcome to my humble ship," I said, standing at attention.
The Srax stopped, looked at me with his protruding eyes. His mouth opened to show his teeth. They really were quite black, but they looked strong and healthy. He gave a loud hiss; a forked tongue appeared briefly between his lips.
"I am Flightleader Horax of the Fifth Family, and these are my personal guards, Hedge-Warriors of the Third Degree. Are you a warrior, Captain Thomas Stone?"
"Not really," I smiled. "I am just a merchant. Violence is something I do not approve of."
"And yet you carry a weapon in your boot!"
"Oh, that. I keep it for my protection. I may not approve of violence, but I am quite capable of defending myself, if the need arises." No need to appear too meek.
Horax smiled again. "You don't strike me as a timid man, Captain. As I have mentioned, I am familiar with your species, and I have actually made it a point to study humans. My Second Protector was a merchant, like you, and he used to deal with humans. I was in his employ before I was chosen to serve our space fleet."
"Then you have the advantage, Flightleader, I know very little about your kind. You must forgive me if I don't always follow protocol."
"We are not as rigid as you may believe. You'll find that you and I are much alike." His tongue flickered across hip lips again. "Are you going to invite me into your ship or are we going to waste time out here hissing like two female egg-layers?"
"Of course not. Forgive my rudeness." I smiled. "Please, enter my ship."
He waited for me to go, and then he followed me down the corridor.
"Do you want to inspect the cargo first?" I asked as I walked ahead of him.
"Yes, I do."
He took his time with the inspection, checked everything very carefully. He also looked at our damaged oxygen-extractor. "You were lucky," he commented. "I am surprised it lasted as long as it did, but it can be repaired. I will direct you to a repair facility that is competent and reliable."
"I appreciate that. We will, of course, compensate you for your trouble."
"Good. Now, introduce me to your female officers."
The girls were waiting for us in the lounge. Both had tied back their hair into a ponytail, their emerald eyes sparkled brightly in their beautiful faces.
"You are not human," Horax said when I introduced them. His eyes swiveled in my direction. "They appear to be female. Am I correct?"
"We can speak for ourselves," Sharina said.
One of his eyes fixed its gaze on her, the other one still looked at me. A loud hiss escaped his lips. "They remind me of our own females. They also speak without waiting for permission."
I grinned. "They may not be human or Srax," I said, "but they are no different from most females. I suspect all females have the same trait."
He let out a series of gurgling sounds, and then he slapped me on the shoulder. "I think I like you, Captain Thomas Stone. Now--how about opening a bottle of that wine I saw in your storage room? It's been some time since I had human-made wine."
"Your species is familiar with the concept of alcoholic beverages?" I asked.
"Of course. Every living creature needs liquids. Discovering and liking fermented fruit juices is not unusual among life-forms."
"Among other things," I said.
He laughed again. It was quite a scary sound. If I didn't know any better I would have thought he was choking. "You and I are much alike," he rumbled. "I will introduce you to my mates. You might find them interesting."
Kabrina went to get a couple of bottles of wine and some glasses.
While the two guards didn't touch a drop, the illustrious Flightleader managed to guzzle down two bottles of our finest wine. His speech became a little slurred, but otherwise he seemed to be unaffected.
Damn it all! A good wine should be enjoyed slowly, not gulped down like so much water. He also showed way too much interest in the girls, and they didn't seem to mind at all. In fact, they drank more wine than was good for them. At this rate, our supply wouldn't go far.
"You know, my human friend," Horax said jovially, "when you take your ship down for repairs there is really no need for your officers to accompany you, is there?"
"I guess not," I admitted reluctantly, "but it is up to them."
"Oh, don't worry about us, Thomas," Sharina said, smiling at the Srax. "I'm sure Flightleader Horax of the Fifth Family will take good care of us."
Horax laughed. I winced, expecting him to choke for sure this time. Putting a scaly hand on Sharina's thigh, he let his tongue flicker across his black teeth. "I will protect you with my life," he slurred.
"I think I should get my ship down to the surface of your planet, before our life-support decides to quit," I said.
Horax rose. "You are right, of course. I will go and make arrangements for you. Without my recommendation you would have a difficult time finding a reliable repair-facility."
"I am grateful. There is one more matter: what about payment? Our money is no good here."
"What other valuables do you have, besides those spices, medicines, and your wine?"
"We have rare diamonds. You may be interested in those." Sharina said.
His protruding eyes swiveled in her direction. "I might be. Show them to me."
Kabrina got up. She returned with a large cassette. It was decorated with sparkling jewels. When she opened it, I felt dazzled by the bright, purple fire glowing inside.
"Purple diamonds!" Horax said. His face was expressionless. "I have heard of them."
"We know their value," Kabrina said. "Please, don't pretend you are ignorant."
His forked tongue appeared briefly. "I admit I am not ignorant. I believe we can begin to negotiate."
His speech was still a little slurred, but the cassette filled with diamonds seemed to have had a sobering effect.
"You work out the details with my two officers," I interrupted, "just get me down to your planet."
He showed his black teeth. "I'll have the co-ordinates to the facility transmitted to your computer. I will also arrange for someone to pick you up and take you to my estate. You may as well be comfortable while your ship is being repaired."
A couple of hours later I was on my way.
Alone.
Nobody challenged my entry into the planet's atmosphere. The co-ordinates to my destination had been fed into my navigation-system, and there was nothing for me to do but sit back and relax. My new friend's family lived on the other side of the planet, and it would take at least three hours for me to reach the repair shop. I used the time to familiarize myself with the customs of these people. Unfortunately, there was not much information available, so I used most of the time to polish my language skills.
I watched the large screen that displayed the planet below. The scenery was not much different from most inhabited planets: forests, agricultural areas, mountains, deserts, and large cities. There were many lakes and rivers on the three main continents. Countless large and small islands dotted the oceans, which separated the continents.
I was surprised to find my ship heading for one of the large island.
It was in the early morning hours when I approached a landing strip. A harsh male voice asked for my identification, but I believe it was only a formality. Obviously, Horax had informed them already of my arrival, and I was expected.
The landing went quite smoothly, but I cannot take credit for that. These navigational computers are very sophisticated and do not make any mistakes. Once activated they will take a ship safely to whatever destination they are programmed to go to.
When I saw a huge service vehicle approaching, I shut the ship down and headed for the airlock.
)
Falsely accused of a crime, Commodore Thomas Reginald Stone's promising career is brought to an abrupt halt. Accompanied by two beautiful, oversexed alien women, he begins his search for the mystery planet that may provide the answer why someone wants him dead. However, trouble follows him wherever he goes.
