Free ebook: Legends & Liars, Chapter 15

CHAPTER 15

The three men and their cybor-mules, each piled with supplies, trekked across the flat landscape.  Each man carried his own emergency equipment on his back, as well as old-style weapons: pistols and shotguns. Jake also had an automatic pulse rifle.

The terraformed asteroid was a puzzle of jagged rock formations, fractures, long, deep valleys and towering cliffs. Enough years had passed that there were also well established plants unfamiliar to those from Earth or Mars.

Scattered here and there beautiful azure geysers erupted hundreds of feet into the purple synthetic atmosphere. Strange globs of goo float here and there a few feet off the surface. And eerie little creatures scurried from sight as the men made their way across the landscape into the low hills where October had said were the best locations to find ore.

Unseen by the men, a shower of pee-sized acid meteorites rained down on a small area. Each resulted in a glittering trail as it hit the ground, creating a smoldering puff of smoke and a miniature crater. A few of the miniature boulders hit cactus-like plants, drilling perfectly round smoking holes through them. One passed through a tiny, furry bat-like creature and the animal dropped to the ground dead and twitching.

“Keep an eye peeled,” October said.

“What for?” Tibbs said as he looked right and left.  “There ain’t another living thing out here.”

October motioned to a glob of goo floating just out of reach. Tibbs eyed it curiously and reached out to touch it. October grabbed his hand and pulled it back and shook his head. “I wouldn’t,” he warned.

Tibbs looked at October then at the glob. He knew the old man probably just saved his life.

“And there is someone else out here,” October said looking toward the horizon.

“What are you not telling us?” Jake said.

“What do you mean?” Tibbs said and looked at October. “What’s he talking about?”

“That Amasunto fellow and some others escaped,” October said, adding, “He’s out here somewhere?”

“When were you planning on telling us?” Jake said.

“Yeah, old man, I want to know why you didn’t tell us before we left town,” Tibbs said irritably.

“I didn’t figure there was much to worry about,” October said, obviously not totally convinced himself.

“Now why in hell would you think that?” Tibbs demanded.

October motioned with his hand to indicate the vastness of the valley they were trekking across. “Look at this place.  Nothing as far as you can see.  I hear it’s as big as old Texas.  You really think we’d run into him out here?”

“Doesn’t matter,” Tibbs said bitterly.  “You should of told us so at least we could’ve made up our own minds about coming out here or not. If you had—”

“Forget it, Tibbs,” Jake said cutting him off.  “There’s no way you would have stayed behind.”

“If I’d have known I would have packed more firepower,” Tibbs argued.  “From what I hear, that Amasunto might take a good deal of killing.”

“Let’s hope no one has to do any killing,” Jake said.

“Speak for yourself.”

A short distance away, something scurried along the ground behind them.  Tibbs whirled around, drew his shotgun and fired.  There was a small explosion in the distance and something squealed then dove into a hole.

“Son of a bitch,” he shouted when he saw the animal. “Rats.  I hate rats.”

“They ain’t rats.  They’re tuskers,” October said.

“Damned saber-toothed rats, that’s what they are.  How the hell they get on this rock, anyway?”

“Like everything else, someone brought them here to trade.”

“Why would anyone bring those?” Tibbs asked bewildered.

“On some worlds they’re considered a delicacy.”

Tibbs screwed up his face in disgust at the thought.

Free ebook: Legends & Liars, Chapter 14, a sci-fi thriller

CHAPTER 14

The three were looking over a line of used cryo-robotic mules as the salesman hovered nearby.

“Kind of pricy, don’t you think?” October said opening the negotiations.

“Not so much,” said the salesman, adding, “They’re all fully guaranteed.”

“To do what, drop dead on the trail?” Tibbs said.

The mules, part machine, part animal, had attributes of both: great strength and unpredictable personalities.  They had been designed to be cute to garner affection from buyers. One of the smaller mules that appeared to be more living creature than mechanical nudged its nose against Jake’s leg and looked up at him with adoring blue eyes.

“What about this one?” Jake asked patting the head of the adoring creature.

“Oh, you don’t want that one,” said the salesman as he rubbed between the ears of another, larger and more expensive mule. “Now this fellow will carry all your supplies, eats next to nothing and knows the way back to town if you lose your way,” he said.

“I’ll take that one,” Tibbs said.

 “I like this little fellow,” he said of the little mule.

October bent over and examined another mule’s eyes and nose. “What you been fueling them with?  They look kinda glassy eyed,” he said.

“Nothing wrong with him that a little trek in the wilderness won’t cure,” the salesman assured him.  “They just need to be worked to keep them shipshape.”

“Business been slow, huh,” October asked.

The salesman knew where October was headed. “I tell you what, you take these two,” he said as he nodded toward the corral, “and that one over there, and I’ll throw in the tack and two weeks fuel.” 

“How about we take them on consignment,” Tibbs interjected.

“I may be stuck on this floating rock, but I ain’t quite crazy yet,” said the salesman.

“We’ll take these three,” Jake said, heading off any further discussion.

Tibbs started to protest, but stopped at Jake’s look.

“Great.  I’ll write up the rental agreements,” the salesman said, pleased to close the deal. He led out the two mules for October and Tibbs.  The little mule stood obediently beside Jake.

“Cute little fella,” October said.  “Never seen one nuzzle up like that before. Of course, he won’t be able to carry as much ore as the other two, you know.”

“You sure you want this one,” said the salesman trying to be helpful.  “I got another that will—”

The little mule practically hugged Jake’s legs, looking over at the salesman, then up at Jake, who patted it on the head. “No, he’ll do.”

Tibbs rolled his eyes and October grinned.

Would U.S. Military Fire on its own fellow citizens?

A little U.S. history, rather than German history, should be considered when thinking about gun control.

During the Indian Wars, the first thing the U.S. Army did was kill the horses so the Indians lost their mobility. Then they took their weapons and put them on reservations. Many times, the order of the day was extermination.

Think we're enlightened today? Remember, our military has massacred villagers in Viet Nam. They have killed students at Kent State.

Having spent 20 years in the military, I don't like pointing out that given the right circumstances, our own military might turn on U.S. citizens, as well as others. I'd like to think our professional military of today would not do it, but it has happened in the past and can happen again.

Free ebook: Legends & Liars, Chapter 13

CHAPTER 13

October came out of the building that had a sign above the door, Bureau of Mining & Exploratory Development, as he studied a document.  He spotted Jake walking down the street, waved and went over to him.

“Well, got us signed in and bought a permit for exploratory rights,” he said and nodded toward the building. “The clerk says there ain’t much interest here because everyone’s working at the big hydrogen extraction plant on Uranus.  There’s only one other permit been signed this quarter.  Couple of fellas headed out about a week ago.” He noticed Jake's worried expression. “What’s wrong?  You hear something from the misses?”

“They’re okay,” Jake lied, “but it’s tough being away so long.”

“I tell you, son, I know exactly what you’re saying.  I’ve been there.  My third wife and a boy died of plague on Adrastea while I was traipsing around the universe trying to strike it rich.

“She was a good woman, but I wish I’d taken more time to get to know the boy.  I regret that more than anything.”

He put hand on Jake’s shoulder. “I’m making it my business to get you home a rich man in time to take your son to school.”

“What about your daughter?” said Jake, deflecting the conversation.

October grinned proudly. “She’s here.  Down at the other end of town.  Got me a couple of grandkids.  Nice little family.  Met the son-in-law last night.  Nice fella.  A bit intense, for my liking, but he’s a good husband and daddy.  Can’t find no fault in him.  Course, that daughter of mine, let me have it good for not staying in touch. 

“We hit that strike I aim to do a little changing of my ways.  Maybe settle down and get to know those kids.  It’s time.”

“Time for what?” said Tibbs as he walked up and joined them.  He looked hung over.

“Time to round up some supplies and get on out there and make our fortunes,” October said cheerfully.

“Now you’re talking,” said Tibbs.

Jake looked at Tibbs, who was acting like the earlier killing had not taken place.  “Let’s do it, then,” Jake said. 

God's Club Cap

A promotion and a statement.

If you liked The Martian you'll love Legends & Liars, a sci-fi thriller with real science about miners in the Asteroid Belt.

If you saw The Martian with Matt Damon and liked it, why not give my sci-fi thriller, Legends and Liars a try. It is also a story of space exploration and daring heavily steeped in actual science.

Instead of Mars, it will take you to the Asteroid Belt with miners trying to strike it rich and keep from being killed. You can download the book at Amazon, or if you want to read it free, but a bit slower, it's on my blog, right here, which I've been posting a chapter at a time on Facebook.

Free ebook: Legends & Liars, Chapter 12 If you like it pass it along.

CHAPTER 12

By the looks of those around the table, Tibbs has been playing a multilevel game of dice and cards all night. As usual he was losing. A Terantus gambler across the table from him picked up the dice, shook them in one of his four hands and blew on them for luck.

“You going to make love to the damn things or throw them,” Tibbs growled.  “Get on with it, will you.”

“Hold your water, mister,” the Terantus said.  “I’ll toss them when I’m ready.”

“You’ll toss them now, or fold your hand. Or should I say hands?” Tibbs commanded.

“You’re new around here.  Maybe you better take your business someplace else.”

The other gamblers at the table watched Tibbs warily just as Jake entered the saloon and stepped up to the bar.

“The sun hasn’t raised on the day I need to take advice from a thick thumbed, card fumbling Norlander,” Tibbs said.

“What are you trying to say and who’re you calling a ‘Norlander?’” the Terantus growled.

I’m not trying to say anything.  It’s there for anyone who cares to see.  You’re not even good at it.  Too many thumbs, I guess. You must be so used to playing with ignorants who don’t know better, you’ve gotten real careless about how you try to cheat a man.”

The Terantus jumped to his feet, knocking the table over.  He pulled a long knife from under his coat and leaped at Tibbs.  Tibbs was ready and threw the Terantus over his hip and pulled out his own knife. 

The other gamblers closed in around the two as their knives clashed.  Tibbs cut the Terantus on the shoulder.  One of the other men started to pull a club.  Jake stepped up, spun the man and slammed a big fist into his jaw, sending him sprawling, knocking over several tables.

Three other men jumped on Jake’s back and he shook them off.  They charged back swinging wildly. He kicked one in the chest and swept another off his feet as he back handed the third over a table. While Jake’s fight with the three miners was more of a good-natured brawl inspired out of boredom, Tibbs and the Terantus were intent on killing one another.

Men and women along the sidelines cheered as Jake stood toe-to-toe with the three men giving as good as he got.  One by one, Jake knocked his opponents into submission, but he took a beating himself in the process.

Tibbs and the Terantus fought with knives, broken furniture, fists, teeth, whatever came to hand. Tibbs was more accomplished with the knife, but the Terantus’s four arms gave him the advantage at times. It was a vicious, brutal fight that eventually ended up out on the street in front of the saloon.

Tibbs and the Terantus were nearly equal in strength and brutality. But Tibbs finally got the upper hand as he beat the Terantus into submission.  The Terantus lay on his back in the middle of the street while Tibbs stood over him.   

Tibbs grabbed a big rock that lay nearby in both hands and raised it above his head. He was just about to bring it down in a crushing blow to the Terantus’s head when the rock exploded, reduced to dust that rained down on him.  Tibbs staggered back and turned slowly to see who had interfered.

Jake stood a few feet away with a hand weapon still aimed at Tibbs. “He’s finished, Tibbs,” he said.

“Not from where I stand, he ain’t,” Tibbs said slowly, while glaring at Jake.

Jake motioned with the weapon for Tibbs to move away from the Terantus. “Let’s go,” he ordered.

Tibbs straightened up and his body language changed from cold predatory killer back to something more akin to normal—for Tibbs.  He looked down at the bloody, mangled body and shrugged.

“Whatever,” he said calmly.

Jake holstered the weapon and they walked slowly down the street as a couple of people went over to help the Terantus to his feet.  The Terantus pulled free and turned toward Tibbs and growled a curse, “You’ll pay for this, Visochlurk.  You should have killed me when you had the chance.”

Tibbs turned back to face the Terantus. “What did you call me?”

The Terantus bared three rows of serrated teeth, clutched all four hands into fists and snarled the epithet, “I said you’re a Visochlurk.”

Tibbs shrugged. “That’s what I thought you said.”

Before Jake could stop him, Tibbs grabbed Jake’s weapon and blasted the Terantus in the chest. The Terantus was thrown across the street, his chest a smoking, bloody, gaping hole.

Jake grabbed the weapon from Tibbs. “What the hell did you do that for?”

“You heard what he called me,” Tibbs said defensively.

Jake was incredulous. “Do you even know what visochlurk means?”

Tibbs shrugged. “It couldn’t have been good.  Besides—”

“Besides what?”

“No sense leaving unfinished business behind or it’ll sneak up and bite you in the ass,” Tibbs whispered coldly, adding, “You ever point a weapon at me again you better use it.”

Jake looked at the dead Terantus.  He spun and punched Tibbs in the face, sending him flying across the street. “I’ll keep it in mind,” he said.

Tibbs jumped up and started to come at Jake, but stopped as Jake rested the palm of his right hand on the holstered weapon.  Tibbs nodded, motioning down the street.

“I got some other business matters,” he said.  “I’ll meet up with you and the old man later.”

“More unfinished business?”

Tibbs gave a little smile, rubbed his jaw and walked away.