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2022-02-27 05:56:22After safely transporting the Transcendents to the star in the Winth System, Tejeda called for a team meeting. When everyone was seated at the table, he stopped spinning with his chair and coughed to catch everyone’s attention.
“First of all, I want to congratulate you all for not dying during your first month on this ship. Under my command, that’s quite the feat. E00, do we have some applause sounds to insert now?”
The silence that followed was an answer in itself.
"I take that as a no. Okay. Moving on. Before starting the actual meeting, I want you guys to tell me who made that wonderful pie. I ate all of it."
"I made the pie." C1313 tilted her head in a sign she didn’t understand the praise. "I can take into account the nutritional needs of each individual and prepare something accordingly. But when it comes to taste, well, I don’t have any. My dishes can be bland, I can’t tell."
"Well, I must say, your cooking is exquisite." Tejeda winked. "Congratulations on acquiring a new role on this ship. You’re now the cook."
"But... I'm afraid I can't... What if I add too much or too little spices? There are several variables I am unable to verify."
"No worries," Tejeda replied. "I’ll taste it for you. My taste receptors change during each shift, and it’s one of my neverending pleasures to explore the flavors with each new body. Everything changes when your senses are altered. That’s why I like food." He laughed. "Once, a Globonian told me a chef who doesn’t taste the food makes it even more delicious. Maybe he was right. Who knows? Globonians eat even dirt, so that’s that."
Okay, his speech sounded great at first, until he destroyed it with irrelevant details that tossed everything out the window. Tejeda applied an overly compensating smile. "Do you have any other issues, or may I start with the major item on my list today?"
“We’re listening,” Cato said, excited.
She seemed to be the only one. C1313’s eyes dashed left and right, probably trying to compute the implications of her new role. Shayla leaned over the backrest with her arms crossed over her chest. Hanga tinkered at a miniature contraption, possibly not hearing a word. With his head resting on his fist, Jackeye seemed lost in boredom. What a crew he had!
"E00, do the honors." A transparent screen appeared, hovering above the table. It was big enough for everyone to see the list. "This is our mission board. From here, we get the tasks available to us directly from the Interplanetary Police’s data stream. I’ll be picking them according to our proximity to the target and its rating on the OMG scale."
“The OMG scale?” Shayla shrugged. “What’s that?”
“My personal scale from boring to ‘Oh my God, we’re all gonna die!’”
Silence followed his words once more. Hanga raised his head, his screwdriver hanging over the contraption, and furrowed his brow. Jackeye raised a single eyebrow while C1313 blinked a few times. Cato’s ears flickered as if she was trying to see if her hearing was off. A click of the tongue came from Shayla’s direction.
Tejeda waved dismissively, puffing heavily. “Nevermind. You’ll understand when I pick a mission.”
Using the keyboard that appeared on the table’s surface in front of him, Tejeda added some filters. The list narrowed down, only the missions within three days of travel were still displayed. An index in the bottom right corner indicated five options remaining.
As he skimmed over the titles, his gaze caught Shayla’s expression. Furrowed, almost joining eyebrows, hands clenched into fists, her jaw visible through the cheek showing how much she gritted her teeth.
At first, Tejeda thought the expression was for him. That frightened him a bit. But then he remembered the list was floating in the air right between them. He realized her fury was aimed solely at a mission there. But which one? He had to take them one by one and see when she would react.
""Kirian, a remarkable scientist, created a bacteria that can eat any organic compounds. His most recent known location was Aunald, Valeria's moon.""
After he finished reading, Tejeda looked at Shayla. No reaction.
There was a mission about a hacker transmitting false data to incite riots across various planets. He could get in and out undetected through the CCC, short for Cosmic Complete Circuit, the Universe’s network. Shayla had no connection with such things as far as he knew. So he moved on.
Two of the next three missions on the list had negative OMG values. His mind translated them as bla, bla, bla, political, bla. The other one sounded intriguing.
"King Astin, leader of the southern hemisphere of Beridian, has initiated a hunt for his wife, who has been missing for five years. Details are provided after the acceptance of the mission."
Tejeda’s eyes darted at Shayla. She gulped, and her arms resting over her chest moved up and down because of her rapid breathing. This was it.
“This sounds like fun. Should we take this mission?” Tejeda tried his luck to see her opinion and maybe fish for more information.
“No,” she said, all too fast with a broken voice. Her fingers circled over the table, a tell on her part. Then she regained some of her assertiveness. “Why should we scour the world for a woman?”
Fevered questions swarmed Tejeda’s mind. Should he pick that mission or not? How could this mission affect Shayla? Was there something wrong with her? Did this planet have any significance for her? Or was it the man, King Astin? How would she react if he picked it up?
Shayla had a blank expression, something he had never seen on her. She was cautious. Tejeda suspected she was hiding her discomfort from the others. Her gaze lowered and pinned the floor. Her fingers nervously continued to draw circles on the table. Her self-assurance waned.
Tejeda decided to give her a pass. For now. “Ok. We go after Kirian. Who doesn’t love mad scientists?” He smirked, thinking how could he find out the truth about her reaction.
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The Space Spoon 52. Shoe Science
It had been two hundred years since Tejeda last set foot on Aunald. Valeria’s Moon looked as bleak as its citizens’ faces. Who could smile under this clouded black sky? The industry was what sustained Aunald’s economy, and almost everybody here worked in mines or factories. It was not an easy life.Drops of water splashed all around his boots as he went down the streets and alleyways. Shayla walked next to him. Her gait was more chaotic as she tried to avoid the black puddles on the sidewalk.At first, it seemed like a good idea for Tejeda to take her along with him. Maybe he could find out why she had that reaction yesterday. Beridian or King Astin? Which of the two was the source of her rage?Tall chimneys atop spherical roofs emitted black smoke. The factories looked the same as when Tejed
The Space Spoon 53. The Battle of the Limbs
Shayla had never seen such a fast charge. The way the Surtamite darted using all of his legs, like a well-tuned concert of violins, seemed surreal. The flesh segments on the myriapod’s front part buckled and then expanded in a steady, fast rhythm as the waves of the sea.Three arms thrust into the floor right next to Tejeda. He rolled over to his other side and took Carmen off his neck. His battle stance was similar to that of a swordsman, but instead of a blade, he held a spoon.A hole in the gray floor remained after the Surtamite withdrew his limbs with wooden shrapnel from its edges flying in the air.“Please, don’t damage the building.” One of the Valerian clerks jumped from his chair. “Everything in here is the property of the Trade Union for the Science Guild.”<
The Space Spoon 54. Humping the Truth
After reading the crumpled piece of paper, Shayla stuffed Tejeda's credentials into her pocket. No scientist or scientific group would ever give away a potential breakthrough due to the possibility of negative consequences. Showing those credentials to the clerks would simply tie their tongues even more.From what she had read on the mission details, Kirian’s research on organic-eating bacteria could have unforeseen effects. A potential planet-wide purge of all organic components would transform even a bountiful planet in a sea of sand and rock.“Who’s gonna pay for all this?” One of the Valerian clerks, the one with the dog, pointed toward the mess in the room. Windows shattered, holes in the floor and walls, blood everywhere, Tejeda’s body with two purple tentacles starting to melt, a Surtamite on his back with twenty arms flaili
The Space Spoon 55. Tejeda’s Antics
Shayla marched inside the Space Spoon with her arm wrapped around the dog. The little pooch pressed his snout to the side of her chest, happily wiggling his tail that periodically slapped her back. She huffed but didn’t have time for Tejeda’s antics.“E00, fire up the engines. We’re leaving Aunald ASAP.”“May I ask our destination?”With her free hand, she reached for her pocket and unwrapped the crumbled piece of paper she had gotten from the clerk. "Larva 5."“Where’s Tejeda?” Cato asked. She was standing in the far end of the corridor, looking over the hangar bay.“It is he, Tejeda, the Doggo.” Shayla tilted her head toward the pet. Then she cont
The Space Spoon 56. 4 on Larva 5
Minerals in the planet’s crust made scanning Larva 5 for life signs impossible. Since no one was traveling during the day because of the scorching heat, visual spotting was out of the question as well. They had to land with the shuttle and find communities on their own.“I’ll keep my droids on standby and carry them,” Hanga had concluded after finding out he would join the ground team. “I can’t say how sand can affect them since I haven’t performed such a test. A backpack can hold several small prototypes. Should I take a suitcase as well?”"I'm tempted to say yes, but Shayla wants all of the extra weight we can carry allotted to water." Tejeda had looked across at Shayla and realized that a bag of droids would have to suffice.It was night when the four of them landed
The Space Spoon 57. Nights Aren't for Sleeping
Tejeda opened his eyes to gaze upon Shayla’s back. Her black hair sprawled all over the place. And soon, he found the reason he awoke. A grunting came from her direction at a steady interval. He prodded her in the ribs to stop her snoring.He grinned as he realized his efforts had had no effect. In an instant, his hand found its way to her lovely hair, and he began caressing it mindlessly. He had been feeling a little groggy since the last body shift. Too much alcohol combined with the Zondarian DNA.“Why are you doing that? Does she have something stuck in her hair?”C1313’s voice startled him, and he jumped on his feet, forgetting about the cave’s low ceiling and his mighty horns. A loud thud followed his robust head ornaments protruding the hardened sand above him.<
The Space Spoon 58. Chieftain Boppa
The child pointed to a booth selling greenery and odd-looking plants. As they got closer, they saw a sagged figure behind the counter. The wooden planks placed across the sand for people to walk on creaked under their feet, and the old lady gazed at them in wonder.A thick scarlet scarf covered her head. Her enormous hooked nose curled down toward her lips. Tejeda took a step back. A terrible witch appeared poised to take him into her lair. He had seen many strange and frightening happenings and entities, but this one surpassed them all.Rather than gazing down at the ground like the other people around did when they saw him, the old hag smirked at Tejeda's stunned expression. What the heck was this? Despite his best efforts to run, his feet would not move. Also, he had no idea where to go.“Is there something
The Space Spoon 59. Four Sevenths
Boppa lit the torches within her cave. The golden light wiped away the shadows around their feet. Shayla followed the slumped shadow on the wall until she saw Boppa sitting at a little wooden table.“You’ll be pleased to know that I intend to offer every hospitality.” Boppa poured a green liquid into four glasses. "Including my Photosynthesis Wine."Keeping one glass for herself, the chieftain pushed the other three across the table. Looking at C1313, she said, "I suppose you don't drink."“Your assumption is correct,” C1313 replied, remaining in place as Hanga approached the table.Tejeda came next to the Valerian and grabbed his arm as he raised the glass to his lips. "You first." He glanced at Boppa, his gaze now devoid of fear.
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104. Meat Suit Part 2
The door closes after the last man leaves the pub. Tejeda resumes his previous position and finishes his drink. By now, we are both soaking wet, but neither of us seems to care. My reason is the seven beers. I wonder what his is."Apparently, you're not leaving, and we've run out of time," he says as he turns to face me. His purple eyes sparkle. A chill goes down my spine. "These guys aren't going down without a fight. I might have to die to quench their hunger for vengeance. But the crystal I took is far more significant. It must be safeguarded."Tejeda leans forward, his hand reaching over the bar for the knife the bartender uses for the lemons. He sits again in his chair, gripping the handle with both of his hands, the pointy tip toward his stomach. I have seen this stance before in movies when someone performs seppuku.Filling his lungs with air, his chest expands, and he thrusts the knife right into his belly. I cover my mouth with a hand but not my eyes. I need to see what happe
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103. Meat Suit Part 1
A/N: A Halloween special side story, Meat Suit shows the events through the eyes of a normal, human nerd. Enjoy!***Halloween, the greatest night of the year. The time when I can go out with friends and be awkward as usual without getting a stare.I look in the mirror and see the dashing vampire I transform into every time I put on this ancient outfit. With extreme care, I place a black handkerchief in my pocket, covering the hole that reveals the lining. This year, I intended to get a new costume, but the latest game in the R****** E*** franchise and H***** 3 prevented me from doing so. They were released this year, and I had to get them, and then some.Sorry for not disclosing their names, but even in my diary, I avoid needless advertising. And don't make fun of me for keeping a diary in my thirties. Many people keep diaries, but they call them journals to appear more sophisticated and mature.The black costume’s collar is up to my ears, letting everyone see the red embroidered int
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102. Monster Within Part 2
Rayna followed him through dark alleys, avoiding the city's main thoroughfares and heading for the city's outskirts. There weren't many other people around since it was late and freezing. The two veiled shadows of the night were easy to miss. Illuminated figures appeared randomly through the windows of dimly lit houses.He stopped in front of a derelict house. The sculpted archway stood crooked above the entrance, but he went beneath it without a second thought.Rayna stared at the white structure enveloped in moss to make sure it wouldn’t fall on her head. When the Bralxoid disappeared inside, she swallowed hard and followed him.Doctor Iadfoc invited her into a small, dark room with a single goose-neck lamp illuminating the top of a large table filled with glass vials. He gestured toward a threadbare sofa against the wall. He grabbed a simple wooden chair and sat facing her. For once, someone wasn't looking at her with meaningless pity, for which she was grateful.Iadfoc had a scann
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101. Monster Within Part 1
A/N: Monster Within is a side story taking place about a thousand years or more before the action in the novel. Enjoy!***Rayna sat in front of the mirror, removing her makeup. Who would she discover underneath? Foundation applied in triple layers, contact lenses, even a wig to make certain no one would see her change.Skin patches of different complexions stretched across her face like puzzle pieces jammed together into a chaotic pattern. Some parts of the jigsaw had wrinkles, while others were as smooth as a baby’s skin.Her knuckles turned white as she gripped the edge of the mirror. Her heterochromatic eyes were both different colors than before she wore contact lenses. And her hair... Well, the hair looked more like a wig than the one she threw on the floor. Honey-blonde hair tumbled in waves over her right shoulder. Ruby-red hair, spikey like a hedgehog’s, pointed toward the ceiling from the top of her head. Black, curly strands went down to her chin from her left.She was a mo
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100. Sunsetrise Part 4
Time passes differently on Yacleemb. I can’t say it’s the 56 hours days, the peacefulness of the Spreahs, or Lyam’s company. What I do know is that I’ve lost track of time. Every day, he builds things for the village; he’s happy, full of smiles, and I’m drunk with his genuine blissfulness.Unfortunately, I still have memories and can’t help but feel guilty for not contacting our friends. Wanting to know how things are working out for our crew, I stroll through the forest to the shuttle. After it powers up, a small blinking red light appears on the console. A message from E00.“Shayla, I hope you’ve found Tejeda by now. More than two months have passed, and no news from you. In the time you've been gone, things got worse around here.“Since the day you left, Jackeye has been trapped inside his virtual reality. I can’t say if it’s a voluntary decision or not. He cut me off completely.“Cato took a shuttle and left the Space Spoon about a month ago. The Interplanetary Police files show t
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99. Sunsetrise Part 3
Shayla Bale's POVOnly Tejeda Hajar is capable of disappearing and leaving me with an ambassador’s corpse. Once again, I had to assume the role of acting captain and evade the Interplanetary Police. We are all renegades once more, as we were before Tejeda found us.The crew needs me to steer the ship in the right direction, but my thoughts are far away, following the faceless Nubilae who left us. I lean against the wall and stare at his empty chair, wishing he will appear there, smiling without giving me any explanation as he always does.“Thinking about him won’t bring him back,” E00’s voice echoes from the ceiling speakers. “If you want him here again, you must go after him.”“Don’t get me wrong, E00, I want to. But it was his choice. He left us. Even if I go after him, he may not come back.”“If there’s anyone who can shake him out of the state he’s in, you’re the one.”“Why must you torment me?” I slump in Tejeda’s chair, rubbing my eyes to forestall crying. The gesture is pointle
- The Space Spoon
98. Sunsetrise Part 2
Reaching out, Carmen’s hand brushes against mine. Even though I’m mad as hell, a rush of electrical discharges takes over my core. That happened every time she touched me since the moment we’d met. Every fiber of my body, carbon and silica alike, crave to have her again by my side.“I tested the spoon. All the results said the same thing: it’s Nubilae. Who was it?”“My sister, Celia.” For the first time, a vein throbs on Carmen’s forehead. But she regains the glazed look. “She died during Iadfoc’s experiment. Many did. The rest went insane. Only I, you, and Rahul remained true Nubilae. Well, now only you and I since you killed Rahul.”“He had multiple run-ins with me and my crew. If I let him continue, surely one of my men would have died. I had to do something.”“No,” Carmen shouts, showing the anger hidden behind her previous blank expression. “I sent him to see how you are and test you. Well, you failed. No Nubilae should value the life of a lesser being over one of his brethren.”
- The Space Spoon
97. Sunsetrise Part 1
A/N: Sunsetrise is a short story I've written before even starting the novel. It holds the ending of the first volume and is made up of 4 parts. The first 2 parts are from Tejeda's POV and the last 2 parts from Shayla's. Enjoy!***Tejeda Hajar's POV“Happy birthday, Shayla!” I invite her to sit on the blanket next to me with a pat.It took me about a week to create a perfect replica of Genoria Prime inside Jackeye's world.Once every two thousand years, Genoria Prime, a water planet with just a few stretches of land covered in sand, is perfectly aligned to get the ultimate romantic view. One of its suns sets while the other rises, a phenomenon called sunsetrise.To recreate it from my memories inside Jackeye's virtual world involved a few setbacks. But that isn't important anymore.Shayla takes one of the glasses of red wine and fixes her dark green eyes on me. “Whose body are you wearing now?”“You know bodies are just meat suits for me.” I give a sly smirk, looking her over. “Well,
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96. His Blade
Tejeda's lips moved as though they were not his own. “Who’s she?”Shayla placed a hand on his back, touching for the first time the sludgy skin he had in this form. “Tejeda, stop. He’s dead.”Tejeda lifted his head to look at the sky. He remained like that for a long while before murmuring, “Why did you kill him?”"Sorry! Next time," Shayla murmured, sheathing her scimitar, "I'll kill the other guy after he kills you."“How did you know which one was me?”“Really? Is there another idiot who would risk dying for a spoon?”She observed how he flinched but said nothing. There was something wrong with him. Nonetheless, Shayla didn't believe she had the authority to inquire. In any case, she didn't expect a fair answer from him."Did you bring any DNA for me?" Tejeda asked without turning around. "As you can see, I’m in bad shape."Shayla hurled a vial toward him, and he grabbed it with one of his two remaining tentacles.“This is the last one holding the blood of King Astin. Enjoy!”Tejed
