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2022-05-16 01:20:18
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The Space Spoon 89. Hunting the Hunter
"We’re heading for RK10." Tejeda spun around in his chair, but his demeanor was different than usual. As he sank deeper and deeper into the twirling seat, his chin rested on his knuckles. "This is not an authorized mission. The planet is beyond the Interplanetary Police’s territory, and if things go wrong, I might get more than a discharge from the force."He stopped spinning for a while, looking at everyone’s faces. The entire crew came to the meeting room right after he had ordered an emergency meeting.Going after Rahul like this was the point of no return in Tejeda's career, maybe even in his life. Choosing whether or not to bring his team into this was more difficult than he had anticipated. It would have been best if he had given them a choice.“Since when do you concern yourself about your job so much? Do you really think any of us cares about those funny guys in blue suits?” Hanga toyed with one of his droids in a corner. “Any of you who joined this ship to work for the police
The Space Spoon 90. Defined as a Robot
To avoid making a mess out of things, the Space Spoon remained hidden behind RK10’s moon, Rurar. C1313 was a bit upset that they wouldn’t land on the moon. Instead, she and Jackeye took a shuttle toward the planet and docked safely at the edge of the outer ring. The sky above their heads glinted gold, with bands of pink, lilac, and silver.When the shuttle docked, the pair disembarked and headed toward the spaceport. Only a few hovercars appeared in sight since most of the beings around here didn't need one. They left the docks behind and strolled through the crowd."It looks like it's not a normal day on RK10," Jackeye commented. "We should have come earlier. It might be too late to attend the event."“Oh, don’t worry about that."It was difficult to move through the swarm of entities that went back and forth. Each robotic component glittered in the sun, so it appeared that the conference was going to be aluminum-ating.C1313 had a comprehensive map of RK10 in her memory bank, so th
The Space Spoon 91. Watching His Back
Jackeye waited in silence as C1313 stared blankly at the shelves of fossil fuel, communicating with the Space Spoon. In a fit of boredom, he leaned his head over the counter to take a breather. There were too many people around, and by "people," he meant robots.There were so many that Jackeye could no longer differentiate between them. Most of the ones who appeared human wore torn or frayed clothes, but some wore none at all.“Tejeda says they can’t break through the Rurar’s defenses to land on that moon.” C1313’s report came in. “Can you hack in a console or something to give them an opening?”A serving robot carried a tray of drinks past them, so they paused for a while.Jackeye looked around. At the far end of the bar, there was a console. His eyes lit up for a mere second, and he could tell the system was easily breakable. He had been staring at it for a few seconds when he heard C1313 say, "You're not going to do anything rash, are you?"She was looking at him, and he asked him
The Space Spoon 92. Going Alone
Even though the Space Spoon was lacking many things, having a second shuttle on board was enough to make Tejeda feel grateful at the moment.He didn't want to land on Rurar with the ship. If whoever maintained the security system were to discover the flaw before Tejeda settled the matter with Rahul, everyone would be a prisoner on this moon for a long time, if not forever.Tejeda had already experienced the feeling of having his crew caged on Genoria Prime. He wasn’t going to risk it again. This time, he would go alone. Besides, no one else could help him battle another Nubilae.“E00, is everything ready?” he asked while inserting the last details on the computer.“Yes.” E00’s calm voice came through the speakers. “The second shuttle is prepared for departure. I’ve already set the course according to Jakeye’s specifications. Are you sure you don’t want to take anyone else with you?”"I have to discuss private matters with Rahul. If things get ugly—and there’s a high chance they will—I
The Space Spoon 93. The Lava Fields
The rotting smell arrived before the view. Tejeda had been the unlucky recipient of several deadly scents in his lengthy life, but none was quite like this.As he emerged out of the woodland at the edge of a cliff, his field of vision expanded. Standing on top of a large boulder, Tejeda scanned the surroundings. An open-world graveyard for anything organic that the non-organic beings on RK10 considered trash.A river of lava coursed around the cesspool, meandering between the piles of junk. The burned land around the ford showed that it flooded from time to time, which was how most of the trash got obliterated faster.The molten lava oozed slowly across the landscape. Dark red streams flowed from the ground, filling the cracks between the rocks before draining back into them.A swirling, blue sea perforated the beach up to the nearest channel of the lava river on the far left. Each time a fresh wave crashed into the searing stream, the water evaporated instantly, resulting in an inver
The Space Spoon 94. Face to Face
The heat increased in intensity as Tejeda passed by the lava streams. Combined with the stench of rotting organic materials, the scorching air etched the miasma inside his nostrils. He definitely wouldn’t be able to get rid of it until he got a new body.A few steps ahead, the lava stream merged into the rock, forming a small pool. The surface of the rocky edge was smooth and shiny as if polished by a thousand years of erosion. In fact, it had been polished by the hand of time.The Nubilae had a proverb: “There is neither a beginning nor an end. Time exists solely as a stream within the mind.”Tejeda let his thoughts wander as he marched across the fields. The concept of other worlds remained lodged in his synapsis. The belief that the universe divides for every important life decision one makes.According to the theory, every decision creates another reality. It applies to every alternative, every major decision, and to every individual. These infinite worlds were difficult to compre
The Space Spoon 95. Make Fun of My Pain
“Equal footing?” Tejeda smirked. “Why would I need to turn in a titanic lifeform when all I need to level out the play field is a tiny grain of sand?”“I don't know if I should be proud of myself or feel sorry for you.”“I'm sure you can find a way to do both.”Rahul laughed. When he spoke again, a terrible gust of wind rushed through the remnants of the cave, and saliva spilled from the monster's jaws.“I’m going to eat your body and pick my teeth with your silica core.”Tejeda sneered, displaying his gorgeous, regular human teeth. "Speak with your lips closed until you find a way to freshen up your breathing. It stinks!" He pulled out a bag and shook it in the air. "Do you know what I've got here?"Rahul opened his mouth wide and released an ear-splitting roar. “I don’t care!”His hand had grown large enough to pick up over a dozen Tejedas off the ground at once.Tejeda didn't even flinch as the razor-sharp claws wrapped around his torso, the arrogant sneer remaining on his face. He
The Space Spoon 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
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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
- The Space Spoon
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
- The Space Spoon
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
- The Space Spoon
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
- The Space Spoon
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
- The Space Spoon
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,
- The Space Spoon
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
