Space Invaded

By K. Rowe

The peaceful planet of Nerit is under attack by the savage Graalix. Pleas for help have gone largely unanswered throughout the Ontarrin Galaxy. Only Satiris, home of the peace-loving Satirens, answers the call. The Satiren High Council is at a loss. They must aid their allies, for the Neritians are the ones keeping Satiris alive. Both species lack weapons and warrior skills. They desperately need someone with fighting experience.

Dar Meltom is no stranger to conflict. As captain of the freighter Marsuian, and a half-breed, he’s been fighting all his life. The high council convinces him to command a fledgling army that has never tasted battle. Dar has reservations from the very beginning. He enlists Robert, his Earthling stepfather, who has a unique knowledge of the invaders. Together they hatch a risky plan that means certain death.

As the battle begins...Dar and his ragtag army of Satirens and a few Lanterians plunge headlong into a wormhole and tempt fate. What they find on the other side is death, galactic annihilation, and something that will change their lives forever. Dar and Robert must race the clock, battle the Graalix, and return safely to the Ontarrin Galaxy with precious cargo onboard.

• Language: English
• Publisher: K. Rowe
• Release date: Jul 13, 2014
• ISBN: 9781497350526

K. Rowe

After serving over 20 years in the Air Force, I made the ultimate job switch: to farmer and author. It was a drastic change, not to mention a drastic pay cut! I've been writing 25+ years and have been published in a variety of media: book, newspaper, photography, and magazine. I love to write, it seems to be a passion I can't ever seem to satisfy.It started out back in the day with the first book of the Dragonslayers Saga. Project: Dragonslayers is an MWSA award winning novel about an unlikely Special Forces team who are thrown headlong into the world of counterterrorism. The second book, Dragonslayers: Mind Games, continues the saga where the team enters the twisted world of al-Qaeda. They must find the source of a mystery explosive, or risk losing more innocent civilians to attacks. This book was selected for the MWSA summer 2011 reading list. The third book in the series is Dragonslayers: Battle Rhythm. This time it's Yemen, and the team finds out they're not invincible. Two more books in this series are slated for release: Kill Box (2013) and Critical Mass (2016?).Also I've expanded my work in other genres. Out now is the best-selling contemporary romance, Cowboys and Olympians. You'll meet and fall in love with Leo Richards, a champion reining horse trainer, as he tries to convince himself that he can love again after his wife and unborn child were killed in a fiery car crash. He falls for Katie Shulman, a rich, stubborn woman who just doesn't like cowboys. I'm currently writing another romance titled Silks and Sand about a Kentucky horse-racing family that falls on hard times. The owner, Evan Stoddard, hopes to regain their glory by putting a big bet on an unlikely horse and rider combination—a bet that threatens to ruin his life.If supernatural thriller/ horror appeals to you, check out The Hall. You'll meet Marcus Bishop, wealthy Memphis book publisher; his new and terrifically eccentric best friend, Prince Mongo; along with a ghost and demons that haunt the old castle Marcus buys.After taking a dare from a horror author friend of mine, I started work on the “Space” series. Space Crazy introduces you to Dar Meltom, a half breed alien who's had a rough life. He longs for a life in the stars, and as difficult as it is, his mother manages to give that to him. Space Junk, Space Available, and Space Invaded are all available. I am working on probably the last book in the series: Space Vanguard.So far I've enjoyed working in all these genres, and have started converting some stories into screenplays. There are more things I'm working on, too numerous to mention. So keep checking my Facebook pages to see if there's anything new.I was given a rare distinction of placing 1st in Ron Knight's top 100 Facebook authors of 2012. He starts with 8,000 and narrows it down to 100. An honor indeed.As always, I appreciate feedback and book reviews. I'm a small fish in a huge ocean just trying to stay afloat. I love my writing and pour heart and soul into each work I do.MWSA: Military Writer's Society of America http://www.militarywriters.com/http://sturgeoncreek.blogspot.com/Twitter: sturgeon3736http://www.facebook.com/pages/K-Rowe-Author/136794706391542http://www.facebook.com/pages/Project-Dragonslayers/411626645650

Book preview

SPACE

INVADED

BY

K. ROWE

Copyright 2014 by K. Rowe at Smashwords

All rights reserved. This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of the author.

The final approval for this literary material is granted by the author.

First printing

All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

ISBN-13: 978-1497350526

ISBN-10: 1497350522

Sturgeon Creek Publishing

Editing: Joyce M. Gilmour

www.editingtlc.com

Front cover design: Duncan Long

http://duncanlong.com/

"Every living being is an engine geared

to the wheelwork of the universe.

Though seemingly affected only by

its immediate surrounding,

the sphere of external influence

extends to infinite distance."

—Nikola Tesla

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

About the Author

1

Robert hurried through the house. Something terrible must be going on. Outside, Krodus and Garnic were waiting with a hover shuttle. It was early morning on the planet Satiris, much too early for anything unimportant. Whatever it was, they needed Dar in a hurry.

Stopping at the guest bedroom door, he knocked loudly. Dar? Dar? Get up! There was a low groan from the other side. Dar!

What? Dar said, face down in bed.

Get up, something’s wrong.

What? He refused to move. Parnela was lying next to him and he was very comfortable right where he was. Come on, we got in late last night from Jamarais.

Get up! Garnic and Krodus are outside. You’ve been summoned to the high council.

Dar sat up rather abruptly. Huh?

They said to hurry.

He groaned and climbed from bed. Okay, okay, tell ’em I’m coming. Dar grabbed his black Catarin hide trousers and struggled into them. His head was fuzzy from lack of sleep. They’d pushed hard to get back to Satiris; Dar’s mother, Denrika, would be celebrating her Born Day and he wanted to be there for it. In a way, he felt guilty for all the times he’d missed it. Tucked in his jacket pocket was a beautiful gold necklace from Uyoninis. He’d spent a great deal of drig on it and hoped she’d like it.

Parnela sat up with a grunt. Her youngling bump was getting larger; she had perhaps another three months and they would be a family. What’s wrong?

I dunno. High council needs me for some reason.

You?

He shrugged his shoulders and put on a shirt. Look, I’m just doing as told. Turning around, he saw the mirror on the dressing table. His shock of green hair was nearly standing on end. He chuckled, pointing to his hair. Looks like I got hit with a low-power phaser blast.

Knowing you, that would be true.

Dar tried to smooth down his hair; it wasn’t being cooperative. The dark brown hair that covered the rest of his head seemed to be complying, but for some reason, the green had rebellion in mind. Finally, he gave up, went into the bathroom, and put some water on it. Once he’d wrangled his hair, Dar once again gazed into the mirror for a moment. His focus was on his right ear, the normally soft-pointed tip was cut and bent over from a fight long ago with someone he now considered a best friend.

Dar! Parnela called, Robert says to hurry.

All right, all right. He came out and finished dressing. Hurrying over to the side of the bed, he leaned down and pressed his lips to Parnela’s forehead. He could smell the Softsuckle in her lovely blonde hair. I love you.

I love you too.

Hopefully I’ll be back soon. I wonder what this is about?

Sounds important.

He went out to see what was going on. As he opened the door, he was blinded by the early morning sun. Garnic and Krodus stood next to a hover shuttle.

Can you hurry up? Garnic said, climbing into the driver’s seat. He was larger than Dar in physical size, and as with all Satirens, had a full head of lush green hair.

What in Carfidius is going on? Dar asked as he took a seat.

All males aged seventeen to fifty have been summoned to council, Krodus replied as he struggled to get his bulk into the backseat. As Dar’s long-time nemesis, he towered over Dar. But the fighting between them had been put to rest years ago.

Any idea why?

Garnic started the craft. Must be awfully important.

Dar looked over his shoulder as they pulled away. The house that Denrika and Robert resided in had been abandoned when the planet fell into decay. After the successful implementation of the Plexus, the planet came back to life. Dar and Robert found the house in the early stages of planetary re-colonization. It was a beautiful home, situated in the settlement of Triggin. It sat on a hill that overlooked the city of Sartis. Close enough to be convenient, yet far enough away from the hustle and bustle of what would eventually become a healthy, thriving city again. After a little fixing up, the house was livable. At first, Denrika balked at the idea of returning to Satiris. But with her new mate’s gentle prodding, she eventually gave in.

They drove three miles to The Garden, the geographical city center of Sartis, and also the home of the Satiren High Council.

Dar took note as they passed stores and shops. Some were open; others still appeared to be boarded up from years ago. The place is slowly coming back to life.

Each month another ship brings more Satirens home. Garnic turned left and continued. Since the first load of passengers you brought, there’ve been seven ships.

What do you reckon the population is?

Krodus? Garnic said, glancing back. Aren’t you chief of repopulation?

Chief? No, I am simply the current record custodian.

Well, record custodian, what’s the population?

About three thousand.

Dar rubbed his face. In his haste, he’d forgotten to shave. That’s all? I figured once the word got out, more would be flocking to the planet. I mean, hey, it’s free housing right now.

Many are still skeptical that the Plexus can keep it habitable.

But the Neritians are here, right?

Yes, and the new compound for the Plexus is almost complete. It has a large pavilion for the device and six good-sized apartments built around it for the Neritians…Very nice place.

Garnic pulled up to The Garden. Okay, we’re here. He shut off the engine and climbed out. Gee, with no civil authority right now, it’s nice to park where I want.

Dar chuckled as he got out. I’m sure in time that’ll change.

They went up the steps and into the building. Dar stopped when he got to the center of the large gathering room. Looks a lot better than the last time I saw it.

Krodus put his hand on Dar’s shoulder. Minus the vulefs.

He let out a tense little sigh. Yeah.

I need to go down to the council floor. I guess you two can try to find room in the gallery; sounds busy in there.

Dar nodded. Right, see you later. They took their leave of Krodus and headed to the gallery. Dar walked along, still a bit of hesitation in his stride.

What’s wrong? Garnic asked.

I know they’re gone, but I’m still leery.

Vulefs gave you a bad time, eh?

Almost killed me. He stopped at the door leading into the gallery. Everything about the creatures had been erased, but the memories still haunted him. Looking down, he saw a couple of seats near the front railing. The rest of the gallery was packed with male Satirens. What was this about? Dar wondered. Granted, he’d been given full rights as a purebred, but being a half-breed always made him skeptical. He led the way down to the seats.

Ah, a good view, Garnic said as he sat down. He looked at the male sitting next to him. Have they said what this is about?

No, the male replied.

Hmm, very curious.

Below, High Council Leader Schrig stood. He was an older Satiren, his lush green hair showed much gray. Council is called to order! he bellowed. The massive room fell silent. After a few moments, he continued. You have been called here this morning for an emergency meeting. He took his seat. Late last night, a distress call came from our friends, the Neritians. It seems they are being invaded by an unknown species.

There were hushed comments throughout the hall.

Dar leaned over to Garnic. Did you know of this? he whispered.

No, if I did, I would’ve said something.

Schrig pointed above his head. If you would give your attention, we will replay the message.

Above, on the white painted wall, a crackly image appeared. Dar recognized the small tan-colored alien to be a Neritian. Then the video began to play. This is Yurnin of the Neritians. Our planet has come under siege by a species of alien not from this galaxy…As you know, our species is a peaceful race and do not possess many weapons to defend ourselves. I understand Satirens are peaceful as well, but we plead your assistance, if possible, to rid our planet of these invaders.

Dar watched as the images changed to a battle. The Neritians were doing their best to hold off the alien invaders. It was difficult to tell what they looked like; the images were taken at a distance. And then he saw one. Dar sat bolt upright in his chair. Squid Heads! he said in English, not even thinking about the Satiren translation.

What? Garnic asked. What are you talking about?

Dar grabbed Garnic. I need you to go back to the house and get Robert right now!

What? Are you mad? He’s above the age limit, and he’s not even Satiren.

He gave Garnic a firm smack on the arm. Go, now!

All right. He hurried out of the gallery.

Schrig looked up to the commotion going on. Is there a problem, Captain Meltom?

Dar stood. He was hesitant to say something, but decided the fate of their galaxy might just rest on his words. Sir, I’ve seen this species before.

Mumblings could be heard.

You have seen this species? Here, in this galaxy?

Uh, well, not in this galaxy.

The mumblings got louder and eventually engulfed the room in a cacophony of voices.

Silence! Schrig hollered. The noise continued for another minute or two. I said silence!

The crowd refused to heed Schrig’s warning. It was obvious the meeting was getting out of control.

Schrig grabbed a gavel and banged it on the table. Silence!!

Several of the council members echoed Schrig’s cry. The room finally fell silent again.

Ah, please continue, Captain. He gestured. "And what galaxy were you in when you encountered this species?"

The Milky Way Galaxy.

The whole room burst into loud chatter. Schrig picked up the gavel and slammed it on the table again. Silence! He studied Dar for a moment. Captain, I’m aware that you travel all over this galaxy, but what exactly were you doing in another one?

Dar realized all eyes were on him. Um, I, uh, wanted to go to Earth and find my father.

Am I to assume that you went through the wormhole near Erotis?

Yes, Sir.

And could this species have followed you back?

No, Sir, I doubt that.

Schrig folded his arms. And why do you doubt that?

Because the ones I saw were dead.

Dead?

Yes, Sir. Dead and preserved in large glass tanks.

Pssssssssst! Garnic hissed from behind.

Dar turned and saw his friend gesturing. Uh, begging the council’s pardon. I have someone who may know more about these invaders. He ran up the stairs, out of the gallery, and found Robert standing in the meeting area. He was wearing a black cloak with the hood pulled low over his head trying to disguise his aged and very Earthling features.

Come with me!

Are you crazy? Can’t you get in trouble for having a non-Satiren here? Robert said.

I don’t think that’ll matter right now. Dar hurried Robert down to the council floor. He pushed the door open and walked right into the middle.

Captain Meltom! Schrig barked. You are not allowed on the council floor.

Apologies. But this is important. He grasped the hood and pulled it back, revealing Robert.

The crowd gasped and chattered loudly.

Captain!

I know, I know, he’s not Satiren, but he might be able to help.

Council member Mailam stood. He’s Denrika’s mate, Robert, the sub-species Kruelian. I’ve seen him in Krodus’s tavern a few times. How can he help?

Um, technically, yes, he’s sub-species Kruelian, but in reality…he’s Earthling.

Once again the room burst into loud conversation. Schrig banged the gavel. Enough! Silence will be had in these proceedings.

Robert is an Earthling scientist. His job was to study alien species. Dar pointed to the wall. Can you show the message again, please?

Schrig studied Dar for a moment before motioning. Ghrast, can you replay the message?

Yes, Sir, Council Member Ghrast said as he pushed the button.

Robert quietly watched the video. When they got to the battle and he saw who the enemy was, he grabbed Dar. Squid Heads! he said in English.

What is it that you said? Schrig asked.

Robert paced nervously in a small circle. Uh, Dar, what’s the Satiren words for Squid Head?

Uh, uh, narjallal tetna…That’s all you know them by?

Well, yes, not like we had a proper name for ’em on Earth. He turned and addressed the council, speaking slowly in Satiren, since he was still learning the language. "On Earth, we called them narjallal tetna—or Squid Heads."

Squid Heads? Schrig said slowly.

Robert shrugged his shoulders. It’s what we thought they looked like.

Dar pointed to the screen. Robert, did any of the aliens have those when you found them?

Huh?

Those—those blue things on their heads. It seems to be some sort of weapon.

He watched for a few moments. No, the ones on Earth didn’t have those.

And look, in the background, a shuttle.

Yes, yes.

Schrig stood. Can you be of service, Robert?

He bowed his head slightly. I will do everything I can to help.

Captain Meltom?

Yes, Sir? Dar replied.

Stories of your clashes with the Soothians are well known…Since you are the only Satiren with any kind of combat experience, I task you to lead our army into battle.

What?! His jaw fell open.

We need someone with experience.

With all due respect, Council Leader Schrig, Satirens are a peaceful species, we’re not meant to fight. These males are no more ready to do battle than a new youngling.

An alliance has been made with the Neritians; we will do everything we can to assist them.

But, Sir, taking an untrained army into battle is like ladniks to the slaughter. Our species is threatened enough; we can’t afford to lose healthy males.

We don’t have much choice. Their pleas have gone unanswered from other planets. Satiris must help. Schrig stood and walked down to the floor. If this alien species is set on invasion, then we need to do everything in our power to stop them. The galaxy could be at great risk.

Unfortunately, we don’t have much in our power…How many phasers are on this planet?

So far, we have counted fifty.

Fifty?

Captain, Robert, please accompany me to chambers. I will have Mailam assemble the troops at the spaceport.

But—

This way, please. He motioned for them to follow. They went down a long dark hallway and into an office. I need to show you something else. Schrig sat at the desk and turned on a large reading tablet. There was more to the message, but we felt it might cause fear in the eyes of our troops.

Fear? Dar said.

Schrig turned the tablet around so they could watch. The Neritians have reported minimal success in using phasers against the Squid Heads.

So what’s been working? Robert asked.

Nothing so far. The Neritians managed to seal themselves off in some of the old catacombs where they used to live. But they can’t stay down there forever.

And if the Squid Heads get bored because they can’t get the Neritians out of their holes, they may move on to another planet, Dar said, watching.

Exactly. And the next closest planets are Lanteris, Nouis, Newrillis, Kiburgis, and…

Satiris, Dar interjected. I doubt they’ll tangle with the Kiburgans, and the Newrillians are well armed, they might stand a chance. But the others aren’t. We have to stop them.

Robert scratched his head. So phasers don’t work against them?

No, they seem to suck up the energy pulse.

Fascinating.

What more do you know of this species? Schrig asked.

Unfortunately, the only living one I had to study was critically injured when their ship crashed on Earth. It survived a couple of days and was never conscious.

Schrig looked at Dar. So how can he be of help?

He’s a scientist. Maybe if he sees them alive and in action, he can find a way to stop them.

Fine. How long before you can leave for Nerit?

I need to lay in supplies for the troops; can’t eat air.

I know the Marsuian is in dock at the spaceport. Food and supplies are being brought this very moment.

Gee, thanks.

Captain, you must hurry.

Dar stood. I understand that. But I’ll only have a little over four days to train them to fight. Sir, this is insanity!

Do the best you can. We know there may be a loss of Satiren life; that is a fact we have to accept.

Maybe I don’t wanna accept it.

I’m sorry.

Robert got up and went to the door. Sir, I haven’t known Dar very long, but he’s told me how rare and precious the Satirens are…Believe me, with Denrika as my mate, I definitely understand how priceless they are. I’ll do everything in my power to find a way to stop these invaders.

Thank you, Robert. And good luck to you both.

We’ll see you in a few hours, Dar said as he closed the door on the hover shuttle.

Okay, I’m going home to pack, Garnic replied, pulling away.

Robert was already at the door, eager to get some breakfast, although it was nearly 11 a.m., and any sort of food substance was sounding good at the moment.

Dar jogged up the walkway and through the door as Robert held it open. The wonderful aroma of fried porcinis strips greeted his nose. He was starved. Oh, food! he gasped, hurrying to the kitchen. As he came around the corner, an enormous feast awaited them. Denrika and Parnela had cooked up something of a brunch. There were two or three kinds of meat, bread, various fruits, game fowl eggs, and juice. All was laid out beautifully on the large table.

Thank you! Dar went over and gave each a kiss. And he gave Denrika a hug, pressing his cheek against her fading green hair, he smelled Softsuckle. Happy Born Day, Mother. Reaching into his pocket, he took out the small box and offered it to her.

Oh, you didn’t have to, she said.

Yes, I did…I’ve missed far too many of your born days.

Denrika opened the box. Oh, it’s beautiful! She gave Dar a sloppy, motherly kiss.

He laughed, wiping his cheek. You’re welcome, Mother. After putting up with me, you deserve the best drig can afford.

"You weren’t that bad. Probably the hardest