Jouth #2

By Eddie D. Moore, Julie Frost, John Taloni and Dimpre Kaleem

Jouth is Blaster Book's hot new anthology sci-fi series. In the second issue, we turn to space! A smuggling crew gains an unwelcome AI member as they struggle to keep their diminutive secret passengers from killing one another in "Meerkat Manners" by Julie Frost. In the distant future, war returns to Earth as sleeper agents awaken in "Haunted by the Past" by Eddie D. Moore. Then we go to the past as a displaced time traveler alters the course of war in "Destiny Sails" by Dimpre Kaleem.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Blaster books
• Release date: Feb 5, 2016
• ISBN: 9781524243401

Book preview

Meerkat Manners

By Julie Frost

Navigating the quagmire of government regs always gave Russell Fisk a monstrous headache. He leaned against the doorframe to the cockpit of his little interplanetary transport ship with his arms crossed, watching in vast irritation as the technicians installed the new Fed-mandated AI. The Inquisitive Tamandua might have been just a tramp freighter, but she was home, and he didn't need any more intrusive snooping. He was already contemplating hacks he could use to either circumvent the thing or – preferably – disable it altogether, without getting caught.

One of the techs sat back, and a grainy black and white hologram of a collared anteater materialized over the console, wearing a top hat, monocle, and vest. It looked around, sniffing, and then appeared to be...

Disappointed.

Russ bristled as its shoulders slumped. This thing, no matter how damn smart it was, was a hunk of programming and electrons. It didn't get to be disappointed in his ship. The tech frowned and tapped a screen. The graininess lessened, but the hologram stayed stubbornly black and white. The AI sighed. Really?  Is this the best we can bloody well do?

Straightening, Russ fisted his hands on his hips. You don't have to stay, he snapped.  In fact, I'd rather you didn't.

The long snout waved up and down. This is my assignment, so as a matter of fact, I do.  I have no idea what grievous sin I committed to deserve such a -   It caught his expression and stopped. It must have a diplomacy chip, Russ thought uncharitably.

Do you have a name? he asked.

We normally take on the name of our ship, but Inquisitive Tamandua is a bit of a mouthful.  Why don't you call me 'George?'

The techs packed their crap and made ready to go. Remember, if anything goes wrong, call for support immediately. It could be the difference between life and death.

Fantastic, Russ said, pinching the bridge of his nose. How reliable is this thing, anyway?

I'm standing right here, George said, managing to sound acerbic. And I'm quite reliable, thanks ever so. If anything goes wrong, it'll be because of your outdated equipment. Is that bubble gum holding this capacitor and that coupler together?

It's a butadiene-based sticky synthetic polymer, and it works.

George put a paw over its eyes and shook its head. As you say, bubble gum.

Russ refused to concede the point.  My mechanics make do with what we can afford.  Sometimes that's not much.

Yes, I've had a toddle through your financials, which didn't take long.  Are you getting a new job anytime soon?  Because if not, then we may not have to endure each other for an extended period. You'll be bankrupt, and I'll get a transfer.

I have one or two things I'm considering.

One thing, actually, and it skated the lines of legality.  Immigration law wasn't Russ's strong suit.  He just got objects and sometimes people from Point A to Point B and didn't ask too many questions. He didn't like transporting live cargo, but he wasn't exactly spoiled for choices.  In addition to skating the lines of legality, this job skated the lines of people.  But it would pay well.

His 23-year-old daughter Mandy slipped into the cockpit and gave George a nasty look, flumping into the pilot's chair.  You keep your pointy nose out of my business, Mister.  No one wants you here.

That's been made eminently clear.  I assure you, the feeling is entirely mutual.

Just so we understand each other.  She turned to Russ.  Do we have a job, Dad?

In fact, we do.  Take us off-world, and I'll tell you about it down in the cargo bay.  The cargo bay, where he had made absolutely certain their new AI couldn't snoop. 

George, of course, knew this, and it let out another long-suffering sigh.  If you're going to hide things from me, then this relationship is doomed before it starts.  We must work together.

The Feds put you on my ship without so much as a by-your-leave, Russ answered, belting himself into the co-pilot's seat.  I don't like it, and I don't know if I can actually trust you yet.  Until I know what I'm dealing with, with regards to you and the cargo, it's need-to-know.  And you, George, do not need to know.

"No need to be belligerent right away, either," George sniffed.

Maybe not.  I do have every need to be cautious right away, however.  The engine rumbled, and they lifted off.  If you don't like it, feel free to delete yourself from my systems.  I won't tell.

The hologram recoiled.  Now you're just being unnecessarily nasty.

Am I?  If you –

A light blinked red on the console, and Mandy swore and slapped at