The Beast Within

By Theresa Snyder

Captain Targus of MT #2424 has found a way to assist his Henu friends in rebuilding the cliff dwellings at Ijul. But, has his innocent actions inadvertently placed a member of the community in danger? Plotting, chaos and murder touch Targus’ life in this adventure. How will he deal with these life-altering events and who will show him comfort during his time of need?

Not his second in command, Sergeant Coal...

Coal is off on his own adventure. He has been summons home to Realda by his lost love, Raceen. There is a hidden mystery on this planet, where everyone looks the same except for their diversity of brightly colored, ornate tattoos. Coal may reveal a secret so closely kept by the government of Realda that it might be the death of them all as a species.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Theresa Snyder
• Release date: Jun 2, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370653911

Theresa Snyder

Theresa Snyder is a multi-genre writer with an internationally read blog. Theresa grew up on a diet of B&W Scifi films like Forbidden Planet and The Day the Earth Stood Still. She is a voracious reader and her character driven writing is influenced by the early works of Ray Bradbury, Robert Heinlein, Anne McCaffery and L. Ron Hubbard. She loves to travel, but makes her home in Oregon where her elder father and she share a home and the maintenance of the resident cat, wild birds, squirrels, garden and an occasional dragon house guest.

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The Beast Within

The Star Traveler Series Vol. 7

Theresa Snyder

Copyright © 2017 Theresa Snyder

All rights reserved.

Distributed by Smashwords

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DEDICATION

To my all my dedicated readers who gave

The Star Traveler Series, my first books, a chance.

Contents

BOOKS BY THERESA SNYDER

Prologue

1. Aboard MT 2424

2. The Planet Realda

3. Aboard Cruiser Harriot

4. Aboard MT 2424

5. The Planet Walh

6. Aboard MT 2424

7. The Maelstrom

8. Aboard MT 2424

9. The Planet Henu

10. Aboard MT 2424

11. The Planet Henu

12. The Planet Realda

13. The Planet Henu

14. The Planet Realda

15. The Planet Henu

16. The Planet Realda

17. The Planet Henu

18. Aboard MT 2424

19. The Planet Henu

20. The Planet Realda

21. Aboard MT 2424

22. The Planet Realda

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

AUTHOR’S NOTE

BOOKS BY THERESA SNYDER

The Farloft Chronicles

(Dragon books suitable for Middle-school to Adult)

James & the Dragon - Vol. 1

Kingdom of the Last Dragon - Vol. 2

Dragon Deception - Vol. 3

Too Many Dragons - Vol. 4

Three & a Half Dragons - Vol. 5

Dragon Memories, Dreams & Reflection - Vol. 6

The Star Traveler Series

(Sci-fi suitable for Young Adult to Adult)

The Helavite War - Vol. 1

The Heirs of Henu - Vol. 2

Old Friends/New Enemies - Vol. 3

The Malefactors - Vol. 4

Cataclysm - Vol. 5

A Mear Sleight of Hand - Vol. 6

The Beast Within - Vol. 7

The Twin Cities Series

(Paranormal Mature Young Adult to Adult)

Shifting in The Realms (Book 1)

Shifting Agony & Ecstasy (Book 2)

Shifting Places (Book 3)

Shifting From Darkness Into Light (Book 4)

Shifting For Better or Worse (Book 5)

Memoir

(Adult Non-fiction)

We 3

www.TheresaSnyderAuthor.com

Prologue

The myth and lore of the dragon extends across the histories of many diverse cultures as great winged, fire breathing beasts that preyed upon human populations.

Renowned warriors were dispatched to prove their courage and worthiness in all these tales by vanquishing the scaly foes.

The dragons were all killed.

Thus, the dragon went down in mythology - eradicated for the good of mankind.

On the far side of the universe there is a planet called Realda. On this planet, a similar genocide took place. A beast not unlike our dragon, a Ves-trag, also preyed on the populace.

There was a great outcry from the people to their leaders to eliminate these creatures. Government leaders stood before their houses and declared open warfare on the Ves-trag.

The Ves-trags were all killed.

Science tells us when you remove a species from the foodchain, often some other rises to fill the void.

What the Realdats did not understand was that the Ves-trag was a controller in their population - culling a specific race of Realdat. This race was identical to other Realdats in appearance, but very different in other ways. Members of the population, though identical in form were very, very different. They even referred to themselves secretly as the Bahari.

The Bahari lived quietly hiding in plain sight of the general population - undetected, unknown. To the average Realdat on the street, the Bahari were just other Realdats. They did not realize the danger lurking so close to them and their children.

But, the Ves-trag could smell the difference. They could detect the sweet tang on the skin of the Bahari sub-population - a hidden culture, a separate species that took a left turn in the evolutionary chain to become a population of flesh eaters. Realdat flesh eaters.

In killing the Ves-trag the Realdats left the Bahari unchecked. They were now at the mercy of a flesh eating predator most did not even believe existed, and few could recognize.

Aboard MT #2424

Coal sat aboard Mobile Tactical Unit #2424 trying to steady his breathing as his heart raced like a pi deer being chased by a Dar-dolf. He stared at the tail of the Ves-trag tattoo on the back of his hand. He It was radiating a glow from the chip below its surface.

No one knew the code except Raceen. She had finally activated the encoding. The one he gave her when he left sixty years ago. He told her if she ever needed him, for anything, she could summon him and he would come to her immediately.

His head raced along with his heart. What prompted her to signal him after all these years? Had her marriage faltered? Had her husband died? Or, was there some other desperate news she needed to tell? For desperation was all that he could think of that would drive her to contact him.

He wanted to contact her, to talk to her. However, if her husband was still living, this would cause her great harm if he were to find out.

Coal had to go to her. He would meet her in their secret place and help her in whatever way she asked of him.

He could not fail her. He had made that promise.

*****

I need to request a leave, Cap, Coal said, with a practiced calm. Targus had to grant his request. If Cap said no he would jump ship the first opportunity that presented itself. He didn’t want to desert Cap and Terrell. MT #2424 and its crew were like family to him, but if it came down to choosing, Raceen came first.

Targus set his empty mug down absently on the counter and looked across the table in the galley. His first officer and computer expert had never asked for leave in the almost forty years he had been aboard ship. Targus offered many times in the past to drop Coal off somewhere for R&R. The reserved Realdat always said he was fine with wherever Targus wanted to go. In recent years he, Coal and Terrell (his chief medical/forensic officer) spent most of their free time on the Henu planet with Terrell’s relatives and the extended family community of Henu. Terrell was the son of Arr, leader of the Henu, and a human from Refitting Station ‘Terrell.’ Targus was instrumental in bringing father and son together. Arr had been unaware there was a child from his relationship with Terrell’s mother.

Of course you can have leave. I must admit I am curious though. Where are we dropping you off? Targus turned back around to fill his mug with pitch.

I wouldn’t ask you to go as far as I have to travel, Cap. He fingered the faintly glowing tat on his hand. You can just drop me at Refitting Station Quasar. The Captain turn back around. Targus’ expression told Coal he was not going to get away with this tidbit of information. I have to go home.

To Realda? Targus’ cup of pitch was once more forgotten as he leaned his huge frame back against the counter. It’s practically on the other side of the Universe. It’ll take you months to get there and back.

I’ve been studying the charts. If I jump through four space windows and ride the Maelstrom, I’ll be back before you know it.

Are you insane? Cap didn’t want to see Coal ride this extremely dangerous gravitational stream in space. His team was forced into using the highly unorthodox mode of transport less than six months ago on a mission in order to travel a great distance much faster than the hyper-drive could ever take them. No one rode the Maelstrom unless they were desperate or insane.

Coal slumped into a chair on the other side of the table. He ran his thumb over the arched wings of the Hagel over his brow, the tattoo of a mythical creature from his home planet pranced on cloven hoofs across his cheek.

I know I will be gone for a long time. In truth, I can’t tell you how long until I get there. You just have to trust me, Cap. I have to go home.

Even though Coal was the eldest of the MT team he was not the Captain. He needed Targus’ permission to leave as senior officer.

This was not just a request for leave. The length of time that Coal would be away could mean the breakup of Targus’ team. He thought of the quest to replace his medical officer, Damion. He was fortunate to find Terrell. The idea of finding a permanent replacement for Coal was unthinkable. He was the foundation of the team. The rock they all depended on.

I’ll have to apply to Galactic Forces for a replacement, Targus said almost apologetically. Terrell and I can’t handle the work alone for that long.

I know, Coal agreed quietly.

A posting on MT #2424 would be a much sought after position. Targus was famous in his own right. Even among the other fine Walhmite officers of the Galactic Forces he stood out. To have the opportunity to work with a captain that graduated early, at the top of his class, and was the rightful heir to the throne of Walh was something every cadet would jump at. Even seasoned officers would apply. If Coal was replaced for as long as a year, he might not have a position to come back to. The new recruit may just fit in so well he would have to apply for a position with some other MT Unit or worse, do planet bound duty.

Targus finally finished pouring himself a cup of pitch. He eased his bulky seven-foot-eight-inch frame down into a chair on the opposite side of the table, leaned back and tried to look calmer than he felt.

You want to tell me what it is that is so important at home you are willing to risk your career for it? A competent Captain would not lose the best computer officer in the Galactic Forces without at least trying to talk him out of it. But there was more to it than duty. Coal was far more than a valued crew member. The Realdat with the bright lavender hair and intricate tattoos was like family to Targus. Up until this moment, Targus thought he knew Coal. He depend on him, even predicted his actions in a given situation. Targus didn’t like change.

I’ve told you about Raceen, Coal said. When I left Realda I gave her a way to contact me if she needed me. She did so about an hour ago. Coal held out his hand for Targus to see the glowing tail on his tat. She activated the encoded chip. I have no way to reply to her without repercussions. I must see her in person. She wouldn’t have called me unless her situation was desperate.

Targus thought of that time, years ago, when Coal told him of his love, Raceen. How in the caste system of his planet she was sold into a higher position by her parents in order to support the rest of her siblings. How this broke both of their hearts, even if it was looked upon favorably in Realdat society. Targus recalled Coal telling him that Raceen would have a better life, in a nicer home, with all she could possibly want. She would not be a slave, but rather a purchased bride. She would be treated well. Coal could not begrudge her that life.

Let me make some calls. Maybe we have someone in the Forces close to Realda. They could contact her discreetly and find out what she needs, Targus suggested.

I can’t take a chance like that. She trusts me to keep her safe. No one knows the ways of the Realdat like a Realdat. I have told you what it is like. I can’t risk it. He almost wished what Targus suggested was possible. MT #2424 and its crew were his family. He didn’t want to give them up either.

I can’t, and wouldn’t, keep you from going, Coal. Targus rose to his feet. You can set course for Refitting Station Quasar immediately. However, during the time it takes us to get there, I want you to think hard about this. I won’t contact the Galactic Forces for a replacement until after our trip to Walh. Terrell and I can handle the transport of Qallik and his Dar-dolf team after the Season is over. That should take at least thirty days. We can drag out the acclimation Qallik on Henu. You should know something by then and tell us.

I will move as fast as I can, Cap. I just have no idea what to expect.

Targus came around the table and placed his hand on his friend’s shoulder. If she has lost her husband, will you be retiring to Realda?

It is not my plan to retire, Cap, Coal answered honestly. But, it has always been my desire to spend my life with Raceen.

*****

Terrell leaned against the door jamb watching Coal pack. He was traveling light - only the bare necessities for a trip this far and this complex.

Terrell knew the story of Raceen. He just wished Coal didn’t have to leave now. Terrell wasn’t looking forward to being alone with Cap just prior to Season, or the trip to the Henu planet with an unknown, untrained Walhmite on board.

Coal turned to find Terrell standing in his doorway - his deep blue eyes, with the elongated cat shaped irises, watching his every move. He did not hear his shipmate’s approach. The young man was very agile and light on his feet even in spacer boots. On board ship during these lengthy travel times he always wore the traditional Henu soft palum knee boots, making his movements almost impossible to detect.

You want to talk? Coal raised his left eyebrow in a question. It made the wings of his Hagel rise in an exaggerated inverted ‘V.’

Terrell just nodded and fell into the chair next to Coal’s bunk. Coal moved his bag to the floor and sat down cross-legged on the bed.

Season isn’t on a time clock, we found that out last time, Terrell said. Last Season Cap changed so slowly I didn’t even recognize it. I thought it was me that was making him aggressive and short tempered.

In a way, you were, Terrell. He didn’t know you then. You were a new crew member. He doesn’t think rationally in Season. Cap saw you as weak, vulnerable. Both of you know better now, Coal assured him.

Terrell broke out in a sweat just thinking about what happened almost six years ago. His photographic memory flashed the images through his mind. He heard the rip of his uniform and feel the agony of Targus’ massive Seasonal claws raking his back from shoulder to waist all over again. He winced, remembering the blows that crushed his ribs and sent him crashing to the floor. Cap might have killed him if Coal hadn’t stopped him with a blaster stun.

Out of Season, Terrell loved Cap as a friend, shipmate, roll model, and mentor. In Season, Terrell was as frightened of Targus as he was his abusive human grandfather. And, Targus could do much more damage.

Coal knew Terrell was uncomfortable with the upcoming mission to Walh and the transport of Qallik and his Dar-dolf team to the Henu planet. He didn’t like the feeling he was deserting the kid when he needed his guidance the most.

Coal admired all the Henu, but he held a particular soft spot for his shipmate. He knew what Terrell went through as an abused child at the mercy of his human grandfather. He admired the young man because he overcame his past, excelled at his studies, and was one of the finest MT medical officers in the galaxy.

Coal hoped to call him friend and crew mate for many years to come. With the Henu/human blood mix, he could easily live to be as old as Coal. From that perspective, Terrell was almost a child now.

I am sorry I have to leave right now. You know I would stay and see us through the Season if I could. Coal stroked the tail on the back of his hand absently. It would fade soon. The power of the chip only lasted a short time. Raceen wouldn’t have sent me word if she didn’t need me right away. As it is, it will take me over a month to get there. But, you’re going to do just fine, Terrell.

I don’t know, Terrell said anxiously.

Of course you do. The Season caught you off guard last time. You know Targus now.

I thought I knew him then. Terrell started to softly purr.

Coal heard the gentle sound and knew it was an indication Terrell was trying to calm himself.

Come on, give yourself some credit, Coal reprimanded. Keep it simple. You know the signs in Cap’s attitude. He will also be very vigilant. Lock him up for two weeks prior to Season’s peak. I spoke with him and he is agreeable. Targus intends to spend some time settling in Qallik and his team. Have some nice R&R with the family. I’ll be back before you know it.

I’d just feel better if you were here, Terrell conceded.

I would too, but I can’t. So, you’ll have to manage it alone.

Coal, we’re coming up on the refitting station, Targus called over the intercom from the bridge.

Coal rocked up from his sitting position and picked up his bag. As Terrell stood, Coal placed his hand on the young man’s shoulder. You’ll do fine. Just remember, Coal smiled, his growl is followed by his bite.

Yeah, thanks. I have no trouble remembering that.

Coal noted Terrell was still quietly purring.

The Planet Realda

Raceen hurried along the street on her way to Whyp, the Chanter. She slipped past her bodyguard and out through the service entrance of the house she shared with Golnar. No woman of property felt safe on the city streets without a bodyguard, but Raceen prepared well. She removed all the signs of her status; the ring Golnar gave her upon his purchase of her from her parents, the two gold bands she wore side-by-side on her index finger to proclaim her status as spoken for to all other men, and the gold holograph holder she wore around her neck which held the image rings of Golnar and her daughter Sanura. She wore no earrings, no heavy inlaid belt. She wore only the simple opaque floor length loincloth and breast plate of her parent’s caste, plain brown sandals with a matching belt, and floor length sheer mantelletta. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much she could do to conceal her identifying tattoos. All Realdats were identical. They distinguished one another by their highly individualized tats. Raceen was a walking bouquet of flowers, her skin a garden of delicate red blossoms.

Beneath the mantelletta, tucked in a concealed pocket, she carried the image ring of Sanura along with a bag of gold coins for the Chanter. The image was almost two years old, made when her child was twelve, but it was the most recent she had of Sanura. It was taken just a few weeks prior to her disappearance. Raceen had been searching for her ever since that fateful evening.

Several weeks ago, Raceen finally threw out enough money to bring results. She found out where Sanura and her nurse were. But, she was too late. Sanura was no longer with her. The child had ran away.

Ran away… These were not just words on a page. They were likely a death sentence.

A group of homeless children mobbing down the street, directly in her path, pulled Raceen back to the present. They were why no one ventured out at night without an escort or a bodyguard. The city was full of ‘streets,’ the homeless, unwanted children from the lower castes. Their families could not afford to care for them, and yet their beliefs would not allow them to refrain from producing more and more each year.

There were cities the higher castes actually deserted due to the sheer numbers of ‘streets’ roaming free. The tourism of a nearby city was recently disrupted by the genocide of these preying children. Members of a radical group converged on a park full of sleeping children and opened fire. They killed sixty-three children ranging in age from two to eighteen. The government all but ignored the incident.

This was the world her child was in now. She would be homeless. She would be prey to rape, slavery, murder, even the Bahari if what Coalhealh told her was true. She had to find Sanura. Raceen gathered her garment tightly around her not so much to keep it from floating in the Breath of Tryack as for the comfort of its gossamer cocoon against the streets.

The mob was getting closer. They were talking among themselves and had not seen her yet. Raceen stepped into a doorway to avoid the children. She did not see the teenager sleeping in the dark alcove. She only realized her mistake when the child barked an obscenity when Raceen accidentally stepped on her. The girl rose swiftly and pushed her back onto the street.

Hagel! the girl cursed. Think we trash under your feet, woman?

The child was about Sanura’s age, but she could never be mistaken for her child. This one had the crude tats of dots, lines and chevrons used by the streets.

No, Raceen apologized. I am sorry. She backed away from the girl.

The girl spotted the mob approaching. There was help at hand. She need only make the call to arms.

Good tats here! she yelled and the mob of children down the street came to attention.

They caught sight of Raceen’s ornate flower tats