Chasing Chaos

By Terry Compton

The captain and crew of the tramp freighter stumbled onto the perfect way to make some money. All they had to do was hold four little boys they kidnapped until their families paid the ransom.
The boys had something to say about it though. The kidnappers found themselves with a cargo bay full of chaos they couldn't let go of nor get into and more chaos on their trail.
A very nasty pirate searching for them, furious family and friends chasing after to skin them alive, and more people at each port they stopped at wanting a piece of their hide only added to the ever growing chaos.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Terry Compton
• Release date: Apr 25, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463636206

Terry Compton

Terry Compton has raced stock cars, rode horses across the Scapegoat Wilderness, fished and hunted most of his adult life while working at several different jobs. He is an Air Force veteran and served in the Air National Guard for several years. He is currently retired from being the owner, chief welder and installer for an ornamental iron business where he has made several award winning metal creations and is now turning this creativity to writing.Terry loves to read science fiction, westerns and mystery stories. Some of his favorite authors are Clive Cussler, Robert Ludlum, Tom Clancy, Andre Norton, Poul Anderson, Robert Heinlein, Louie L'Amour, Zane Grey and Anne McCaffery. He is currently learning about 'indie' authors who are publishing e-books.Terry currently lives in Montana with his wife and a dog who thinks she is a short furry people.

Book preview

Chapter 1

The sound of music with more than an occasional sour note drifted out of the room off the little used corridor. The few pedestrians going by outside moved to the other side of the passageway to get as far away from the noise as they could. Most covered their ears as they hurried past.

One passerby looked in to see a quartet of alien boys vigorously working at different instruments. A 30 inch Jonko stood to the front of the group roughly strumming a stringed device, backed up by another 4 ½ foot Jonko whacking at some percussion tubes. A six foot tall Arnte blew on a brass color horn that curled around his fist then enlarged to a belled mouth. A 3 ½ foot tall Elaparis hammered at the keys on a keyboard.

The passerby didn't see the robot standing beside the door, nor the four remote sensors following every move the boys made. The robot didn't show any signs of discomfort when discordant notes came from the instruments, but the passerby did. Her face scrunched in agony and her feet moved even faster.

The smallest boy suddenly stopped playing as his lower lip came out into a pout. He said, Gena, I'm hungry and thirsty.

The robot responded, Ghita, you know you have to practice for twenty more minutes.

But, I'm hungry now. Besides, what good does this do? We can't compete with Bajel.

You don't compete with Bajel. She's one of a kind. But you might be up on stage to perform with her or Varn if you learn to play better.

Buuttt….

The robot glared at the boy, Are you whining? We can make this session last twenty-five more minutes.

The boy on the keyboard said, Shut up and start playing. I don't want to be here through my free time.

What if I don't? What are either of you going to do about it?

The robot held a hand to her ear. She said, Yes, ma'am, Baya. Things are going great here. Oh, why aren't they playing? They needed a break. They'll be making beautiful music again for the next twenty-five minutes.

She seemed to be listening, then said, I understand. The enviro workers need some help cleaning down there. I understand it reeks.

Four sets of eyes widened in shock. Four heads were shaking no as they mouthed the word. A gurgling sound came from the tall Arnte. Ghita twisted for an instant to look at him, then rearranged the stringed instrument and started strumming. The other three quickly joined in. None could see the look of amusement in the robot's eyes because she had tipped her head forward.

The music smoothed out with fewer mistakes and the boys seemed to be enjoying it more. A tiny voice came over the robot's comm, How are you getting a comm from Baya? You know she's off station and very busy. Those boys know it too. Besides, I thought robots couldn't harm beings.

She murmured, Who said I had a comm from Baya? I was just practicing my little speech if she did call. And I didn't harm them in the least. Their imagination provided all the encouragement they needed. Just listen to how well they are playing.

You're getting very sneaky in your handling of our charges. Where did you learn this?

The robot giggled, From a very roguish AI. One that's so bad he has to be confined in a shield.

Ommex, the very same AI mentioned, snorted, I have done nothing to warrant being stuck in this shield or to be humiliated by being made a babysitter to that gang of ruffians. This has been one of the sorriest years in my existence.

Just answer Captain Josh's questions and he'd let you out. You're reluctance to answer such a simple request doesn't come across as very trustworthy.

Hmmmph.

Twenty-five minutes passed, plus three more to finish the song they were playing. Gena said, Your practice time is up – unless you'd like to continue.

The boys stopped in mid-motion and soon had their instruments stowed in the cabinet at the rear of the room. Ghita said, I'm ready to get something to eat.

The boy from the keyboard said, Ghita, you're always hungry.

Menixa, I'm growing so it takes more nourishment.

Where are you growing? I can't see —

Ommex shouted from all of the remote sensors following the group, THAT'S ENOUGH. I'm tired of you two bickering all the time.

The two glared at each other, but soon turned to walk down the passageway. Hunger became stronger than the need to bicker and pester the AI. As they continued along the passageway, the tall Arnte reached over to nudge Ghita. Ghita shoved a shoulder into his friend, then pushed the other Jonko into Menixa. The pushing match was on.

Two long sighs came from the robot and the sensors controlled by Ommex. The robot rolled along behind the boys watching them speed up, then slow down to avoid the shoves the others were aiming at them. More sighs came from the mechanical babysitters.

This continued for ten minutes as the group walked along the passageways. Ghita rounded a curve and stopped. He pushed the Arnte hard as he muttered, Daru, something's wrong up there. That's the girl from two apartments over. Who is that slug mauling her and why is she just letting him?

I don't know, but I see a blaster.

The other two boys heard most of the conversation, but not the robot or sensors as they were several yards behind the boys. Ghita said, I'll get the blaster. Daru, you take him down. Menixa, Sempo, keep him down.

Ghita shouted, I'll beat you to the galley.

He shoved Daru into the other two, then took off at a sprint toward the trouble. Daru whispered just loud enough for his friend to hear, No knives, Ghita. Captain Josh would skin you.

The other boys and Daru started yelling, No fair. Cheater. Give us a break.

The greasy spacer mauling the girl looked up at all the yelling. His eyes didn't tell him that the three boys chasing Ghita weren't doing their best. All he saw was the smallest one coming closer at a fast sprint.

He stepped back from the girl and his hand dropped close to his blaster. A particularly loud yell drew his focus to the pack behind Ghita. His gaze went even farther down the passageway when the robot wheeled around the corner and started yelling at the boys for running.

Before the spacer knew he had trouble, Ghita shot between the male and the girl. Ghita grabbed the blaster and jerked it out of the holster on his way by. A second later, the six-foot tall Daru hit him in the middle with his shoulder. The spacer flew ten feet before he landed on his back with a loud whoosh of air leaving his lungs. He slid on the floor for another twenty feet, then crashed into the wall.

The male groaned and tried to suck in some air. Three bodies piled into him, denying any oxygen in. The three boys pounded him, then rolled him onto his stomach. Sempo pulled a length of strap out of a pocket and they proceeded to truss the spacer like a well prepared roast.

Gena slid to a halt and started to open her mouth to scream at the boys, but the sensors said, Look over there.

Ghita stood in front of the Linyi girl. Even though she only stood 4 ½ feet tall, she towered over the young boy. He asked, Are you alright? Did that jerk hurt you?

Quiet sobs and a hung head was her only answer. He continued, I have his blaster. Do you want to shoot him? I can if the sight of blood makes you sick. His won't bother me a bit.

A very soft voice came out of the sobs, I have to be nice to the customers. My last owner said —

Ghita snorted, You don't have to be nice here – well, other than to the people who work here. Just look at me. I'm only nice to some people.

The sound of coughing from the robot and the sensors barely covered their laughter. Ghita just glanced at them, then his attention riveted back to the girl. Well, do you want to shoot him or do you want me to?

The greasy spacer, not having recovered enough breath to speak, vigorously shook his head no. The yellow of his eyes clearly showed his terror. Menixa said, Ghita, you're too bloody. You can't shoot this scum with a blaster. It might ricochet and mess up something in here.

I can use my knife then.

Gena asked, And where will you get this knife? I thought you turned all of them over to Captain Josh.

He let me keep this one. It's not quite finished yet. I need to polish it a little more and work on the handle.

He turned to the girl, Would you like to cut off some of his parts? Would you like me to? My knife isn't as sharp as I usually make them, but I could saw off an ear, his nose...

The head shaking became almost violent. Gena said, Ghita, we can't be cutting parts off of visitors. We'll let security handle this.

Ommex replied through the sensors, They've already been notified.

Ghita's lip protruded again as he whined, Ahhh, Baya will get to have all the fun. Why can't I do just a few cuts? Squashed Bug there hurt her.

Gena rolled up close to the girl and began a scan. The girl asked, Who's Baya?

Daru said, That's his older sister. She's head of security on this repair station. She's nice to us, but Captain Josh says she's meaner than a junk yard dog when someone crosses her.

The girl looked at him with big eyes, What's a junkyard dog?

Ghita said, We don't know, but whatever it is, it must rip arms and legs off before it even gets really worked up. I know her eyes look like that when I get in trouble.

That brought a chuckle out of the robot and the sensors. Gena said, And you get to see that look a lot, don't you?

Ghita looked down at his feet and swirled one foot around on the floor. It's not my fault. Things just happen.

The thug on the floor had his wind back somewhat and started to get up. Ghita said, Daru, step on that bug and keep him on the floor.

Daru took him at his word and stomped in the middle of the male. His six foot frame hadn't developed a lot of muscle yet, but it still packed close to two hundred pounds of mass. The ruffian didn't notice the muscles needing any work though as he lost his wind again.

The girl softly said, I've seen you before.

Ghita said, Yeah, I've seen you too. I think you live two buildings over from ours.

My name is Kalla. Who is that pretty woman who is with you sometimes and orders you around?

The boy's face flushed purple as he said, I'm sorry, I'm Ghita. The woman is my sister, Baya. She's the head of security here. That big goof over there is Daru and he's my best friend. His Dad is the station manager. That one is Sempo, my adopted brother, and he's Menixa, another friend.

The robot glared at Ghita. She said, Ghita, I think you should be a little more circumspect about who you talk in front of. Her eyes were directing him at the goon on the floor.

Oops.

Gena said, Kalla has some bruising and maybe a pulled muscle in her arm. She should be alright after we get her to medical.

The girl gasped, I can't go to medical. I'm supposed to be at a safety briefing right now, but I got lost…

These four can give you the safety briefing, the robot waved her arm at the boys. They have sat through it enough times to give it by heart. If you don't want to listen to them, they can show you the way.

They can teach me? How long have they been here? They don't look very old.

Ghita sniffed, Me and Sempo have been here for over a year and a half. And I'll have you know I'm ten years old.

Gena glared at him, but didn't say a word. After a few seconds, he said, Well, almost ten. Sempo is twelve and Daru is eleven. They've been here as long as I have.

The girl turned to Menixa, And how old are you? How long have you been here?

I've been here six months and I'm eleven years old. What difference does it make? We're experts at safety briefings.

I'm just surprised that you guys are experts. I've been here three weeks —

Ghita exclaimed, Three weeks and you haven't had a safety briefing? I'll bet you don't have a spacesuit either. What's the matter with Miss Kassie? She seems to be slipping.

Another glare came his way before the robot said, Miss Kassie has been busy taking care of a three month old baby girl. That's a full time job.

Daru said, I'm still hungry. When are we going to get something to eat?

Rapid footsteps from down the passageway turned everyone's attention toward the sound. Ghita moved to the side and brought the blaster up to point in that direction. A few seconds later, he saw three of the spaceship crewmen who doubled as security when they were on station trotting down the passageway. He lowered the blaster by his side.

The crewmen slowed to a walk and the lead male said, What kind of trouble have you gotten into this time, Ghita? Security usually doesn't get a call for your shenanigans. Whoa! What are you doing with a blaster? I thought you weren't even supposed to have a knife yet.

Hello to you too, Jaya. I took this off of him after he mauled her. Ghita pointed to the girl as he stared back at the crewman.

Jaya glanced at the spacer trussed up on the deck. His eyes widened in surprise, then narrowed in anger. His gaze shifted to the girl, Are you alright?

The girl only nodded. Gena said, I checked her out and she has some bruises and maybe a pulled muscle in her arm. I'm going to take her by medical.

Kalla said, I can't afford to go to medical. I don't have a job and I don't have any money. I need the briefing so I can at least earn my air and some food.

The boys, the three crewmen and the robot all stared at her. Finally, Gena asked, Weren't you one of the people that Varn rescued and brought in three weeks ago?

Yes, but I don't want to cause troubles. I —

Jaya asked, Did they ask about taking you home?

I'm never going home. I'd rather die first. You don't know what happened to me.

I think I do. I was on a pleasure palace for three years. They kidnapped me off of my planet, which is supposed to be closed to space traffic. I know what unspeakable things happen on those ships.

The girl's lower lip trembled, Then what are you doing here? My former shipmates said that the Charter Navy would send us to a planet worse than a prison planet if they caught us. How can you…

Jaya opened his mouth to explain until the robot made a growling sound deep in her throat. His eyes flew up to the robot's face. A shake of her head brought his attention to the prisoner on the floor.

His mouth tightened into a straight line before he reached down to jerk the spacer to his feet. The male, still not recovered from the last stomp, groaned and hunched over. Jaya said, I'll explain more after I dispose of this vermin.

The prisoner vigorously shook his head no. The other crewmen moved up on either side of the thug and grabbed his arms. Jaya pulled a knife to cut the bindings. A sharp tug brought his arms behind his back where Jaya snapped a set of manacles on his wrists.

Jaya shoved the goon down the passageway and told the other two to start towards Baya's office. He then turned to Kalla to ask, Have you had a real indoctrination on what we'll do for you around here and what your responsibilities are? Do you want these four to give you your safety briefing?

The girl lowered her eyes to the floor and shook her head. I, and the others that came in with me, have just been trying to find things to do to earn some food.

Jaya's face tightened into a scowl. Kalla continued, Why are these four such experts at safety?

Laughter broke out from the crewman, the robot and the sensors. Jaya said, Every time they've been in trouble, they violated some safety procedure. Captain Josh made them sit through another briefing, hoping to impress the importance of said safety into their heads. It seems to be working – although, very slowly.

The boys now hung their heads. Jaya said, Well, meet me at the office and we'll get your indoctrination taken care of.

But I don't know where the office is. I wound up here because I got lost trying to get to the safety briefing.

Just use your comm. Heather did issue you a comm, didn't she?

Kalla shook her head and tears welled up in her eyes. Jaya, Gena and Ommex all spoke at the same time, HEATHER. It's time to do something about her.

Chapter 2

Gena said, Jaya, go take care of your prisoner. We'll take Kalla to see Heather and get her squared away.

I'm still hungry, Ghita grumbled.

The other three chimed in, Me, too.

The four boys looked at Kalla, then Ghita said, She's hungry too.

Gena glanced at the girl as she asked, Child, when did you eat last?

I ate yesterday. I don't have to have much.

The shine of triumph came to all four boys' eyes. Gena said, Jaya, get out of here. I'll take this hungry pack of weleffs to get them something to eat before they start chewing on each other.

The crewman turned to hurry after the prisoner and his helpers. Gena grabbed Kalla by the arm and started her down the passageway. The boys walked ahead of them and soon were back to their little game of pushing each other. Gena and Ommex gave a big sigh again.

***

Gena and her group walked in the galley to see another crowd gathered around one of the tables. The boys ignored the commotion and headed straight to the food. Ommex kept three of the sensors with them and sent the other over the heads of the other throng.

Kalla asked, What's going on over there?

Ommex replied, Kassie and Kellie Anne. All the workers want to touch the little one.

A blank look came on the girl's face. Who are Kassie and Kellie Anne?

Kassie is Captain Josh's wife and Kellie Anne is their daughter. Captain Josh and his friend Cherry Kang own this repair station, Gena replied.

We should leave. We don't want to be noticed.

Kalla's stomach growled at the smell of the food. Gena said, Come on, let's get you something to eat and then we'll change your mind about the people who own this place.

Gena led the girl over to the food line. Kalla hesitated and took a long time to look over things. When she reached for a dish with fruits on it, Gena said, That isn't good for you. You might have a reaction to it.

Tears welled in Kalla's eyes. How am I supposed to know what to eat?

Just read the charts there. It lists the species who can eat the food.

The wetness now ran down Kalla's cheeks. Gena noticed and immediately took charge. Now, don't you fret. I forgot you don't have a translator yet. I'll point out what you can eat. You just pick what looks good to you. Ommex, get one of those women over there to go get her shipmates.

Kalla picked two very small portions of food that Gena pointed out. Gena fussed over her and made her get her plate full. She then directed the girl over to the boys' table while she moved back to translate for the other new members on the station.

The boys wolfed their food down while Kalla and the others ate slowly and savored each bite. Some of the crowd moved away from Kassie and she spotted Gena rolling around the new people.

Kassie stood and walked over to Gena. She asked, What's going on, Gena? Are these people new? I don't remember seeing them around before.

Varn rescued them about three weeks ago. We have a slight problem – they haven't been given any of their orientations or safety briefings. They don't have comm/translators and don't know what's going on.

Heather, right?

Gena nodded. Kassie said, Well, when they finish eating, we'll take them to the office.

Kassie moved over to sit beside the three new rescuees. She chatted brightly with them and answered all their questions about Kellie Anne. Kalla sat listening to her and Gena saw all four of the new people relax.

After checking to make sure the four had enough to eat, Kassie led them to the office. Gena rolled off with them to help in any way she could. Ommex communicated electronically with Gena to say he would monitor the boys.

As the newbies walked out the door, the boys split up to go to their different afternoon activities. Ghita went to a shop to work on his knives while Sempo headed to a computer lab. Daru worked in a shop with a replicator and Menixa worked in a robot shop.

***

Kassie marched into the office with Kellie Anne on her hip. She saw Heather, the tall Taun, holding a paper in each of her two lower hands while she held a comm with one of the upper ones. The other waved wildly as she talked.

Heather finished her conversation and hung up. Kassie's movement caught her attention. Her morning glory shaped ears stood to attention and her long mane of black hair stood up when Kassie walked in. The mane dropped flat against her back and her ears drooped against the side of her head when she saw the other four people walking behind Kassie.

Before Kassie could say a word, Heather dropped her head and mumbled, I'm sorry. I meant to get back to them. Things have just been hectic around here.

Heather, that's no excuse. If you can't keep up, let someone know so we can get some help in here. These people haven't had an orientation, safety briefing and worse, they haven't been eating regularly.

I'm sorry. I'll make it up to you.

Kassie frowned, It's not me you have to make it up to. These are the people who were hurt. Now, before anything else distracts you, get them comms. At least they'll be able to understand notices that are broadcast. Then give them the orientation about responsibilities and opportunities.

I will, Kassie. I promise to do better.

The comm chimed and Heather turned to answer it until Kassie cleared her throat. Instead, Heather waved the new comers into another room where she handed out comms to each of them. She led them into the conference room and told them to sit. Going to the podium, she introduced herself and reached to start the orientation program.

The comm chimed again and Heather punched the button for spacesuit sales instead of orientation. The badly flustered Taun frantically pushed buttons trying to stop the program. Kassie stepped up and shut it off.

Heather's chin slumped to her chest as her ears drooped close to the side of her head. Her mane flattened against her spine and she started to shuffle away. Kassie caught her lower right hand and held her in place.

Kassie quietly walked the four new people through how to set their comm/translator for their languages. Then she said, I know I talked to you in the galley, but I don't know if you understood everything I said in there. I'm Kassie Gunn and this is my daughter Kellie Anne. I'm married to Josh Gunn, who is a partner in this space station. She released Heather and waved her arm in a half circle over her head.

Usually, I run the personnel in this place, but this little bundle of joy interrupted things and Heather came to my rescue. She didn't get all the training she needed, but she's been filling in for me the last four months…

Kassie went on to explain about policies and procedures around the station. She told the new people they had a choice. They could stay and work on the station, return to their home planet or they would try to secure passage to any place they would like to go.

One of them asked about going home and Kassie explained some of the difficulties of finding their home planet. She also told of good homecomings and of bad ones as well. None of the four wanted to return to their own planets. Kalla asked about what types of work they might find on the station.

Kassie started naming off specialties that were always needed. Heather interrupted to say, I have a specialty. I scored expert with all four of my hands. Not everyone can hit the broadside of a wall with their weak hand.

A grin spread across Kassie's face. Yes, Heather, you are unusual. So far, though, we don't have a need for that specialty here on the repair station. Keep practicing though, someday it may come in very handy.

The Taun grinned in appreciation as her ears perked up and her mane waved a little. I will. There are also the spaceship crews. I'm going to be a crewman and engineer on one someday.

A slight frown crossed Kassie's face, then disappeared. She said, You have to complete the training for that. The engineers keep those ships flying and a lot of lives depend on each ship. But if you work at it, anything is possible.

The four asked more questions and then picked fields they'd like to try for. Kalla said she had office experience back on her home planet so Kassie told her she could start the next day in the office. Kassie laid out the articles of employment and made sure each of them understood the fine print.

After each of the four signed the contract, she welcomed each of them to the company. Then she asked if they wanted to sit through another four hours of a boring video or if they would rather have a live group that made it much more fun.

The four looked at her with a big question in their eyes. She answered, Kalla has met our master instructors. They do it quite a bit different than anyone else, but I can assure you they will cover all the important points of the meeting.

Kalla asked, Are you talking about those four boys who rescued me?

Kassie chuckled, Yes, they are really something, but they have sat through enough safety meetings to know it all by heart.

They were very interesting. I'd like to have them give it.

The other newcomers agreed, so Heather went on to explain more about the station and show them how to bring up maps on their comms as Kassie called the four boys. After punching a few buttons, all four boys answered the comm. Kassie asked, Would you four like to do a safety briefing for the new people?

A collective groan answered her. Do we have to?

No, but if you did, I have a new Roy Rogers video hot from Earth. I could make sure you four are some of the first to see it.

Sempo asked, Is this one like the others?

It's similar. I'm sure you all would really like watching the cowboys overcome the bad guys just like all the others you've seen.

Yeah, we really liked most of them. Will they have those – ahhh – horses? Daru chimed in.

Yes, and lots of chase scenes and lots of shooting.

Menixa asked, And can we do it during our usual music practice time?

After a long pause, Kassie said, Yes, as long as they pass the test with very high marks. You'll have to do the spacesuit briefing as well.

Ghita's face scrunched up as he thought, If we do the safety briefing, including the spacesuit stuff, and they get really good marks, could we ride the Nagini?

Kassie now had a hard time keeping her face straight. She replied, If they all get 80 percent or better, you can ride the Nagini.

A cheer erupted from the four. Kassie's grin broke out at that. She said, We'll start early in the morning. You can take them to get measured for the spacesuits on your way to the training room.

Gena rolled up beside her, Getting those videos for them seems to be one of the best controls you have.

Yes, they surely do like the westerns. I'm glad that Earth has hundreds of them. I worry that some of them might be too – gruesome for such young boys, then I remember where they were raised and what they went through.

Kassie turned back toward the four newbies and said, Well, I need to finish this up and go feed Kellie Anne.

The next morning at breakfast, Ghita and the other boys sought out Kalla and the former captives. They were eager to start the training so they could get the time to go ride the Nagini. The boys tried not to fidget as the newbies ate, but weren't totally successful.

Cleta, Ghita's older sister, led a group of Jonko girls to the serving line. Lenixa, Menixa's twin sister, walked at the back of the group. Cleta detoured to stand in front of Ghita. She loudly stated, In trouble again, huh? What did you do this time?

We didn't do anything. We're just helping Kassie by giving these people the safety briefing. She said we were the best at it.

Ha, I'll bet that's what she said.

Lenixa asked, Menixa, is this true?

"Yes, it is.

As Ghita stood to do more than talk to Cleta, Kalla rose to her feet. She said, I think we're ready, Ghita. Shall we go take care of the things Kassie wants us to do?

The boys led the way out of the galley. Menixa muttered, Those girls are getting too uppity. Someone should take them down a notch.

Ghita whispered so only the boys could hear, Sempo, are you and Daru about ready?

I need one more session with the replicator, Daru said.

I have two robots ready. I'll have two more this afternoon.

Menixa said, I have the remote controls made. Let's do it tomorrow.

The rest of the day found the newbies and the boys going from place to place on the repair station to get them measured for spacesuits and to get their safety briefing. Kalla and the others laughed until the tears rolled down their cheeks at some of the antics of the boys teaching the course, but when test time came, they all were well above the 80 percentile mark.

That evening all the boys separated to work on their specialties. The next morning, grins at each other spoke louder than words that their surprise was ready. Ghita mouthed, When?

Menixa said, Noon.

Four heads nodded in agreement. They finished their meal and led Kalla and the other three to pick up their spacesuits. As they walked, Ghita asked, I wonder what happened to that spacer and his ship.

Kalla answered, Heather said she heard Baya kicked them off the station. Someone named Lemmy had their ship torn apart so they are supposed to leave as soon as it's repaired.

How long is that going to take?

Mom said that Kassie is going – ahh– going to get some parts today. She is also getting her solo certification. Baya wants them gone by tomorrow.

Menixa asked, How come you don't know all of this? Baya is your sister.

She hasn't seen fit to start asking my opinion yet. One of these days though. The other boys snickered.

Spacesuits and training filled the rest of the morning. At noon, the boys made an excuse to head back to their rooms. Kalla and the others headed to the galley to eat. They had eaten about half their meal when the boys arrived.

Kalla watched them smirk at each other and she decided to keep one eye on them. They grabbed something to eat and sat down apart from most of the rest of the people. A gaggle of girls came in and the boys made smart remarks to them. The girls answered right back.

The Thapa couldn't see what the boys were doing, but she saw them take something out of pockets and pouches. As the last girl placed food on her tray, Sempo and Menixa leaned down to drop something on the floor.

A commotion on the opposite side of the room brought most people's attention there, including Gena and the remote sensors that Ommex managed. Menixa leaned over, doing something on his comm.

A second later, one of the girls looked down and let out a blood-curdling scream. Her food flew over her shoulder. The other girls turned to see what had happened. As they saw her eyes on the floor, their gaze followed. A multitude of shrieks broke out just before more food flew in all directions.

The girls leaped for tables, causing other people to look at the floor. Pandemonium erupted with people of all species trying to make it on a table or rush out of the room. Kalla finally saw what they were moving away from.

The little beast had a pointy head with two beady eyes and a long nose. The fur-covered bodies had a long hairless tail. Two of them scurried about under the girls' table bringing more screeches and unnerving the other diners even more.

Kalla's face stiffened into a grimace. She stiffened and one of the creatures stopped. Kalla couldn't see it, but Menixa worked feverishly on his comm. The Thapa's features relaxed into a smile and the monster started moving again to more screams and shrieks.

The two little terrors scurried under tables and headed for the door. The boys whooped and started to follow. Ghita yelled, Don't let them get away. They might multiply. We'll get them.

Gena rolled up beside Kalla. She said, There goes chaos looking for a place to light. I guess I'd better go try to make sure it doesn't wreck the station.

The robot moved faster than Kalla had ever seen one move. She caught the boys just down the hall from the galley. Sempo shouted, They went that way. We can use the Nagini to round them up.

Gena just waved them on their way. She didn't see them stop a few passageways away and pick up homemade lariats, replicator chaps and cowboy hats. Decked out in their regalia, the boys dropped down a gravity elevator to meet up with their rides.

Chapter 3

Ommex's four sensors started for the doorway. Kalla jumped up to follow and asked one of her fellow newbies to take her tray to the proper place. She hurried after the sensors. Outside in the passage, she had to trot to keep them in sight.

One sensor spun and stopped to watch her. As she caught up to it, Ommex asked, Are you following me?

I wanted to see what the boys were up to? Did they run away to hide?

They ran away to play. We know where they are headed, just not where they'll wind up.

Is it alright if I come along?

Footsteps behind Kalla made both of them turn. Heather came trotting up completely out of breath. She gasped, What's the hurry? Are we being invaded?

No, I just wanted to see what the boys are up to. They left in the middle of that melee back there, Kalla said.

Oh, that's part of why I thought we might be in trouble with an invasion. I can shoot with all four hands, so I thought I might prove useful.

Kalla looked her in the eye, then said, Well, there won't be any fighting, just observing. Do you still want to come?

Yep.

The sensor turned as Ommex said, Then we'd better get going.

The happy yells of the boys reached them long before they came in sight. At the first sight of the boys, Heather shoved Kalla against the wall and frantically looked around for a weapon. Kalla shoved her away and stood with her mouth open as she watched.

Heather whispered, Get back. Those are Nagini and they're deadly. I'll see if I can save a couple of the boys.

Heather, stay right where you're at. One wrong move and it will be you, not those boys who die, Ommex growled.

Kalla continued to stare at the strange sight. The four boys were on long snake-like creatures who had some sort of contraption strapped on their back about three feet from their heads. The boys'