The Bounty Huntress: Invasion of the Keratinians

By Edward Anthony

Cassandra Leif (pronounced “leaf”) makes her living as a reputable bounty huntress. Standing at 5-10 and shapely, her size, athleticism and penchant for getting her target makes her well sought-after, although some may not always agree with her methods of capturing fugitives. When she teams up with the Grey Wolves, a paramilitary led by Sylvester "Sly" Scorggins on a mission to investigate the murders taking place at the famous Ture Park, they encounter a force of the likes which they've never seen.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Edward Anthony
• Release date: Jan 1, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463774656

Edward Anthony

Aspiring to be an author most of his life, as a child, when he wasn't creating random stories, Edward can recall telling stories to his mom while she cooked. His goal was finally accomplished in 2015, writing and publishing his first book, Taylor Made. In 2016, he wrote his second novel, The Execution of Priscilla, and has recently released his third novel, Rebecca. His goal is to create stories that captivate readers, pulling them into the world of the characters, with underlying lessons and messages underneath the surface of an intriguing read.Aside from writing, he also has four blog sites. His author blog (Edward Anthony: Creatively Creative), social commentary (Social Eyes View), Character Portrait, and Batini Arts

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The Bounty Huntress: Invasion of the Keratinians

By Edward Anthony

Contents

Copyright

Dedication

Chapter One…1

Chapter Two…4

Chapter Three…9

Chapter Four…13

Chapter Five…17

Chapter Six…24

Chapter Seven…31

Chapter Eight…37

Chapter Nine…42

Chapter Ten…46

Chapter Eleven…52

Final Chapter…59

Epilogue…71

Author’s Note…73

Dedication

First and foremost, I give thanks to the Creator for the gifts of creativity, writing and storytelling. I thank those who have shown support as I continue to elevate in my writing career. It was not easy getting this book finished; there were a lot of obstacles and stumbling blocks in the way, but I’m glad that it’s finally finished.

Also, I want to thank Jim and John Thomas, the writers for the movie Predator. It was one of my favorite movies growing up, and it’s definitely in my Top Five all-time list. The main antagonist of this story is partially inspired by the Predator. Finally, I thank Dahdtoudi, the artist who created the character, Tia’ Ja, who was a character visual for the main antagonist.

Chapter One

On the distant planet of Keratin resides an extraterrestrial species known as the Keratinians. They can stand upright like humans, and some have the features of the human body combined with their reptilian looks. With their reptilian physiology, they can mimic the traits and abilities or the appearance of reptiles. Combined with their alien form and powers, these abilities are augmented. Keratin is also known for its abundant resource of protein, which also attracts a lot of visitors— and poachers. Sometimes the poachers are visitors in disguise.

This has led to their planet being attacked on numerous occasions, namely by the red-meats, a name they use in reference to the inhabitants of planet Earth. After the first conquest of some their resources from the earth dwellers, their next move was to colonize. This caused an uproar by the Keratinians, leading to a massive slaughter of a victory against the earth dwellers.

That wouldn’t be the last time the people of Earth would attempt such a conquest, nor would they be the first beings to make an attempt. Years produced some casualties of war, but the sacrifices that was made to defend their planet is part of what sustains the state of Keratin today.

Present day, the Keratinians have just ruled in a majority on a verdict for a trial. The convicted is Ki’ara, who is pregnant with her young, is being charged with the murder of her spouse Shar’iff. Shar’iff was murdered only three months into their marriage, when her pregnancy started to manifest. In the meantime, Ki’ara is sitting on the floor motionless and seemingly staring into space, almost as if in a meditative state.

Cheron, her cellmate, who is imprisoned for multiple counts of murder, walks over to check on her. Are you okay?

I’m fine.

The crazy part is, I believe you. Cheron says. You’re the most calm death row mate I’ve ever seen.

Death row? So you think I did it?

Can you look me in the eyes and tell me you didn’t do it?

Ki’ara stands up; she slowly walks towards Cheron, stopping two feet from her.

Don’t worry, I won’t tell. Cheron assures her.

Ki’ara walks closer, leans over to Cheron’s ear. They promised me everything. A better life for me and my children, they would take care of everything, all I had to do was remove him.

"Who’s they?"

The Keratin Division of Family Welfare. Ki’ara confesses. They told me they would take care of me if I killed him. I fulfilled my end of the bargain; they didn’t. They double-crossed me to cover their tracks.

Do you think they’re afraid you will talk?

I know so.

Ki’ara senses the presence of oncoming guards; she signals Cheron to act as they would normally would. As the whistling guard passes by, Ki’ara and Cheron continue the conversation, this time Cheron sitting next to Ki’ara on the floor.

All I know is, I have to find a way to get out of this, Ki’ara says. When I do, me and the higher-ups have some unfinished business.

I don’t blame you, Cheron concurs. Well, for me, as you know, I’m in here for life. I have nothing to live for. You know, sometimes I think I envy you.

Ki’ara gives her a confused look. Why?

I’d rather them just take me out, and get it over with, instead of leaving me here to rot.

An idea suddenly dawns on Ki’ara. Maybe there is something you can do.

What do you mean?

You can shape shift, right?

Yes.

You can take my place. Ki’ara suggests. You won’t only be doing it for me, you will mainly be doing it for my young, for their future.

Cheron shakes her head. I don’t know, Ki.

Cheron, if they kill me, they will be killing my children, too. You said a moment ago that you’re stuck, and you’d rather die quickly than being left here to rot.

No. I’m sorry, Ki, but I can’t do that. I just can’t.

Cheron stands up, hurriedly walks back to the other side of the cell. Ki’ara walks behind her, placing her hand on Cheron’s shoulder.

I understand. I guess the opportunist in me just came out.

Cheron slowly turns around. I know we’re friends, and I think a friend will do just about anything for one another, but give up my life? That’s asking a lot.

I know. That was inconsiderate of me. I guess desperate times call for desperate measures. She gives a fake smile.

***

The next morning, more specifically, the day of the execution, you can hear the sound of guards storming the corridors like tremors rumbling underground. They stop in front of Ki’ara’s cell, who is sitting on the bottom bunker in a fetal position. The guard slides the cell door open.

Okay, Ki’ara. Let’s go. The guard says forcefully.

Ki’ara lifts her head; as she tries to stand up, the guards grab her by arms and forcibly stand her up, carrying her out of the cell. They bring Ki’ara to the dreaded Courtyard of Corpses, an isolated area where the bodies of thousands of Keratinians are executed, then disposed in the nearby sewage system.

They position her in front of a formation of rocks. She takes a hard swallow in her throat as tears run down her face. She lowers her head as the guns are raised. As the Field Sergeant gives the command, the engine of a space cruiser starts revving in the distance.

Ready! Aim! Fire!

The soldiers open fire; the plasma-tipped bullets piercing through the flesh and bones of Ki’ara. She slowly falls backwards on the stony asphalt. An officer checks over the body and discovers something startling.

What’s the matter, Nenning? The Field Sgt. inquires.

Sir, we’ve been had. The suspect was Ki’ara’s cell mate.

You mean she shape shifted?

Affirmative, sir.

The Field Sgt. is furious; grinding his teeth, snatching his hat from his head. An infantryman rushes over to the Field Sgt., out of breath.

Sir! Sir! One of the space cruisers has been stolen!

What?! It dawns on the FS what has just happened. The Commander is not gonna like this.

***

Evading lasers and plasma gunfire, Ki’ara flies towards freedom. She shrieks in sudden pain, as the first contraction hits. She subtlely dips the cruiser to avoid two cruisers trying to flank her. She navigates the cruiser into a nosedive, then shifting upward, now positioning the cruiser behind the space crafts. She fires plasma rounds into the wings of the two space crafts, forcing the pilots abroad them to bail out.

Just as she navigates to the left, her cruiser is suddenly struck by a missile. This forces Ki’ara to think on her feet, despite battling an angry Keratin military and child birth pains. She remembers the space capsule, which is similar in use for pilots abandoning jets or planes but built to endure oncoming attacks and durable enough to survive the Earth’s atmosphere.

Quickly pressing the button on the dashboard, the capsule envelops Ki’ara, ejecting her out of the cruiser like a jet dropping a bomb. Not wanting to enter Earth, this causes the Keratin forces to turn around and go back to their planet. Speedily entering the earth’s atmosphere, tears run down Ki’ara’s face, clutching her stomach, she closes her eyes and bow her head, in