Trouble on Shake 11 (Troubleshooters 29)

By Dr E J Yeaman

Hi. I’m Tony, a young agent of the Galactic Federation. I was a member of a five-person team, sent to the planet Shake 11 to warn them it was heading for destruction. The bossy old King ordered that all the people should die with the planet. But, as we went back to our ship, a boy begged me to save him and his friends. The book also includes my adventure on Spooky 2.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dr E J Yeaman
• Release date: Jul 29, 2020

Dr E J Yeaman

I retired (early) and started a new career as a writer. I wrote short stories and articles. Some were published; some won prizes; some sank without trace.Having heard my stories, two friends suggested I should write for children. I’d never thought of that, although I’d spent my first career communicating with young people – as a Chemistry teacher, and running clubs for badminton, chess, table tennis and hillwalking.I tried writing for young people – and I loved it. It became my main occupation. I sent samples to publishers. One asked to see a complete story. In excitement, I sent it off. Then nothing. After four months, I rang, and was told the manuscript was being considered: I would be notified. Then more nothing. Now, after eight years, I no longer rush to the door when the letter box rattles.But I kept writing the stories because I enjoyed it so much. Until, in late 2013, I learned I could publish my stories and games as e-books. Since then, I’ve been polishing and issuing some of them. I hope everyone enjoys reading them as much as I enjoyed writing them.Check out the series:C: Charades – party game – a new twist to the traditional game.D: Diagags – party game – gags written as plays for two people.M: My Story – novels – classical stories, told by the heroes.O: One-Offs – party game – guess the titles, not quite the classical ones.P: Pop Tales – short stories – inspired by 60s and 70s hit songs.Q: Quote-Outs – word games – can you deduce the missing words?S: Inside Story – novels – a boy’s adventures inside classical stories.T: Troubleshooters – novels – space adventures for young people.

Book preview

TROUBLESHOOTERS 29

TROUBLE

ON

SHAKE 11

with

T30

TROUBLE ON SPOOKY 2

Published by EJY at Smashwords

Copyright 2020 Dr E J Yeaman

All characters in this publication are fictional. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be resold, or given away, to other people. If you would like to share this e-book with other people, please buy additional copies. If you did not buy this e-book, or it was not bought for you, then please go to Smashwords.com and buy your own copy. Thank you for respecting the work of this author.

CONTENTS

TROUBLESHOOTERS 29

1. I RULE THIS PLANET!

2. YOU MUST HELP US.

3. A BUNCH OF JELLYFISH!

4. TAKE HIM TO THE PRISON.

5. HOW LONG DO WE HAVE?

6. THREE YELLOW BERRIES.

TROUBLESHOOTERS 30

1. JUST CALL IT SPOOKY 2.

2. MAY I LOOK AROUND?

3. WILL HE RECOVER?

4. THE FORESTER.

TROUBLESHOOTERS

INSIDE STORY

SIXY AND BB

MY STORY

TROUBLE ON SHAKE 11

1

I RULE THIS PLANET!

Sesee-1 scowled. Why do you trouble us? Don’t you know that we wish no communication with your Federation?

I apologise, sir, said Moderato, and thank you for meeting us. But I fear we bring you very serious news.

What news is so serious that you ignore our wishes?

Our scientists checked your solar system. They discovered that the next planet, Shake 12, has changed its orbit. It is moving towards your planet and will shortly collide with it.

That caused silence round the table.

Sesee-1 broke it. You are trying to frighten us. Our planets have moved safely since the beginning of time. Why should they change now?

Sesee-3 said, Sesee-1, our star-gazers have reported that the next planet has recently appeared larger in the sky.

Sesee-1 stared at him for a few seconds, then turned to Moderato. When do you expect this collision?

Our scientists forecast it six days from now.

That caused another long silence.

Again, Sesee-1 broke it. Will it cause… changes on this planet?

It will knock Shake 11 from its present orbit, causing great damage. He paused, then added, After the collision, nothing will live on this planet.

Another long silence, broken by Sesee-2. Are you certain of that?

Our scientists have no doubt.

Sesee-1 asked, Why do you tell us this?

You have time to evacuate your people. The Federation has brought ships to take you to safety. Then they can find you a new planet, where….

Stop! thundered Sesee-1. How dare you make such a suggestion! We have told you that we will not travel through space.

But, Sesee-1, said Moderato, you cannot remain on this planet. You will all perish.

Our beliefs do not permit us to travel through space. This planet is our home. If it is fated to die, then we must die with it.

That would be a tragedy. You are the guardians of an ancient civilisation. Perhaps you don’t care about your own lives but, if you remain on this planet, all your knowledge will be lost forever. Would your forefathers not wish you to save your culture by moving to a new planet?

No, said Sesee-1. All things must die. That includes cultures. If the time has come for our planet to die, then its culture must die with it.

Ten people were sitting round that table on Shake 11. Five leaders from the planet – their King, called Sesee-1, and the next four in line to the throne, called Sesee-2 to Sesee-5. Sesee-1 was an old man with pale blue eyes and a bald head. Sesee-2 to Sesee-4 were his daughter and two sons, and Sesee-5 was a boy, the daughter’s oldest son.

The other five were a matching team from the Galactic Federation. Our leader was Moderato, a kind old Negotiator. Three were middle-aged – two Negotiators (men) and one Administrator (a woman). And me, Tony, a Troubleshooter, aged 13, to match Sesee-5.

Moderato gave a despairing look to the rest of us. Our Administrator said, Sesee-1, won’t you reconsider? In such a vital matter, shouldn’t you ask your people’s opinion? Would it not be fairer to take a vote?

A vote! Sesee-1 shouted. I am the King of Shake 11. The people will do as I command!

The Administrator asked, Sesee-2, with respect, do you agree with the decision?

Sesee-2 frowned. I agree completely with the decision and, Madam, you insult me by suggesting that I might not agree with Sesee-1.

I knew I was wasting my