Novo Nation of Water Worlds: The Iskalama

By William Gaillard Ellis

Floating above the Iskalama is a very large city and the Inhabitants food source has come under attack by creatures within the Iskalama. In the pass, Novo Nation sent thousands of troops and thousands died trying to solve this problem. This time under the demand from Earth for Animal rights, Novo Nation sent a special team of thirteen creatures with ten of them being a squad of Earthlings to fine the route cause. Follow them as they enter a world of friends and foes seeking and hoping they find the answer quickly for they soon discovered they had entered into a very dangerous environment.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Mar 6, 2014
• ISBN: 9781493182664

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Captain Ragland stood on the balcony looking down upon the streets of Foruca. The sounds of city life gently floated up to him. The sound was the same wherever I went he thought as he looked upward toward the stars above him. They too were the same only arranged different. There was no big dipper. But there was a circle of bright stars where the North Star should be. Every once in awhile, a shadowy figure of one of the flying Donna’s would pass overhead. Strange looking creature it was. Specially, when you saw one walking around with its enormous wings folded behind it. They wore a special very colorful round shaped shoe he was told hide a set of very deadly claws. Their body was long and skinny with their wings having very colorful feathers. What really set the creature apart from just being a large bird was its almost human like chest and arms which were covered with a tiny hair like feathers of many colors and arrangements allowed one to tell them apart? They had no seeable ears, very large eyes that appear to miss nothing, and a beak sticking out of the very round feathered covered face. In some ways their face resembled the owls.

Looking at the North Star in the sky thinking out loud he said, I wonder why all the planets I have been on, there is always a Northern Star of some type.

From behind him, he heard the singsong voice of Mr. Tinley almost as if he was singing the words, That is because God made all these planets and arranged the order of the vast Universe with such wisdom he is able to leave his mark for all to see.

Captain Ragland turned around quickly and said, I did not hear you enter. My mind was a thousand light years away."

Mr. Tinley took a position at the railing beside Captain Ragland and in his singsong voice he said, No Captain Ragland, it is I that must be forgiven. I interrupted your complexity out here. But, I needed to talk to you in private.

Captain Ragland leaned back upon the railing and asked seriously. Is it something my team has done?

Mr. Tinley tenor voice changed and in perfect English with only a slight southern accent said, Has everything to do with the team. Tomorrow we will be entering a landscape like nothing you have ever seen or imagine and probably very dangerous. But, that is not what I want to talk about.

Captain Ragland looked at this very unique creature before him and thought for a second on his words, before he said, Its not?

No, Mr. Tinley said. Ever since Earth has entered Novo Nation of Water Worlds there has been a new view of creature’s rights among the member planets. I believe on Earth you call it Animal Rights. Well that view has swept through the members and now Donna’s have come forth and presented their problem here concerning their right to live here without the wild life attacking them whenever they venture off one of their floating cities. This happens every…

After a second Captain Ragland asked, You OK?

Sorry, was trying to determining the time in Earth years. Mr. Tinley answered.

Captain Ragland laughed and said, I know that. It’s 2.764 to 1. In other words, one hundred years here is two hundred and seventy six years on Earth.

Thanks, now where was I? Mr. Tinley said. Oh yes, I was going to say that every two hundred and seventy years the Donna’s brings this problem before the members and everytime Novo sends teams like us to kill the cause for the problem. I know they did not tell you this. By the time they have found the problem over sixty percent of the teams have either been killed or badly injured.

We already know that and I can tell you we will be on guard at all times? Captain Ragland said seriously.

I glad to know that for sure. Mr. Tinley replied.

I’ll inform the men of your words anyway. Captain Ragland said as an after thought.

There’s more, Mr. Tinley said continuing to speak in perfect English.

There is? Captain Ragland said as he turned his body and vision upon Mr. Tinley who had positioned himself on the railing looking across the city.

Yes, Mr. Tinley said. Now this animal rights referendum or for better words the rights of animals to live peacefully that were put forth by the Earth delegation, has the Novo Nations members talking. Most planets have normal relationships between the settlers and the local wildlife except for this planet. In the past to solve this problem here the Novo Nation has always searched out and tried to just kill the unique creature causing it. Now the members of the Novo Nation of Water Worlds want to know why there is such animosity between this creature and the Donna’s. Our mission is to fine out and if it is all possible we are not to kill this creature but determine the cause and prevent this from ever happening again.

How are we going to do that? Captain Ragland asked.

Mr. Tinley left the railing and sat down in one of the lounge chairs which mourned and creaked from him being from a class five planet.

Captain Ragland watched him sit and thought about this creature he was following into the wilderness below. He knew Mr. Tinley was a member of the Lataa Clan from Taagote one of the Class five planets. The planet Taagote, he was told was a nine month travel by warp drive from Earth. He was not tall, only about five six and wore very flexible clothing for his whole body was built somewhat like a rubber man. He had a very unique bone structure he could control. Like moving a finger, he could move his bones changing there shape at his will. He could stretch his arms out double its length as well as his legs and body. His body was also covered with a light green hue filled with small spots which he could change to match the structure he was standing, sitting or laying on. He had no hands per say but could shape the ends of his arms into any shape he wanted. Even into a human shape if needed to be. It was his head that really was special besides just having large eyes that could see in the dark and no ears to speak of. It was the special ability of his mouth with his unique body structure transformed its shape in such away it became a very deadly weapon. It could shatter bones, rocks and glass of course. He also appeared to be very intelligent and there was command sense and wisdom about him that Captain Ragland felt could get him and his team out of this dangerous mission alive.

Mr. Tinley settled himself into the lounge chair and broke the silence saying, I’ve asked a very special friend to join us. A Changeling of first order name Glaxo from the planet Multree a Class four planet. She has the special ability to learn the language of any creature and I believe she should quickly resolve the communication problem between the creatures living below. With her, I think we will be able locate the root of the problem and find this creature and just ask him.

Captain Ragland said, What if they have no language to speak of?

There is a language alright, Mr. Tinley answered. When I learned I was being sent here, I knew something had to be done. I wanted a team of fighters from Earth after I studied the history of your planet and I learned we only had the Donna’s language on record. I called Glaxo and told her my problem and invited her to come along. She was overjoyed at the idea of being placed in danger.

Really, Captain Ragland said, I can’t wait to meet her.

Mr. Tinley leaned back in the lounge chair and as he did he said, Did you know Changelings have been used for learning the language of a newly introduced planet for a every long time. But this planet was already a member within the Novo Nation and from what I could find in the Novo Nation records, the Donna’s moved here with their floating cities before communication was ever established between the local life and the Donna’s. That is why I’m sneaking Glaxo here because the Donna’s won’t allow a Changeling to travel below. I believed with her I could determine the problem and perhaps find a solution to the problem before us.

Captain Ragland turned and looked across the city saying, I think I understand and I’m siding with the underworld creatures. These Donna’s have evaded this world. It would be exactly the same if they were to have showed up on Earth. They would have been seen as an invader and war would follow.

You could be right. Mr. Tinley said. But, for as I know, the Donna’s are a very peaceful race. I could be wrong. We really know little about them and why they will not allow a Changeling upon the planet.

Captain Ragland leaned back against the railing and smiled as he said, Telling me all this is not the reason you came out here is it?

Mr. Tinley said, That is true. Now my friend Glaxo will be arriving at the spaceport tomorrow morning and I want you and two men to come with me.

Captain Ragland laughed before he said, You think there will be trouble between the Donna’s and Glaxo?

Either one if need be. Mr. Tinley answered and laughed if you could call it that for it was mostly a series of toots.

Captain Ragland laughed with Mr. Tinley before turning and glancing across the city. In the night one could not tell the whole city was mostly a large roost for the Donna’s. Only this building contained no fliers and visitors from across the galaxy. He was about to turn back toward Mr. Tinley when he noticed three Donna’s flapping their wings hard as they flew straight toward the balcony. He quickly moved away from the railing and prepared himself if need be to confront the Donna’s. He glanced over at Mr. Tinley and noticed he had not moved.

With wings a flapping hard three young Donna’s landed upon the balcony. Two landed upon the balcony with Mr. Tinley and Captain Ragland but the third did not have its clawed feet covered and landed upon the railing hooking its clawed around it.

Mr. Tinley looked around as young Donna’s settled upon the balcony. These three were the first Donna’s they have met outside of official business and he thought, I wonder if I can get some info from these young Donna’s. Then In their language he said, Hello young Donna’s. What brings you to our humble balcony?

The one on the railing was now moving back and forth with its arms out helping him keep his balance and seemed quite happy and appeared to be in a playful mood said, We saw you on the balcony and thought we would drop in and ask you about the world you come from.

The Donna on the left while adjusting his feathers said, That’s right. Everytime we see a visitor out on the balcony we stop by and ask about the world they come from.

Having been taught by the language learner Mr. Tinley had brought with him, Captain Ragland asked, You mean you do this all the time. Just drop in on visitors especially at night?

The larger Donna said, Only time we can. We are not allowed to do this in the daytime. So, we sneak per say to visit you here and I can tell you we have met some very strange looking visitors.

I’ll say we have, the young Donna who was still walking back and forth on the railing said. We met one creature that had six eyes and four arms with two of them located on its shoulders pointed straight up. Weirdest creature I’ve ever seen.

How about that one with the pointed head, small eyes and had a mouth full of vicious teeth? The young Donna on the right asked.

Still walking back and forth on the railing the young Donna answered, Yes, he was a weird one that was for sure.

Captain Ragland looked at Mr. Tinley who indicated for him to continue turned to the young Donna on the left said, My name is Captain Ragland this here on the lounge chair beside me is Mr. Tinley. What is yours?

The Donna on the left proudly said, I am youngest of my four brothers and my name is Kook Karoot. The one on your right is my brother Aro and the one on the railing is my oldest brother Onic and Doss is on look out.

You four children are the sons of King Karoot the ruler of Foruca? Captain Ragland asked.

Kook answered and said, We are and we have not much time before we will be missed at home. Please quickly tell us about your home world.

Sure if you will answer a couple questions first, Captain Ragland asked.

His words seem to perk Kook up as he shook his feathered wings and he said, Never been asked questions before. What would you like to know?

Onic on the railing still moving with his arms outstretched added, Yea, what would like to know.

Captain Ragland smiled to himself as he asked, What do you eat, meat, vegetables or what?

Kook thought for a second but Aro answered, Why we eat mostly Red Belly Bugler from the Iskalama below us.

Aro, he wanted to know what we eat, he did not say who. Kook snappily said.

Well it is the same to me. Aro snapped back.

Captain Ragland smiled as he said, So you raised these Red Belly Buglers below somewhere?

Oh no, Onic said. The hunters seek them out. They are very large beast and one of them can feed the whole town for a very long time.

They sound like they must be a gigantic creature but is that the only one you eat from below? Captain Rayland said as he dug deeper into their food source.

Kook said, We also eat the fruit that grows everywhere and all the creatures eat it also.

Aro added, "I like the Blue’s myself.

Well I like the orange, Kook returned sharply.

Onic still turning around on the railing added, That’s all we eat and I like the Blue also.

That is it? Captain Ragland asked still digging.

As Onic hopped around the edge of the railing some more he said, We sometimes sneak and visit the Morevane village below and grab a Red when they are not looking.

Captain Ragland smile and asked, These Morevanes, can you tell us just who they are?

Kook said, They are very tall creatures that live in a village on the Iskalama.

Onic glanced out into the dark city as he walked passed Captain Ragland and took a position beside Aro then he said, Now we have answered your question, tell us about your world.

Captain Ragland cleared his throat before he said, I’m from a world that has the same clouds, mountains and oceans as your planet. But, I live in a city that has close to fifty million life forms like me living in it. Giant buildings are everywhere with many crowded streets. We eat meat and vegetables and live a very peaceful existence together. We also just like you eat the animal life around us and even have very large farms where we raise most of the meat we eat.

Kook’s eyes appeared to grow bigger in his owl face. In amazement he asked, You have a city with fifty million creatures like yourselves living together?

Not just one. Captain Ragland answered. There are hundreds of cities with that many and some have two and three times that number.

Onic stopped his wondering across the railing and asked, How do you travel around? Here we just fly wherever we want to go.

Aro added, Do you just walk or ride the animals?

We mostly travel around in motorized vehicles of some type. Captain Ragland answered.

Suddenly from the darkness they heard a whistle indicating they needed to rush home.

Before Captain Ragland and Mr. Tinley could say another word, the three Donna children unfolded their wings and as one the three sprang into the air with Kook saying, Got to go.

Captain Ragland waved as they left. But the three swiftly disappearing boys returned no indication they saw his wave.

Mr. Tinley broke Captain Ragland’s wonderment as he said, That was very informant I do say. We just learned more about the relationship between the Donna’s and the world below even with all the research I could find. I want to congratulate you on finding the perfect question to ask them.

Only question I could think of at the moment. Captain Ragland answered.

Mr. Tinley slowly rotated himself off the lounge chair as he stood said, I believe we better turn in. Tomorrow will be a very interesting day for sure.

You go on in. Captain Ragland said as he moved back to the railing. I think I’ll stay here and listen to the sounds of the city awhile before turning in.

As Mr. Tinley started to close the balcony door he said, Don’t be to long tomorrow could be a busy day.

Captain Ragland turned to the railing and gazed out into the city. He started to go over the other team members pondering which one to take with him tomorrow. He admired them all for following him here. His mind wondered back to his problem of choosing two members of the team to travel with him tomorrow. He began analyzing the men thinking, "There are the lieutenants Wesley Horton and Dave Stump. They just won’t do.

Now, I could use two of the four Second Lieutenants Billy Boren, Dave Stump, Charley Hernandez or Cliff Rainwater but I think I’ll take the ninjas, John Wilson and Hayman Taylor. They do not need to carry a lot of fire power or draw a lot of attention like our young Bayonne would if he came along. Rosin would be way too big and be noticed for sure. I’ll order Wilson and Taylor to come with us in the morning and I hope I get a good sleep tonight."

Captain Ragland gave the city one last glance over before leaving the railing. He made his decision and left the balcony filling confident and uplifted.

CHAPTER 2

Captain Ragland and Mr. Tinley walked through the double door entrance into the Spaceport walking almost side by side. Mr. Tinley let his bone structure form into its normal relaxed shape as he entered the lobby. The two ninjas had entered the lobby earlier their nature seemed to blend into their surrounding and the Spaceport lobby was no different.

As the two stopped several feet into the lobby Captain Ragland asked, I guess you know what she will look like. Glaxo could look like anyone?

Mr. Tinley glanced around the Spaceport Lobby and said, All I know she said we couldn’t miss her and that truly is all I know.

They walked farther into the lobby searching for someone that stood out when from the hallway leading toward the parked Spaceships a loud female voice speaking in English could be heard.

Oh what a surprise, Mrs. Tinley came with her. Mr. Tinley said as he left Captain Ragland’s side motioning for him to stay.

Captain Ragland stepped out of the walk area and watched Mr. Tinley leave him gliding across the floor. It always amazed him how he moved considering he had no legs. From his understanding, he manipulated the bones in his lower extremities to move himself quite quickly and easily forward, backwards or even sideways. As he watched, he thought back when he had first met him. He was playing basketball with some of the other Captains at Fort Hood. We had just returned from being deployed and I was trying to get my Earth legs back out on the court. There were five of us and we were just shooting the balls at the basket when he came gliding out on to the court and said, I see you need one more. Mind if I join you in a game of three on three?

My respect for him grew enormously as we played. Not only could Mr. Tinley run fast, he was also quite agile. He could dribble the ball brilliantly and when he jumped there was no stopping him for he could easily jump over the rim and stuff it anytime he wanted."

Captain Ragland glanced away from Mr. Tinley then in his ear piece he heard Taylor say, Code 3, ten Sparrows heavily armed just entered.

He glanced back and started to take a step to forewarn Mr. Tinley when from the hallway leading to the Spaceship docking area stepped an almost identical twin to him. The two greeted each other with toots, almost as one they quickly narrowed the distance between them. As they met, each took hold of the other’s arms and together they swirled around and around with their arms moving against each other as if in a great battle for their movement was mostly within the large sleeves of their shirts they wore.

They continued this greeting until the large creature entered holding their luggage in a loud female voice said, Mr. Tinley, where would you like for me to carry these bags to? I’ll not hold these things all day here.

Mr. Tinley separated from Mrs. Tinley and said, I apologize for forgetting about you Glaxo. It just I have not seen Mrs. Tinley in awhile.

Glaxo was about to say something when the ten well armed spear carrying Donna’s took up position around them. Their owl like faces were moving constantly examining everything with their large eyes as they positioned themselves a few feet apart preventing anyone to enter their circle or to exit it.

After a minute or two, one of the Donna’s stepped forward. Its uncovered clawed feet clang upon the metal as it walked toward Mr. and Mrs. Tinley and Glaxo now trapped loudly at the silence that filled the lobby. When he settled himself before them he said, Mr. Tinley, It has been reported that you are wanting to take a Changeling name Glaxo below. That cannot be allowed.

I need her. Mr. Tinley answered.

The Donna ignored him and concentrating on Glaxo seriously said, I know you are Glaxo, a Changeling. Now remove yourself from that ridiculous form and change into something we can relate too. You are not fooling anyone with that servant like appearance carrying the luggage.

Glaxo turned toward them and with a loud feminine voice said, Sorry Mr. Tinley, it looks like I will not be going with you after all.

Mr. Tinley moved himself between the Donna and Glaxo and said, I need her to help me find your problem below.

The Donna looked down at Mr. Tinley before he gently pushed him aside ignoring his words said. Glaxo, I want you to return to the transport and return back to Novo Nations Space Bus. You cannot stay here or travel below with Mr. Tinley and his team.

Glaxo dropped the luggage and seemed to disappear into herself as she changed herself from a humble looking creature to an angry looking one displaying her displeasure at being bard from entering the city and said, Why not?

It is a law written that we must follow. The large spear carrying Donna answered.

Mr. Tinley moved beside Mrs. Tinley and continued to argue with The Donna that was paying no attention to his words. But the Donna pointed his arm at Glaxo and with a very serious look on its face said, Do we have to place you there or you leaving calmly?

I’m going. I’m going. Glaxo said as she started back up the ramp but suddenly turned and with a wild move tried to quickly pass by the Donna and would have made if the Donna’s were not prepared for her and caught her. She started to change into a greater creature when one of the Donna’s placed its weapon in Glaxo’s face stopping her.

Glaxo slumped to the ground and said, You win. I’ll go. But, I do not like it.

The Donna poked his weapon at Glaxo again and impolitely said, Let’s go. We did ask you nicely and you are lucky we did not shoot you. Now, we are forcing you to leave.

Glaxo stood and sadly said, Mrs. Tinley, Mr. Tinley, It appears I cannot help you. Sorry.

I was hoping. Mr. Tinley said as he again took hold of Mrs. Tinley’s and calmly pulled her away from entrance and faced the large Donna said, You have tied my hands and I greatly protest forcing Glaxo off the planet.

The large Donna slowly lowered his large owl eyes and studied Mr. Tinley as he continued to protest the forcing of Glaxo to leave the Planet. He raised his unclawed hand out toward the lobby entrance and with an authority sound in his voice said, I suggest you and Mrs. Tinley leave and return to the hotel.

Mrs. Tinley and Mr. Tinley took hold of the luggage left by Glaxo and Mr. Tinley said, I still protest. But I can see it will do no good. But, I’ll ask you one more time, if at all possible allow Glaxo come with us?

No, and do not ask me again, the Donna said then he pointed again toward the exit and said, Leave.

Tinley led the way out of the Spaceport exit and right off noticed Captain Ragland was no longer in the station. Mrs. Tinley and he did not stop till they were near the exit when he turned and adjusted his mouth such that he focused his words upon the Large Donna that had ordered them to leave and said, I still protest.

The large Donna turned toward the direction of the words, thinking Mr. Tinley was close, only to fine them standing at the entrance. Lifted his arm and motioned for them to leave with his fingers.

They left the Spaceport and among the random chatter of how was her travel, Mr. Tinley said, It was tricky but it worked.

That it did. Mrs. Tinley answered.

As they near the hotel, Mr. Tinley caught a glimpse of Captain Ragland entering the hotel. He thought, Wise move Captain staying out of the episode at the Spaceport and staying away from us afterwards.

When they entered the lobby sitting and standing around the Hotel Lobby were the Earthlings and as Mr. Tinley led Mrs. Tinley toward the middle of them he said, I would like all of you to meet my wife who will be traveling with us. I want everyone to treat her as an equal. We now have lots of daylight left so load up we are heading below.

Calmly and with instinctive order, Captain Ragland and the men welcomed Mrs. Tinley to the team and left to collect their gear. There was no discussion for preparation for who would carry what had already been established. Now all they needed to do was darn their armor, backpack, pickup their weapons and tell Rosin who was asleep in his room they were leaving.

Within an hour they walked outside the lobby darned in their battle gear, they could sense the Donna’s vision upon them as the normal chatter of their calls disappeared and the city itself became quiet as the Earthlings separated into a defensive formation. For the Donna’s walked the most dangerous looking creatures they have ever seen darn in their camouflage clothing, backpacks, and weapons. Only the two identical creatures carried no powerful looking weapon in their Arms as well as the giant Bayonne. It was the different camouflage helmets they wore which gave them the appearance of being mighty warriors to the Donna’s with the large Bayonne appearing the meanest carrying no weapon and walked in front of the others leading the way.

They continued to walk in this defensive position moving carefully toward the troop transport already in position upon the city’s docking platform leading to the world below.

Captain Ragland thought it would be a good time to practice the teams defensive positioning. As they traveled he analyzed the men’s alertness and gun positioning. He maintained his commanding face but inside, he smiled for they all worked well together and looked well trained and showed it.

Mrs. and Mr. Tinley paid them no mind as they walked together holding the end of their arms. They wore special clothing that fit them almost like a second skin. They each had a backpack with a black handle sword strapped across it and a hand gun, a gift from the Earthlings. Captain Ragland told them it was call a Colt 45 and to be used in close fighting or if any creatures they faced had armor.

When they neared the entrance used to exit out onto the docking platform, King Karoot and several more Donna’s slowly settled before them with the beating of their large wings sending out a swish of wind upon Mrs. And Mr. Tinley as they landed before them separating the Earthlings. Rosin glanced backward as the Donna’s landed behind him before he continued out onto the platform leaving the meeting to Mr. Mrs. And Mr. Tinley alone. The Earthlings followed with Captain Ragland hand motioning for the team to move around the Donna’s toward the transport they could see parked waiting for them upon the external platform. While they slowly worked themselves around the Donna’s, Mr. Tinley confronted the Donna’s and said, Hello, King Karoot, Councilmen, I guess you come to see us off.

That we have, Mr. Tinley, King Karoot said. You must understand, unless something does not change we will have to leave this planet and find ourselves a new hunting planet. You know the Novo Nation of Water Worlds council does want that and has offered their help by sending you and your team to locate our problem.

I understand completely, King Karoot. Mr. Tinley said. The only answer I can give you is we will do our best.

King Karoot looked around at the others with him before he returned his large eyes back upon Mr. Tinley and almost as a smile he said, If you get in trouble below there will be no rescue from us. Once you leave the city you will be on your own and there a possibility you will not be returning. As you know, our city is located above the part of the Iskalama we do all our hunting. Once more when you leave Foruca you will be on your own below. There will be no rescue if you get into trouble. Have I made myself clear?

Mr. Tinley looked at the Group of Donna’s viewing each one startling from his left till he again viewed King Karoot’s face. Looking into his owl like eyes and said confidently, I have with me the best fighting men in the Novo Nation and the best weapons and protection. I must tell you the Earthling are not hunters. They are soldiers of the highest order. With them we will be just fine and well protected and I’m hopeful we will be successful in locating the cause for us being here, quickly.

King Karoot spread his wings and as he started to flap them he said, I hope your right for all of our sakes here in Foruca.

Mr. Tinley move back and stood beside Mrs. Tinley and watched the Donna’s flutter away.

Mrs. Tinley said, I guess they don’t like Novo Nation’s meal tablets?

Guess not, He answered.

CHAPTER 3

Mr. Tinley took hold of Mrs. Tinley arm and calmly led her through the exit out onto the platform leading to the Transport and there, Captain Ragland and the other team members were going over the inventory within their gear and only gave them a glance at they walked passed them and entered the Troop Transport. Rosin greeted them as they entered with a head nod and in his heavy accented voice said, Hello Mrs. Tinley. My name is Rosin.

Mrs. Tinley smiled and said, So you’re a Bayonne and big one at that. Why are you tagging along with the Earthlings?

I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. Rosin said as he found himself a seat. Like to go where the action is and I hope you’re ready for it.

Me too, she answered.

Mr. Tinley led Mrs. Tinley straight to the fresh coffee machined and prepared two cups of coffee, added sugar and cream and handed her a cup. Mrs. Tinley left him and found a comfortable seat near a window and took a drink of the hot coffee and said, Little bitter but has a pleasant taste to it. What do they call this?

The Earthlings call it coffee, Mr. Tinley said. I like it myself.

Like what? Stump asked as he and Horton entered and began placing their weapons, backpack and helmet in the locker assigned to them.

Mr. Tinley lifted his cup in the air and said, This coffee is what I’m talking about.

Stump and Wesley walked passed him and Wesley stopped in front of the small door leading into pilot area and said, Sorry Mr. Tinley, can’t chat with you. Our turn to fly this baby and just can’t wait to get behind the wheel.

After taking a good drink of his coffee Mr. Tinley said, By all means don’t let us stop you.

Thanks, Wesley said as turned and followed Stump into the pilot room.

Wesley had just disappeared when Rainwater entered and as Stump and Wesley placed his weapons, backpack and helmet in his locker. Smiling at Mr. and Mrs. Tinley and without a word entered the pilot room. Quietly the other Earthlings entered and began placing their weapons, backpack and helmets in the lockers.

Taylor broke the silence when he said, Wilson, you want to take left or right.

Right, Wilson returned.

Hernandez said, I got roof.

Adams followed with, Rear.

Boren said, I guess I have the bottom. But, you guys forgot. This transport will be landing in who knows what and I will have the best view.

You can’t get out of it that easy. Adams returned as he took his position at the rear weapon.

Hernandez patted Boren on the shoulder as he passed him and said, I’ll flip you for it. I wasn’t thinking and you know I like the bottom gun.

To late now, Boren said as walked over and began lowering himself into position at the bottom gun. Hernandez watched him a second, smile at Mrs. And Mr. Tinley before he lifted himself upward into his position at the top gun.

Captain Ragland watched the men settle themselves into position before he said, Mr. Tinley, are you going leave Mrs. Tinley and join me in the pilot room?

I think I’ll stay here and enjoy this nice cup of hot coffee first. Mr. Tinley answered.

Just asking, Captain Ragland said as he left the lockers and entered the Pilot room.

Soon they felt the transport leave the platform and lift into the air.

Mr. Tinley smiled as they lifted off and a sense of relief came over him as he said, Glaxo, you can stop the ruse and return to your normal form if you like.

She very excitedly answered, About time. Moving the way you do was hard on my bones and they were protesting the whole time.

They were? Mr. Tinley said smiling as he turned away and to face the coffee pot to pour a warm up letting Glaxo transform into her normal form without him watching. He waited a minute and when he turned back around, he smiled as he looked upon Glaxo, who now sat before him in a very attractive feminine position. He looked into her light blue eyes within her charming face. She had no hair which only added to her smile as she stretched her arms and legs getting accustomed to her new form.

Suddenly from above Hernandez said, Listen up guys. Our Mrs. Tinley was really Mrs. Glaxo.

From around them the Earthlings stuck their heads out of their gun ports and began yelling at each other and at her, welcoming her aboard. She just gave them a pretty smile as she stood and bowed to their welcome.

Rosin just smiled at Glaxo as he sat watching her and how the Earthlings greeted her. The chair morn as he adjusted himself in it. He laughed to himself thinking, "Darn chairs always morn.

Mr. Tinley was also watching as the Earthlings greeted her with their surprised acceptance. For as Glaxo sat there, all one could see was a very lovely creature that was beautiful to look at and appeared quit harmless unless you knew her. He thought, Earthlings, she may look harmless but I know she can transform into several very powerful creatures and with her Class Four strength added to it she becomes a very dangerous creature indeed. She could also become a very helpful creature that could save you from danger or send you into it. He laughed thinking, Mostly sending was her way.

Suddenly over the speakers came, Mr. Tinley, we well be entering Western Section as you requested soon. It broke the Earthlings admiration of Glaxo and they quickly disappeared back into their gunner position.

Mr. Tinley set his coffee cup down and as he turned to enter the pilot room said, Glaxo, would you like to join me?

Not really, Glaxo said as she continued to move around still bending and stretching. I still need to let my body self adjust from having to be in the Mrs. Tinley form far beyond my usual transformation.

Mr. Tinley thought for a second, I think you should rest. You may be needed shortly.

Glaxo smiled as she continued to stretch looking at Mr. Tinley who just turned and enter the pilot room. After he left, smiling Rosin asked, So you are one of the famous Changelings from Viaticum. I heard about you and your abilities and I was told one of the main reasons there is a Novo Nation of Water Worlds is because you helped to eliminate the language barrier between its members.

Glaxo adjusted her movement to look at the big Bayonne and said, That is one reason I’m here. Then she stopped her bending and looked at Rosin and said, Now I know why I’m here. May I ask why is one of the Giant’s from Bayonne here, a young one also?

Rosin looked upped toward the upper gun port where Hernandez was and said, I’m the Earthlings team advisor and along mostly for the adventure.

The Transport room filled with her unusual laughter as she said, Adventure you say. I believe it. You Bayonne’s are always in it for the adventure of it.

Inside the pilot room Mr. Tinley heard Glaxo’s laughter but he was concentrating upon the Eastern Section of the Iskalama topography appeared on the navigation screen before him. In the morning sunlight it was nothing like what he expected. It was almost a solid mass of colorful very large flowers and flying around them were many insect looking creatures having the same color makings as the flowers as well as their four wings.

After a few minutes of admiring the view before them, Captain Ragland said, Ok Stump, take her closer to the surface lets see what we’re up against.

Mr. Tinley left the images on the screen and looked over the pilot room. Captain Ragland was sitting in the middle of three chairs which overlooked Stump, Wesley, and Rainwater. Stump sat in the middle piloting the Transport. Wesley and Rainwater operated the navigation, radar and other instruments providing a very accurate description of the terrain below upon several large viewing screens in front of them.

Mr. Tinley took a seat beside Captain Ragland as he asked, What do the instruments tell us about this area?

Wesley not taking his eyes away from his station answered, "Sir, I have never seen anything like this before. Our radar and sensors cannot penetrate Iskalama nor can I detect any of the large insects. I have checked and it is not instruments. It is like there is nothing out there to detect.

As Wesley finished Rainwater said, I finished my analysis of one of those bugs and they are really enormous. I’m putting my analysis on the screen now.

The left screen changed from indicating travel information upon it to displaying a side view with measurements of one of the flying creatures. Just as Rainwater indicated they were big. Its body was almost two meters long and built somewhat like a Dragonfly with six very long almost spider like legs spaced evenly to support its weight. There was also a large bulge exactly in the middle balancing the upper and bottom half of the body. Two very long arms extended out just below its head to gather the nectar or whatever from off the flowers. The four colorful wings were large but not as large as one would think was needed for the insect to fly being only twice as big as the body. It had an almost all black head way smaller than its body and extended out on a thick neck. It had very small eyes and around its sucker like mouth were several extended long tentacles.

From all indications it was a harmless very colorful creature until one looked closely at its tail and there, a very large stinger about the size of a spear point could be seen. Also, across the two arms and legs where several sharp points that the creature could also use as weapons.

Stump moved the Transport slowly across the surface of the Iskalama toward what appeared to be their hive off in the distance rising above the sea of flowers. It was not alone for off in the far distance there were other structures very similar in size. The radar still detected nothing.

Rainwater kept swinging his attention between random creatures when he noticed a change was occurring in their appearance as they neared their nest. He stopped his switching and set the instruments on just one of the creatures. Sure enough they were transforming themselves into a more powerful fighting creature.

Rainwater placed the change on the screen and said, Sir, There is something happening to the insect looking creatures?

Captain Ragland took one look at the image placed before them and said, Stump, take her upward a ways and hover her and lets see what is happening.

Stump did not hesitate as he pushed the throttle forward and sent the Transport upward to a good viewing distance and hovered. Rainwater kept analyzing the creature’s nest moving the visual and there was now many more of the transformed insects and seem to have formed a defensive blockade around the large hive.

Suddenly from the Pilot