Bounty Hunter: Rise of the Human Race

By Keith Burris

Ryan Singleton is sick of home—sick of his dad ragging on him and the dullness of closing his eyes at the end of the day, knowing he’s going to open them the next to the same monotonous thing. So he leaves home to become a bounty hunter. But that kind of life doesn’t come easy.
He tears through one of the biggest zero gravity races in the area to secure the money he needs to start his future, and then nearly winds up dead on his first bounty. Luckily for him, a mysterious woman named Jody, an elite bounty hunter herself, comes to his rescue and dangles the future he dreams of right in front of him. All that stands in his way is Heydrich Kralick—a rival alien bounty hunter who hates him for besting him in that race. He’s ruthless, wanted by the law, and obsessed. Ryan stands to gain prestige, money, a world of passion and adventure.
All he stands to lose is his life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Partridge Publishing Singapore
• Release date: May 24, 2021
• ISBN: 9781543764949

Keith Burris

Keith Burris served in the field of information technology (IT) for the U. S. Navy for six years. As a military veteran, Keith continues his work in IT in the civilian sector where he spends his time researching the latest technological advances. His work as a project manager and his love of stories led to his first novel Duo Destiny.

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Copyright © 2021 by Keith Burris.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

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CONTENTS

Chapter 1: Going My Own Way

Chapter 2: Zero Gravity Racing

Chapter 3: Dream Chaser

Chapter 4: Reality Check

Chapter 5: Welcome to the Family

Chapter 6: Rise of the Human Race

Chapter 7: Time for a Change

Chapter 8: A Chance for Revenge

Chapter 9: A Helping Hand

Chapter 10: Stealthy Operation

Chapter 11: Unshackling the Chains

Chapter 12: An Explosive Finish

Chapter 13: Saving the Business

Chapter 14: Reviving the Broken Doctor

Chapter 15: The Notorious Bounty Hunter

Chapter 16: A Disgrace to the Race

Chapter 17: A Fatal Mistake

Chapter 18: Adding Fuel to the Fire

Chapter 19: Damaged Ego

Chapter 20: Proving Myself

Chapter 21: Phoning a Friend

Chapter 22: Fall of the Human Race

Chapter 23: The Grand Prize

Chapter 24: Back in Action

Chapter 25: Legend of The Eagle

Chapter 26: Unmasked

Chapter 27: Bounty Hunter

Epilogue

CHAPTER 1

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GOING MY OWN WAY

COME ON, SON! IT IS not that difficult! yelled Mr. Singleton.

In the garage area of his repair shop, Mr. Singleton desperately tried to get his son to follow simple instructions. While the instructions may have seemed simple to Mr. Singleton, for his clueless son, Ryan, it was as if his father was speaking a different language.

I’m trying, Dad! I just don’t get it, replied Ryan in a fit of frustration.

Really? Must I explain it again? Are you even putting in any effort? Mr. Singleton yelled again.

With his patience running thin, Mr. Singleton maneuvered his way over to his son in the garage. He was starting to work up a sweat. With sweat pouring down his face, his shirt covered with dirt and oil, and his torn, baggy pants exposing his legs to the elements, Mr. Singleton was not in the mood to deal with his incompetent son.

When will he learn? I have explained this to him several times, he thought.

Now standing over his son’s shoulder, Mr. Singleton offered some words of encouragement to his son.

Must I do everything myself, Ryan? I’m not paying you to fumble around with my tools, he said in a condescending tone.

Not willing to take any more verbal abuse, Ryan slammed a screwdriver with great force on the wooden workbench in front of him. He stood up from his chair and got into the face of his frustrated father. Staring through his father’s glasses and peering deep into his fiery eyes, Ryan told him exactly how he felt.

Fine, you do it then! I didn’t know that working on Zero Gravity machines would be so difficult! Ryan yelled.

It is the year 2274, and Zero Gravity machines are currently the hottest commodity in the galaxy. Nearly everyone has one. Much like cars in the past, Zero Gravity machines, or ZG machines for short, are now the primary means of transportation for humans and aliens alike. With these technologically advanced vehicles that hover above the ground, traditional cars have become obsolete.

Slowly backing away from his son, Mr. Singleton tried regaining control of the situation.

"Of course, it is difficult, Ryan. If it were easy, everyone else would be doing it.

Humans have only recently gotten into the market for ZG machine repair. We need to continue paving the way for other humans," Mr. Singleton explained.

With the advances in the technology of space travel, most humans have left Earth. Earth’s environment was becoming unbearable for humans to live in. While the planet has not been completely abandoned, most humans have ventured on to other planets in hopes of an easier life.

After hearing his father’s words, Ryan slowly began to calm down. He realized that humans still have much to accomplish in their new environment.

I know it is hard for us, but fixing machines just isn’t my thing, Ryan thought.

Dad, I am trying my best. Really, I am! But maybe I am more suited to do something else, said Ryan.

Mr. Singleton rolled his eyes after hearing that comment. He knew what his son was going to say next. After shaking his head and letting out a heavy sigh, he addressed his son.

Don’t even start talking about that bounty-hunting stuff! Do you have any idea how dangerous that is? Mr. Singleton asked.

Feeling like he needed to qualify himself to his father, Ryan defended himself.

Bounty hunting is all I ever wanted to do! You know how dangerous Zebulous has become over the years. I want to help make it safe again, Ryan explained.

Zebulous is the planet most humans now consider home. It is located in a galaxy not too far away from the Milky Way. With the currently available spacecraft, it is possible to travel to Earth and back within a few hours.

Crossing his arms, Mr. Singleton tried to explain his concerns to his son. We have already talked about this. It does not make sense for you to go bounty hunting when you can make a decent living as a ZG machine mechanic.

Ryan turned his gentle, black eyes away from his father in rebellion while wiping the sweat from his forehead and underneath his short brown hair.

"Listen, bounty hunting is very dangerous. Very few people can make a living off it.

You are much better off being safe and going after the more promising career,"

Mr. Singleton concluded.

His words rang true. Zebulous has become a dangerous place to live in, especially for humans. The planet originally was home to a few different alien species. When humans discovered the planet, they instantly fell in love with it. Here was a planet that is very similar to Earth. With an abundance of oxygen, vast amounts of water, and an atmosphere that did not require a spacesuit for protection, Zebulous was a very appealing planet for humans. However, not all aliens were excited about the idea of humans colonizing their territory.

Some aliens were excited to see a new race and were eager to coexist. But other aliens did not trust the human race. Why would they? Though the humans came in peace initially, their intentions were not known. Would they conquer? Would they force their ideas onto the aliens? Would they drain the planet of its resources? Those lingering questions have led many aliens to believe that the human race cannot be trusted. This resulted in many conflicts between the species, leading to an abundance of crime and discrimination.

Ryan believed that he could help ease the tension between the humans and the aliens through bounty hunting.

Dad, I want to make a difference in the world in my own way. Can’t you see that? Being a mechanic is not for me, Ryan explained.

Think of how your mother and I would feel if something were to happen to you. Besides, you are still young. If you really don’t want to be a mechanic, you have plenty of time to figure it out, Mr. Singleton replied.

Ryan is a young man in his early twenties who is still trying to establish himself in the world. He desperately wants to become a bounty hunter, but his parents fear for his life.

His father employed him to work in his ZG machine repair shop, hoping to keep him away from danger.

Bounty hunters are needed now more than ever. With crime continuing to rise, the police department has its hands full. Bounty hunters go out and apprehend wanted outlaws in exchange for money. Most bounty hunters do not last very long, however. They are often killed going after their targets. But the appeal of fame and fortune entices many to be bounty hunters. Unfortunately, very few live long enough to reap the rewards they so desperately crave and desire.

I will not end up like the others, Dad. With enough training, I will be able to become a famous bounty hunter, just like— Ryan began to say before getting cut off by his father.

Do not even mention his name around me! Mr. Singleton said, raising his voice and wagging his finger in Ryan’s dirty, white face.

That menace has been an embarrassment to the human race for years. He instills false hope for our people. It is because of him that the tension between humans and aliens is at an all-time high. he concluded.

How could you say that? If it wasn’t for him, the human race would have no place on Zebulous, Ryan thought.

No bounty hunter is revered as much as The Eagle. He is one of the few humans who have had a successful career as a bounty hunter. However, the man is shrouded in mystery. Whenever in the public eye, his face is concealed with an enigmatic mask. His true identity is known to no one, it seems. Even so, the man has accomplished much as a bounty hunter.

His feats of heroism and bravery have led him to be admired by many. With such fame, it was inevitable that some had grown to hate him over time.

Mr. Singleton is no fan of The Eagle. He believed that The Eagle was a bad representation of the human race.

What kind of man hides behind a mask and a fake name? A coward that’s who! he often thought.

Seeing The Eagle as a role model, Ryan looked up to him and would do whatever he could to defend his legacy.

You just don’t understand him as I do, Dad. If you would just open your eyes and see what he has done for us, you would come to appreciate him, Ryan explained.

Shaking his head, Mr. Singleton was having none of it.

That’s enough, son! Now finish your work here. No more further delay from you, is that understood? Mr. Singleton said.

You’re the boss, Ryan sarcastically replied.

I need to find another job. Working under my father is driving me crazy. But I’m not good at anything else. I need to figure something out, Ryan thought.

Ryan continued working in the shop for the next several hours. Days like these are all too common for him. He would try his best to do as his father pleases, but in the end, his father would be disappointed with his son’s lack of skill.

It is finally closing time. Mr. Singleton gathered his belongings and prepared to head home. He went to the garage area of the shop and spotted Ryan tinkering with machinery.

Ryan, it is closing time. Make sure you clean up in here. Try to make it back home before dinner, he instructed. Without waiting for his son to reply, Mr. Singleton exited the shop and headed home, leaving the closing of the shop to his son.

Does he even care about what I want? It just seems like all he cares about is his stupid repair shop, Ryan thought.

After finishing his duties in the shop, Ryan exited the building, exposing himself to the gentle breeze of the evening wind. He begins his walk home. With the night still young, the streets were bustling with activity. ZG machines were zooming down the roads, the local pubs and diners are packed, and humans and aliens are roaming the city streets.

Even with all the excitement surrounding him, all Ryan could think about was his father. He wondered if he could ever make him happy. Ryan becoming a ZG machine mechanic is something his father dreamed of. But Ryan hardly had the skill to make that a reality.

Though deep in thought, Ryan could not ignore the cold stares he occasionally got from certain aliens as he walked in the streets. Varying in size and race, many would grunt and snarl at him as he approached. Though most of the aliens would never attack him, they made it clear through their actions that they did not like humans.

After a lonely walk through the city, Ryan finally arrived at his secluded home. As he entered the house, the aroma of freshly cooked meat and vegetables tickled his nose. It appeared that he was just in time for dinner.

Entering the living area, he spotted his father sitting at a desk and glaring at his computer screen.

Hey, son. Help your mother set the table for dinner, Mr. Singleton said, still not taking his eyes off the computer screen.

Doing as he was told, Ryan entered the dining room and warmly greeted his mother.

After setting the table, the three gathered around and began eating. A tense silence ensued. Feeling a bit uneasy, Mrs. Singleton attempted to break the silence.

So how was your day, Ryan? Did anything exciting happen? she asked.

Nope. It is the same routine every day. I wake up, I go to work, I get yelled at, and then I go home, Ryan replied with hopelessness in his voice.

Mr. Singleton did not take kindly to that satirical remark.

Be thankful you have a secure job. Things could be much worse for you. You are never going to take over the shop with that attitude, he replied.

You think I want to? How many times have I told you, Dad? I want to be a bounty hunter! Ryan said, raising his voice.

That will never happen, Ryan, and you know it! If you were to try that, you would end up dead just like the rest of them, Mr. Singleton said.

The Eagle showed us that it can be done! If we had more people like him, the human race would be more respected, Ryan explained.

I thought I told you to not mention that name around me! Mr. Singleton replied.

Mrs. Singleton helplessly looked on as the two enraged men continued to argue at the dinner table. She just wanted both to be happy, but at this point, it seemed that it was not possible. All she can do was hope that the two men would handle their issues. Little did she know that Ryan would soon take matters into his own hands.

That night, Ryan sheltered himself in his room. To help clear his mind of the events that transpired that day, he turned on the news. However, the news was almost always negative, putting him in a worse mood.

He saw mostly news stories of violent crimes in his local area. The police department has long been overwhelmed with the chaos that occurred on Zebulous.

Even if The Eagle were around, I fear that it would not be enough. There has to be some way to restore order and bring peace.

The Eagle stopped bounty hunting many years ago. His reasons for leaving were unknown. Some say he could not handle the pressure and quit. Others say he had nothing left to prove. Regardless of his reasons, the reputation of humans had slowly declined with his absence.

I am fed up with this! It is time that I start taking control of my life! No longer do I want to go to that repair shop and endure the screeching sound of my father’s voice. I am putting an end to this tomorrow.

It was morning. Ryan woke up a determined man, with his eyes filled with vigor and his body filled with vitality. Today, he embarks on a new journey. He filled a suitcase with clothes and other essential items. Exiting his room, he began heading toward the front door. But before he could leave, he was stopped by the two people he did not want to see.

Are you headed to work already, Ryan? Mrs. Singleton asked.

What is that suitcase for? Mr. Singleton asked at the same time.

Ryan took a deep breath, looked his parents in the eye, and mustered the courage to reply.

Mom, Dad, it is time for me to leave, he said.

Leave? What are you talking about? Mr. Singleton asked.

I have told you many times before what I truly wanted. Yet, you did not listen. Whether you like it or not, I am going after my dream, Ryan replied.

Bounty hunting? But that’s dangerous, son! What if something were to happen to you? Mrs. Singleton asked.

Do you see what is going on? Do you see what is happening on the news? Zebulous is in disarray! If I just sit back and do nothing, I am no better than the outlaws and criminals. Today, I will do my part in keeping the galaxy safe. If something were to happen to me, then so be it. At least I know that I am doing the right thing, Ryan confidently said.

And with that, he walked past his horrified parents, exited the house, and faced the world with a strong conviction.

CHAPTER 2

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ZERO GRAVITY RACING

WITH THIS NEW BEGINNING, RYAN decided to seek a better life for himself. Initially, he felt good to walk out of the house and go after what he wanted. But now, he began to wonder what his next move was. He never had to worry about living on his own until now.

As the realization started to set in, he began questioning himself.

Perhaps I should have thought about this a bit more before leaving. Where do I go? What do I do? I only have enough money to last for a few days.

Before he can begin bounty hunting, he first needed to make enough money to buy what he