Kilgore's Five Stories #13: January 2022: Kilgore's Five Stories, #13

By Shaun Kilgore

Kilgore's Five Stories #13 includes a mix of fantasy stories with a dash of sci-fi, all from author Shaun Kilgore. In this volume, are The Relic, a sci-fi journey to alien ruins on a distant planet; The Vendetta, a sea-faring fantasy adventure; The Hunt, a fantasy tale where a young man searches desperately for his missing sister in the aftermath a terrible tragedy; That's No Rabbit, Alice!, a tale through the looking glass to a far different Wunderland; and Beyond the Walls, in which a young woman is charged with the safety of a young nobleman and prevent his assassination by a vile usurper bent on taking the throne.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Founders House Publishing LLC
• Release date: Jan 3, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201492779

Shaun Kilgore

Shaun Kilgore is the author of various works of fantasy, science fiction, and a number of nonfiction works. His books appear in both print and ebook editions. He has also published numerous short stories and collections. Shaun is the editor of MYTHIC: A Quarterly Science Fiction & Fantasy Magazine. He lives in eastern Illinois.

Book preview

Contents

Introduction

The Relic

The Vendetta

That’s No Rabbit, Alice!

The Hunt

Beyond the Walls

About the Author

Copyright Information

Kilgore’s Five Stories #13

January 2022

Original Short Stories Every Month

Shaun Kilgore

Introduction

I’m still at it with this crazy idea of publshing a short story magazine of my own stories every month. But as you can plainly see, I fell behind on releasing issues, starting with this one. I hope you enjoy the fiction I’ve provided you for this, the first issue of of 2022, and a relaunch of the publication.

Shaun Kilgore, January 2022

The Relic

The force of the landing pod’s thrusters kicked up a cloud of dust and debris that blotted out the sky for several seconds as it lifted off the ground. Once the air cleared, Maggie emerged, dressed in the dark blue and gray coveralls worn by members of the Stargazer’s science team.

She held up her wrist and spoke into the small com-link attached there. "Stargazer, this is Doctor Kincade. I’m on site."

"Message received, Doc. Enjoy your stay. I’ll be interested to hear your observations once you’re back aboard. The Stargazer will return in one month to retrieve you once we’re done investigating the Morning Star Nebula."

Thank you, captain. Understood, said Maggie.

Maggie shouldered her pack and started walking away from the rough landing pad. At the perimeter, just beyond the tall beacons, stood Professor Hector Ramirez, the head of the research team. For years now, Maggie had closely followed the work of the renowned astro-archaeologist. Ramirez had nearly four decades of experience in the field, cataloging various sites on numerous planets in the Galactic Confederacy. His skin was weathered and dark from years out in the sun and the elements. His hair gone white more from the exposure than age. Now, he’d been given a lifetime opportunity to operate an excavation on the surface of a planet just recently discovered by the Confederacy.

Ramirez smiled, the expression crinkling his face in a mass of deep wrinkles. Welcome to Alaran Four, Doctor Kincade. I hope the trip out here from the Alpha Sector was pleasant.

Maggie managed a smile. "Thank you, Professor Ramirez. It was pleasant enough I suppose. Even after six months aboard the Stargazer I’m still adjusting to the longer space jumps, to be honest. The medical staff assure me that the headaches and muscle cramps are temporary."

Ah, I know the discomfort intimately. Ramirez sighed. Well, you’re back on solid ground again. It’s not earthly, but you’ll find the planet much firmer to the body than the artificial gravity of those vessels. He winced. I’ll admit it, Doctor. I’ve never been fond of space travel. The only consolation is all of the discoveries I’ve been able to make. He grinned like a little boy excited by a new toy.

Maggie took a moment to take in the small grouping of habitation pods situated not far from the clearing, tucked in amidst a group of reddish boulders. There were small clumps of vegetation here and there, but the arid landscape was mostly rugged, rocky hills. She took note of the heat. It was dry and but not unpleasant after her time in the filtered, artificial environs of the Stargazer. There was a sweet, pleasant scent hanging in the air she assumed was given off by some of the local flora.

Ramirez started towards the camp, waving at Maggie to follow. Come along. We’ll let you get settled in. We have the basic amenities and I can let Nigel know if you would like a meal.

Maggie adjusted her grip on the pack and started after him. Thank you, Professor, but I am anxious to get a look at the site.

Ramirez pointed at the sky, now growing pink as the daylight was beginning to fade. Come now, Doctor Kincade, sure you don’t want to go traipsing about in the dark. Take a bit of time to get settled in and meet some of the others. They are anxious to welcome you to the team. You’ll have plenty to keep you busy out at the excavation site, I assure you.

Maggie bit her tongue but then continued walking. There’s no use pushing the man, she thought. I just have to be a little patient, that’s all.

Lead the way.

Excellent, gushed Ramirez, who rubbed his hands excitedly.

Maggie shook her head slightly but set off after the short but thin man as he strode quickly towards the ivory boulders. The smell of the flora seemed to grow stronger as she neared the research camp. The fragrance tickled Maggie’s nose. She sneezed loudly.

Ramirez glanced back giving her a knowing smirk. Sometimes, the scent can irritate the sinuses. Doctor Vanden can give you a shot to keep it in check.

Maggie nodded to acknowledge him but said nothing more as they neared the main living module. Two other members of the research team were gathered at a table that was sheltered beneath a white canopy. She squinted to make out what it was covering the table’s surface. There were fragments of stone and other materials she didn’t recognize. Maggie was suddenly intrigued, wanting to veer off and get a closer look, but Ramirez was moving quickly.

Ramirez slowed down though. He waved excitedly at the others. Nigel, Rebecca, look! He wagged his finger at Maggie. Doctor Kincade has finally arrived.

Both researchers were engaged in quiet but intense conversation about some piece of black rock directly in front of them. Both cut off when Ramirez spoke up. Maggie followed him over to the table. The air was noticeably cooler beneath the canopy.

Gesturing towards the others, Ramirez pointed first to the taller man with gray-streaked hair. His jaw was square and, Maggie noted, he had striking green eyes. This is Nigel Anderson. He’s our resident geologist—and a fine cook if you don’t mind me saying so, Nigel.

Not at all, Hector. His smile was broad and pleasant. His green eyes lighted on Maggie. He took a few steps closer and reached out a hand. Welcome to our little project, Doctor Kincade.

Maggie grinned. Thank you. I’m excited to be here.

There’s plenty to pique your interest, Doctor Kincade, I can promise you that, said Nigel. His smile was friendly enough and the man also happened to be very attactive—not that Maggie was looking too closely, surely not!

I can’t afford the distraction, Maggie thought. I need to keep things here strictly professional. I’ll bet. I’ve been anxious to be here since I first received the invitation from Professor Ramirez. It’s quite the opportunity.

Ramirez chuckled. My goodness, yes. You’ll be very impressed, I assure you. Isn’t that right, Nigel?

Nigel rolled his eyes slightly when Ramirez was momentarily distracted by something on the table. Oh, yes. Indeed, Hector.

Maggie covered a laugh by coughing. She and Nigel exchanged mischieveous grins. Oh boy, she thought. I’m in trouble.

The woman, Rebecca, cleared her throat. Ramirez’s eyes widened and his cheeks reddened noticeably. Oh, my dear, forgive me. This is Doctor Rebecca Wright. She’s our xenobiologist.

Hello, said Maggie. She reached out her hand.

Rebecca reached out hers slowly, her eyes narrowed slightly. Her hand was clammy. Doctor Kincade… your reputation precedes you.

Thank you, said Maggie. "I’m