Starship Hunters: Starship Hunters, #2

By Michael Burns

STARSHIP HUNTERS (BOOK TWO): As the starship Regulus speeds toward the Rostok System, Captain Luke Webb, Deep Space Infantry, learns they are being chased by two Gorgon ships. He orders the captain to evade their pursuers using a tactic the Federation Fleet employed during the Pegasi War. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Megan Harley, also of the Deep Space Infantry, instructs the women of the Los Angeles Hawks in military infantry tactics during lengthy classroom training. The training includes video of the martial robots in combat. Elsewhere aboard the giant starship, the women continue their workouts in the ship's well-equipped gym. Because of these intense workouts, and because they are eating large portions of otherworldly Kiriwati, they notice their muscle mass and strength are rapidly increasing. The women are becoming superhuman.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Michael Burns
• Release date: Jul 6, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223150374

Michael Burns

I live in southern Arizona with Christine, Chewie, and Auggie. Listed in the order in which they were published, these are my books: FICTION: HOT PLANET SUMMER OF THE BEAST THE FIRST MIRACLE THE HORN (Book One The Nemesis Series) NORTHWOODS AND OTHER SHORT STORIES POLICE STATE SANCTUM SANCTORUM THE SPACEMEN STARSHIP HUNTERS (Book One) STARSHIP HUNTERS (Book Two) STARSHIP HUNTERS (Book Three) THE PENINSULA (Book Two The Nemesis Series) BUILDING 7 THE AMAZON (Book Three The Nemesis Series) THE GARDENS OF MARS THE ISLAND (Book Four The Nemesis Series) RETURN OF THE BEAST LIPSTICK NON-FICTION: LUSH DROUGHT RESISTANT LANDSCAPE THE TRUTH ABOUT AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE THE SARS-CoV-2 VACCINE: To Take it Or Not As you can see, my interests are eclectic. I don't write in just one genre. When I imagine a story has potential, I write the story in that particular genre, whether it be science fiction, mystery, spiritual, action thriller, horror, or romance. I'd like to thank my friends for their help in proofreading and editing: Andrea, Christine, Jean, and Norma, and I also want to thank Cheryl and Thomas for some fantastic artwork. And many thanks to everyone who took the time to write a review.

Book preview

ONE

Nick Dekker turned his head ever so slightly so as not to wake her, and in the dim light of their cabin he saw that she was inhaling and exhaling evenly, her breasts rising and falling in a precise, rhythmic motion. Britt was lying on her back, her forearms crossed over her lower abdomen. Her eyelids twitched rapidly and erratically. She was dreaming. He watched her for several long seconds, then turned back to stare at the ceiling directly above their bed. Over the past few days, they all noticed their dreams had become more vivid and more intense, almost lifelike experiences.

At dinner this evening, Cassidy told Britt she’d had a dream about playing soccer, running with the ball on a grass field, sprinting with dogged determination, defenders unable to deter her, feeling the power of her legs beneath her. Running with an energy she had never felt before. And when she took a shot, the ball rose one meter off the grass and sailed horizontally over the ground with surprising velocity, traveling so fast it shot into the net a split second later, the goalie completely helpless to stop it. Cassidy said it seemed as if she was in an actual game, so real was her dream.

Valerie, also sitting at their table, then told them about a dream she had. She said she was flying, soaring above the planet Kessler as a giant herd of Kiriwati ran beneath her. Looking down upon them, the animals ran majestically over a giant, grassy plain, their hooves kicking up plumes of dust, running in a loose formation intent on reaching their destination. She had said it was the most intense dream she’d ever experienced. Beautiful and surreal. And when she awoke, she remembered every detail, even hours later.

Amanda, sitting next to Valerie, listened to her recount her dream, then she decided to speak. I had a very strange dream last night, she said. I dreamt I was tied to a chair, and I was being interrogated by three robots. The martial robots. They were scary and big, and I felt intimidated by them.

Who wouldn’t? What did they want to know? Valerie asked.

The first one asked me if I was loyal to the Federation. I said I was, but then another robot asked me the same question. Are you loyal to the Federation? I said I was, and then the third robot asked me again; are you loyal to the Federation? When I said I was, the robot backhanded me and told me I was lying. I could actually feel it hit me. It knocked my head sideways.

Wow, Valerie said. That sounds pretty intense. Then what happened?

I started to cry, because I knew that none of the robots believed me, and I tried to tell them I was telling the truth, but still none of them believed me, and then they all started hitting me, knocking me around. The dream was so real, I could feel them hitting me, and I was bleeding. I actually tasted the blood, that’s how real the dream was.

Wow! Valerie repeated.

All of a sudden, Lieutenant Harley comes into the room, and she told them to stop hitting me, but then she stood in front of me and demanded to know if I was loyal to the Federation, and I told her I was. But she didn’t believe me either, and she slapped me. Hard. And then Captain Webb came in and asked the same question. Are you loyal to the Federation? He was staring at me, and he started to scream at me, over and over; are you loyal to the Federation?

So what happened? Cassidy wanted to know.

I woke up. It was two in the morning, and all I could think about was those robots asking me the same question, and so I had trouble falling asleep, but finally I did, but then I had another dream.

Another nightmare? Cassidy asked.

Yes. This time I was tied to a post in front of a big wall. Eight martial robots were in a line, a firing squad. They aimed their rifles right at me. They were cold and ruthless, and when Captain Webb gave the order to fire, they shot me. They killed me, just like that.

Holy shit! Valerie exclaimed. Did you wake up?

You’re damned right I woke up. And I couldn’t go back to sleep. I stayed up and all I could think about were those stupid dreams.

The three of them looked at Holly, who was also sitting at their table. What about you Holly? Amanda asked. Have you had any strange dreams?

Yes, she said. And she described how she was being chased by two Gorgon, the name given to the aliens they had encountered on the planet Kessler, and they were shooting at her, chasing her over a barren, smoke-filled battlefield. Then Captain Webb suddenly appeared, and he killed both of them with his photon-pulse rifle, and after that, he took her in his arms and kissed her, leading her away into a meadow of beautiful flowers toward a setting sun.

Valerie snickered. You must be in love with him.

Holly smiled diffidently. Yes, I like him, she admitted, but it’s not just that. I mean I was right there in the dream. It was so real. The Gorgon were after me. I couldn’t outrun them, no matter how hard I tried. Captain Webb, in my dream, saved my life. And when he kissed me, it felt like a real kiss. It was pretty amazing.

Valerie, Amanda, and Cassidy stared at her in amazement, all of them sure Holly had fallen for Webb, but before any of them could say anything that might further embarrass her, Dekker came to Holly’s rescue.

These dreams you’re all having are probably because of the Kiriwati, he said. It’s rich in nutrients, like no food ever found on Earth. It’s affecting our bodies, and our minds, even when we’re sleeping.

Tonight, Coogan, the ship’s chef, had prepared roast Kiriwati, cooked to perfection, smothered in onions, carrots, celery and gravy, served with baked potatoes, asparagus, and a green bean casserole, the combination of tastes incredibly delicious. And they had all eaten healthy portions, especially the roast Kiriwati.

I wonder what will happen, Britt mused, if we keep eating it.

They say we have enough to last a long time, Holly said. Probably for the whole safari and a lot more. Summer told me that we can take some with us when we get back to Earth, when we get off the ship.

That’s right, Dekker said. Passengers can take as much home with them as they want, providing there’s still any left. At the rate we’re eating it, I think it’ll be gone. Have you noticed they’re serving it at almost every meal?

Chef Coogan is certainly being creative. Britt took a forkful of meat. I don’t mind, though. This is mouth-watering.

Do you think, Valerie asked, it will make us better players?

I think it already has, Britt answered. You looked phenomenal in that scrimmage.

As he lay there in the dark, Dekker thought about the other conversation he’d had that evening, the one with Dr. Finch right after dinner when the two of them were alone. Britt, who had been sitting with Dekker, had excused herself, saying she wanted to turn in early, understandable since it was their first night back aboard the starship after leaving Kessler, and Valerie, Cassidy, and Holly left too, leaving Dekker alone at the table, and when Dr. Finch came out of the captain’s mess and saw Dekker, he promptly came over and sat down across from him.

Good evening, Dr. Finch. How are things?

Finch smiled, though grimly. It’s been a long day. Where’s Britt?

She just left. I knew you were still in the captain’s mess, and I wanted to talk to you. Then, he recounted to Finch what his players had said about the intense dreams they were having, and he specifically mentioned he thought it was because they were eating so much Kiriwati, a meat so delectable they couldn’t get enough of it.

Finch nodded his understanding and reiterated what he had told him earlier that day on Kessler, telling him he had done more analysis, not just on himself, but also on Captain Webb, Lieutenant Harley, and Sergeants Reed and Scott. His lab results confirmed that they had all physically changed, the Kiriwati meat apparently giving them more energy and stamina, a lower pulse, an improved immune system, and better respiratory function.

Our lungs are showing an average five percent increase in capacity, Finch had said.

Is that significant?

Are you kidding? Five percent in just over a week’s time? It’s a damned miracle.

What about adverse side effects?

I haven’t found any, and believe me, I’ve looked. I’ve run every test I possibly can since we got back to the ship. Their kidney function is excellent. Liver function is improved. Red and white blood cell counts are fine. Hormone levels are slightly elevated, but within the normal range. Nothing negative is showing up, at least, not yet. I compared my results against each of their personal medical databases. Webb was very insistent about that. And he wants me to keep doing regular tests.

When did he tell you that?

Earlier today. He came into my office with Lieutenant Harley, and Sergeants Reed and Scott. He demanded I immediately draw blood and run tests on them. I got the feeling he knew something he wasn’t willing to tell me. Finch craned his neck and looked around to make sure no one was within earshot. Tomorrow, he wants me to run complete physicals on all of your players.

All of them?

Yes, all of them. The results are to be given to him and no one else. Finch’s eyes narrowed. I think, he said in a conspiratorial whisper, there are other reasons why Webb and his unit are on board. It isn’t just Kepler. It’s more than that. I think everything about this safari may have been prearranged. I’m even beginning to think Starship Safaris is just a cover, a front for Federation Military Intelligence.

Dekker, not wanting to admit it, had already given thought to this possibility. Dr. Finch, how long have you been working for Starship Safaris?

This is my third voyage.

At hearing this, Dekker became completely alert. Only his third voyage? Was it a lengthy application process? he asked, trying to conceal any concern in his voice.

Finch shook his head. "No. They hired me on the spot. I was one of only a few applicants. The Regulus needed a doctor and it needed one fast."

What happened to the doctor before you?

Finch’s eyes went wide. He was killed on Helod. Several ape-like creatures went into his tent and took him in the dead of night. No one heard a sound. They found the tracks the next day. Colin and Todd went into the jungle to try to find him, but they were attacked. They threw rocks at them. And crude spears. These animals showed a great deal of organized intelligence. They shot some of them, but had to retreat. There were too many of them. Hundreds. They hastily broke camp and got the hell out of there.

Mr. Mason never told me about that. Dekker frowned, digesting this information. Do me a favor, Doc. Don’t tell the others about this. I don’t want them to worry. Can you promise me that?

Yes, Finch said. I promise. But now you know what happened on Helod. Maybe you can talk Captain Hancock into passing Helod by, going on to the next planet.

I can’t do that. Helod is the planet with that giant canyon. I need to explore it if I can. Somehow, I have to talk them into letting me have my geologist back. With Lawson dead, my only hope for finding lanaphite is Jim Bauer. It’s one of the reason’s I’m out here in this part of the galaxy. Dekker searched Finch’s eyes. I hope you can understand. Maybe it’s selfish of me, but I’ve got to try to find it, even if Helod may be the most dangerous planet of all.

Dangerous? You don’t have to tell me, Finch interrupted. I don’t understand why they want to go back there, unless they figure the martial robots will make a difference. He shook his head in wonderment, his elbows resting on the table, his face cloaked with unease. You’ll have to ask Colin or Todd. They were there.

Dekker filed it away in his mind. Yes, he would talk to them, but he wanted to know more about the planet Helod. On your first two voyages, did the ship visit Helod?

"No. I haven’t been to any of the planets on this tour. On my two previous trips, the Regulus went to a different part of the galaxy, but the others have been to some of these planets."

Which ones?

I’m not sure. Kessler. Rostok, I think, and Helod. My other voyages were tame compared to what we just experienced on Kessler. But then again, Captain Webb wasn’t with us. With him on board, everything has changed, or so it seems. Finch turned away, a wistful look in his eyes.

What is it? Dekker asked. What’s wrong?

This morning, when we got back to the ship I did an autopsy on one of the dead Gorgon aliens they killed, Finch said. Webb wanted the results before dinner. Other than analyzing blood tests, I’ve been working all day on it. Didn’t even have time for lunch.

Isn’t is dangerous to bring an alien life form aboard ship?

Damn right it is. Look, I’m a doctor, not a research scientist. Finch shrugged. I did the best I could, with my chief nurse assisting. He looked into Dekker’s eyes. When I was in training to get certified for starship duty, they had us perform autopsies on frozen aliens killed during the Pegasi War. The Federation has several hundred of their bodies in cold storage. I had to prove I could handle an autopsy using Level Five procedures. Today was the first time I had to do it for real. Finch took a breath, sighing deeply. The Gorgon appear to be similar to us. Their DNA is approximately eighty-three percent identical to ours. They have a heart and brain like we do. Their internal organs are very similar. They need to eat, just like we do.

Where is the body now?

It’s in the freezer in my lab. We’ll find out more about it when we get back to Earth. I gave the preliminary results to Webb, but there’s really not much there for him to discern. There’s no context.

What do you mean?

The alien in my freezer is just a body. That’s all we have. But we don’t know much about them. Where do they come from? What is their civilization like? Their culture? Their laws, their morals. Are they religious? Are they more advanced than we are?

Dekker mulled this over. When I bought the safari, he confided, I was never told that Webb and his unit would be coming along. I was never told about the martial robots.

Finch nodded. None of this makes sense, unless this whole safari is some kind of military operation. His face contorted into a frown. It’s the only conclusion I can make, that I can come up with. This Captain Webb, he said, is a real piece of work. He’s young, smart, confident, maybe too confident, and he’s now making all the decisions. And I don’t think he has our best interests at heart. Outwardly, he smiles, makes quips, acts like he’s your best friend, but inside he’s cold. Ruthless. Ambitious beyond all comprehension. I’ve seen his kind before.

Dekker had never seen Finch so worked up. Was it because Webb was now also giving Finch orders, commanding him to perform regular medical tests on everyone?

Oh, and I forgot to mention this, Finch went on to say. He’s not afraid to take casualties. He’s obviously willing to place your players in harm’s way.

Listen, Doc, there’s something you should know. But I want you to promise me something. Promise you won’t repeat this, to anyone. If it gets back to Webb, he’ll hold it against me. Okay?

Finch acknowledged Dekker’s request with a curt nod.

Dekker lowered his voice to a whisper. Webb said something significant to me when we were on Kessler, just before we engaged the Gorgon. Then, he told Finch what Webb had told him on that first day, that the Federation was studying a proposal to build ranches on Kessler to domesticate the Kiriwati. He finished by saying, You may have been right when you told me we’re just guinea pigs for a Federation experiment.

Maybe you should confront him, Finch suggested.

I already tried that, Dekker answered, somewhat forcefully. And I found myself staring into two rifle barrels. Scott’s and Reed’s. You’re certainly right about one thing. Webb is definitely now in charge.

Finch’s eyes grew cold. I wouldn’t put anything past Federation Military Intelligence. Webb had no qualms about putting your players into the mouth of a tiger when he drafted them and made them fight the Gorgon.

Dekker frowned. What Finch was saying was true. Some of them could easily have been killed. Or, all of them. And he and Britt could have been killed, too. But he also knew that he had fought against them, and he had relished the fight. He remembered what Webb had told him. Once a Marine, always a Marine. I’ll be counting on you to help out if we see action. And they had definitely seen action. They killed a lot of aliens.

Doc, I have a lot of questions, and very few answers. All I know is that this safari isn’t going the way it was supposed to. I’m wondering just how these planets were selected, and who selected them.

I’ve been thinking about that, too. Whatever we do, Finch said, from here on out we have to be extra careful. Let’s meet again and exchange information. Keep your eyes and ears open. And I’ll do the same. Agreed?

Dekker nodded. Agreed. But just do one thing for me.

Finch shot him a skeptical look, his eyes partially blood-shot.

I need to know the physical condition of my players. And their emotional condition. I need to know everything you know. Whatever you find out. Can you do that for me?

Finch frowned. Webb wants all results given to him, and no one else. He made that quite clear.

Doc, they’re still my team. This safari isn’t going to last forever.

I’ll do what I can. And now, if you’ll excuse me, it’s been a long day. I haven’t had a minute’s rest until now. It’s time for me to say good night, Nick. He stood up.

Good night, Doc. We’ll talk again.

After replaying their conversation in his mind, Dekker turned to look at Britt again, sleeping peacefully, her eyelids still twitching. Suddenly, she began to moan, mumbling unintelligible words. Her right foot suddenly jerked. She muttered something, incomprehensible. Then her voice became clear. No! Oh no! Her body shuddered, both feet kicking, trying to run.

He turned toward her and put his right hand over her lower abdomen, putting his entire body against her side. Seconds later, she woke up and snuggled against him.

I was having a bad dream. Her voice was husky.

I know. You were mumbling something, but I couldn’t understand what you were saying. Do you remember your dream?

Something was chasing me, she said. Something horrible.

Dekker could barely see her expression, but he sensed her agitation. Her body was rigid, parts of it covered with sweat. Do you want to talk about it?

It looked like that thing we saw in the lobby of Starship Safaris. It was ferocious. It had large fangs. I was running for my life. It was right behind me. It was gaining on me. I could hear its footsteps. And then I felt its hot breath close to my back. It was snorting, growling. I was so afraid. Nick, oh God!

It was just a dream, Britt. Forget about it. It doesn’t mean anything.

Nick, it wasn’t some ordinary dream. It was the worst nightmare I’ve ever had. It was so real. I was sure I was about to be eaten alive.

He didn’t answer, instead holding her tightly with his right arm. You’re all right, baby. I’m right here. Try to go back to sleep. He held her for nearly ten minutes, felt her relax, until she finally fell back asleep. When he was sure she was sleeping, he gently pulled his arm away, turned over onto his back, and stared again at the ceiling.

Rostok, the next planet on the safari, was just four days away. He made a mental note to talk to Colin and Todd about the animals they would find there, and what had happened on Helod, and as he drifted off into sleep, he wondered what kind of dream he was going to have. At dinner this evening, he had eaten two full portions of Kiriwati.

TWO

Propelled through the void of deep space at more than