Crater Stumble

By John Parker

Caley, a small-town sheriff, found the job much like any other small-town law enforcement officer. Crater Stumble is primarily a peaceful farming village. The town is unlike any other in one regard. It sits on an alien planet. Within the town that sits on the edge of a mysterious water-filled crater, a culture of competitive knife-tossing females has developed. Since the women outnumber the men, the competition is sharp. Caley's only problem at one time might have been the wacky inventions her sister came up with, but her creations helped in the fight to save the planet. When Caley's hometown found itself in the middle of an alien war, she had to organize and arm a community of farmers with alien weapons. What was once a serene community will become a battlefield for the residents of Crater Stumble.

• Language: English
• Publisher: John Parker
• Release date: Nov 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9798986093833

John Parker

After leaving a career as a broadcast engineer, John went on to write screenplays. A production company optioned one. Later he decided to write novels. His interests vary from the arts to gardening.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Caley Jones stood on the edge of the water-filled crater on her home planet, Flora One. She was within sight of her house.  She gazed down at her fit five-foot-six frame’s reflection on the water’s surface.  The ancient crater’s water shimmered in the morning light.  Panting and checking her pulse as she smiled toward the sunrise.  She had just jogged its circumference.  A little over two miles.  Standing beside her was her furry companion, Endo.  The dog was a large mutt, two years old.  The lineage of proud canines.  In this case, the German Shepherd and Irish Setter.  With one ear pointed up and the other flopped down, it was a clear give-away.

Beautiful morning, she said gazing down at him.  She was surprised that he had decided to run with her for the full distance.  Normally, the dog went to the halfway point then back to the house.  At times, she would traverse the terrain in the woods that surrounded the crater with her blades strapped to her side.  Knives made by her grandfather.  Caley scanned the beautiful, wooded terrain near home and smiled.  She loved early morning runs.  As she continued to look around the area, she could see an older woman appear on the porch of her house.  It was her mom.   

Caley’s mother, a fifty-year-old no nonsense widow of a farmer, appeared on the porch.  She pulled back her dark shoulder length hair.  Decked out in a thick bright purple robe with the bright white stitched words ‘Grandma Wannbe’ on the back of it.  She wandered onto the porch and shouted: You’re in time for breakfast!  Then she disappeared back into the house. 

As Caley started toward the house, she could see a young man in the distance.  He looked as though he was burying something in the woods.  Caley paused and strained to see more.  She could see the man get up and leave.  Not knowing what he had buried made her curiosity leap.  Being so few people out here that made the event more curious.  Slowly, with Endo beside her, she started to where he had been.  By the time she had reached the spot, the stranger was nowhere to be seen.

What do you think, Endo? she asked scanning the scene.  Her companion sat and stared at her with wonder.  Occasionally the dog tilted his head to acknowledge that he was listening.  Then he started to sniff around.  Not about what the stranger might have buried.  Do you think he was handsome?

Endo, not being too interested in conversation, continued to sniff until something caught the attention of his nose.  Caley watched his sniffer concentrate in the area where the guy had stooped.  She could see where the soil had been overturned.  Looking around and seeing no one, she knelt.  With the dirt being so loose, she only had to dig with her hands.  After about a minute, Caley pulled a small wooden box from the ground.  It was slightly smaller than her hand.  She sat, crossed her legs, and made herself comfortable.  Opening the small container wasn’t happening.  Grunting and pulling on the lid didn’t help.  She knew tools were needed.  For now, she had to be content to examine the outside of it.      

Too small for a dead body, she told Endo while smirking and staring at the container.  She then noticed the dirt on his snout.  Dude, you’re in sore need of a bath.

The word ‘bath’ triggered the usual response.  He ran off.

I was joking!

BACK AT THE HOUSE, a single-story blend of bungalow and rancher style architecture, Caley went to the back porch.  Before removing her running shoes, she placed the box into the pocket of her hoodie.  Endo, having gotten over his immediate fear of a bath, was inside the kitchen having his breakfast while her mom served her grandfather.  As Caley entered, mom frowned.

Honestly daughter, do you roll in dirt during your run? she asked.

Caley tied back her shoulder length black hair then brushed off the dirt from the back of her running shorts.  Being careful not to let any of the dirt land onto the kitchen floor, she tiptoed to the table.  She sat at the table across from Grandfather.  He was scrolling on his tablet.

How are the blades holding up, sweetheart? he asked smiling at her.  What was your distance today?

Around fifteen feet, she replied while scooping up her scrambled eggs.

Grandfather can do twenty, commented mom.

He looked up and corrected her: "I use to throw twenty feet." 

Mom, with arthritis setting in, had to stop running with her girl a year ago when her knees could no longer take it.  She—along with Grandfather—had taught Caley how to run and toss her knives at the trees when she was a teen.  Mom’s best distance for hitting what she tossed at was about thirteen feet before she quit running.

Grandfather didn’t appear to be seventy.  Having spent much of his life as a farmer had made him a strong senior role model for the womenfolk of the house.  The age lines on his face would lift into a smile whenever any of them were near him.  Also, he couldn’t help admiring the ladies he lived with.  All were strong intelligent people whom he loved dearly.   

Did you know Evan was back in town? mom asked.

Caley made an annoyed expression and continued to eat.  Evan was not high on her most favorite persons list.  The guy had decided to run off with another woman about six months ago.  Having a guy run out on her was something she realized happened every day to other women.  But it was the way he did it.  Not a note or a phone call.  Nothing.  Still, it was a surprise that the coward would return.

Did you hear me dear? she asked again.

Not hard of hearing, mom, she replied.  Did the strumpet he dumped me for come back with him?

Seems she found someone she liked better.  He’s alone.

Caley straightened up.  She gazed at her mother.  How did her mom know all this, she thought?

You saw him.  Didn’t you? Caley asked.

In town the other day.  He told me everything.  He wanted me to tell you he made a mistake and hopes you can forgive him, she informed her daughter as she sat in front of her coffee.

The kitchen was quiet except for the sound of Endo crunching on his food.  Caley didn’t want to break the relative calm with her ranting about a man who hurt her.  She had finally dismissed him from her life.  She was just starting to get some emotional direction back.  Now this.  Why didn’t he stay away?  Why did an old romance have to be so...problematic?  Then again, he might just be back for a visit.

Why did he return? Caley asked.

He didn’t say.

Just like him to say nothing.

Caley was having a great morning until now.  Evan had always been a bit of a pain as boss and as a lover.  When he was living in town, she felt he might be seeing another woman.  That fact could be why it didn’t sting so much when he left.  Now that she had his job, she couldn’t understand his need to come back to the town of Crater Stumble.  It wasn’t like her town was the entertainment capital of the planet.  The place wasn’t loaded with job opportunities.  Why had he come back?

Mom, the breakfast was great.  I’m going to take a shower and get ready for work, she stood then leaned over and kissed her mom on the cheek.  Before leaving the kitchen, she kissed Grandfather on the top of his head.

After a few minutes, a clean and uniform dressed Caley reappeared.  Her polished sheriff’s badge was unmistakable evidence of her vocational choice.  Having had a father that was a law enforcement officer might have had something to do with it.  The light gray uniform was a comfortable fit.  While she poured herself another cup of coffee, mom smiled at her.

What? Caley asked.

Tabitha wanted to take you to work, she told Caley with a quick glance.  She then continued to play her game on her tablet.  She went into town to get her new ride she’s been working on.  She should be here soon.

Not wanting to risk another ride into town with her inventive sister, Caley choked down some coffee and was ready to run when her mom stopped her.

Your sister just got a new mode of transportation and wants to share it with you, she insisted while smiling.  She then enthusiastically held up the tablet.  I won!

Mother, my sister nearly killed us both when she welded that rocket onto a chassis and called it a motor vehicle, Caley told her wide eyed.  Why can’t she just buy a transport like the rest of us?

Since she graduated from engineering school, she’s been restless.  She’s seeking her place in the world.  You should be more encouraging, her mother explained. 

Again, Caley’s eyes widened, and her mouth dropped.  She could not believe what her mom was saying.

Encouraging, Caley responded loudly.  Do you remember when she invented the criminal catching vest?  Do you remember who she tried it out on?  Me!  Caley paused shaking her head.  She then sipped her coffee.  The stupid thing shocked me every time she turned it on.

Grandfather smiled.  Living with three women kept him amused.

She’s still finding her direction, my daughter.  As her older sister, I’m glad you’ve been so supportive.  She’s only twenty-five.

Caley laughed.  She replied: Mom, I’m twenty-seven.  If I keep being so supportive, I might not see twenty-eight.

At that moment, a bull horn sounded.  Everyone left the kitchen to stand outside on the porch.  As they looked around, they could see nothing out of the ordinary.  It wasn’t until they gazed upward when they realized where the horn had sounded.  It was their morning surprise.  Staring down at them from a floating carriage was Tabitha.

I don’t believe it, Caley said while continuing to stare upward.  Where did...how did she...?

Tabitha, the same height and build as her sister, was standing in a small airship.  One of her own design from parts she managed to salvage from around town.  Her brown work coveralls hung loosely on her as she waved at her family below.   The gondola in which she stood was a foot longer than Caley’s truck.  At the rear of the home-made ship was a propeller attached to an electric motor.

Hey, guys! shouted an excited Tabitha down at her family.  She pulled back her long dark hair then threw over a small boat anchor with a rope attached.  It landed with a thud next to the house.  Hook it onto something!

As a mumbling supportive sister, Caley dragged the anchor to a large tree, she turned to her surprised mom and said: I’ll take a ride in it...if you will.

CHAPTER 2

L ook out! screamed Caley at her sister.  You’re going to hit the chapel!

A frustrated Tabitha turned the wheel to her tiny airship just in time to avoid crashing into the church’s steeple.  She wasn’t used to having passengers.  Especially, a screaming sibling.  Still, she was having fun with her new toy.

Isn’t it great, sis? she shouted at her older sister.  I wasn’t expecting so much wind today.  I’m still learning to fly it!

Caley, not being excited about being in the air, couldn’t believe she let her mom and Tabitha talk her into riding in the contraption.  They had convinced her that it couldn’t crash because it would only float to the ground.  Now Caley was rethinking what they had told her.

Are you telling me that no one has instructed you on how to fly this thing? Caley asked, not sure she wanted an answer.

Tabitha pulled back her long hair and smiled at her older sister.  Her big brown eyes twinkling with mischief.  She said: I taught myself some stuff about aeronautics.

It was at that moment Caley knew Tabitha was flying by the seat of her baggy pants.  Big sister began looking around for something resembling a parachute.  Then again, they were too low for it to be of any use.  By the time it opened she’d be dead.  Being glad her full medical plan had kicked in, she grabbed Tabitha’s arm with concern.

Tabby, please tell me you can land this thing, Caley said wide eyed.

Tabitha pulled her hair from her face and replied: Sis, you worry too much!

As they approached main street, Tabby steered her airship toward the sheriff’s office where Caley was anxious to get to—intact.  Dealing with felons had to be less dangerous than riding with Tabitha.  The locals below pointed up at the sisters floating past them.  Some laughed, some shook their heads.  Some wondered if budget cuts forced the sheriff to seek new ways to get around.

Let’s buzz by the old folk’s retirement home and give them a thrill! shouted Tabitha smiling at her nervous sister.

The biggest thrill you can give me is to drop me off—no—land me in front of my office!

The young inventor pulled hard on her makeshift steering wheel.  The airship swung to the left causing Caley to grip the railing as the carriage tipped at a forty-five-degree angle.  She screamed a little.

Tabby!

Not to worry, sis, I’ve got this!  yelled Tabitha as she threw the anchor overboard.

The flying contraption started its descent toward the small parking lot behind the sheriff’s office.  The lot was coming up on them quickly.  Too quickly for Caley.  She started praying when she saw people on the lot run screaming in different directions.  Big sister closed her eyes as the first voyage of the duo came to its conclusion.  Suddenly, Tabitha’s new wings had placed her gently onto the lot.

You can let go of the railings now, Tabitha informed her sister with a grin.

Caley slowly opened her eyes.  Looking around at the people staring at her sister and her made for an embarrassing situation.  She didn’t want any of the town folk to see how uncomfortable she was with the flight.  So, she leaped out of the carriage—almost falling on her face in the effort.  After quickly regaining her composure, she glanced at the small crowd of onlookers.

Good town folk of Crater Stumble, as you can see my sister and I are experimenting with the latest criminal fighting equipment, Caley declared as she slapped the side of the flying machine.  Eyes keeping watch over the town from the skies.

Some of the folk giggled at the twosome as they dispersed.  After the crowd thinned, a shaken Caley started toward her office.  To her dismay she noticed Tabitha’s anchor attached to a government vehicle.  It had crashed through the windshield and was now hooked onto the steering wheel.  Soon, Tabitha was at her side examining the damage.

Caca, declared Tabitha as she eyed the vehicle.  She nervously smiled at Caley.  I hope this won’t get you into any trouble sis.

Caley turned to her sister.

Why did you have to throw out the anchor? yelled Caley.

Tabitha threw her hands in the air and replied: I wasn’t sure we were going to stop!

Before the sisters could get into another argument, one of the deputies approached them.  He was an older overweight gentleman.  In his early fifties and spry enough to run to Caley, arrived deputy Toots.  He smiled at her like he had good news.

Sheriff, the Governor of the territory is here to discuss our possible budget increase, officer Toots informed her.

Are you sure? she asked.

Deputy Toots pointed at the vehicle with the anchor poking out of the windshield and said: That’s his...car.

Double caca, moaned Caley.

Hey, Toots, Tabitha said with a quick wave.  She went to the governor’s car and unhitched her anchor.  After she gathered the rope and anchor, she went to her airship and threw it onto the deck.  She leaped back onto her carriage and saluted Caley.  Well, sis it has been a thrill.  But I must go now.  There’s a new idea I’ve been working on.  See you later.  Love you.

Tabitha began to float out of the parking lot waving to people like a princess bidding farewell to her subjects.

Tabitha! shouted Caley.  Get back here!

See you tonight at dinner, sis!

Caley could only stand and watch her waving wackadoodle sister float over the trees and out of sight.  She threw her head back and screamed at the sky.  Then in frustration she kicked the governor’s car.  It was at that moment the governor decided to introduce himself.

Did my vehicle resist arrest, sheriff?  

Caley couldn’t remember the last time she felt so embarrassed.  Then she recalled the time when kids stole her clothes after she decided to go skinny dipping in the crater.  Nope.  This was worse.

The governor, a fit dark-haired man of thirty-two, was the youngest yet to be elected to the office.  Behind him stood two territory police officers assigned to guard him.  All three men were staring at Caley.  The two police officers were grinning as Caley’s face went flush with humiliation.  When they started to snicker at the sheriff, the governor glanced at them.  They stopped.

I can see why you might need a budget increase, he said while walking around what used to be his transportation.  Do criminals usually wait for the governor to visit the sheriff’s office before starting a crime spree in this town?

Sir, I am so sorry.  This doesn’t usually happen in Crater Stumble, insisted Caley.

Caley was surprised the man wasn’t more upset.  She had seen the governor on the airwaves but never in person.  Being her town was so small in the territory she didn’t think someone of his political stature would show up.  Maybe, her letter writing campaign to his office about their funding had paid off.  Or maybe it was an election year.  In any case, she found it hard at first to look into his blue eyes due