Pandora's Space Tales

By JG Cosgrove DG Trujillo

Pandora's Space Tales is a space opera seen through the eyes of a cat. After she is adopted, Pandora becomes part of a crew that ships cargo all over the galaxy along with meeting extraterrestrials, other earth animals, and learning the different cultures of other species. With each adventure, she realizes that she is more than just a ship's mascot, but an actual member of the crew. As Pandora unfolds the ball of yarn that is her tale, what would you do if a creature questioned its existence to you?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Apr 16, 2024
• ISBN: 9798891303669

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Pandora's Space Tales

JG Cosgrove DG Trujillo

ISBN 979-8-89130-365-2 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-89130-366-9 (digital)

Copyright © 2024 by JG Cosgrove DG Trujillo

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Prologue

Home Away from Home

Log 1

Hitching a Ride

Log 2

For the Want of a Nail

Log 3

Not on the Menu

Log 4

Peace of Mind

Log 5

The Green Hills of Ireland

Log 6

Shocking, Isn't It?

Log 7

Out on a Limb

Log 8

By a Thread

Log 9

ConCERNing Ghosts

Log 10

In the Nick of Time

Log 11

Am I, or Am I Not?

Log 12

Mommy, Tell Me a Story

Prologue

Home Away from Home

All I could remember was the smell and sounds of my original home. My soft cream-and-light-cloud-gray fur did not know how thunderous atmospheric pressure felt. I always had a tough time keeping my coat when the humans came by. I couldn't wait for Mother's bath to lull me to sleep or, granted, cleaned me from scuffing around with my littermates. My five brothers never cared for Mother's baths, of course. My brothers always managed to tumble a can full of things and get dirty every single time. Mother had her paws full and hissed every now and then to keep them in line because of their mischievous natures. The warranted attention was given from Mother despite her being so busy bathing one brother while disciplining another. The beauty of being a mother cat to five boys and me, Pandora; being the only girl in my litter, I had to be steadfast with my brothers. Their play nips often left me sore from their rough play. Even Mother had to nip them back with the same force all because they wanted attention.

Despite my brothers' clamoring to hog Mother's attention, Mother would always let me know I was loved and disciplined equally if needed. Mother's warm belly and soft belly always provided sweet comfort and security to me as a kitten. I find myself nestled between her front legs as she would start grooming me on my face and ears. Before me and my brothers started to have our nightly bath, Father would tell us stories that were hard to believe. One by one, my brothers dismissed the story or slept as Father told these stories, and right as Father finished the last story, Mother massaged my neck just right to lull me to sleep almost immediately. I always loved listening to Father's stories, but there was an odd feel to it: Father spoke of these stories like it took place in different dimensions or even realms beyond our own. The more questions I had to ask Father, he would smile, and Mother knew how to put me to sleep before an answer was even considered. I learned then that not everything would be answered and experience would play a bigger part in learning. After sleep overcame me, I had these strange dreams of lands unknown to me with oddities I couldn't explain, just like the stories my father told.

As my brothers and I grew, my determination to learn and explore grew. My brothers became adventurous and their mischief grew ever more so. My brothers always snuck out of the room to bother the humans or to steal their food as they ate. Father grew busy retrieving my brothers one by one before they got themselves in trouble trying to grab a human's pizza crust or try to climb on the table. Mother had set boundaries as soon as we started to venture out of our living area when we were more behaved. We know the humans live outside our living area, and they play with us from time to time. Mother explained to us that they would not hurt us but would scold us. These humans seemed giant to us kits, but Mother assured us that they were normal size.

I learned from exploring that I was much smaller than I thought. I was able to squeeze into areas where it would prove difficult for the humans to get into without removing the area first. I lurked for exploration when the humans were not around so as to not reprimand me and put me back into my living area along with a scolding from Mother and Father. Then, Father gathered us all to describe the areas near ours and the dangers it held.

Lesson one. The Kitchen is an area where the humans cook or have their food in certain containers. There are also things that can get extremely hot. Do not go near these devices for your fur will vanish and the pain will be unbearable. This was called an oven. We were also never allowed on the table where humans eat. According to Father, it's very rude and unsanitary for our paws to touch their table.

Lesson two. Cuddle is where the humans will pick you up and, in Mother's terms, snuggle like how she would before we sleep. Humans do this differently, though. We cannot scratch under any circumstance, but if we do, we go back to our living area, then we get our scolding from Mother and Father.

Lesson three. Favor is won by the humans if you do not scratch. If the cuddle is given, the humans will give you soft rubs with their hands and feed you delicious treats. At first it was a high risk, high reward situation until it started becoming easier for all of us to gain this favor. Then this favor turned into trust.

The humans started to trust me and my brothers and started letting us explore more around their house, as Mother called it. This meant more adventures, treats, and extra cuddles with the humans. My brothers were more interested in exploring the house than I was. I, on the other paw, wanted to see the outside area of the house. The outside area looked like an endless expanse of blue and other houses. I was itching to explore the outside area, but the humans were too quick to shut the doors. I know the land that lies beyond the doors could be the lands I see in my dreams, but does it look like that out there? Then, my father caught my gaze and then, almost as if he knew what I was thinking, started to tell me about strange creatures and lands. Some of the things he explained to me can change their shape or take flight at any given moment. This brought a much brighter light to my dreams, but a very vague answer was received. Nonetheless, it was still an answer, but not one to directly answer all questions.

After speaking with Father, I went to Mother to see if she could help me understand what Father was telling me. Mother purred and told me, You will understand more than just physically listening.

Tired of the riddles or what seemed at the time, nonsense, I found myself with too many questions. I sat on the windowsill next to my father until he left to go take his nap. Mother smiled and came to the window knowing I share many traits with my father than my brothers do. I need to be intelligent and sharp like my father, for he is knowledgeable. This was just the beginning of me trying to grow up.

Then the world changed.

One day, a strange-smelling human came into the kitchen and sat at a table where humans eat. Father says it's the same thing as our food tray but bigger and more suited for humans. This strange human knew our human and exchanged a warm welcome. I was watching from my living area all the commotion that was occurring in the house. Our human picked up two of my brothers and put them on the table. This was breaking lesson two, and rightfully so, my brothers froze up, looking at this strange human.

The strange human started cuddling both of my brothers and offering them treats. Being the treat gremlins that all my brothers were, they purred and ate the treats. They then started snuggling the strange human like there was no tomorrow. The treats kept coming, and so did the cuddles my brothers gave. I was wary of this strange human because their smell did not fit our home. Then, our human said something I could not understand to the strange human. Next thing I knew, the strange human picked up both of my brothers and put them in a bag it had. The strange human hugged our human and then left with my brothers as they left to the outside world.

I turned to my mother, who, I was surprised, was not stressed about my two brothers leaving. She was quite content relaxing in our living area with my other three brothers. When I asked her how she felt about it, Mother said, Your brothers are at an age where they will go to different humans who will provide them a warm and loving home. I am happy they are both together so they can protect each other and their new home. Then it dawned on me sorrowfully about how my mother would feel if I left: Would Mother feel the same way if a human came and took me away? Would she even care that her only daughter was taken? And would she notice I was gone if I were to go into a basket? Why would my mother be this heartless with losing two sons this soon? Would she even care if we all left? As I nuzzled my other brothers for some comfort, my mother continued her nightly routine of bathing. Now there are only four of us out of six.

I saw Mother with Father not far from us kits as I feigned my sleep just to overhear their conversation.

You came back, Mickel, Mother purred, rubbing into Father. I was afraid you would go into the portal and never come back. Please don't leave unless we go together.

Father rubbed back and said, The human decided to let Pandora stay for a little while before she leaves. Her abilities are known to them but also felt it would be best for her to remain here on this side of the Gate. These humans will treat Pandora as their own kin, and she will feel at home with them.

Mother let out a sigh as sleep overtook me, feeling both of my parents' warm fur enclose me with my brothers' fur. It felt like the warmest embrace I have ever felt and wished it never ended.

Week by week, my brothers left for their new homes. Mother seemed to wince in pain but kept telling herself, It is their time. They are the good they give to this impervious yet enticing dimension we live in. These winces subsided as she set her eyes on me, the only kit to be here in the house. Now, there was only one.

A few days later, I was bothering Father with questions on when my time would come to leave. All I got from him was: "You will see, everything will make sense later—your time will come. Then my personal favorite is, Pandora, it is hard to explain something you have only experienced once. You will have your answers in due time." Father just made it hard for me to understand despite many more questions arising. It was getting too redundant and eventually boring.

Then, during the middle of the day a little after my nap, a strange human came into the house. This human went straight to the kitchen with our human. I decided to peek around the corner and listen to them. The only words I could pick up from that conversation were ship, travel, transport, car, and crew. This conversation was having me creep closer and closer just to see if I could hear them closer to the table in the kitchen. As I crept closer, I could feel this warmth of courage overtake me. No more timid little me, this was my time to shine and show I am deserving of such a loving home so I may have my answers that Father's words would evade me. The words they mentioned almost matched the strange dreams I would have, and it seemed too familiar to me.

Suddenly, the feeling of a strange hand passed over my head and down my back, almost mimicking my mother's grooming. I found myself relaxed and purring loudly at this strange human. Then I snapped back into reality, and I froze. The strange human let out a gentleman's chuckle, but the feeling of me wanting to run to Father and Mother for safety grew but subsided immensely. The strange human kept petting me and rubbing my ears, which held me permanently wanting more. Jumping onto the strange human's lap, it was much easier to receive pets and a few snuggles from this strange human.

I felt one of the hands leave my head, and I noticed this strange human's jacket was pulled apart. I could feel the warmth emanating from the open jacket. I took this invitation and nestled myself in the jacket. It feels much warmer and more secure sleeping here than I did in my living area. Just feeling the deepness and soothing of this strange human's voice, it lulled me to a deep sleep.

I felt a strange movement that was gradual but nothing to be too alarmed at. I was still in the jacket of this strange human. I noticed the jacket was closed up, and all I saw was darkness but felt the warmth. I know Father and Mother never said to use my claws unless it was for an emergency, but I could not see anything! Then, the strange human slightly opened the jacket and started to pet me.

Pandora, I can't wait to bring you to your new home. You are going to love it there. The excitement from this strange human's voice.

How did he know my name? Does he know how to speak to me in my own tongue? Where is Father and Mother? Wait, what is that strange smell?

I peeked my head out of the jacket and noticed the strange human walking into a metal area. "Pandora, this is the ship Wexford. I am the captain of Wexford, and this will be your new home. Although it is very much different from your original home, you will know the crew and the ship within the next few days. I am sure you will like it."

Upon looking at the ship more, now the pictures at my original home made sense. Were my original humans captains too? Or did they just fly around in these tin ships? I remember Father stating that humans cannot fly, so they created these ships in order to fly and travel great distances. The captain kept talking about the ship and the crew within Wexford. The captain stepped on a metal plate that jolted us slightly. I dug in my claws into the jacket, and I felt the captain start petting me to relax.

Relax, Pandora, it's just a lift. You are still safe, and nothing will hurt you. I will need to introduce you to Cookie later. He is an eccentric individual.

Cookie? What was different about this type of human? Was he a loony? Or is he a different creature?

I was poofy, trying to make myself bigger and scarier than anything else here in this ship. Who knows what could be lurking down the long hallways I saw or what could be there, waiting to pop at me.

What you got there, Captain? a dark-haired man asked as the captain sat at the table with him and another man who is blonde haired; the blonde-haired man looks a little more younger than the dark-haired man but not by much. I noticed a screen in between these human men that had flashing lights.

Hmmmm, Captain, are you sure a cat should be on the ship? I know it would be nice for morale but there are planets that do not allow ‘animals' to be on board due to sanitation reasons and bureaucracy bull on top of paperwork, the blonde-haired man asked.

I want you to meet your new crew member…Pandora. I think it's time we have a member that would help take care of the little things suited for a cat. She also does not eat much and my sister was very insistent that she stays with us. My sister has had her fair share of voyages in space and I will not dare question or refuse her wisdom. Also, Rick—Captain turned to the dark-haired man—you will list Pandora as a morale officer. This will make it easier when we go to other planets for their ports and dropping shipments. Cookie?

The screen with flashing lights suddenly had a human come on with a booming, loud voice, Yes, Captain? It's about time you got back. The ship has been running for two hours. I was about to be medium rare. I doubt you like your engineers served up that way, sir.

Both Kit and Rick had to hide their chuckles as Cookie's booming voice came over the speaker. At the sound of the loud voice, I scrambled my head back into the captain's jacket. This brought both of their chuckles to a slight giggle.

Alright, crew, let's prepare to leave. Cookie, watch the engines and make sure they don't hit critical when we exit the atmosphere considering the ship has been on for two hours. I'll make it up to you on the next port, Captain announced.

We'll see what port has a nice lobster dinner. Getting engines prepped for lift off! Cookie thundered and the screen went black.

Pandora, it's best you stay with me. Lift off can be a little disorientating at first, Captain said with a smile and warmth in his words.

I heard his words, and I could hear my father's words in my head: Good, you listened, and now your new life will begin. You will have your answers soon. I looked at the windows and could see the sky turn to black and little specks of light shine through the shroud that the captain called space. After the ship settled into cruising speed, the captain took me to a little room with two metal boxes: one dispensed food and the other dispensed water when I approached it. There was even my own litter box and a few hideaway beds for comfort. Cloth balls were strewn about that smelled of my original home that I started to play with until it hit me. Despite feeling the strange hum of the Wexford, I miss the silence of my old home. I knew from this moment on, I had to conquer fear because this is my new home. Yes, these cloth balls may bring me a small amount of comfort, but I know I need to make my own comfort to adapt.

We soared through space endlessly. Many different nebulas we soared through, steering clear of black holes, and planets we visited to drop or even pick up cargo. The colors and sights of this universe never cease to amaze me. I wonder if anything was out there…waiting to be found?

Log 1

Hitching a Ride

The unforgiving cold of space yielded to the ship as it glided through the black void between countless distant galaxies that it holds. Every so often, it would send out a signal, searching for anything or something to lock onto. This time, something returned the signal; something was there and it was coming.

I was able to get a better view of the bridge and see the main windows peeking out to space. We just took off from the system we were in and endured the endless black of space in the windows. Even taking a nap wouldn't take away this boredom. Only fun part of going through the black void was dinner. I was able to get a few bits of meat from the crew which were delicious but not enough to satisfy my curiosity. I noticed Captain was fidgeting with paperwork he already worked on just to work through the boredom.

As I looked at every crew member, I was getting frustrated that everyone was occupied with what they were doing instead of interacting with me. My pent-up frustration started making my fluffy cloud gray tail swish like a tornado storm cloud.

Jumping down, I trotted over to the captain's chair and leapt onto his lap. I was nimble enough to not stretch my claws out because according to the captain, I left some nice marks on him last time I jumped on him. I butted my head right under his chin and wrapped my tail around his torso. I noticed the captain wasn't even petting me which was odd enough. Usually this gets his attention but there was nothing of concern when I looked around. The captain answered his screen and started talking to it.

What do you mean to expedite the route speed? We are on a set course and we will be right on time as agreed per the contract we both agreed to sign a fortnight ago. Captain's stern tone took a turn of annoyance but with a sharp tone of concern.

Sir, the company changed their minds and more pressing matters have come up concerning the shipment you are ferrying. As promised in the contract, we will compensate for the rush order. A contract will still be fulfilled by our company and your crew. We expect you here tomorrow before the end of the day cycle, the operator of the company stated with a concerned yet assuring tone.

The captain can hear the grumbling from Kit, Rick, and especially Cookie. I knew they were in a terrible mood. Kit and Cookie mentioned a complaint until the captain spoke.

Enough, this word from the captain's mouth cut through the grumbling like a hot knife through butter. A contract is a contract. They are willing to pay extra if we can make haste with our beloved ship there by tomorrow's day cycle. If this gets us our three months' vacation back on Earth, we will deal with it like men and just do it. We're close to our objective, but I want all of us to relax comfortably so we will not worry about budgeting our credits so much. Is that too much to ask, let alone do for all of us? the captain said with steel in his back and in an uplifting tone.

Kit and Cookie looked at each other regretfully opening their mouths to mention complaining. They said a low, No, sir, admitting defeat and mainly feeling horrible that the captain wanted to make sure they were more comfortable for their next upcoming vacation. I purred and pushed my head under the captain's chin and wrapped my silky white and ombré-gray tail on his chest. The snuggling almost put the captain in a trance to pet me until he realized he needed to focus.

Pandora, not now, Captain said gently but firmly, almost the way Father spoke to me and my brothers. This brought me feelings of calm but slightly annoyed. I jumped off the captain's lap and started pacing around the ship.

Eating more would hurt my tummy if I were to go to my little living area near the bridge. Another nap was too boring to even think about. I decided to lay on the cargo bay floor, feeling the hum of the engines. I playfully tried to mimic the hum of the engines with my purrs. I will admit it felt very funny, but I also suddenly reminisced how my mother would purr against me to soothe me. This was thankfully a fleeting thought as the hums kept changing and it became annoyingly hard to mimic my purrs for my escape from boredom. I walked to the engine room where Cookie was.

Cookie was busily watching and making adjustments on the screen he was looking at, hunched over and grumbling as always. I also saw a big hot pot full of coffee and the engine room smelled like a coffee shop according to Kit when he would come down here with food for Cookie because he always forgets to feed himself while feeding the engine to the Wexford. The engine room was his baby and would never leave it unless it was time for vacation or help with unloading. Maybe that's why the captain wants three months away from the ship, so Cookie doesn't go caboodles on the long voyages we have. I snuck up on Cookie and jumped on his hunched back. Boy was that a mistake I will regret for as long as Cookie is on this ship.

What in the cosmic fluff of aether, Pandora! Get out of here before you freak out the engine! Cookie yelled and threw a yellow square called cheese at me.

I don't like the taste of cheese, so I didn't bother to try to catch it until it hit me on the nose with a loud smack. I fell backward and I was wriggling to get it off. The smell made me slightly gag, and I couldn't figure out how to get it off. It felt like it was hugging my face! I heard a loud howling of laughter from Cookie following with a wheezing breath due to his howling. I heard Kit and Rick run and start laughing loudly. Rick picked me up while still chuckling and got the stinky cheese off of me. I gagged and Rick pointed me toward Kit.

Don't point Pandora toward me! She could vomit all over me! Kit freaked out in a high-pitched voice and tried to get behind a corner to have some form of a shield but alas, I did not vomit. Cookie was still howling and slammed his fist on the screen and caused the engine to seize.

Crap! Engine seized! Pandora, damn it! Get the captain on the line! Engine is now going to running cold! Cookie yelled and was tenaciously trying to bring the engine back online before it hit the cooldown period but to no avail.

The engine needs to cool down now before it restarts, which is a nightmare for the whole crew, especially Cookie. Cookie and the captain were talking back and forth about what was going on with the engine then how it was my fault. Rick held me and eavesdropped on the conversation while he was looking at the window into the black void.

Really, Cookie? You are going to complain about Pandora? She is a crew member, and it's not bad if she checks up on you. She is doing her job as a morale officer, Captain said to Cookie in a slightly humorous manner.

Captain, she snuck up on me! You of all people know how hyperreactive I am, especially when I am neck deep into the engine cycling when we jump—

Cookie was cut off by Captain's voice of humorous reasoning, Now, Cookie, having Pandora on this ship is giving us many benefits. She knows when we are stressed and comes to our time of need. Besides, you have been obsessive more over the engine than any hauls we have taken for many years. I know you mentioned in the reports the main engine will need a new part soon, but take the time during the cooldown cycle to relax. On another note, after the engines cool down, I need a report of the engine status in case that is the only part we need or anything else. With the engine after its cooldown period, it will be easier for you to do a detailed inspection. About Pan- Captain was getting emergency communication from Rick. I'll get to you later, Cookie. Rick, what's going on? Captain's tone turned from humor to concern.

Cap, we got something stuck on the side of the ship. Jon is right now bringing up the cameras on the bulkhead where the object is stuck at. Rick said. Jon recently joined us as the first mate on the last planet we loaded off cargo. Captain knew we needed another hand to help load and unload since Cookie has been driving himself into caboodles with the engine along with ship security.

Captain, that was not there when we left the last planet, dropping our last haul before we took the expedited haul. Do you want me to bring this hitchhiker item on board into the cargo bay? Jon asked as he was prepping the crane on the screen.

Do it. Make sure you lockdown the cargo bay and everyone, Captain went on the intercom, Do not leave where you are. Jon is locking down the cargo bay to inspect an item that attached itself to the ship when the engines seized. We cannot risk it. Captain's adamant voice of reason rang. Kit started to get nervous and fidget with his hands. He looked at me and Rick.

"Is Captain serious about bringing that on board? What if it has a disease or something in there that can kill us all? Can these hull breach doors even defend us from the horrors that await."

I was getting tired of Kit's rambling, so I jumped on his shoulders and wrapped my fuzzy white ombré-gray tail on his mouth. Rick let out a pretty loud giggle.

Well, Captain is not wrong about Pandora. She knows when to calm us in our time of need, and, Kit, she knows how to calm you, so it seems. Rick giggled as I purred into Kit's cheek