Science Fantasy Short Story {Reaper: Chapter Seven Part One}

In the future, where man has traveled to the stars and beyond, there exists guilds with special abilities. Two such guilds are the guild of assassins and the guild of mages. Their laws prevent them from working together. Reaper is the story of two members of the guilds, who ignored their laws and who fight for the greater good.

Genre: Science Fantasy Romance

 

Bomba flew them toward the edge of the city. “You do know that this city is shielded, right?”

“Counting on it,” Bomba said.

“I get your plan, but I would rather have the real Bomba here…no offense.”

“I am the real Bomba.” She stopped just short of the shield and turned around to face the rocket.

“I hope this works.”

“Do you have a better plan?”

“I have five, but let’s see how well your plan works.” Bomba weaved her hands and the platform disappeared just as the rocket was about to make contact. The resultant explosion cause the clone to flicker and Zion to fall at even greater speed. A pair of arms grabbed him from behind and the two of them floated to the ground.

“That was close,” she said.

“I’ve had closer.”

“We have to find this sniper before he gets lucky.”

“No. That is a complete waste of time.”

“This may have been the same person that destroyed your home!”

“I am certain of that, but this is not the time or place to engage a master assassin.”

She stopped and stared at him. “You don’t want anyone to get hurt.”

“It just isn’t a good idea.”

“Well, we are only a mile away from our destination.”

Zion began walking. “We will take an indirect route, stay in the shadows and maybe use your camouflage powers.”

“I will do as you wish. But I don’t like it.”

“I don’t blame you.”

A quick wave of her hand and her image dimmed. “We are invisible now. Unless the assassin has the ability to see through an invisibility spell.”

Zion stepped behind the building and tread the small path between building and the shield. “Some have a much heightened six sense. Depends on what race you are from. The Vuldarians have no ESP potential whatsoever, but they make up for it in ferocity and durability. But a well-trained sixth sense can see through any illusion.”

“I beg to differ.”

He stopped at a corner.

“What’s the matter?”

“This would be a very good space for a sniper to attack. Since, this person can mask their intent, I have to be careful.”

“No need,” Bomba said. She raised a shield and walked across. “Come on, unless he can curve a bullet from a distance we should be fine.”

Zion followed. Once on the other side they found a door. Zion knocked once and waited. A burly slug-like humanoid answered the door. “What do you want?”

“To come in,” Zion said.

“Go around front.”

“We have someone trying to kill us,” Zion said in a matter-of-fact tone.

“Who doesn’t? Go around to the front.”

Bomba grabbed the man’s collar and pulled him close. “Relax. Aren’t you feeling sleepy?”

“Y—yes,” he said as he cocked his head sideways.” Tired.”

“You should rest. Step aside and let us through. You need a break.”

“I need a break.”

Bomba let him go and he stepped aside. Bomba walked past him just as he had settled down and stared off into space with a weird smile on his face. Zion followed her inside. “Hypnosis?”

“Yes. It is actually easier for me to modulate my voice and bedazzle my eyes when I use a holographic clone.”

“That is interesting,” Zion said. “I have to warn you. I imagine that the assassin will find us soon.”

“We are just trying to get information. We will get it and get out. Martha is heading this way now and I have sent three hard light clones to get your stuff from the hotel.”

“My bags are already packed, make sure they set the bullet tree and the pot beside the bed. Celeste really likes that dirt. I got it from Terra.”

“Already got it.”

They walked into a bar where they found several men and a few women sitting down, with drinks strong enough to make Zion’s nose burn. In the center was a man with blue skin and black hair. A Kainian. “That was easy.”

“Awful brave of him, to come here.”

The two of them walked over and sat down. The Kainian stared at the two of them. “Have you heard about the word?”

“Everyone knows that the bird is the word,” Bomba said.

The Kainian smiled. “You two are just humans? And so young. Why are you doing this?”

“The real question, is why are you doing this?” Zion asked.

Bomba placed her hand on Zion’s. “We are just trying to right a wrong. Now, please show us the schematics.”

He leaned in close. “Word of advice, just turn around and let this go.”

Zion felt a tingle. His danger sense was increasing in vibrational intensity. A dual feeling from the man across from him and something well beyond the door. “We don’t have time for this,” Zion said. He squeezed Bomba’s thigh. She gave him a look but he never returned it. “Put the information on the desk, so we can confirm the information.” He reached into his pocket and Zion’s senses hit the roof. He turned over the table, just as the Kainian was pulling something out of his pocket.

“What are you do—“ Bomba’s voice was cut short by a laser blast to her chest. Zion took cover behind another table. The door burst open and a four-armed man came through with laser guns blazing. A shield deflected the laser blasts before he could move to dodge. Bomba sat up and fired two spheres of blue energy at the two men. Both shots barely had an effect. “We have to run!”

“Running is suicidal.” Zion pulled out his deck of cards sending them flying as rapidly as a sub-machine gun. “Keep the four-armed guy busy for a few seconds.” After emptying the deck, he charged the Kainian, blocking his blasts with his wrist bands. He deflected one blast and it the resultant trajectory sent it through the Kainian’s leg. He stumbled, and that gave Zion enough time to twist the Kainians hand and free the gun. He caught the gun and placed it in the Kainian’s gut, he pulled the trigger. The shot pierced his stomach, his spine and went through the chain holding the chandelier over-head. The chandelier fell down on the giant, but he reached up with his two upper arms grabbed the steel decoration and pulled it apart.

He threw it at both Bomba and Zion. Zion dodged it. While Bombs flew over it, she blasted him from above. Zion took aim at a blind spot, but he sensed danger from behind. He dodged a swiping Kainian who managed to knock the gun away. Zion slid away, two far from the gun. Unfortunately, it was within reach of his opponent.

The Kainian grabbed for the gun. Zion, grabbed a bar stool and flipped over the bar. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a silver cylinder. Just big enough to fit in his hand. He shook it and it morphed into a slingshot. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a bullets. He loaded the sling and stood up. The Kainian shot as soon as Zion’s head emerged above the island. Zion dodged the shots and released the bullet. The shot caught the Kainian in eye. He grabbed his eye and writhe in pain. Zion loaded one more bullet and shot him in his hand. “Stand down, before you lose another eye,” Zion said.

The Kainian held up his bloody hand. “I surrender.”

Zion turned to the four-armed assassin. He was incased in an energy bubble, floating just above three clones of Bomba. One of the clones broke away and walked through the carnage to the bar.

“Want a drink?” Zion asked.

“I can have my clones hold him until we are on the ship,” Bomba said.

“Why do you fight like a Bakashi,” the four-armed man said.

“Because I am Bakashi, just as my father was before me.”

“Y—you are The Reaper? Son of the Lightning?”

“Yeah.”

“It is an honor, to be defeated by you.”

“Hey,” Bomba said. “I was the one that defeated you.”

 

End of Chapter 7 Part 1

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Science Fantasy Short Story {Reaper: Chapter Six Part Two}

In the future, where man has traveled to the stars and beyond, there exists guilds with special abilities. Two such guilds are the guild of assassins and the guild of mages. Their laws prevent them from working together. Reaper is the story of two members of the guilds, who ignored their laws and who fight for the greater good.

Genre: Science Fantasy Romance

 

Bomba adjusted the controls on the monitor. The main screen presented a bird’s eye view of the city. She pulled far enough away to see the Mage ship Martha and Hotel Miscavania. She released them, somewhat frustrated. “Why can’t I get a split screen?”

“The power diverted to the nanites you flooded the atmosphere with, isn’t enough to provide an ample signal for a split screen.”

“Martha, strengthen the receiver.”

“That would increase our chance of detection,” Martha said. “As it stands, the signals are optimal.”

“Fine. Help me with his room.” She stood up and walked over to the far wall, where Zion had once sat.

“The bedding has already been modified.”

Bomba grabbed a handle and pulled out a bed. She looked it over. “Good job,” Bomba said. “This looks so comfortable, I may go to sleep.”  She stepped back. “I would like a wall here. So he can have his privacy. He will have to walk past the tank to use the lavatory. But outside of that, he should be comfortable. And we can build a room over there for—”

“The additions you wish to add or against regulations.”

“No one has to know.”

“I am a mage ship, mistress.” An image of Martha appeared next to Bomba. “You named me and I have known you since I came online. But I am programmed to serve the guild first.”

“Yes, you are right.”

“Perhaps your time with Zion has clouded your judgment.”

“No. My mind is crystal clear.” She walked away from the bed. “Build the wall and put in stands for his plants.” She opened the rejuvenation tank. “Is he almost ready?” A bell sounded and the screen switched. Bomba stared at the screen. Zion sat on his bed, reaping the fruit from the bullet tree. The second plant had turned to a green rose with a red stem. “Oh, so Celeste has finally come out.”

“May I add that it is highly suspect that he refers to his plant by name? He has played music for it. Ancient earth music.”

“Well, we all have our hobbies. Besides, he is a Terran. I believe that all chloroman have an affinity for plant life?” She stepped into the tank.

“It is only true for the chloroman who have lived for a century or more.”

“Hmmm.” The tank closed. “Please tell him to be ready to leave in five minutes.” She closed her eyes. She felt her heart slow down, muscles relax and mind drift. When she opened her eyes, she stood in the room on the opposite side of the bed from Zion.

Zion pulled his red shirt down and tucked it carefully in his pants. “That is hardly five minutes.”

She turned around. “I sometimes miscalculate the mind transfer.”

“You can turn around. I was mostly dressed when you popped in.”

She turned back around. “My apologies, I will try to do a better next time.”

“It’s no problem.” He turned to the plant. “It’s time to take a nap now.”

The rose straightened and then curved away.

“I promise that I will take you to a place with plenty of water and sunshine.”

The rose seemed to fold its leaves and then dive into the dirt.

“How did you get it to do that?” Bomba asked.

“Do what?”

“Move when you speak to it.”

Zion shrugged. “Celeste doesn’t do anything she doesn’t want to do.” He stuck his hand in the dirt and felt around. “So, you are going with the holograph again?”

“This ensures my safety. After all, there is a bounty on my head.”

He pulled out a green shiny stone, with strings attached. He tied the necklace around his neck. “You don’t have to worry about safety when you are with me.”

Bomba rolled her eyes. “Excuse me, if I don’t feel particularly safe when you walk around weaponless.”

Zion placed his gunmetal wristbands on. “I am never weaponless.” He placed the hat on his head. “And now I am ready.”

“No coat? No cloak?”

His hands disappeared into his black pants pocket. “It’s too hot for that.”

The two of them walked out the front door of the hotel for the first time since their arrival. There was no need to hide their identities. They would be gone before sundown. The two of them walked down the street side by side. It wasn’t often that she experienced a walk in a busy street and in many ways she wasn’t. She could see what her holographic clone could see. Hear also. But there was no feeling of warmth. When she brushed against Zion, she was aware, but it was hardly the quickening of the heart that she normally felt. A wave of shame fell on her. A disgust that he could read her and tell her what she wanted. A strong desire to hit him with a bolt of electricity welled in her heart a desire that was stopped by Zion pulling her into an alley. “What’s—”

Zion’s hand snapped faster than sight could register. It was only the other information her clone gave her that allowed her to realize what was going on. A beam ricocheted off his metallic wristband and pierced a trash can. “Sniper. Quarter of a mile.”

“That’s all well and good. But I am just a hologram. You really don’t need to protect me.”

“He will probably change positions.” Zion reached down for his absent gun. “Right. On the ship.”

“Point them out and I will find them.”

He pointed at a building with a needle-point top. “There is the best place for that shot. But don’t bother going after them.”

“Why not?”

“This is a pro’s pro.”

“How good can they be? We and by we, I mean you, are still alive. And if they are that good, shouldn’t we look for a, I don’t know, safe hiding place?”

“I didn’t sense a kill intent,” Zion said. “Only the best can hide that. After seeing my laser deflection stunt they realize that sniping is useless against me. If they attack again, it won’t be with a sniper’s laser rifle and it won’t be so far away.”

“We don’t have time for this.” She grabbed Zion and formed a disc under him. The two of them flew up. “I have the entire city under-surveillance. Where ever he is, we will get him. She looked down at his waist. “You stay behind me.”

“You bombarded the atmosphere with nanites, didn’t you?”

“Yeah. Wait, I can’t find anything.”

“The attacker shot at you, probably saw you as the biggest threat. They would expect a techno-witch to do something like that.”

She slowed their ascent. “So, if you are so smart, where is this assassin now?”

“Hiding, unwilling to give away his position.”

Bomba saw a blue speck in the distance that grew larger with each past moment. “What is that?”

“Or, they can fire on us with a…DNA seeking missile.”

“Crud!” Bomba flew in the opposite direction.

“I guess it has latched on to me. Can’t you blow it up?”

“No. My clones don’t have that kind of strength and by the time I disengage and make it here, you will be blown to bits.”

“Yes. That would be bad.”

 

When you get a chance, check out may current novel below:

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Science Fantasy Short Story {Reaper: Chapter Six Part One}

In the future, where man has traveled to the stars and beyond, there exists guilds with special abilities. Two such guilds are the guild of assassins and the guild of mages. Their laws prevent them from working together. Reaper is the story of two members of the guilds, who ignored their laws and who fight for the greater good.

Genre: Science Fantasy Romance

 

Bomba sat in the bathroom trying to decide what to do. Knowing that he looked at her in that way, stirred feelings in her that she didn’t know how to deal with. But what choice did she have? She needed him…wanted him. She needed to keep their relationship intact. She stood up and steeled her nerves. She opened the door to find Zion, dressed in workout clothing standing in a pose. His leg to the side. His hand holding his revolver parallel to his leg. His other hand occupied with the other revolver held close to his body. He was perfectly still. Holding the pose for far too long for her comfort. She moved to her own bed sat down and crossed her legs. After a while, he started moving. He fought invisible enemies at a speed so slow that it seemed painful.

Bomba  raised a shield in front of herself. Creating one above, below, behind and either side, creating a cube of energy to protect her from an errant shot.  She placed herself in a meditative trance, pushing her limits to hold the shield for as long as possible. When he was finally done, he was dripping in sweat.  She fared no better and nearly collapsed when she finally released the shield.

He turned to her as if he hadn’t noticed her there. “Bomba. Were you meditating?”

“Yes.”

He sat down on his bed and stared at her. “So what were you meditating about?”

“Well, it wasn’t you.”

“Of course not, I doubt if any of you Tek Nok meditate on anything enjoyable. I suspect that you meditate on a single point and contemplate how to fit the entire universe inside of it.”

Bomba scoffed. “That’s ridiculous. We mediatate on our tech. We control the energy flow. With control comes power. With enough control you can create realistic illusions or full energy constructs.” She clapped her hands and pulled them apart revealing a statue of Zion.

He grabbed the statue in his hand and held it. “Ah.” He nodded knowingly. “Then what you are doing is no different than a warrior.”

“How? We do not require any movement in our meditation.”

“Neither does the warriors guild.” The little statue burst into bits and pieces of energy. “But the moving meditation works well with Gunchi. But we believe in supreme control as well. Control of our bio-electric energy. I have never really understood the point of that one and my dad didn’t care for it either. We also believe in control of all of our senses. And control of our bodily functions. I can use adrenaline to increase my strength, speed and reflexes. Or manipulate my suprachiasmatic nucleus to induce even more speed.”

“That sounds dangerous.”

“Well, yes done for too long, it can kill you. But I am sure that the same is true for you.”

“It is possible.”

He nodded. “We should train together.”

“What?”

“Don’t worry, I am not going to try and shoot you…again. We are going into a very dangerous situation. We need to go in with some team skills.”

“I agree with you. But I have been thinking.” She looked down to her hands. “I think that I should return to my ship.”

He rubbed his chin. “That could work perfectly.”

“Really?”

“Yes. You can be my eyes and ears, while I gather information.”

“I intend to be with you while you are gathering information. I just need to sleep in my tank periodically.”

Zion sighed. “Look, I know that is not true, just like I know that whomever we are going to walk through hell to save is more than just a teammate. Probably doesn’t have anything to do with the war with the Kainians and isn’t sanctioned by anyone. I get it. I made you feel uncomfortable. You can just tell me.”

“I am not uncomfortable.”

“Despite your training, your body language is clear. The more you try to hide it the more obvious it becomes.”

She studied him for a moment. “If that is true. Why are you still here?”

He shrugged. “I haven’t had this much fun in years. Besides, I am honor bound to fulfill Kiyah’s dying wish. He wanted to help you, so I figured I might as well.”

“I—I wish that I could tell you everything. But the less you know the better.”

“Did Kiyah know what you were really after?”   

“No. Not until he was dying. That was when he told me that I was right to keep it from him and that you would help me if it were a request from him. But he also told me that I mustn’t tell you either.” Zion walked over to the work desk and began disassembling the guns. In seconds, the rail guns lay on the table in small parts. He reached into the bag and pulled out more small parts. “Are you angry with me?” Bomba asked.

“No.”

“I promise, I will tell you everything, eventually.”

“Wait before you go back to the ship. Once, I finish repairing my weapons, and calibrating this personal shield. I want to take it to the ship and store it somewhere.”

“I will reconfigure the ship so that you will have your own personal space. But it would be better if you entered the secondary tank.”

“I don’t like coffins,” Zion said.

End of Part One of Chapter Six.
 

When you get a chance, check out may current novels below:

You can buy my adult scifi novel Hearteless: A Journey to Second Earth @amazon or here.

 

 

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Science Fantasy Short Story {Reaper: Chapter Five Part Two}

In the future, where man has traveled to the stars and beyond, there exists guilds with special abilities. Two such guilds are the guild of assassins and the guild of mages. Their laws prevent them from working together. Reaper is the story of two members of the guilds, who ignored their laws and who fight for the greater good.

Genre: Science Fantasy Romance

 

Zion waited patiently for the air bus to come. It would be a little tricky with the huge rucksack on his back. The sun had long gone down and he was once again traveling under the cover of darkness. A well-lit vehicle descended from the sky and traveled parallel to the building tops. In one smooth move, Zion leaped from the building and landed on top of the bus. He grabbed a railing to brace himself and waited for the moment they passed the seedy hotel. At night, there were no lights around it. The gloom added to the mystery and maybe the romance of the place, but all Zion saw was a method of invisibility. He jumped from the bus, grabbed the terrace and swung to the shadows below. He found the door he exited, opened it and climbed the flight of stairs to the room. Once on the floor, he studied the motions of the revolving cameras. When he got a green light, he quickly walked to the room door, used the key card nearly as quickly as his quick draw, opened the door and walked in.

Bomba turned to him. She was standing up, glaring at him. “Where have you been?”

“Where have you been?” He walked past her and set the duffle bag on his bed.

“I asked you first.”

“I went shopping.”

“Shopping?”

“Yep.”

“Where is my cloak?”

Zion straightened. “Oh, well it kind of got torn to pieces by an alpha level android. As much as I hate to admit it, I am a little rusty.”

“Say what?”

Zion turned around. “Yeah, he was pretty mad. Don’t know if he was programmed to get angry or something else was going on. But it was very convincing.”

She cocked her head sideways. Anger melted and concern grew on her face. “Are you unharmed?”

“Yes. I am a little sore, but once I get a good night’s rest. I should be fine.”

“Zion. You are a grandmaster of Gunchi. Why would you get into a skirmish without your weapons?” She gestured toward the guns on the night stand. “And while you are at it. Will you tell me what that is?” She pointed to the foot tall tree that was already ripe with fruit.

 “The tree on the right is my bullet tree. Something I learned from studying my mother’s people.”

“You can grow bullets?”

“Not just any bullets. Psychokinetic bullets. Bullets that only I can use.”

“Impossible.”

“There are trees on Planet Terra that can drain the blood right out of a living being. Then there are others that can draw on the ambient psychic energy in the air. This tree does just that. I just modified it so I can make bullets—up to twenty bullets a day, depends on where it is located.”

“Interesting.”

“The shy one on the left is Celeste. She will come out eventually, but she has been in stasis for a long time.”

“Celeste?” Bomba raised an eyebrow. “You name your plants?”

“Just Celeste. We go way back.” Zion reached into the duffle bag. “Anyway, I got into a little skirmish because I needed money. I have some saved up, but it is saved up for a reason. So I took in a well-known gangster and got his bounty.” He handed her a bag. “Here.”

“What is this?”

“A gift.”

She opened the bag and pulled out two robes. A dark green one and a crimson one. “It’s beautiful.”

“I had pockets sewn in. Places to hide your magic stuff or whatever. I know you guys are supposed to wear your black outfit and all, but we have to be able to travel without being discovered. Also, it changes color, so you can go back to your basic black if you want too.”

She took the crimson one and placed it on. Buttoning it and placing the hood on her head. “I like it.”

Zion walked over to her and removed the hood. “You don’t have to cover your face around me.”

She held his gaze for a moment. “Zion. I will accept your gift, but don’t place your hands on me or my belonging. What gives you the right to undress me in my sleep and just leave?”

“Your eyes and hips.”

“What?”

“Your eyes are dilated and your hips are tilted at the right angle. You find me too attractive to stay mad at me.”

Her eyes flashed with anger. “How dare you!”

“The feeling’s mutual Bomba, next time I undress you, I won’t leave.” 

Bomba stepped back. Her face was painted with a look that could kill. She turned, walked into the bathroom and slammed the door.

Zion rubbed the back of the head. “I really am rusty.”

End of Part Two of Chapter Five.
 

When you get a chance, check out may current novels below:

You can buy my adult scifi novel Hearteless: A Journey to Second Earth @amazon or here.

 

 

 

Also, feel free to comment below and follow me on Google and Twitter @ Frank_D_Rogers