The Alienbutt Saga, Book 1. War of the Coffee Bean. Part 43.

Sitting up in his bunk Hydroponic felt a moment of total disorientation. The dream had been so real, and as he stood up he realised just how real it had been. The floor of his sleeping quarters was covered in pink blossom petals and a large wet keep-net revealed two large rainbow trout. With a grin Hydroponic grabbed the fish and set off to prepare breakfast, then he would change course and head for the new destination given to him in his dream.

Killashandra slumped into the chair and took the drink offered to her by an equally exhausted Captain Noble. A week ago the Federation had sent an invasion force to try and take control of the giant mining operation in the Dulbarn Quadrant of Ashia Minor. Fierce fighting on a dozen worlds and constant space battles had claimed thousands of lives, but the invasion fleet had been destroyed and the stranded Federation armies had surrendered. The majority of the armies were troops conscripted to the war by the Security Council from worlds within the Inner System.
“Well General, you’ve got a second victory under your belt, and the Federation are still struggling to get their metal supplies to rebuild their robot army,” said Captain Noble, taking a seat next to her.
“I wish they would find another leader for out here. This responsibility is killing me. How about I resign and name you the boss? You’re way more experienced anyway and this was mainly your battle plan.”
“If you even think about doing that to me I’m gonna claim that kill on sight bounty that the Federation placed on you last month,” Captain Noble said, grinning at Killashandra. “Anyway my battle plan went butts up after the second day. You made it all up as you went along after that and snatched victory back for us. You’re a natural at this, girl, so accept it.”
“It was that suicidal charge by Ponnfarr that turned the tide for us. God knows how he came out of that unscathed.” The odd Fo’c’sle pilot had gathered up half a dozen ships and raced to smash a squadron of Federation battle cruisers that were threatening to destroy the shield generators around the main mining complex. His was the only ship to survive, but the destruction of the Federation squadron by them turned the battle.
Killashandra scowled as she took another drink. “When I catch up with that Alienbutt I’m gonna rip him a fifth hole; this is all his fault. He should be commanding us here, not me.”
Captain Noble looked at Killashandra and could see her concern for the strange, oddly dressed Alienbutt who had been sent on some top secret mission months ago, and there had been no word of him since.

CHAPTER 19
Cat Suit.

INTERSTELLAR NEWS CHANNEL 9 NEWS FLASH

As the first anniversary of the start of the war of the coffee bean passed, rationing of fuel for space travel was increased to include all non-security or essential ships. The latest drive for recycling all non-essential robots and ships reached its monthly target level with a week to spare. The Federation Security Council would like to thank all citizens for their support in the war effort. In an official statement, the Security Council also announced that planets giving support to the rebels will have their supply of coffee beans reassigned to planets loyal to the Federation. Also extra quotas will be given to those planets donating the most to the war effort.

Mr. Fluffy looked at the battle suit. It stood over ten feet in height, and concealed within the metal casing was a large array of weapons. The robotic control unit, when connected to his brain, would be more advanced than anything ever seen before. The only down side to his creation was the lack of equipment that would allow him to relieve himself when he hooked himself up to it, so a more primitive means was needed. Mr. Fluffy would have to wear a nappy. The Federation ship would be with him within twelve hours, so he only had a few hours to wait until he made his move against Nifty. She had been a good pet but he no longer needed her. He was still upset with her anyway for the way she had taken up with the one called Blackarachnia, and so she would pay for her disloyalty.

To be continued.

Thanks for reading, all images are mine.