Starblind (Starblind #1) Read online

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.

  Starblind Copyright © 2015 by D.T. Dyllin

  2nd edition published 2016

  The Tik Tok Press Logo is a trademark of Tik Tok Press

  All rights reserved. In accordance with the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, the scanning, uploading, and electronic sharing of any part of this book without the permission of the author is unlawful piracy and the theft of the author’s intellectual property. If you would like to use material from the book (other than for review purposes), prior written permission must be obtained by contacting the publisher. Thank you for your support of the author’s rights.

  Cover Art by Lindsay Tiry of LT Arts

  Tik Tok Press & D.T. Dyllin Logos by

  Jordan P. Fremgen of Eye Of The River Media Design

  Book design by Inkstain Interior Book Designing

  Edited by Melissa Ringsted of There for You Editing

  ISBN-13: 978-1-941126-38-7

  ISBN-10: 1941126383

  For more information visit: www.dtdyllin.com.

  CONTENTS

  Introduction

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Epilogue

  Acknowledgments

  About D.T. Dyllin

  Once upon a time humans thought they were alone in the Universe.

  They were wrong.

  Hundreds of thousands of species existed that weren’t indigenous to Earth. So many, it was thought that no one would ever discover or catalogue every species and sub-genre out there in the big, wide open.

  Humans also used to think they were at the top of the food chain.

  They were wrong about that, too.

  Sexual, racial, religious discrimination … it all stopped mattering once humans realized they were the only ones who saw the difference. A human was a human, no matter their creed, and the rest of the Universe didn’t have such a high opinion of the natives of Earth.

  Long story short …

  Humans had been long overdue for an awakening, and they’d been scrambling to survive ever since they got one.

  In hopes to compete with alien races that were superior physically and mentally, humans began to splice their genes to create hybrids. New humans were born, and the rules changed yet again.

  Battles waged and large casualties were amassed, including the loss of entire planets. So an alliance was formed, simply known as the Unified Galactic Federation of Stars or UGFS. It would govern all so chaos would no longer reign supreme.

  Of course, that’s when things really got complicated …

  “Anyone good?” I asked, leaning over Zula’s shoulder.

  She snorted. “I’m pretty sure my definition of good and yours differ greatly.” She continued to flip through pictures of potential bounties on our ship’s central computer.

  I stabbed my finger against the screen. “Oh! What about that one?” Pictured was a large male, shaved head, Species Class 4. Could be interesting. He was last seen not too far from our current location. Possible easy money. My favorite kind.

  Zula sank back into her seat, the worn leather creaking as she heaved a huge sigh. “Allow me to jog your memory about what happened the last time you went after a Species Class 4.”

  I raised my hands into the air, backing up a few steps. “Hey, hey now. Everything turned out fine.”

  “After you spent two weeks in a coma.”

  My mind flashed to the little incident Zula was referring to.

  “Put your hands up and turn around nice and slow,” I growled, hopefully loud enough for tall, green, and scaly to hear me. I eyed my laser handgun to make sure I had the safety off, wishing I hadn’t let Tamzea talk me into the stupid contraption. I missed my vintage 9mm Earth gun, but unfortunately it was useless against some species, especially the kind with armor-like skin. I’d had that lesson beaten into me the hard way.

  Lizard-man, as I’d dubbed him in my head since I’d already forgotten his name, turned around slowly to face me. “Are you talking to me, hu-mutt?”

  Oh no he didn’t! I knew I shouldn’t let it get to me. I’d heard the term so many times I couldn’t count it anymore. It shouldn’t, but it definitely did get under my skin when I was referred to by the derogatory slang for genetically spliced humans. Hu-mutt … not even the tiniest bit clever if you asked me. Obviously, no one ever did.

  I demonstratively tapped my left ear, where one of my interpreter implants was located. “I’m sorry, one or both of my interpreters must be malfunctioning. I know you didn’t just call me a hu-mutt,” I spat, the word bitter on my tongue.

  A slow smile spread across lizard-man’s face, revealing razor sharp teeth. I stifled a shudder. He was seriously ugly. “They’re working just fine.”

  As my trigger finger twitched, I reminded myself that lizard-man was wanted alive, and I wouldn’t get paid if I killed him. I bared my teeth in a mock smile. “I’m really going to enjoy taking you in. I’ll try not to spend—”

  I sucked in a breath. Soft light shimmered around him, building steadily in intensity. I fumbled my left hand for my PAER—Psychic And Energy Reader—which was hooked onto my belt. It would tell me exactly what was going on with the light show, and how potentially dangerous it was for me. As soon as I pointed it at lizard-man, it flashed a bright red.

  “Oh shit,” I muttered.

  A moment later, my world exploded into a kaleidoscope of colors before everything went dark.

  “Don’t be such a downer. Danger goes with the job. And I was fine … after I woke up. No harm no foul.” I crossed my arms over my chest, scanning the details of the potential bounty. Species Class 4 could mean anything. Zula hated the unknown, which was exactly what that classification translated to.

  “I just don’t like—”

  “I know, I know … anything unpredictable, which rules out all Species Class 4s. But let me remind you that they are always worth the most money.”

  “I don’t like it.”

  “Of course you don’t. You’re a Galvraron. You like everything planned and plotted out,” I singsonged, my tone mocking. “Not knowing what we’re going up against gives you a panic attack.”

  Narrowing her eyes, Zula flicked her flaxen hair over her shoulder. “Galvrarons have the highest IQs of any species. Our brains—”

  “Yes, yes, you’re a genius. You’re all geniuses. But none of you know how to have any fun … Smurfette.” I grinned, waiting for her reaction.

  A low growl vibrated in Zula’s throat, her knuckles going white as she clenched her fists. She hated when I called her Smurfette. It couldn’t be helped, though. I mean, Zula did have long blonde hair and blue-ish tinged skin. “Stop using archaic Earth references around or referring to me. You weren’t born on Earth. It was destroyed decades before you were even—”

  �
��It’s my heritage! I’m human!”

  “Part human. And what does that have to do with your obsession with Earth culture? Everything you can get your hands on you—”

  I slammed my palms down on top of the computer screen, the image wavering for an instant from impact. Hunk of junk needs replaced soon. Which is why I need to pull in some easy money. “Message whoever has the claim out for the Class 4. Let them know we’re interested and get the rest of the details.”

  I spun on my heel, stalking from the control room. As much as I loved my crew, none of them understood my attachment to Earth culture. I may not be one hundred percent human, but I didn’t know what my mixed genetics were. I simply wanted to feel like I was from somewhere, like I belonged to some kind of rich history, instead of the failed science experiment I really was. Other species took pride in their heritage. What was wrong with me doing the same thing? Nothing, as far as I’m concerned.

  My gaze roamed over the dark metal corridors of my ship as I trudged along. Although more than some of The Pittsburgh’s equipment needed replaced or an overhaul, the bones of my baby would always take me where I wanted to go. I ran my fingertips over an oblong dent in the center of my door. I don’t remember what happened here. Huh. Did I do this on one of my firejuice benders? I shrugged, punching the unlock code into the worn keypad.

  Once inside my living quarters, I hurled myself onto my bed face first, groaning. The scent of stale, fading fabric softener assaulted my nose. When’s the last time I washed these? Ugh. Who cares? I was getting antsy, focusing on inane things. I needed an exciting hunt in my life soon or I would have to jettison myself out into space to die. I know, a bit dramatic, but I blame my unknown genetics.

  I didn’t know much about my DNA. The only clue I had to my other half was that I could withstand any level of fire without injury. Very helpful at times, especially against flamethrowers. I’d also found that out the hard way. Or in the end, it had been a lucky discovery, although a bit too late in my life. One of the reasons I’d been rejected from any kind of training program on New Earth was because I’d never shown any useful abilities. No one wanted a normal human anymore, not even my parents. It was fine with me, though. I was happy as captain of my own ship, hunting down the scum of the Universe for money. Actually, I didn’t care if they were scum or not, I’d haul in almost anyone for the right price tag.

  My door buzzed, sliding abruptly open. Should’ve locked it. Scowling, I sat up as Tamzea strode in, her lavender eyes narrowed at me. “I heard you were planning on going after another Class 4?” She stopped in front of me, her hands on her hips. “Are you insane?”

  “We could use the money. The ship needs maintenance. Lots of maintenance.”

  “There are plenty of other options in the database, Jane.”

  Rolling my eyes, I flopped back onto my bed. Tamzea worried about me too much. She was a Mazatimz, a species of healer who appeared human, except for their lavender eyes and hair. Most of them ended up as some kind of doctor somewhere. They also drove everyone insane with their constant worrying and overprotectiveness. Or at least that was my theory.

  “I’m a bit bored, too,” I muttered, tracing the pattern of flowers on my sheets with my index finger.

  Tamzea was silent as she moved around my quarters touching various objects … dolls, knick-knacks, baubles I didn’t even have names for. I trailed her movements with only my eyes. She picked up one of my human history books, flipping through it without actually looking at it. “I don’t want you to be injured again. One day I may not be able to heal you. My powers can only do so much.”

  “We all know that day will come, no use worrying about it,” I retorted. “You know I’d rather live a short, exciting life than a long, boring one. Just as long as it stays uncomplicated and drama free.”

  “That is the human in you.” Tamzea slid my book back on the shelf, and came to stand in front of me again. “So there’s really nothing I can say to change your mind?”

  I grinned. “Nope.”

  She shook her head slowly while studying me. “It’s a wonder purebred humans lasted as long as they did. I don’t know how any of them lived past infancy. To think that hybrids like yourself are thought to be an improvement. It truly boggles my mind.”

  “Hey,” I snapped. I knew what she was trying to do, but I wasn’t going to fall for it. “I’m not changing my mind no matter how much you insult my human side. Now get out of here so I can get some shut eye.”

  Tamzea frowned, and then scuffled for my door, pausing before exiting to eye a black-lit poster depicting a prowling panther. “Where do you find this stuff?”

  I shrugged. “It’s pretty easy to come by actually. It’s surprisingly not that much in demand.”

  Tamzea snorted loudly before muttering, “That should tell you something.” She ducked out into the corridor without another word, shutting my door behind her.

  As soon as she was gone I locked the door and flicked off the lights. Settling in for what promised to be another restless night, I hoped I could at least get a few hours of sleep.

  I really do need some excitement in my life before I go insane. If it’s not too late already.

  “Fuck me,” I groaned. My PAER flashed red, the light reflecting eerily off the freshly cleaned metal corridor walls of the supply space station. “Not again.”

  If I lived to tell the tale, I was never going to hear the end of it from my crew. Mr. tall, big, and bald had seemed like he was going to be an easy take down. I tracked him to a nearby supply space station in practically no time at all. I’d thought it was a sign that it was meant to be. I hate when I’m wrong.

  Even as my PAER kept flashing red, nothing was happening. Frowning, I craned my neck forward. “Umm … whatcha doin’ there?”

  My paycheck gritted his teeth, his hands rubbing together in a circular motion. I was a bit confused by the whole situation. I probably should have been running, but I was transfixed out of curiosity. I was just hoping it wouldn’t be the death of me. After all, I wasn’t a cat and I only had one life, so if curiosity killed me … I was screwed.

  “He’s trying to build fire.” A smooth baritone voice tickled my senses, causing the tiny hairs on the back of my neck to lift. Something in my stomach fluttered, but I chose to ignore it.

  I blinked rapidly, but didn’t take my eyes off of the scene in front of me. “What?” I muttered.

  “I said he’s trying to build fire. You might want to leave before he turns you and your … interesting outfit into ashes.”

  “What?” I repeated, annoyance causing my ears to heat. “Did you just insult my clothes?”

  I always dressed carefully when on a job. I had a reputation to uphold, after all. Nice clothes meant I was pulling good bounties, which garnered respect. I’d worked my ass off for a long time to get where I was. I had access to top grade bounties. Only a few others had the street cred and connections in the UGFS I did. I was considered the best of the best. Secretly I thought it had a lot to do with how I dressed.

  That morning, I’d donned one of the new outfits I’d recently purchased from an Earth museum that was closing down. The curator had assured me it was legitimate nineteenth century Earth clothing, called Steampunk. I was already attached to the look, and thought I looked pretty damn good, too.

  A grunt met my ears. “I just warned you about your imminent demise, and you’re worried about your clothes. Well there, sweetheart, I’m thinking you might want to stop—”

  I whirled around to face my tormentor, my bounty temporarily forgotten. “Oh, dear God,” I murmured, my eyes widening.

  He would have to be attractive, wouldn’t he? His eyes were what caught my attention first. They were a pale blue set behind inky lashes. His dark hair was styled short, as if he took care to cut it often, but he had a few days’ growth on his chiseled jaw. He was a good deal taller than my height of five foot ten, and his arms and chest were corded with lithe muscles. He wore a pair of loosely fitted ca
rgo pants, and a sleeveless shirt. He definitely didn’t take care in what he chose to wear, that was for sure. He was rugged, yet refined in some way, which I couldn’t quite put my finger on. He was stunning, and he put off the vibe that he knew it. His arrogant attitude was palpable, the essence of it rolling off of him in waves.

  Everything about him makes me want to punch him in his smug face.

  “God? I haven’t heard that term in a long time.” His azure eyes danced with mirth. “A human?”

  I ground my teeth together. At least he hadn’t called me a hu-mutt. That was a step in the right direction. “Go away. I’m busy.” I turned my attention back to my bounty—who was no longer there. I closed my eyes for a brief moment, swearing under my breath. My nostrils flared with anger as I slowly turned back around to face Mr. Sexy … and Annoying. “He got away thanks to you.”

  “I saved your life, you mean. He would have burned you to a crisp.”

  I marched the few feet of distance between us, poking him roughly in the chest with the end of my laser gun. “I should shoot you. You just cost me a lot of money. Maybe I could sell your parts for a chunk of change.”

  “He would have—”

  “Look, asshat, fire I can handle. He would have been some seriously easy money.”

  His full lips curled up into a sneer. “You may think you can handle fire, but—”

  I dug my gun harder into his chest. “I said I could have handled it! I—”

  My breath lodged in my lungs when his large hand came up to wrap around my wrist. Warmth suffused my system with a sudden intensity, and I gazed up into his blue eyes, which seemed to flicker with flames. The urge to lean into him … to press my mouth to his and rub my body against his … to throw him to the ground and— “What the hell?” I grated, yanking away from him.

  But Mr. Sexy and annoying appeared to be as stunned as I was.

  It was undoubtedly a ploy.

  He pursed his lips, opening his mouth to speak, but nothing came out. A white-hot fury heated my blood. This guy obviously packed some kind of pheromone or seduction power, which he was trying to use on me. Well, I wasn’t having it.