Page 7 of Pooch Planet

Chapter Three

Antoine braced himself with both palms flattened against the ceiling of the landing ship, the hull vibrating as they descended into the atmosphere of Pooch Planet. Everyone was already strapped in for touchdown, but the disturbing news he’d just received needed to be shared before they arrived.

“Fellow investigators, our latest intel indicates that another attack has occurred since we left the Notre Dame. It’s the second one to take place in Small Breed Village in less than twenty-four hours, so for now, this sector will be our focus.” He allowed his gaze to travel the room. “Stay sharp. If this truly is a bat demon—”

“We’re screwed.”

Antoine scowled at one of the newest detectives that had just been assigned to the military police division. Unfortunately, hiring was not in Antoine’s purview, so unless a case of insubordination or gross malfeasance occurred, he was stuck with whoever the G-Force command approved. And Antoine did not approve of the young gargoyle.

“Detective Cyrus. There will no interruptions allowed.” Antoine sidled his way closer to the cocky investigator. He leaned down, moving into the detective’s personal space. “How many cases have you worked, hmm? Would you like to take over the final briefing, perhaps explain to your fellow investigators how they’re all ‘screwed’? You think that’s funny?”

The gargoyle flushed then ducked his head. “No, sir. I apologize for my brash behavior.”

Antoine straightened so that he now loomed over Cyrus and the rest of his team. Because of the extreme nature of their case, Antoine would remain on scene and work in collaboration with Tully. A total of six additional investigators, with detective Isis taking the lead, had been brought on board so they could work the other cities and towns where murders had taken place. The G-Force soldiers who would be in charge of protection detail, had left for Pooch Planet immediately after Antoine’s meeting aboard the Bastille. They were already waiting with their lieutenant at the designated landing site near Small Breed Village.

The ship bumped and jerked as it approached the surface of the dog shifter world, and Antoine grabbed hold of one of the straps above him to steady himself. Once they’d landed with a final thump, Antoine relaxed his hold then turned to face his team once more.

“As I said, stay extra sharp.” He directed his next words to Cyrus. “Also bear in mind that every planet is different, has their own culture and protocols. Be respectful.”

The exit ramp opened, lowering until it met the surface of the planet. Sure enough, the larger military vessel with the G-Force soldiers had already arrived, and the platoon’s lieutenant approached Antoine from across the enormous grass field. Antoine also noted that temporary lodgings were in the process of being erected.

“Commander Dubois,” The G-Force lieutenant held out his hand. “I’m Lieutenant Moreau. How may we assist you?”

Antoine shook his hand. “Have you been briefed at all?”

“Enough to know we’re operating in the dark on this one.”

Antoine grunted. “Yes. Quite literally. However, our adversary will soon discover that darkness is not an advantage against us.” He took in the thickly forested surroundings and sighed. “This will be a bitch to search through.”

Lieutenant Moreau nodded. “We’ve studied the maps of the terrain and discovered that this sector is also the densest. We then followed up by looking into the history of this planet and the migration of the dog shifters from centuries ago. Small Breed Village was established in this locale for protection. Once shifted, they can hide in areas where larger predators can’t get to them.”

Antoine accepted the Lieutenant’s DID to view the mapped terrain. “What threats might those be?”

“The danger was primarily from their original colonization. At that time, the Sasquatch would come here to feed on occasion—until we chased those hairy beasts from Federation territory, that is.”

“I see.” Antoine handed Lieutenant Moreau’s device back to him. “Well, the only worry right now for all of us is the murderer we’ve come to apprehend. Let’s go over our strategy, then get started.”

Antoine lifted his head and drank in the beauty of the starry sky. How did the demon get here? Perhaps they could find the thing’s ship, gain some clues from that. The lightest of breezes rustled the leaves and the snap of a twig cut through the low murmurings of the group. Everyone froze as if danger drew near, but Antoine wasn’t impressed. If Pooch Planet was truly plagued by a bat demon then by the time a sound was heard, you’d probably already have your throat ripped out.

* * * *

Benji rubbed his hands together, then blew his breath into his palms to warm them. The night wasn’t too chilly, but between the lack of sleep, too much booze and being a nervous wreck, he couldn’t seem to heat up.

Heat. That was the last thing he wanted to think about. He didn’t need to go into heat in the middle of this whole mess.

Benji leaned against the eight-foot tall wooden fence that surrounded the perimeter of the village mayor’s residence, then took a swig from his water bottle. He was so dehydrated. The killing a few hours earlier had caused the mayor to call everyone to arms—even though Benji was supposed to have been off and had already downed several beers.

He was mostly sober now. Mostly. A guy his size couldn’t handle as much alcohol as someone bigger, and at the time, he’d been trying to block out the horror of the poodle slaying from the night before. Had he known he’d have to take a night shift, he never would’ve touched a drop of liquor.

Benji gasped, dropping his bottle, the water spilling out on the ground. He tensed and listened to the noises in the darkness. His sensitive Chiweenie hearing served him well in situations like this, and he was positive that he’d heard a vehicle approaching from far off. He squinted in the direction of the main highway into the village, as if doing so could help him hear better.

Whatever drew near was unfamiliar, the engine that drove the vehicle foreign to his ears.

Do bat demons use transportation?

He gulped. What if the one they were already beleaguered with had only been an advance scout, and now the rest of the filthy scourge had landed? Maybe their lead bat had sent a message that there was a huge, defenseless dog shifter buffet and everyone should gather for a feast.

Benji drew his laser gun, an outdated model leftover from the first Pooch Planet war, the very battle that had caused them to seek protection from the G-Force gargoyles. Since then, they hadn’t kept up their armory since it hadn’t seemed necessary. The word was out that their world was part of the Federation’s domain, and peace had reigned for many decades.