E.S. Raye

This week I’m going to do things a little differently.

Rather than blather on about a subject, I’m going to share a short story that I’m quite proud of, but can’t seem to get published anywhere else.

This story was written for the NYC Midnight Short Story Contest back in January of this year (2023). If you are unfamiliar with the NYC Midnight contests, they provide you with a genre, a character, and a subject (as well as a maximum word count), and you have a limited number of days to produce a story that meets the assignment. Each round is a new genre, character, and subject, and a shorter period of time to complete them in.

I was given the assignment of heist (genre), a proud mother (character), and a kindergarten (subject) for my first round. I turned it on its head a little and made it sort of sci-fi (because, hey, that’s what I like to write!). And it got me through the first round with glowing feedback from the judges.

Unfortunately, since then it has been rejected 6 times, by larger and smaller presses alike. But you know what? I love it too much to let it collect dust without being seen by anyone, and now I’ve got a platform to share it.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

The Offspring Garden

By E.S.Raye

“Interesting,” Keyzeb squeaked. He leaned back into the corner of the enclosure and reached beneath the dense fur at his side. A device concealed by his coat beeped at his touch. “Field notes; rotation five. I’ve successfully been accepted by the indigenous species as one of their own. In the short time I’ve been with them, I can already see that the similarities we observed on earlier expeditions run deeper than mere appearances.”

He paused to again marvel at those similarities. The creatures he found himself among were nearly identical to his own species, albeit with a significantly reduced neural lode. As he watched them play in the dark, he couldn’t help but feel a connection. They were like ancestors. Cousins, perhaps. Maybe even brothers.

“Their social structure is crude; underdeveloped. And again, similar to our own distant history. Even here in captivity, they form clans based on a simple hierarchy. And yet, while the rare fights for dominance can be brutal, this is a community. One where they are reliant on each other. No one is left behind.”

Keyzeb’s eyes wandered from the frolicing forms to the bars that surrounded them. “Of course, behavior is often impacted by captivity. It would behoove us to study this species in its natural habitat—”

Lights, far above Keyzeb’s sizable enclosure, clicked on without warning. Midnight became midday and he blinked in the sudden glare. By his estimation, his “cousins’” pen was only one small part of a structure so massive it strained his sense of scale. But it made sense. The dominant species on this planet were giants themselves. From here he could see rows of cages, each with a unique—and often monstrous—creature of its own.

#

“What was he doing in a wet market?”

“It’s not a wet market. Not exactly.”

Jaspler smirked. “What does that mean?”

“According to Professor Keyzeb’s notes,” Sinaq said as he squinted at the display, “the dominant life-form often adopts companion animals.”

“So he’s not dinner, he’s someone’s pet,” Yatones scoffed. “That still doesn’t explain what he was doing there.”

“We didn’t know that’s what it was,” the Matriarch said.

Her holo was fuzzy with distance, but Jaspler could read her despite the static. “He went on his own, didn’t he?”

The Matriarch thumped her foot once, but quickly regained her composure. “Professor Keyzeb may be a bit ambitious. But his work is of great interest to us all.”

“Right.” Jaspler eyed the Matriarch’s image. “What are we talking about? A jailbreak? Smash and grab?”

“I’m afraid not. Stealth is critical. Sending details now. I’m counting on you. Get him out.” The transmission cut with a snap!

“Unbelievable,” Jaspler said and stomped.

“What’s up, Jas?” Yatones asked.

“The idiot went rogue and now we’ve got to bail him out.”

Sinaq’s brow furrowed. “Is it not sensible for us to rescue one of our leading xenoanthropologists?”

“Maybe. But the Matriarch’s only sending us because he’s her son.”

Yatones twitched. “What? How do you know that?”

“I know.”

“Captain,” Sinaq said coolly, “we have our orders.”

Jaspler sighed, but smirked. “Right as always, Sinaq. What kind of intel has our dear Matriarch provided?”

“Unfortunately, information regarding the facility the professor has been transferred to is scant—”

“What in the name of all things holy,” Yatones interrupted, “is an “Offspring Garden?”

“Unknown, Doctor,” Sinaq replied. “Presumably a place of growth.”

“Why you pointy-eared—”

“That’s enough,” Jaspler snapped. “How do we get him out? Port-badges?”

“Port-badges will be ineffective. The conductivity of both the professor’s cell and the larger facility act as a shield against our port-badge wavelengths. We can’t port at all once inside.”

Yatones’s mouth fell open. “You mean we have to port-in outside and find him in that labyrinth?”

“Correct, Doctor. And then get back outside before we can port-out.”

“No use complaining,” Jaspler said. “Let’s get to it.”

#

“Mission report; galactic calendar 231.966. Dr. Yatones, Chief Analyst Sinaq, and myself have port-badged to the alien structure. Our instruments don’t do the size of it justice. I can only hope the map provided by the Matriarch is accurate. Or plan is simple: recon suggests Professor Keyzeb’s ‘companion’ arrives—with his cell—every morning at roughly this time. We will have approximately fifty standard chronal units to locate and rescue the professor. Once that time elapses, the chaotic offspring of this planet’s cyclopean masters will arrive, making success dubious—”

“Jas,” Yatones hissed. “Is now really the best time for that?”

“The good doctor has a point, Captain. It’s sensible to complete your report after the mission.” The rescue team stood hidden beneath a mammoth, bushy plant. In the foliage’s shadow, the building’s main entrance was in sight.

“Perhaps you’re right, Mr. Sinaq. What do your bio-instruments say, ‘Tones?”

“There’s a handful of those behemoths inside. Mostly adults, but a few of the offspring too. More of both arriving every moment.”

“And the professor?”

“Right where the Matriarch’s people said he’d be. Now’s the time to go, I just don’t know how you plan on getting in.”

Jaspler smiled. “You heard the doc, Mr. Sinaq. Show him your plan.”

“Aye, Captain. Dr. Yatones, If you’ll follow me…” A pair of the giant creatures, one fully grown, the other much smaller by comparison, approached the doors hand in hand. When the adult pulled the colossal door open, Sinaq darted from cover and sprinted headlong towards them.

“Oh, you’ve got to be kidding me,” Yatones groaned.

“Let’s go, ‘Tones,” Jaspler said. He grabbed Yatones by the elbow and dragged him after Sinaq. “We wouldn’t want to be left behind!”

Inside was a colorful and brightly lit environment. Unimaginably large corridors led away from the main entrance, like spokes on a wheel. A banner strung across the width featured strange symbols labeling each corridor. The pair they had followed moved swiftly down the passage Jaspler’s cryptographer identified as the “Offspring Garden.” Another was labeled “Primary Category.” A red box on the wall said “Combustion Alert.”

Curious.

“This way,” Jaspler said, and pointed at the pair that had let them in. Sinaq consulted the Matriarch’s data, and nodded.

 “Didn’t the recon team say it brought him home every night?” Yatones whined. “Why couldn’t we get him there?”

“Keyzeb’s captor keeps other companion animals,” Sinaq replied. “Large predators with retractable talons.”

“Ah.” Yatones’s face fell. “I think I’d rather walk the maze.”

“Indeed, Doctor. Indeed.”

“Enough chit-chat,” Jaspler said. “Let’s move before we’re seen.”

#

“Here,” Sinaq said. “The professor is in the next room. That door. Do you see?”

Jaspler did. The cavernous room was adorned with primary colors and geometric shapes. And on the floor, next to a mountainous desk, sat Keyzeb’s cage. It was furnished with a food tray, water, and a wheel large enough to stand in.

“Great,” Yatones said. “How are we gonna get by them?”

Between the rescue team and the cage, just inside the room, stood a loose group of the huge creatures. Their adult and offspring pair seemed to be communicating with another adult, this one with much longer hair. Jaspler recognized them immediately; they matched the description of Keyzeb’s captor.

“I will create a distraction,” Sinaq said, “and lead them away.”

“Are you sure?” Jaspler asked.

“Yes, Captain. It’s the only sensible option.”

“Alright. Just be careful, and use your transmitter.”

With a nod, Sinaq ran through the open door and between the offspring’s feet. It immediately squealed—either with fear, or delight, Jaspler couldn’t be sure—and chased Sinaq back through the door and down the corridor. With a shout, the adults followed.

“Pointy-eared nutjob is gonna get himself killed,” Yatones muttered as they ran for the cage.

“Keyzeb!” Jaspler yelled. “Are you there?”

“Jaspler?!” Keyzeb sat up with a start. “What are you doing here?”

“Saving your tail. Again.”

“Ugh, did Mother send you?”

“Wait,” Yatones said as he tried to catch his breath. “You know each other? ’Mother?’”

“Professor Keyzeb,” Jaspler sighed, “is my brother. The one our mother, the Matriarch, prefers.”

“Your what—”

“Sinaq to Captain,” Jaspler’s transmitter crackled.

“Go ahead,” Jaspler replied.

“They’re coming back, sir. You better find cover.”

“Under the desk!” Jaspler roared. “Now!” He shoved Yatones into the shadows before the doctor had time to move. In the next instant, the long-haired creature swept back into the room. Without breaking stride, Keyzeb’s captor stooped, grabbed the cage, and hoisted it high to a shelf by a large, open window. It then turned, stepped just outside the room, and stood guard with its towering back to them.

“How are we supposed to reach him now?” Yotanes squeaked.

Jaspler touched his transmitter. “Sinaq, Keyzeb’s been moved out of our reach. Did you see the banner when we came in?”

“Aye, Captain,” Sinaq replied.

“We’ll need the rope. Think you can get it?”

“Aye, Captain.”

“Are you out of your bleeding mind?” Yatones cried. “This place is going to be full of  those things any minute. The report said the offspring are more unpredictable than the adults—and faster too!”

“Get a hold of yourself, ‘Tones!” Jaspler said and gave the doctor a shake. “We have our orders! While Sinaq gets us rope, we need a way to get it up to the cage! Think, ‘Tones! We need a weight, or a hook, or… something. Look around!”

Yatones eyes widened and his hands dropped to his waist. “Our instrument belts! Together they should have enough heft.”

“Good plan, ‘Tones. Here,” Jaspler unclipped his own belt, removed the transmitter, and  handed the rest to Yatones. “You secure our grapnel, I’ll meet Sinaq at the door.”

“You watch your tail out there.” Yatones’s eyes were glassy with worry.

Jaspler clapped him on the shoulder and grinned. “Don’t I always?”

With a wary eye on the giant’s back, Jaspler ran from their cover. Although he was in the open for a few moments, it felt like he was exposed for an eternity. Finally, gasping for breath, he reached the threshold. The creature stood close, its back still to the room, and to Jaspler. Safe, so far.

But Yatones had been right; time was running out. The corridor was a hive of activity. Offspring in a variety of shapes and sizes lumbered about. Their erratic movements were unstable and terrifying.

“Captain to Sinaq. Where are you Chief Analyst?”

“Here, Captain.” Jaspler jumped with surprise. Sinaq stood behind him, a length of twine wrapped around his body. “I’m sorry to startle you, Captain. I was forced to take an alternate route back.”

“It’s fine Sinaq, let’s go. Yatones is waiting.”

“I’m afraid I won’t be going with you, sir.”

“What are you—” It was only then Jaspler realized Sinaq was limping.

“It’s my leg, sir. The offspring’s movements are… irregular… I wasn’t quite fast enough. You and the doctor must free Professor Keyzeb and escape through the window. Once outside, your port-badges should work.”

“Sinaq, I’m not leaving you—”

“Captain, look out!” Sinaq shouted and pushed Jaspler back behind an enormous knapsack as the long-haired creature turned and escorted a trio of offspring into the room.

“Yatones!” Jaspler cried. But the warning came too late. Keyzeb’s captor had spotted the doctor. Yatones, paralyzed with fear, was snatched up and carried into the air.

“Orders, Captain?” There was a hint of alarm in Sinaq’s normally stoic voice.

Sinaq was alarmed.

Combustion alert.

Fire alarm!

Jaspler’s eyes darted to the wall above them. Sure enough, there was another red box. And it had a handle. “When I pull that lever, it’s gonna be pandemonium. Stick close to the wall so you’re not trampled, but get to the desk! Don’t wait for me!”

“Captain?”

“Trust me, Sinaq!” Jaspler was already climbing the wall, finding handholds easily in the stucco. “And keep an eye on Yatones for me!”

#

Jaspler climbed as fast as he could, and tried not to think about the throng of huge beings filling the even larger corridor. “Captain to Sinaq. Report.”

“Doctor Yatones has been placed in Professor Keyzeb’s cell, but the creature has not moved away. It appears to be considering his unexpected arrival—Sir! More offspring incoming!”

Jaspler didn’t need Sinaq to tell him. Even with his face pressed to the wall he could hear their chattering, undulating voices. The room was filling with them. He reached the red box and braced himself against the handle. “Sinaq! Get to the desk,” Jaspler yelled as he pushed. “Go! Now!” The handle held for a moment, then fell free, and sent Jaspler tumbling into open air.

He hit the ground with klaxons blaring in his ears. The anarchy was nearly instantaneous. Panicked offspring poured into the already full hallway, while a handful of adults struggled to keep control. Bruised but not broken, Jaspler got to his feet. Zigging and zagging, he dodged the flow of footfalls and made it back to the desk as the room emptied.

Sinaq was waiting for him, the instrument belt-grapnel already tied to the banner string. “Impressive, Captain,” he said with raised eyebrows.

“No time to waste,” Jaspler shouted. The alarm was deafening. “Who knows how long it will take them to discover the fire isn’t real. Think you can get that up there?”

“Of course.” Sinaq swung the instrument belts in a wide arc and effortlessly tossed it up to the cage. It snagged in the bars on the first try.

“Got it!” Yatones called down.

“Tie yourself on, we’ll pull you up,” Jaspler ordered, and was up the string in a flash.

As they pulled Sinaq up, Jaspler surveyed the cage door.

“It’s locked,” Keyzeb shouted. “Probably to keep the offspring out. It’s simple, but I doubt there’s time to pick it.”

“Just go, Jas. You can’t help us,” Yatones said.

“The bars, Captain,” Sinaq said as he climbed onto the shelf.

“You read my mind, Sinaq,” Jaspler replied with a grin. He fed the twine through the bars. “One end goes on the wheel, the other on the bars. Wind it tight and we can bend them.”

Understanding dawned in Yatones’s and Keyzeb’s eyes. They tied off the rope, climbed into the wheel, and ran with all their might. As the slack tightened, the fire alarm stopped.

“Time’s up!” Jaspler shouted. “Heave!” Slowly, the bars strained, groaned, and then bent.

With the sound of a veritable horde of offspring approaching, Yatones and Keyzeb squeezed through the bars.

“Everybody together, out the window as one!” Sinaq instructed. “We need to stay close for the port-bagde to catch us all!”

“You better be right!” Yatones howled as they leapt.

After a harrowing moment of vertigo, the port opened beneath them, and they fell through to safety.

#

“Excellent work, Captain Jaspler,” the Matriarch said. Her image buzzed. “To your team as well,” 

“All in a day’s work,” Jaspler said. “No one gets left behind.”

The Matriarch smiled. “Keyzeb’s findings may be revolutionary. You’ve done your people a great service today. And your family. I’m proud of you, my son.”