Rhataloo
by KERRY NIETZ
My name is Sedrick. I'm a man-size, space-faring rhat. I'm also the executive officer for an interstellar cargo ship—the Granum. My captain and I are in a wee bit of trouble. We've been summoned by the emperor's auditors. Now, that doesn't sound ominous. But, believe me, it is. These aren't your typical bean counters. These guys will extract a nose or a tail if you mess up. And we messed up.
It was a simple job. Deliver a hold packed with cheese and spirits to a backwater planet in the Orion spur. Things didn't go as planned. They never do on a ship full of buffoons and malcontents. Chief among my problems were those two scientists Dontel and Uzel. Their spectacular bungle landed us on Earth, an even more backwater world than the one we were headed for.
No starships, no flight—not even a lightbulb!
I did my executive-level best—threatening, bargaining, and stunning to get the job done. To get the hold filled. The Granum was safe and secure. Nestled within a forest in northeastern France. I made connections with the locals. I had a plan!
Then the soldiers arrived. All sorts of soldiers. It was an absolute mess. A scheduling nightmare! How was I to gauge the long-term effects? The galactic repercussions?
And now our lives and livelihoods are at stake again. The best I can hope for? This memory machine the auditors have me connected to will cook my brain.
See human history from a rhat’s perspective in this quirky science fiction novel!
The audio book
The Muto Chronicles
The Muto Chronicles is an exciting series that follows Frohic and Sedrick on outrageous capers as they navigate perilous nebulas, witness alien wars, uncover ancient secrets, and try to survive in the Five Galaxies.
Reviews
What a story. I really enjoyed this mashup of history and sci-fi. The author does an excellent job of combining both together. I also love the authors take on the Takamo /Rhat universe. The characters are great and the writing is superb.
I really enjoyed the main character Sedrick. He found himself in multiple situations and did a good job of just going with it and making it work. Hopefully the writer continues Sedricks story.
"Rhataloo” is an entertaining novel! If you like Aliens interacting with Earthlings from our distance past; This is a must have! The writer brings Science Fiction and Frances’ Preindustrial society (During Waterloo) together to create an intriguing story. Thanks, for the Imagination!
What a fun read! I adored this different take on a SciFi novel. Rhats that are more technologically advanced than humans. But, oh, the trouble they get into just to get some cheese! Our main character, Sedrick is very likable, and I rooted for him through the whole story. I did enjoy the history woven through the tale, and I even enjoyed the struggle with tails.
Overall, Rhataloo is well-written and engaging and hits many of my favorite genres, and the ending was quite satisfying.
