Space Caz
& the
Wootooka Stone
story by Ruby Bird
illustrations by Marie Poncelet
1. Star Bellatrix
I flew through space on my way to Star Alnitak in the Orion constellation. Suddenly, my trusted spaceship Tassbu began to slow down as it entered a field of flying debris. Dust and rocks bounced off the shield with such force that I had to hang on with both hands.
Tassbu began to cough and sputter.
What’s wrong?
I asked.
Tassbu’s red light blinked rapidly and then went out.
We must stop at Star Bellatrix for repairs!
I said.
I watched helplessly as the spaceship plunged towards Xbutu, the ocean on Star Bellatrix.
Tassbu hit the dark green ocean with a splash and sank. I tried not to panic. The spaceship came to a sudden stop at the bottom of Xbutu Ocean where it was dark and murky.
A Raygid with a large glassy eye tapped on the shield to get my attention and pointed to a trail of bubbles escaping from the side of the spaceship. Right away I inflated the float bag to stop sea water from getting inside.
The Raygid called over a Glaminco. Quick! It needs a lift up,
the Raygid said. There’s a hole in the side of the spaceship!
The Glaminco lowered its stringy legs covered in suction cups which attached onto Tassbu. I lurched in my seat as the spaceship was pulled free from the ocean floor.
I held on as a pod of Etishams swam underneath and pushed the spaceship upwards where the water was a lighter shade of green. I smiled and waved thanks to the Etishams when the spacecraft reached the surface. My head was sore from the bumpy landing.
Which way do I go?
I asked.
Straight ahead,
an Etisham said. You need to get to shore quickly. Your spaceship has a hole in the side!
I paddled with all my strength towards the shore. The outline of a massive mountain range known as Spitwesa rose in the distance. The sun was hot overhead and my arms were getting tired. A group of curious Kerrpis landed in the water nearby.
Where are you from?
they asked.
"I’m Caz from Star Alnitak. Do you know where I can find a Wootooka? I need to get some Wootooka sap to repair my
