by Martin Durst
Stepping inside, he closed the door silently. He stood in place listening to his heart thud. His adrenaline was racing. He was standing in a type of storage room. The walls on either side were lined to the ceiling with shelves and stocked with food and other supplies. Rows of cans and boxes offered weeks of food for whoever was residing here. Sacks of potatoes were propped against the lower shelves while two large freezers stood directly in front of him. Beside these, a single door led to the interior of the building. Keep moving you imbecile, he chided himself. –No telling what they’d done to Tr’al. He had to be quick. It’d be daylight in four or five hours and he wanted to be well on the way before anyone noticed her being gone.
He opened the next door then stopped suddenly as it creaked loudly. He caught his breathe and listened intently. No sounds came from behind the door. –Only one way to open a creaky door quietly. He grabbed the knob with both hands and prepared to open it as fast as he could. He hoped nothing was directly behind the door, or he could end up waking everyone inside. He shoved hard and fast. The door still protested, but barely. Luckily nothing was in the way. He inhaled deeply realizing he’d been holding his breath. He was standing in a large kitchen. It was packed with every assortment of cooking utensil. –Some he had no idea what they were used for. The exit was just across the room. He pulled his heat pistol from its holster and pushed through the double swinging doors. It was by far the most elegant dining room he’d ever seen. –Course it wouldn’t take much to surpass anything in his village. Half a dozen round tables draped with ruffled table cloths were scattered throughout the room. Six large pillars stretched from floor to ceiling forming a perfect line on either side of the room. Each table was set with fine china and silverware in preparation of the next meal. Someone likes living large! There were two doors into this room. –One to his left and one to the right. He chose the right entrance and walked into a large foyer. It was almost as large as the dining room.
Dropping fast, he crouched behind a plush leather sofa. At the center of the room, a man sat leisurely at a desk with his feet propped up. He could just shoot him, but even the whine of a heat pistol would sound like a door slam in the quiet room. Besides, he needed information. At this rate, he’d spend the entire night trying to locate Tr’al. Using every ounce of skill he had, he moved silently until he was just behind him. Leveling his pistol to the back of his skull, he pressed its hard carbon-fiber alloy against the back of his head.
‘Make a sound and I’ll blow the back of your head off,’ he whispered. ‘-The young Shu’kan girl. Where is she?!’
The man answered calmly. He sounded like a pro. ‘Exactly who are you and how did you get in here?’ He slowly rose and turned. Matheus kept a tight bead on him. He looked to be about early forties, but was muscular and lean. –More than a match for him if he gained the upper hand.
‘You don’t need to know who I am. I asked you a question. Where is she?’
‘You prepared to use that, boy?’ He grinned showing a gold tooth.
‘Take me to her. I’m not going to ask again.’ Matheus knew that he would have to shoot him if he refused to cooperate. He’d never killed someone before, but he was prepared to if necessary. He had no choice if he wanted to remain undiscovered.
The man must have seen something in his expression that proved he wasn’t bluffing. ‘Come with me,’ he said. ‘But even if I take you to her, what makes you think you can get away? We’ll track you even if you manage to get off the compound. This forest stretches for miles in every direction.’ He sneered with assurance. ‘Then we’ll see how tough you are without that gun, boy!’
‘Just shut up and walk!’ Matheus was already getting tired of the man’s bleating.
They walked to an elevator. ‘Oh, no,’ Matheus said. ‘I’m going to keep my distance from you. Where are the stairs?’ The last thing he wanted was to give this guy the opportunity to get the jump on him. –Which could be easily done in confined spaces. Besides, he didn’t want to take the chance of being caught in the elevator if it got shut down somehow.
‘Fine. Whatever. The stairs are just on past.’
The man wasn’t giving any clues as to whether or not the elevator would have been a bad idea. Still, he felt better.
The man pushed open the stairwell door and began to descend a flight of stairs. ‘She’s locked up here in the basement.’
They slowly made their way down. Finally, the stairwell ended and they entered into another long hallway. The corridor extended to the right before ending at another closed door, and he could see a dozen or so barred cages to either side. He almost called out Tr’al name then thought better of it. ‘Move,’ he indicated with the end of his pistol. ‘Show me where she is.’
They walked past the first set of caged doors. Since each were opposite from one another, he was able to glance quickly from side to side. These cages were empty. They kept moving and came to the next set of cages. The cage to his left was also empty, but a man was sitting leaned in the corner in the other. He had no idea who this guy was, but the stranger just stared at him as if entranced. His face was sooty and unshaven. He suspected that even if he knew this man, he’d be hard pressed to recognize him.
They continued forward and stopped at the last set of cages. There to his right, immediately recognizable, lay Tr’al. He was so focused on her; he almost didn’t see the man move subtlety towards him. ‘Don’t even think about it.’ He again lifted the heat pistol directly in line with the man’s face. ‘You try that again, and I won’t hesitate. I will shoot you.’ Matheus suddenly realized that he meant it. He was angry to see Tr’al caged like an animal.
‘Matheus, is that you? I can’t believe it. How did you find me?’
He turned to the sound of her cracked and hoarse voice, and then quickly looked back at the man. He wasn’t taking chances. But, he’d seen enough. Her left eye was swollen almost shut and her lips were bloody and bruised. Blood caked her long hair where it’d dried. He fought to control his anger. ‘Who are you people!? What do you want with her!?’
‘She and her kind are no better the Hiver’s!’ he spat. ‘We should have taken their ships and technology as soon as they landed. This is our planet! What right do they have being here?’
Matheus fought hard to think. Anger was clouding his judgment. ‘It’s about her sister isn’t it? We know whoever you work for has her and that she’s alive. You want to keep Tr’al to force her sister to cooperate. Unlock the door. Now!’
Matheus felt it coming almost before the man even moved. Still, he moved faster than he thought possible. Matheus watched in horror as his heat pistol slid back down the corridor. A pain exploded in his temple as the man hit him with a right cross.
‘Matheus!’ Tr’al yelped. She felt helpless as she watched him struggle to stay on his feet.
Matheus deliberately stepped backwards to avoid another upper cut that would have put him down. His eyes were blurry and his head was aching, but he stood his ground. He was still between the guard and the heat pistol and planned on keeping it that way.
‘Very good, lad. You keep your wits about ya.’ The man was slowly rolling his sleeves. ‘But I’m going to enjoy this. You come into my house and dare to order me around!? Oh, you’re going to pay!’
Matheus suddenly realized that this was no average man. This man was deadly. This man acted as if… ‘You’re … you’re in charge here, aren’t you? Who are you?’
‘Consider yourself privileged, boy. Not many get to see my face and live. In your case, you won’t live much longer!’
No longer was this man bearing the appearance of a simpleton. Somehow, he stood straighter, appeared taller; more self-assured. He’d been clearly acting; playing a roll to keep him off guard.
‘You’re him aren’t you? –That Fisher guy. Commander Stone told me about you. –Said he’d overheard your name while you kept him and Shi’la hostage. –Figured out you had to be the one in charge or something.’
Brian Fi
sher now pulled himself to his full height as a cobra stretches before the strike. He made a mental note to find out which of his agents had so sloppily spoken his name within range of his captives, and kill them. He was a man used to being in command and now spoke as such. ‘You have no idea what I’m capable of, boy. Step aside now and I will kill you quickly. Make me ask again, and I’ll ensure you suffer for days before I give you permission to die!’
‘Matheus, run! Just run! He means it!’
Matheus decided to run, but not to escape. He needed that pistol back. He spun and bolted for the gun. He’d taken no more than a few steps when he felt something dig into his chest. He came to an abrupt halt then was jerked back as if on a rubber band. It was his bow string! Fisher had grabbed his bow! He struggled to stay balanced even as he felt his feet go out from under him. Fisher had kicked out with a sweep that put him flat on his back. He rolled just in time as a six inch Bowie blade struck concrete. Where did he have that hidden!? It narrowly missed his throat. He used momentum to his advantage and struggled to his feet. Why did it seem like he was the only one breathing hard? He pulled his bow over his head while he watched Fisher gloat.
‘We both know how this is going to end’ Fisher said with measured calm. ‘Now move aside.’ Without a word, he stepped into striking range. He was about to execute a blow that would crush a grown man’s larynx when he was surprised that he’d already missed. The boy had neatly side-stepped him. He rolled with the punch that followed and quickly turned while slashing wide with his knife. He grinned satisfactorily as he heard a yelp of pain. He’d drawn blood. –A neat line across the boys back. ‘Fast little thing aren’t you!?’ Fisher again moved to strike he was incensed with blood. He found an opening and brought his blade hard to the boy’s chest.
Matheus crossed his arms high to block the blow just in time. Still, the force of his momentum nearly drove him to his knees. The tip of the blade was so close he could see his reflection. He shoved hard to the side. Holding Fisher’s knife hand he drove the palm of his other hand hard into his nose. He heard a satisfying crunch as the man howled in pain. Finally, he’d gained a few seconds!
‘You’ll pay fo tha un!’ Fisher smiled as blood streamed down his face. It’d been awhile since he’d tasted his own blood.
Matheus knew he was already on borrowed time. If he was going to do something, it’d better be now. He pulled his bow from his back and notched an arrow from his quiver. He aimed for the shoulder and let loose. The force of the arrow’s momentum dropped Fisher to his knees. Matheus quickly closed the gap between them and landed a well placed kick across his chin. Fisher collapsed to the floor not moving. Matheus stood for several seconds breathing hard and hoping that his opponent was down for good.
‘Quick, Matheus, he keeps the keys in that box on the far wall!’ Tr’al was giddy with relief that Matheus wasn’t hurt. It was a miracle!
Matheus retrieved the key and opened the cell. ‘Thank God you’re not hurt!’ As soon as he’d said the words, he saw the error of his comments. Tr’al’s face was covered with bruises. Her lower lip, swollen with dried blood, looked odd as she smiled weakly. He gingerly touched her face. She winced as his hand brushed her lip. ‘C’mon. Let’s get you out of here. We got a ride coming!’ He grabbed her hand and his heat pistol and began to retrace his steps. He hoped that getting out of this compound would be easier than getting in.
Matheus was about to retrace his steps when he heard a commotion coming from the stairwell.
‘Sir! Are you down there? We’re coming!’
‘Crap! We need another way out!’ Matheus grabbed Tr’al’s hand, retrieved his heat pistol, and then ran towards the door that was shut. He prayed silently that it wasn’t locked. There was no time to find a key! He grabbed the handle and jerked. It opened without difficulty. He slammed the door behind them and looked for a lock. No such luck. He could already hear voices from the other side. They’d follow in moments. He desperately looked around for something to jar the door with. ‘There has to be something! Look around!’
‘I am!’ Tr’al hissed. The room was clearly used for storage. Boxes upon boxes were stacked almost to the ceiling. At the far end of the room, she could make out another door. Well at least we’re not trapped in here! She was about to dig into another box when she also noticed another cage, similar to the one she’d been in, next to the door. Inside, a small figure crouched in the corner. She’d almost forgotten that Matheus was waiting for her when pounding startled her. She turned abruptly to see Matheus standing with his arms crossed looking at her. The door behind him vibrated with the effort of those trying to get through. His bow was wedged through the handle.
‘If you think you’re ready to move along, I’ll cancel my dessert order!’ He grinned while waiting for her response, but could tell she was distracted. ‘What is it?’
‘There’s someone down there,’ she whispered.
He drew his heat pistol and pulled Tr’al behind him. ‘Well, this is the only way out for us, let’s see who it is.’ He slowly walked to the cage keeping his pistol level with the cage. More than likely this person was not a threat, but he wasn’t taking any chances. The pounding behind them wasn’t stopping and they needed to hurry. He tapped the cage with the pistol barrel. ‘Hey, who are you? Why are you here?’ At first he didn’t respond, but the figure slowly rose and moved out of the shadow toward them. Matheus quickly realized that he was a she. –And not just a she, but a Shu’kan female.
‘Shi’la! Oh Shi’la! I can’t believe it! Matheus, we have to get her out!’
Matheus was trying to get a word in edge-wise, but Tr’al was jumping all over him. ‘Ok,’ he said exasperated, ‘you’re going to have to let go of me, though!’
Shi’la gripped the cage bars with both hands to get a good look at Tr’al. ‘I’m so glad to see you sister, but how is it possible that you are here?’
‘Tr’al almost sobbed out loud. She stifled her cry but tears still streamed down her face. Shi’la sounded so weak and sick. ‘I’ve been here for day’s sister; just through that door. I never knew you were here.’ She wiped away her tears. She was more angry now than upset. ‘Matheus, get her out!’
He pointed his pistol at the locking latch. ‘Back up, Shi’la. This is going to make some noise!’ The latch exploded with the weapons discharge and the door swung wide. ‘C’mon we’ve got to go!’ he could hear wood cracking. His bow wasn’t going to hold much longer!
They stumbled through the door with Shi’la supported between them. She was weak but could still walk. Matheus could feel how thin she was. He wondered how long it’d been since she’d eaten a full meal.
They were clearly now in some sort of tunnel. Condensation hung heavily on the concrete walls. He could almost smell the humidity. Tiny light emitters were strung about every thirty feet. It provided the only illumination as they half ran half hobbled along. ‘I have no idea where this is taking us,’ he exclaimed between breaths. ‘Let’s just hope they don’t figure out we’re in here before we get to the end, or they just might be waiting for us!’
They continued on for seemed like hours. Twice they almost fell when Shi’la stumbled into Tr’al. Matheus knew Tr’al was also starting to tire. ‘Hold on! We’re almost through!’ he wasn’t being dishonest. He could see light growing ahead. Just a few moments later, they quietly slowed to a stop. Matheus could see the outline of several trees through heavy foliage that had overgrown most of the tunnel entrance. ‘Wait here,’ he whispered. He drew his heat pistol and moved to the edge. He listened for several moments then stepped through. He looked around trying to see through the suddenly brighter light. He crouched low while quickly scanning the area. It was quiet, but not so quiet that the forest wasn’t speaking. Birds and insects moved throughout oblivious to him. They were safe. ‘C’mon through,’ he called back holstering his pistol. ‘There’s no one out here.’
Tr’al appeared through the thick foliage with Shi’la in tow. The both of them
looked worse for the wear. ‘Rest here for a moment,’ he ordered. ‘I’ll have quick look up the hill behind us.’
‘I don’t think so! In fact all I want you to do right now is die!’
Matheus turned to see Carolina less than three yards away holding a heat pistol level with his chest. He should have guessed she’d be able to conceal her presence from him. She was good, real good.
‘I already know you’re calculating every possible angle young Matheus. I have to admit, you’re pretty good. I learned that when you took the young one here on her first Jungle tour! You know your way through the wilderness!’
Tr’al gasped in horror. It was this woman whom she’d felt watching them in the jungle. The memory seemed so far away now.
‘Not many people get the upper hand on the boss,’ Carolina continued. ‘He’s hurt pretty bad, but alive. Too bad you won’t be much longer. –Pity you know. If that witch Shi’la would have just cooperated, we wouldn’t have had to get all primitive on sister there. She’d decided to stop experimenting on the Hiver’s and go on a fast strike. We even tried smacking her around a little. We were just about to invite her sister to the party when you showed up! Too bad, I usually enjoy working an answer out of someone! It’d be interesting to learn exactly how you found us, but in your case, I’ll make an exception!’
Matheus’s heart was pounding! He knew time was running out. He glanced over his shoulder. Shi’la and Tr’al stood helplessly looking at Carolina. He knew they were desperately looking for a way out also.
His only option was to draw and fire and pray that he could hit her. He already knew she’d hit him. He also knew, that she already knew, he was going to draw his weapon. He could see it in her eyes. She was professional. But if he was lucky, Shi’la and Tr’al would have a chance.