Hayato and Radclyf join him a split second later, their weapons raised. They peer at the open escape pod, then back at Peter. After a few tense seconds, they lower their weapons. Peter glances at them over the barrel of his gun, which is still aimed at the empty escape pod. He shrugs his shoulders and sheepishly says, “They could have been hiding.”
Hayato motions to some tracks and says, “It looks like that pod held three of them. It must have been a tight fit though.”
Radclyf climbs down, and then peers inside. A solid, knee high, round table occupies the center of the pod. Arrayed in the curved walls are four large, deep, recesses. Each one looks to be built into the small vessel, well padded, and has a five point harness, like those a fighter pilot would use. Floor to ceiling compartments occupy the space between. Additional smaller compartments are under the central table, and in the base of each chair. He is extremely impressed with the efficient use of space.
After a few moments Radclyf reports his findings, “The pod can hold four, and by the looks of things, it can also store a lot of gear as well.”
While listening, Peter lifts his rifle. Using its scope, he follows the tracks he has been examining. He spots three figures far off in the distance then quickly drops to the ground. In a near whisper he orders, “Get out of that thing, I’ve spotted them. They’re about two and half klicks out, and slowly moving toward some decent sized hills.”
Radclyf climbs over the dirt mound and asks, “Do you think they know we’re here?”
Peter lifts his rifle once more, then after a few tense moments, relaxes and replies, “I don’t think so.” He gazes around and continues, “We did come in fairly low. “Besides,” he says as he motions a thumb to the shuttle, “that thing is pretty quiet, considering.”
Hayato glances at the escape pod, and then off into the distance, “I would have destroyed this pod, or at the very least booby trapped it.” He offers the others a reproachful look, “Either they don’t care, or they’re sloppy.”
Radclyf stares at the escape pod, then after a moments consideration says, “We shouldn’t touch anything. Now let’s see if we can’t surprise those bloody raiders.”
Peter stares at the retreating figures through his rifle’s scope, and looks to where the trio is headed. He adjusts his rifle’s scope and peers through it intently. A few minutes later, he states with exhilaration. “Got ‘em. They’re headed for what looks like a cave entrance in those hills!” He indicates the direction with his rifle.
Patrick, who has been standing quietly nearby, lowers his suit’s visor, and then using its sensors, scans the distant hillside. He quietly whistles in surprise. “That cave is larger than it looks.” Grinning, he adds, “And, I am pretty sure I can see a small spaceship inside.”
Peter has heard enough, and says, “Load up. It’s going to take them a while to get to that cave, and if we hurry we can beat them.”
John flies low to the ground, and away from the hills, making sure they cannot be spotted. Once they are a safe distance away, he swings the shuttle around in a wide arc, placing the hills between them and the trudging raiders. He approaches low and lands on the far side of the hill, away from the cave entrance.
While the elite soldiers pack additional ammunition and equipment, Peter sternly orders. “As we have no idea of their technology, I want complete radio silence until we’ve captured them.” He glances at each person before adding, “We need complete surprise, if we’re to succeed.”
John and Patrick remain with the shuttle, while the combat veterans hustle to the cave. The pair watch apprehensively as the soldiers leave, then settle down to wait for Peter’s signal.
Peter lays low to the ground as he creeps toward the cave entrance they spotted earlier. Using his rifle’s scope, he scans the landscape until he spots the approaching raiders. After watching for a moment, he gestures for Radclyf and Hayato to enter the cave. The two men raise their weapons then slowly make their way inside. The cave is as wide as it is tall, allowing the sunlight to reach well into the shadows.
A quick examination confirms that though the cave is filled with all types of equipment, boxes, and the stubby-nosed spacecraft, they are the only occupants.
Peter joins them, then quietly says, “The raiders are about ten minutes out at their current pace.”
Radclyf nods to the craft and says in a near whisper, “That thing is not much bigger than our shuttle, but by the looks of it, it has a main drive for faster than light travel.”
Shaking his head in disbelief Peter replies, “I would love to get my hands on this technology.”
Radclyf walks briskly around the craft and gives it a cursory examination. It rests on four stubby supports, is as wide as their shuttle is long, and has a pair of short wings. The crew area appears to be only slightly longer than wide. The main engine extends well back, doubling the ship’s overall length.
Hayato interrupts Radclyf, and nods toward the cave entrance, “It’s time,” he says with grim determination.
The three men find places to conceal themselves, and wait. They do not have to wait long, however. The raiders confidently step into the cave, then without hesitation, walk toward the spacecraft.
Radclyf scrutinizes the three raiders carefully, then realizes that they appear to be two different species. Two of them are taller than him, but not by much, while the third is a little shorter and stockier. They wear a variety of clothing which does not seem to be a uniform of any kind. The tallest of the trio has a rifle of sorts strapped to its back, while the other two have pistol-like weapons resting in hip holsters. If it were not for their faces, they could all initially pass as human. The shortest two have wide-spaced brown eyes, a flap which raises and falls where a nose would be, and ears that sit high on their bald heads. This pair has olive skin which is marred with dust and dirt. The tallest of them is more human-like, and has a full head of black hair along with a large beard of the same color. All that can be seen of this raider’s dark skinned oval face is a thin pointy nose, and a narrow pair of bright green eyes which seem to shine. The three of them appear to be relaxed, and are talking as they stride into the cave. Radclyf’s translator is switched off, so he has no idea what they are saying.
As one, the three combat veterans reveal themselves, each with heavy rifles aimed straight at the luckless raiders. Peter whistles at them and motions with his rifle for them to stop.
The shortest one immediately draws a pistol and dives to the ground. This raider, though quick, is not quick enough. Hayato fires at the diving raider, who hits the ground hard. As the victim slides to a stop, blood and brains trail from a large exit wound in the side of its head. The grotesque blood trail is deep red in color, and continues to seep from the massive wound even as Hayato kicks the weapon from its lifeless fingers.
The two remaining raiders glance at each other, then observe that the weapons aimed at them do not waiver, and cautiously move their hands further away from their bodies. Radclyf notices that the tallest raider has seven fingers on each hand, while the shorter one has six.
Hayato stands over the motionless raider, and while staring at the other two, fires another round into the victim’s head. Fresh blood and brains splatter the ground, and Hayato’s boots, as the victim’s skull seems to explode. He activates his translator, then swings his weapon up to cover Peter’s target.
Peter activates his translator as well, then while covering Radclyf’s target states firmly, “You are our prisoners.”
The pair of raiders appear to be confused, and with their hands held well away from their bodies, begin to talk over each other. The translators do not take long before their incoherent sounds become legible words.
Peter smiles as the pair surrenders their weapons and allows themselves to be patted down. He frowns when he notices that they have small ear pieces, which seem to be some form of translator.
It soon becomes clear that the prisoners will do anything, or say anything, in order to survive. Every no
w and then, they fearfully glance at their deceased comrade, then to Hayato.
Peter contacts John and simply states, “We have them. Remain where you are until advised.”
While the raiders stand with their arms held wide apart, Peter begins to ask his questions. Hayato and Radclyf do not lower their rifles for one second. In addition, every time one of the raiders fails to answer a question, Peter hits the other one as hard as he can.
Clearly becoming distressed, the tallest raiders says, “You are not Atlans. Who are you?”
“Atlans?” Peter replies, “Tell me about these Atlans.”
The raider stares at Peter in disbelief for a moment, and then says, “They will find you, and when they do, you’re all dead.”
“Why would they kill us?” Peter demands, his eyes narrowing.
“They eliminate all who oppose their will.” The raider sneers.
Peter points back, “They seem to leave you guys alone.”
“You look like Atlans, and yet you’re not. You know nothing, but have a Gamin Destroyer. Where are you from?” The tallest raider, though clearly troubled, is becoming more brazen with his statements and questions.
“We are the new kids on the block, and we’re here to stay,” Peter replies boldly.
The taller raider lowers his gaze, “If we had not experienced an engine malfunction, you would be at our mercy.”
Peter leans right up to the alien’s face and states scornfully, “It was no malfunction. We destroyed your ship’s engines,” he adds the last few words with a leering grin.
The raiders stare at each other, clearly troubled once more. The tallest gulps then reluctantly says. “I am Tyrog, and this is Prenz. What are your terms?”
“Terms?” Questions Peter.
“For our release,” Tyrog replies.
Peter glances at Radclyf and Hayato, then he replies, “You have my word, that if you comply with our every demand, you will live.” He points to the dead raider and adds, “You also have my word, that if you do not, you will die.”
Tyrog tilts his head and asks, “Are you in league with the Gamin?”
Peter ignores the question, and instead points to the spacecraft, “Open it, and no tricks, or you join your friend.”
The two raiders glance at each other once again. With his arms held apart, Prenz slowly stands, and approaches the ship. He glances at the blood splattered ground, then presses his hand to a previously unnoticed darker area of hull. A section of the exterior slides upward, while at the same time, a ramp extends down to the ground.
Radclyf raises his weapon, and then cautiously enters the alien ship. He glances at the eight seats which line the sides of the hull and observes that they appear to be built into the walls, much like those on the escape pod. The forward section of the ship has a pair of chairs with consoles before them. Two doorways, one on either side in the rear section, lead into small chambers. Each door slides opens with a slight swoosh at Radclyf’s approach. He grins as he stares at a utilitarian looking bathroom on one side, and what looks like a kitchenette on the other. He sticks his head outside and gives his colleagues a thumbs up. “Looks safe enough. Bring them inside.”
Peter and Hayato motion for the two captives to enter, which they do. Once inside the raiders look around, as if searching for something. Peter glances at Radclyf warily, then speaks into his radio, “John, you there?”
“What’s up?” John responds a split second later.
“Not sure,” Peter replies while staring at the captives suspiciously. “Bring the shuttle around to the cave, then come and check out this ship’s controls.”
“On my way,” John replies. He turns to Patrick and asks, “I wonder what they’ve found?”
The raiders are alarmed when, minutes later, Patrick steps into their ship. His Gamin bodysuit obviously distresses them. Tyrog glances at Prenz once more, and then states with conviction, “You are in league with the Gamin!”
John steps past Patrick, and walks to the alien consoles. After a few moments, he turns to Peter and says, “I will need one of them to translate.”
Peter motions with his rifle at the taller raider. “Go and help him.”
Tyrog reluctantly moves forward, then, once he is next to John, answers every question asked of him. Within fifteen minutes John has a grasp of the ship’s main controls. He jots down a few notes, and with admiration in his voice says, “This ship is an extremely efficient design.”
The alien’s face twitches, the only warning any of them have before the entire ship lurches violently to the right. Everyone is thrown to the ground, including Patrick who falls with a heavy crash. Peter and Radclyf do not get clear shots as the raiders dive to the floor.
The ship lurches back to its original position, much to John’s relief. He turns to look back and stops cold. John gulps as he finds himself face to face with a rather wicked looking hand weapon. Where it came from is mystifying, but right now he is more concerned about what the bearded raider plans to do with it.
Tyrog grabs John, and steps behind him, using him as a shield. His eyes dart around the cabin as he sizes up the situation.
Prenz opens a small wall panel and takes out a large handgun. At exactly the same time as Prenz raises the weapon, Peter presses his own gun’s barrel to the alien’s bald head. The shorter raider immediately freezes.
The second the ship righted itself, Radclyf had dived for the doorway. Hayato, however, remains on the floor in the middle of the craft, in the open with no cover.
Tyrog demands forcefully, “Leave our ship, or this one dies.” He presses the barrel of his gun firmly at John’s temple.
Peter responds harshly, “Your friend will die too.”
Tyrog laughs, then responds coldly, “I am not concerned if he lives or dies. The question remains, do you care about this one?”
John can feel the barrel pressing harder against his head and says, “Ah, this guy means it. I say we let them have the ship.”
Peter considers their options, then decisively orders, “Patrick, Hayato, get out.”
Both men hesitate briefly, then comply. Radclyf lays as low as he can in the doorway and aims his rifle at Tyrog.
Prenz glances at Radclyf, then Tyrog. The raiders are fast. Tyrog shoves John toward Peter and aims his weapon while he dives to the ground. Prenz shifts right and swings his weapon around to point it at Radclyf. For a split second the raider’s plan appears to be working.
Hayato shoots from the doorway. Even before his bullet finds its mark, Prenz fires at Radclyf, Tyrog fires at Peter, and Radclyf shoots at Tyrog.
Patrick stands outside the alien spaceship in stunned disbelief. The sounds of bullets and energy weapons discharging is an unexpected shock to him. John on the other hand, had a bird’s eye view of the briefest gun battle he has ever heard of. He stares at the scene in morbid fascination, then suddenly shouts out, “Patrick, get hold of the Terran. We need a medical team. Now!”
John rushes to Peter who is covered in blood and squirming on the floor beneath Prenz’ body. “Lay still, medical is on the way.” John’s voice is filled with concern.
Peter stares at him in disbelief, and chuckles. “I’m not hit. This guy is heavy, help me get him off me.”
Radclyf slowly stands, then walks over to Tyrog. He kicks the alien’s weapon away from his lifeless hand and says, “I’m getting way too old for this crap.”
John frowns as he feels an odd sensation in his side. He puts a hand to his waist, then stares in disbelief as blood seeps from between his fingers. “Oh crap, I’m hit.” He falls to the ground.
The next morning John wakes up in the Terran’s medical bay. He gingerly touches his bandaged side, then croaks, “Doctor!”
Henry steps over to John, hands him a glass of water and says, “You’ll live.”
Gulping the water down John asks, “What did I miss?”
“Nothing much, you were out cold for twelve hours,” Henry replies indifferently. His face breaks i
nto a grin, then he adds, “George and Patrick have accessed the raider’s ship’s logs.”
“How long do I have to stay here?” Queries John, clearly in distress over being in the medical bay.
“You’re free to go now, it’s just a scratch really.” Henry replies.
John stares at Henry doubtfully, then says more than asks, “So the alien weapon knocked me out cold, huh?”
“Uh... No,” Henry replies slowly. “You fainted,” he states candidly, then quickly adds, “but your secret is safe with me.”
As John carefully stands, Henry adds, “We will be holding a service for the deceased in a few hours.”
“Dog didn’t make it, did he?” John asks while he carefully nurses his side.
Shaking his head, Henry replies, “No. But, his team did repel a group of attackers, ever after the bad guys had disabled the defenses in the area.”
John is impressed and nods his head, “He was tough as nails.”
“He sure was,” Henry replies with admiration.
John gingerly walks a few steps, then tilts his head and asks, “Did we land again?”
It is Henry’s turn to be impressed, “How can you tell?”
“The vibrations through the deck plates,” John replies, as he leaves the medical bay.
Henry stares at the deck beneath his feet, frowns, and then to no one in particular says in awe, “He can tell the difference?”
Meanwhile, on the Terran’s bridge, Cindy has been listening to a few of the Effen Raider’s logs. With a shrug of her shoulders, she says to Peter, “The Effen Raiders found nothing of value on the Oglan world. She sighs, then adds, “They were about to leave when we appeared, practically right in front of them.”
Peter shakes his head and says, “We must have looked like a big, fat, juicy, target.”
“Well they hurt us, but we succeeded in taking them out,” Cindy replies with a grim smile.
George responds optimistically, “We should have all the damage repaired in a couple of weeks.” He lowers his head, “Sadly, we lost thirty-two people during the attack.”
Shaking her head Cindy says, “The loss of David,” she pauses as she recalls the first time she met the tough man, and cannot help but smile. “Dog! The loss of Dog,” she continues respectfully, “and twenty-eight of his team, is heavy price to pay for our success.”
Alliance (Terran Chronicles Book 4) Page 14