Proxima
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“We took control of their computers quite easily due to their inferior technology and landed them here. We knew we only had a limited time before the Othauls discovered our plan so we had to move quickly to install wormhole drives on their ships so we could escape where they couldn’t find us. The humans knew their ships better than we did so, yes, we forced them to do it. Time was running out.”
“Was running out?”
“Correct. When your ship arrived with the wormhole drive there is no doubt the Othauls picked up on it. I’m certain they’re on their way now.”
“Wouldn’t they pick up the wormhole signature wherever you ended up after leaving Hyera?”
“Only if we were unfortunate enough to end up in a place within their range.”
“Where are the Hyerans who live in this city?”
“This stairwell behind me leads to a transport system that goes to our safety bunker. Between the battle outside and the impending arrival of the Othauls, it seemed safest to send them away. I’m afraid I must leave you. Perhaps when they see the humans, the Othauls will show mercy on us.”
The Proximian, or Hyeran, left them as it disappeared into the dark.
Dyran turned to face Liam, Ann, and the rest.
“We weren’t told,” Ann said. “The Past Keeper never mentioned this.”
“It sounds like we have to go,” Liam said.
They raced back through the streets to the elevators.
“Dyran, how many people can your ship hold do you think?” Liam asked while the elevator carried them up.
“If everyone crammed in taking every available inch...I don’t know. It’d be close.”
“Not sure we have a choice.”
Through the cave they ran back out to the mountain. Then a voice sounded on Liam’s radio.
“Liam, it’s Debra. We have company.”
At the mouth of the cave they saw it. The ship that floated high above them made the mile-long STS ships look puny. An extremely bright spot light beamed down from the bottom of the ship sweeping across the battlefield. It found an area that was relatively void of bodies and stayed on that spot.
A singular craft disembarked from the side of the colossal ship and menacingly came down to a landing where the spotlight was settled. It was pitch black and featured wings that had a razor sharp apex with what appeared to be a weapons system underneath. Even when landed, the top of the craft was fifty or sixty feet off the ground. There were no windows that they could see, only a black shiny surface that reflected the battle’s aftermath underneath.
The Othauls had arrived.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Chase Hildenbrand lives outside Charlotte, NC with his beautiful wife and daughter. They have two cats, and a crazy yellow lab named Bella.