The airlock shakes as we latch onto the hull of the other ship. There’s a brief buzz as the boarding lock is engaged and the plasma cutters make a new doorway for us, then a hissing, and the area is briefly filled with white gas before it clears as suddenly as it appeared and the airlock rolls open.
The stench hits me almost like a physical blow. I forge ahead of my crew, checking on my comm to be sure of the correct direction as we make our way down into the belly of the stricken ship. I hear the sound of plasma bolts being released, meaning some of the crew of this vessel are attempting to put up some sort of resistance.
Futile.
I am Lord Driok. My ancestors include Draxx, General of the legendary tenth battalion. I am not known as the Butcher of Haldane for nothing.
A shadow moves in front of me, and I take it out swiftly with the assailant. It slumps to the floor, the tentacles hanging from its head burbling their last.
I hold up my hand, and my troops come to a halt as we stare down an empty, wide passage, the lights flickering in time to the slowly dying heart of the ship.
“Cargo bay is dead ahead, but there will be traps,” I growl. “Deal with them.”
I motion my two best warriors forward. Swiftly, because they wouldn’t dare do anything otherwise in front of me, they set up the various trigger bots and send them on ahead.
Within nova-seconds, they’ve set off an explosion which sends a frisson of excitement through my warriors.
“Disable,” I growl.
“Disabled, my lord.” My lead warrior grins back at me.
“About time,” I snap. “Send word to the rest of the raiding parties, no survivors.”
I stride down to the main doors leading into the cargo bay. They open at my approach, revealing all.
It’s time to claim my prize.
MAGGIE
Lydia might be a delicate, frightened little thing, but she’s not stupid. I’ve put her off for days about my so-called episode. I’ve even feigned a few more, pretending something has turned my stomach, but I don’t think she believes me.
And now there’s some sort of stupid reception for Driok which we’re all supposed to attend. Like anyone should be welcoming him back.
If he can even make it back with an ego as big as his. It’s almost planet sized, and certainly too large for Vorostor.
Kerra
Roll call for the great Driok return. Apparently the returning ceremony is not to be missed
Scarlett
Dexx and I will be there, but I think Dexx wants to punch Driok
Rosalie
Dante says we’ll be there, without the violence. Mostly.
Lydia
I’m already in the neutral sector
Kerra
You are? Who are you with?
Lydia
No one
