The cabin power dimmed as the crisp sound of static preceded a deafening roar from above. Salty looked up and grinned. "How do you like that?"
Another thunderous roar pierced the air followed by an ear-splitting thump that dented the roof of the cabin. "Uh-oh! It's really mad now!"
Shaken, he wiped the blood from his eyes. "Speedy! Where are you?"
The Gunnery Sergeant did not respond. Salty clinched his jaw. "Crap! The comm is out too!"
If that thing breaks the hatch, we're dead meat!
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
Tremors of the Devil
On Top of the Wall
Thoruk yelled into his communicator. "Speedy, Slayer's in trouble! I don't think they can talk anymore!"
"No wonder I haven't heard from them. With Zapper out, we've been focused on airborne targets. Don't worry; Salty and Tiger are okay. Slayer will keep them safe!"
Queasy grabbed the comm. "I'm not so sure about that. There's a huge dinosaur tearing at the hatch. It's bent partway open!"
A muclone swooped near the scientist's head. Ducking and swinging his blade, Queasy shrieked.
"Whoa! That was close! Those monsters are still diving at us. Speedy, keep killing those blasted thi..."
A blinding, green beam shot from behind a billowy cloud toward Slayer. Bones, blood, and shredded pieces of the dinosaur's flesh exploded in all directions.
Splattered remnants of the massive creature smoldered over a wide area. Skalags and other muclones panicked and fled from the location.
Still shocked, Thoruk stared at Queasy. "What on Earth?"
He raised the radio to his lips. "Speedy, was that you?"
"No way! I have no idea where that came from." As the Gunnery Sergeant talked, Terminator's green streams continued to strike flying mutants.
Scratchy static broke through. "This is Salty. Can you hear me?"
Queasy hollered. "Barely! Was that Terminator? Are you and Tiger okay?"
"What are y'all talking about? Our cam is dead! We're banged up, but we'll manage!"
Speedy shouted. "Sir, something from the sky obliterated T. rex — a powerful laser! Dino chunks flew everywhere!"
More static disrupted the airwaves. "I have no idea what that would be. Tiger's also shaking her head. Let's just hope it's on our side. Speedy, give me cover. I've got to open a hatch to fix the cam."
"On my way!"
Minutes Later
Gathered within the safety of the thick, slate walls of the schoolhouse, Hoot shuddered in her big brother's arms while they sat on the floor.
She held her two kittens on her lap as the growing clamor of the enemy hurt her ears. Cuddles and Purr shook and squirmed.
Roars and squawks along with several bright flashes and sharp crackles startled her. Terrified, the pets clawed Hoot's thighs and dug deeper into the comfort of her legs.
She stroked their backs. "Don't worry; I'll keep you safe."
Fox squeezed her tight as a half-smile slowly crept across his face. "Ain't no mukes gettin' through me! Don't you fret."
He hugged her, but the slight shivers of his hold betrayed his outward expression of bravery.
Hoot glanced at the front door. I hate those Skalags! Stop scaring my kittens!
Helping Blessivil, Charilulka guided a handful of curious youngsters away from the windows. "Let's move everybody to the interior classrooms — less glass."
As they retreated to safer quarters, Caru and her two buddies hustled to turn wooden tables on their sides. Teli and Aluki herded the kids and elderly behind the makeshift barrier.
To Hoot's left, Chirp and Snapper whimpered as their aunt tried to soothe them. "Everything's going to be okay."
As the battle's uproar swelled, cries and sobs filled the room while Ghost, Chili, and Ice growled near the doorway.
Caru glanced at Proto and Fox — both nodded.
She rushed to her mother's side. "I think me and my buddies should go help. It's getting bad out there!"
Charilulka peered into her daughter's eyes. "You know what your father told you."
"Yes, but..."
"Shhh, not yet. Only if breached. Now help us calm the children."
Back to the Western Perimeter
As Slayer protected Terminator, Thoruk cautiously looked over the wall. Carcasses of dead Skalags and mutants dotted the field.
"There she is! Blazes, she looks mad!"
Off in the distance, Angrokt waved her sword, and an archer released a flaming arrow. An arc of red smoke streamed toward the northwest.
Queasy tapped Thoruk's shoulder. "What's she up to now?"
"Not sure, but it can't be good."
Several minutes later, every muclone and animal in the surrounding area screeched, roared, and barked while scattering in all directions.
Uncertain what to make of it, Thoruk looked at Queasy whose eyes darted back and forth.
The scientist grabbed the wall. "Oh nooo!"
Canopies of the trees outside of Ukkiville rustled vigorously. A second later, the protective barrier and the standing platform below Thoruk's feet started vibrating.
"What's happening?"
Fear shrouded Queasy's eyes. "I think it's an earthquake. We've got to get to the ground!"
Thoruk quickly waved his arms in a circle and yelled. "Everybody off the wall!"
He tilted his head toward Queasy. "Go! I'll help people down. Hurry!"
After guiding his warriors off the platform, Thoruk grabbed the ladder to get down, but the perimeter rocked too much.
Sounds of cracking and splintering pierced the air as two logs broke free and part of the walkway crashed to the ground.
Queasy's voice rang out. "Jump! Now!"
As Thoruk stepped on the top rung, the barrier swayed then began to fall inward.
If I don't break my leg jumping, the blazing wall will surely crush me.
He gripped the sides of the ladder firmly and rode it down as the pine structure slowly leaned beyond the point of no return. When he was about to hit the ground, he leaped away from the collapsing timber and rolled to safety.
Clouds of dust and debris flew in all directions. Whoa! That was close!
Powerful vibrations continued to shake the earth as Thoruk rose to one knee and scanned the perimeter. The entire western barrier had collapsed.
Cries and screams filled the air as Doc and other villagers rushed to the injured trapped under the rubble.
One of the warriors yelled. "Help! Fist got smashed!"
Thoruk looked toward the battlefield. Seemingly terrified of the tremors, several Skalags scattered.
In the distance, Angrokt cracked her whip forcing them back toward Ukkiville.
For a brief moment, Thoruk closed his eyes. They're coming!
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
Crazed Warrior
In The Schoolhouse
Window panes shattered and bookshelves toppled as violent tremors rocked the school building. Children's terrified screams filled the air while Caru and the other grown-ups rushed to the aid of the injured youngsters.
Caru quickly scanned the room. Wicked! What's going on?
Everything not fastened or glued to their spots tumbled to the floor.
Tremendous vibrations rattled the floorboards as she and Aluki helped a young mother pull her little daughter from under a fallen shelf.
A crimson spot soaked the lower portion of the girl’s pants. Worried, the mother stared at Caru.
"What's happening?"
"I'm not sure. I've never seen anything like this."
While trying to soothe the woman's fears, Caru ripped the youngster's lambskin leggings. Blood dripped from a nasty gash down her leg.
Teli joined them. "What can I do?"
Aluki inspected the wound then glanced at him. "Quick, get my medical bag!"
He zoomed past Hoot, sitting in a corner with her kittens. Fox plopped on the floor and put his arm around her.
Within seconds, Teli retur
ned to the doctor's assistant and extended his arm with the bag. "Here you go."
Retrieving a bottle of alcohol and gauze, Aluki began cleaning the cut.
Hoot pursed her lips. "Is she gonna be alright?"
Her brother forced a smile. "Don't worry; she'll be fine."
Caru looked at Fox and pointed to the other side of the room. "Can you and Teli help Proto with those kids over there? He's got his hands full."
While Caru soothed the mother and her child, Aluki carefully wrapped the wound.
When done, the woman helped her daughter to a safer spot, and Aluki went to tend to a young boy crying in an older man's arms.
Meanwhile, the bone-chilling squawks and screeches from outside grew louder. Caru shot a quick glimpse at the window but saw little through the drapes.
The muclones are getting worse!
Running to get a better view, she remembered Zo's warning, "my uncle's going to use Quaker."
At the time it made no sense. Her eyes shifted as she sorted through her thoughts.
That's what Quaker is!
Caru recalled similar tremors when she saved Wandy from the deep crevice. "Earthquake!"
Brushing aside the curtains, she searched for her father.
Her jaw dropped. Nooo! He's gone! The whole western wall is gone!
A slew of Skalags and fierce creatures charged the breach.
Her heart lurched. We've got to stop them!
With determination, she ran to Proto and Fox. "It's time! The wall has collapsed! Grab your weapons!"
She shot a glance at her mother.
Charilulka cocked her head. "Go — all of you — help your fathers! We've got this covered."
While Caru, her buddies, and their pets rushed to the door, Fox's mother chased after him. "Don't leave! I don't want to lose you!"
A flying muclone crashed through the window and startled everybody.
Hoot's kittens hissed and scattered — Purr hid under a fallen bookshelf, but Cuddles panicked and scooted outdoors. Hoot raced after her terrified pet.
Caru pointed. "Fox! Go! Your sister just ran out the door!"
He sucked a quick breath, glanced at his ma, then bolted with Ghost on his tail.
After Proto killed the winged beast, he and Caru sprinted toward the breached wall.
Fox's voice resonated in the distance. "Hoot! Where are you?"
Tripping and stumbling as strong tremors shook the ground, Caru found Mercy and Thoruk up ahead.
Her heart lifted as if carried by an angel. Father's still alive!
Enemy warriors and monsters continued their stampede toward Ukkiville. Adrenalin flooded her veins as she lowered her head and ran faster.
Hoot and Fox better be okay!
Forcing the distraction from her mind, Caru grabbed a reaper from her quiver.
"Hurry, Proto, the Skalags are coming!"
A ferocious-looking bird with a lynx head swooped toward her father. She immediately readied her bow and let the arrow fly.
The muclone shrieked and fell to the ground flopping. Chili roared, rushed it, and crunched the helpless beast.
A massive, green flash bolted from the clouds toward the northwest.
Blinded for a moment, Caru slid to a stop. "What was that?"
Shielding his eyes, Proto zipped past her. "I don't know, but we've got to help our parents. Keep going!"
Seconds later, the tremors ceased, and the ground stilled.
Caru ran up behind Thoruk. "Father, we're here. How can we help?"
He pointed a bloody finger to the right. "Join Wolfuk and Tropokt! More Skalags are headed their way!"
Thoruk looked at Proto. "Go help Tradulka and Bartuk! They're focused on the muclones!"
As her friend bolted to the left, Caru raced toward Wolfuk.
Approaching the master of arms, she spotted a small regiment of Skalags led by a mammoth of a man wielding a sword in one hand and a battle-ax in the other.
Tropokt yelled. "Kill the big one! That's Grizzly's brother!"
Caru screamed. "Leave him to me!"
She lowered a palm and held it behind her. "Chili! Stay!"
The growling bear stopped in place. As Tropokt spun around, Caru zoomed past him and closed on the burly Skalag.
She waved Blue Reaper overhead and hollered. "Hey, Fatso!"
Raising his ax, the massive brute glared at her and charged.
A few seconds passed as he and his other warriors screamed while they neared to within 15 yards.
Chili's deafening roars pierced the air. Gulping and scrunching her face, Caru dug deeper into the big ogre's thoughts.
Near striking distance, the brawny fighter bellowed. "You're dead!"
His blade began its downward thrust as Caru covered her head.
Suddenly, he whirled and sliced the neck of one of his warriors with his battle-ax. The severed cranium spiraled high as blood squirted in all directions.
Turning toward the next closest Skalag, Grizzly's brother thrust his sword through the shocked warrior's gut.
The other terrified fighters of his regiment retreated with their commander in pursuit — killing more of his companions as they raced toward Angrokt.
Detecting the commotion, the Skalag leader swung her chariot toward the crazed brute.
She scowled and snapped the reins. "Yah!"
The two muscular sabre-toothed horses galloped straight at him.
Eyes bulging, he crouched as the snarling beasts trampled over him.
His mangled body flipped and tumbled from beneath the chariot in a bloody heap. Glaring at the remaining warriors, Angrokt screamed.
"Get back to the fight! Kill them all!"
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
Inside Out
Within Ukkiville
Hoot spotted Cuddles scurrying from one form of cover to another near the granary.
Having heard her brother and Proto talking about the Skalag leader yesterday, Hoot knew far well the cause of her troubles.
This is Angrokt's fault! She better stop it!
Cuddles' frightened meows drifted from around the corner of a cabin ahead.
Oblivious to the arrows and bullets zipping overhead, Hoot hurried to catch her tawny-and-white striped kitten.
There she is!
She tip-toed closer. Come on Cuddles, stay still.
Hoot gingerly stuck her hand out, but the frightened feline scampered off to a shed. "Slow down, Cuddles!"
An arrow pegged the wall next to Hoot's head.
Startled, she jumped back and looked up. "Oh no! Where's she going now?"
The young cat ran toward the rubble of the collapsed wall. "Come back! You're gonna get hurt!"
Weaving and dodging as incoming arrows struck the ground, Cuddles hid under a wagon. A winged muclone with a snarling dog's head buzzed her and screeched.
Terrified, the kitten hissed and darted under a splintered log. Hoot threw a rock.
"Get away from Cuddles!" The startled creature flew off.
She looked around not sure what to make of all the warriors running around on the other side of where the wall used to stand.
Clanks and yells of the battle from the far corner of the breach drew her attention. Her pulse quickened.
There's Mercy and Caru. They're fighting with somebody!
Hoot yearned to be with her friends, but she had to get Cuddles first. Her face grew warmer as the enemy's frightening screams filled her ears.
Those must be the scary Skalags Daddy's always talking about.
Meanwhile
Fox scrambled as he searched the cabins, sheds, and mills. "Where you at, Hoot?"
While Ghost barked in pursuit of the girl's trail, Fox stopped and checked under a porch. "Hoot! You there?"
No reply. Where in tarnation did she go?
His sister's voice cried out in the distance. "Cuddles!"
Ghost howled and raced toward the youngster's call. Fox sprinted after his dog. "Hoot! We're coming!"
&
nbsp; Clearing the edge of the flour mill, he spotted his sister near the crumpled pines. "Brutish! What is she doing?"
Hoot hopped from one log to the next making her way across the fallen wall's debris.
Fox cupped his hands around his mouth. "Stop!"
Whirling, she slipped and almost fell. "Fox! Help me get Cuddles!" She pointed.
The kitten darted and hopped over logs heading toward the battlefield.
Fox yelled. "Stay put 'til I catch up!"
A loud squawk pierced the air, and a large shadow zoomed past him.
He glanced up. Blazes, it's a muke!
"Hoot, duck!"
She crouched down, and the claws of the beast just missed her head but snatched a lock of her hair as it flew by. She screamed.
Fox hollered. "Stay down!"
As he and Ghost raced toward his sister, several muclones and Skalags rushed the breach from a distance.
His heart banged against his chest. Hoot's going to get us killed!
On the Battlefield
After putting an end to Grizzly's brother, Angrokt scanned the field and detected a little girl sprawled on a log in the distance.
What is she doing out here?
A kitten scampered across the debris near the youngster.
No wonder. That kid's going to get herself killed.
Movement caught the corner of her eye. A fierce denamod galloped toward the kitten.
Oh no! The wolf's going to get her cat.
Angrokt grabbed a spear, leaned back, and let it fly. It pierced the ground 20 yards short.
As the ferocious dire wolf opened his jaws, the girl screamed. In a split second, the starving creature chomped and shook the kitten as it cried like a newborn baby.
"Nooo!" The child jumped to her feet.
The denamod's glaring, dark green eyes slowly shifted toward her. Blood dripped from its long fangs as the beast roared and charged.
The terrified youngster screamed again.
Angrokt snapped the reins, and her chariot bolted forward. As she neared, she stared at the little girl.
The New World: Blue Moon Generatoin Page 21
