Trika screamed and reached to punch the force field again but halted. She knew that would do nothing. Now, they needed to do something. They needed to come up with an actual way to get out before Nelson fried Naos.
Anziar did not smile as the soldier placed Bosnan and Felicia before him. He kept his cold expression, folding his hands together. Both individuals had much potential and Anziar had noticed it from the start. Bosnan’s unwavering motivation to create an army and Felicia’s charming manipulation both had their places in the nebula. Both gave way to darkness.
Both cast him a cold glance in return. Excellent.
“Soldier,” Anziar said as the soldier reached the door. “Once your comrade has placed the resources in the laboratory, tell him to return at once. I will need him to escort Chief Bosnan.”
“Yes, master.”
He left. Felicia cocked her head to the side, examining Anziar. “You serve on Sora’s crew and yet you command one of these soldiers?”
“That is of no importance to you, Miss Malone,” Anziar said, dismissing the thought with a wave of his hand. She did not look convinced, but he would ignore it. “I have an opportunity to give both of you what you so eagerly desire. I can ensure that your work on Wantim did not go to waste.”
“You expect to work with us?” Bosnan said, pursing his lips. He also did not look convinced.
“No. I expect you to work for me,” Anziar said, grinning at the anger forming in Felicia’s eyes. He saw it before she even felt it. “I have freed you from your cells and, in return, I would like you to make the creations you have conceived. Chief Bosnan, all of your resources are being placed in this ship’s laboratory as we speak.”
“You want me to make my soldiers on the very flagship of my enemy?!” Bosnan said, growling. The show of emotion surprised Anziar. “Ridiculous and unacceptable.”
“I work for no one,” Felicia said with a snarl. Her eyes went from Anziar’s toes to his head. “Especially not a lackey of Sora Trok.”
Anziar roared, zooming toward Felicia. His hand hovered over her neck, but he restrained the urge. “I am offering you a chance to be part of something bigger, Felicia Malone. No one else will receive this chance.”
Felicia chuckled. “I am creating something bigger. I do not need your opportunity.”
Anziar moved away from Felicia, drifting toward Bosnan. “Chief Bosnan, you have wanted these soldiers for years. You have worked to perfect a formula you now have and, since leaving Adli, I am sure you have conceived designs for these soldiers. If you create them here, I can bring them to life. Then, they will get us off this ship and take you to the revenge that you seek.”
Of course, Anziar couldn’t tell him every detail. He just needed Bosnan to make the bodies.
“They don’t need life,” Bosnan said, folding his hands behind his back. “Why do this? What is in it for you? I do not even know who you are or how you can benefit the people of Catalan.”
Anziar whirled around, walking away from both. Indeed, controlling them had proven difficult and if he forced their cooperation, he feared it would not produce the desired result. Not with how little power Anziar currently had. He tapped his fingers against each other, measuring his next move.
“My name is Anziar and I have watched the nebula for many years,” he said. He hissed. “I have seen the creation of spaceships, lasers, drugs and governments. I have seen people rise and fall. However, I have never seen what you two offer: individuals created merely to destroy and fight. The sheer power and brilliance behind that inspires me.”
He looked back at both and drew near to them. “Darkness covers the nebula and it has colored both of your lives. Within that, you have created something ingenious and I want to see that come to fruition. I must see it come to fruition.”
Anziar flashed his teeth at Felicia. “Your spice trade is gone, Felicia Malone. Your band of thugs is dead. This is your last chance to rise above that destruction and cause destruction in return. If you accept my offer, you will personally kill this troublesome crew within the half-hour. If you reject my offer, Queen Bettina will kill you within the day.”
She pursed her lips and narrowed her eyes. Anziar had made progress.
He turned his gaze to Bosnan. “Chief Bosnan, darkness has covered your people for decades and soon it will snuff the last of them out. I am offering you an opportunity to complete their grand legacy. If you accept my offer, the name of Catalan will last forever. If you reject my offer, Queen Bettina will confiscate all of your resources. She will most likely kill you.”
He stepped closer to Bosnan. Bosnan didn’t flinch, but Anziar towered over him. He let his cold breath meet the top of the scientist’s head. “In fact, if you do not strike back today, she will undoubtedly go to Catalan and finish off what remains of your people. Your legacy will be nothing.”
Anziar stepped back. Bosnan and Felicia’s eyes followed him. Both had neutral expressions. Their objections had faded and now solemn obedience remained. Anziar had succeeded.
“Soldiers!”
Both entered and bowed.
“Take Chief Bosnan to the laboratory so that he can begin work immediately. It will not take long to synthesize the soldiers,” Anziar said, pointing to Bosnan. The first soldier took him and Anziar gestured to Felicia. “Escort Miss Malone back to her cell but be prepared to release her upon my order. Your wait will be short, Miss Malone.”
The soldier pulled her out of the room. Anziar grinned, wishing that Selas could see him now. Within the hour, chaos would reign.
Felicia allowed the soldier to yank her through the corridor, groaning as he shoved her toward the cellblock entrance. Anziar would have made it a more tempting offer if it included keeping her free until Bosnan finished the soldiers. This newcomer’s determination to create the army sounded particularly intriguing and enchanting. He made valid points.
She paused and the soldier kicked her. She yelled as she threw her hands forward and caught her fall. The cold steel sent a chill up both of her arms and she closed her eyes. The soldier kicked her again, ushering her toward the cellblock.
Originally, Felicia wanted to wait for the right moment. The most opportune moment. However, this Anziar interfered.
The soldier kicked her again. Felicia stumbled forward but refused to fully stand.
As tempting as Anziar made his offer sound, she didn’t take kindly to an overthrow of her operations.
Felicia reached into her boot, removing the dagger and standing up straight. She stabbed it into the soldier’s chin and heard the tear inside his mouth and nose. He gasped for air as blood rushed out. The silver hilt still glistened.
“If you live past the next ten seconds,” Felicia said, hissing with every word. “Inform your ‘master’ that I reject his offer.”
She removed the dagger and the soldier’s body hit the floor. She turned and broke off into a sprint, entering the cell block.
The shuffle of boots echoed throughout the cell block as she ran past the blur of purple. She focused on the execution chamber.
“Felicia!” Trika said, screaming louder than before.
“Miss Malone, please, we—” Viktor said.
Felicia pushed the front of her feet against the steel, pulling the rest of her body to a halt. She turned and looked at the three imprisoned crew members, smirking. All three of them hovered around the edge of their cells. “I am afraid that I’m a little low on time. Perhaps on our next hostage experience.”
She shrugged and sprinted forward again.
“You can’t just leave us here!” Trika called, banging her fists against the wall.
“Miss Malone, we would have better odds if you freed us!”
“Let her go,” Fi said, scoffing. “A woman like that isn’t coming back for us.”
Felicia continued her track. A gust of air blew through the doors as their locks released and they separated. The cool breeze hit Felicia’s face, making it colder than the cell block already felt. She p
aid it no mind, continuing forward.
Felicia needed someone to guide her through this flagship. She assumed that Scout’s protector from Adli had served in a role similar to Scout’s, so therefore, he seemed like her best choice. After entering the chamber, Felicia slowed her pace upon hearing multiple voices.
“You’re serving a monster!” Naos said. She heard his body wiggle against the restraints. “You can’t do this! She’ll turn on you, just like she did me!”
“Enough of this kid’s whining. Heat up the chair.”
Felicia pressed herself against the wall of the short, winding hallway. She heard the crackle of electricity, followed by another scream from Naos. Then another crackle and another scream. As she edged around the corridor, the pattern formed quickly.
She reached the corner of the hall and peeked forward. A pristine, white, two-story chamber sat before her: the control room sat directly in front of her and two sets of stairs led to the electric chair below. Two soldiers stood at the controls, monitoring Naos’ vitals. Felicia didn’t spot Nelson anywhere in the room.
The crackle grew louder. The electric current gained strength. Naos shrieked.
Felicia rubbed the hilt of the dagger. Both soldiers wore silver helmets, so she’d have to go for the small space between their necks and chest-plates.
She slid out of the corner and stormed into the control room. Both turned and lifted their rifles, but before they could fire she launched herself toward the soldier on the left and jabbed his neck. As they collapsed, the other soldier’s shot missed her.
Felicia ripped the dagger out of his neck and jumped up, listening to the growing crackles in the background. A bolt hit her leg and momentarily stunned her.
“Freeze, Malone, or I will cut you dow—”
She let out a battle cry and lunged forward, shoving the soldier’s rifle to the ground and stabbing his neck. Felicia pulled her dagger back and pushed the soldier backward, sending him tumbling to the floor.
Naos shrieked again. He would not last much longer. Felicia whirled around and rushed to the controls, briefly analyzing them. She flipped several switches down and listened to the relaxing purr that the electricity emitted as it died down. She hit a button to the left of the switches and heard the releasing click of the restraints.
Felicia peered out the glass window of the control room. Naos collapsed to the floor, gasping for air. He scrambled to his feet, but nearly fell again as he walked forward. She rolled her eyes. He’d have to do.
“Wha…wha…,” Naos said, looking to the control room. He panted and his eyes settled on Felicia.
She sauntered out of the control room, grabbing both soldiers’ assault rifles as she passed their corpses. She descended a few steps and paused, holding a rifle toward Naos. “Queen Bettina’s security is of a low caliber for her premiere flagship. Unfortunately, despite that, I cannot find Bosnan and escape this ship alone.”
Naos ascended a few steps, still panting. Traces of smoke rose from his back. “I-I…don’t under-understand.”
“We don’t have time for pleasantries,” Felicia said, dangling the long rifle. She pointed at Naos and then at herself. “Let me make this simple: you must have some familiarity with this flagship, considering some history. You have proven yourself to be somewhat formidable in battle. Those two facts make you an asset to me.”
“How do I know that you won’t shoot me in the back as soon as you don’t need me?” Naos said, leaning against the wall. He eyed the rifle.
“You don’t, but currently that is irrelevant,” Felicia said. She glanced at the door. “Your other option is to wait for Captain Nelson.”
Naos climbed two more steps and grabbed the rifle. As he took it, Felicia noticed his shaky hand. “So, I’m just supposed to assume that you won’t kill me on a whim?”
“Did I not risk myself and kill two soldiers to save your life? We need each other.”
“One wrong move and this’ll be done.”
Felicia would accept that. She turned and climbed back up the stairs, tuning her ear to the outside cellblock. She did not hear any footsteps or new voices, so Nelson had not discovered Naos’ rescue yet. However, he would return as soon as he could not reach the soldiers in charge of the task. They had little time.
“Chief Bosnan is in a laboratory,” Felicia said as she reached the exit. She paused and felt the cool breeze hit her face again, blowing a few strands of hair out of place. “First, we need to make our way out of the cell block. Then, guide me to the laboratory so I can retrieve him.”
“We’ll free the others on the way,” Naos said, reaching her side.
Felicia scowled, rushing through the narrow corridor. She ignored the purple blurs and marched past the cells. The crew didn’t deserve a glance or her attention. She had bigger priorities.
“Naos!” Trika said. Felicia heard her feet hit the ground and her voice loudened as she reached the force field. “You’re alive! What are you doing with—"
Felicia didn’t hear Naos behind her. She halted and flared her nostrils.
“No time,” Naos said. Felicia looked over her shoulder to see him hovering over a button beside Trika’s cell. “We need to get you guys out of here.”
“Leave them!” Felicia said, growling. “As you said, we don’t have time!”
Naos threw his head up, as if the statement surprised him. It shouldn’t. “I’m not leaving without them.”
“I rescued you out of necessity and, unlike these three, you are not an actual member of Sora’s crew,” Felicia said, glaring at the three prisoners. She remembered how he gave in on Adli. She knew she could sway him. “They mean nothing to you. Leave them.”
Naos paused, looking from Felicia to Trika. He took a deep breath and shook his head, before hitting the button. “No. I’m not caving to you this time. You said it yourself: we can’t do this alone. It’s all of us, or none of us.”
The force field disappeared and Trika walked out, snarling at Felicia. Naos rushed to the other two cells and hit their respective buttons. Viktor and Fi stepped out. Fi didn’t look at Felicia as she ran past her, heading in the direction of the armory. Viktor gave Felicia a nod.
“You know this is the wisest decision, Miss Malone.”
She also knew that this would complicate things.
“How about we throw you right back in your cell?” Trika said, stepping closer to Felicia. Felicia slipped her hand onto her dagger as Trika leaned in closer. “It’s where you belong after all that you’ve done. Especially to my father.”
“I’ve never been fond of beating dead horses,” Felicia said with a scoff.
Trika lunged forward, but Naos pulled her back. “Stop! We don’t have time to fight each other right now!”
“You really expect us to work with her?!” Trika said, whirling around to face Naos. “All of your complaints about Bosnan and now you want us to work with the woman who tried to kill us?!”
Naos gulped. “Okay, okay, I was a little out of line where Bosnan was concerned. Even if I was right, I spoke a lot from emotion and distrust,” he said, trembling. He scratched the back of his head. “She saved my life. I owe her that much.”
Viktor held up a hand. “Logistically speaking, Miss Malone would only be hurting herself if she turned on us. We do need numbers if we wish to escape.”
Trika groaned, stomping toward the armory. Before she passed Felicia, she paused. “For the record, Naos is a part of our crew. That’s the only reason you’re still alive.”
Felicia let Trika pass and shook her head in Naos’ direction. He shook his head, rushing past her. She walked forward, glancing at the armory. The crew pulled their guns off shelves, reattaching them to their belts. Fi put a pistol on her belt, a sword on her back and then reached for a heavy rifle.
“We’ll need the modified projectiles that Talek uses,” she said, waving the rifle toward the others. “They’ll pack more of a punch.”
Felicia looked at Naos. “How much of thi
s ship are you familiar with?”
“I’ve only been on it a few times. I can get us to the main hangar. There’s probably a shuttle there that we could grab.”
Felicia didn’t wait on the others, walking forward again. “Then let’s not delay. We don’t have much time unti—”
As the rest of the crew exited the armory, Felicia heard a wail. The corridor turned red and the wail continued. She held up the rifle that she got off the soldier. Nelson and his other soldiers would arrive soon.
Fi ran ahead, holding Talek’s rifle. “Let’s go!”
Everyone else charged.
17
Scout rotated her right arm in a circular motion. As she lifted it, she felt a twinge of pain, but otherwise it felt okay. The gel and bandage had worked fast. They didn’t heal her injuries, but they numbed the influence of them. As long as she didn’t feel the pain, she could fight again. Maybe not as quick as before, but still, she could add something.
Although she didn’t know how fighting could help at this point. The Killer would make it to the Bombard soon, but she couldn’t face down those soldiers. No one could.
“You think it looks okay?” Scout said, holding her arm toward Nait. She leaned back in her plastic chair.
Nait pushed his hands into the bed and pulled the rest of his body up, tilting his head. “Eh, it looks good enough. Better than my stomach.”
Scout nodded, glancing at the wrap around her brother’s injury. Two tubes clung to the wrap, draining the wound from any infection. “I’m impressed that you’re awake.”
“You think I’d sleep after Bettina carved a hole in me and took our friends captive?” Nait said, snorting. She noticed the wince that followed, but he hardened his face. Tough guy or something like that. “Nope, not a chance. If Viktor had been here, I would be ready to board the Bombard myself.”
Survival, Dark Times Page 23
