Devil To Pay
"This is not our problem."
"C'mon. D'Argo-"
"No!" he bellowed. A mechanical whine filled the cockpit of the small craft as D'Argo primed a control panel. He glared at defiant indicators that appeared unwilling to function properly. True to Cabmauri's word, they had located the hidden smuggling vessel in a derelict hanger near the bulk of Gital Deep's factory complex. It barely looked space worthy.
John's jaw clamped tight, but only long enough to gather another argument. "We can't just walk away from this."
He threw a few more switches, unfamiliar with the navigation system. It was not too different from the ships he had learned to pilot as a youth. "Yes, we can."
"When have we ever just walked away, D'Argo? They made this our problem the moment they shanghaied Jool. Maybe you don't mind being used as a pawn, but I sure as hell do."
The Human was trying to manipulate him, call upon his warrior code to defend the innocent. To protect his own honor and pride. D'Argo knew exactly what John was trying to do. He also knew it was working to some small degree. "What's your plan?"
"Check it. It's simple-"
D'Argo lifted his hand from the control console and jabbed a finger in John's face. "Don't say that. Every time you say it will be simple, it's anything but."
John raised his hands in surrender. "We get everyone in the same room. Hide Tionar in a closet. We spell out how we know that Dartoi is behind the thefts and promise not to spill the beans if we get paid. When he agrees, it's enough proof for Tionar to take back to the Council."
"That's your plan?"
"Yeah."
"Stark came up with better plans." D'Argo felt John's stare but he refused to look over. He would agree to go along with this, but by Hezmana, he would not say so aloud. D'Argo pushed forward on the thrust and felt the entire ship shake and rattle. "With any luck," he growled. "We'll die before we get there."
***
John tried again to illicit a response from Jool over the comm. He had been trying since they arrived at Kinfea Prime's docking station. Now they were only a few short blocks from Cabmauri's alehouse and John was getting worried. "She's not answering."
"Maybe she shorted out her comm again," Chiana offered.
"Yeah, maybe." Or something was keeping her from answering. He was just about to give up on contacting the Interion when her voice streamed from the comm.
"Crichton. I hear you."
"Jool. We're on our way to the tavern. Did Cabmauri pass on our message?" They had just entered the busy market square, immersing themselves in the throng of early morning shoppers.
"Cabmauri's dead."
John stopped walking, mindless of the pedestrian traffic around him. "Where are you?"
A pause confirmed suspicion that Jool was with Dartoi. John was expecting the male voice that took over the comm. "I have an interest in your proposition to Cabmauri Mudest. We should discuss it further."
John looked toward his companions. All of their expressions were similar. Grim acceptance. Even Tionar appeared disturbed. "Sure. Sounds good to me. Where at?"
"There is an abandoned mining camp on the outskirts of the settlement. Can you find it?"
Tionar nodded as he listened. "I know of it," he murmured.
"Yeah," John said into his comm. "We'll be there."
The communication ended, punctuated by D'Argo's frustrated growl. "I am through talking."
"He does not wish to talk. Dartoi will kill you." Tionar moved to stand in front of John. "You will need my help."
John looked down at the Kinfea. He didn't trust him and it showed on his expression. Tionar had almost betrayed them once. John was not about to let it happen again. "This is not your fight. Handing Dartoi over to the Council is no longer an option. You won't get anything out of this."
"Yes, I will. Revenge."
Chiana's gaze moved to the Kinfea. She stepped forward, standing at eye level with Tionar. "Revenge for who?"
"Cabmauri. My brother."
***
The mining community sat at the bottom of a rock quarry beyond the bulk of Kinfea Prime's main farms. The transport vehicle Tionar had acquired carried John and D'Argo down the narrow road descending into the giant pit. When they reached the bottom, guards in the guise of laborers met them.
"Leave your weapons here," one of them instructed.
D'Argo reluctantly pulled his Qualta Blade from his back, laying it carefully inside the vehicle. He made no move to remove the knife from his belt sheath. A hard glare at the Kinfea giving orders was enough to state his refusal at ridding himself of that one weapon.
"We're not here for any trouble," John cautioned, taking his pulse pistol from its holster and laying it alongside D'Argo's sword. "Just talking business."
"Follow me." The guard in charge led them through the quarry to a cluster of crude buildings.
"They do not look like miners," D'Argo whispered as they walked. None of the dozen or so Kinfea that populated the community carried themselves like laborers; rather there was an air of military discipline permeating the camp.
John nodded his agreement. Neither did it appear as if any real mining had taken place within this quarry for some time. Excavation tools and machines looked unused, more like props then working implements.
As they drew closer to their destination, John slipped the comm badge from his belt and held it in the palm of his hand.
Dartoi stood with Jool in the area outside the main buildings. His hand wrapped around her arm and a gun directed at her back. Three more of his men stood in a loose half circle formation around him.
"Hey, Jool," John said. "That a corrupt government official in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?"
***
The tiny space would not normally be a problem for Chiana. She had crammed her body into smaller places before. However, the wound along her torso pulled painfully the longer she sat inside the hidden compartment. The concealed hollow had been designed to smuggle contraband under the noses of Port Authority, not damaged Nebari over bumpy roads. She would definitely complain about John's driving when this was all over.
Nimble fingers worked the latch that held the lid in place. It came free with a muted pop, allowing Chiana to slide the sheet of metal away and climb out of the transport vehicle. She moved across to a similar compartment to free Tionar. Together, they scanned the surrounding area, looking for something that would make a good distraction.
Something fun.
Small equipment shacks bunched against each other away from the main grouping of buildings. She hoped it was an indication that something was stored there no one wanted to be close to.
Chiana made a motion for Tionar to stay with the vehicle then dashed the distance to the storage huts. She tried each door until finding one unlocked. She ducked inside, listening a moment to make sure no one had seen her before turning around see what she had found.
Several barrels crowded around a large metal cylinder. Pipes coiled from the central piece and emptied into the smaller containers. A liquid gurgle sounded from inside. Chiana drew closer until she came even with one of the small barrels. She pulled on the pipe in its lid, releasing a stream of amber fluid.
Fuel for the mining machines.
"This I can work with," she purred.
***
Dartoi pushed Jool toward her shipmates. She only avoided falling flat on her face by D'Argo's quick grab. "That was unnecessary," she hissed back at the Kinfea.
"Where is the other one? There were four of you," Dartoi said.
"Dead," John said. Jool's head whipped around, gaping open mouthed at him. He was a little surprised the news upset her, considering the intensity of her and Chiana's arguments. She could be mad at him later. If they made it out so she could learn the truth.
Dartoi nodded, not questioning the validity of John's lie. "You should have died with her. It would have saved me the trouble of killing you now."
"What?" Jool exclaimed. She moved closer to D'Argo, edging behind him.
"I thought we were here to talk," John said. He had to give Chiana more time, stall Dartoi a little while longer. If he and D'Argo had to make their move now, the Legal Authority officers would mow them down where they stood. "I'm sure you don't want the Council to know what you've been up to."
"With you dead, the truth will never be known."
John laughed, planting his hands on his hips in a cocky stance. He grinned toward his companions, before turning back at Dartoi. "You really think we're stupid enough not to have some kind of backup? Anything happens to us, and we have friends that will take everything we learned to the Council."
It was enough to make Dartoi pause. But only for a moment. Uncertainty turned into sly confidence. "They will not take the word of mercenaries. Especially after they learn you took the life of Cabmauri Mudest." He gestured toward the men on either side of him. They lifted rifles to their shoulders, taking aim at the three individuals standing anxiously before them.
"You don't have to do this." John tapped his fingernail twice on the comm curled in his palm. "We can all just walk away."
"No," Dartoi said as he raised his own gun. "There is too much at stake."
***
Chiana ran hunched over across the quarry floor back to the transport vehicle. She pulled herself inside and leaned against the seat. When she pulled her hand away from her side, pale blue blood marked her hand. "Frell," she muttered. Not that it mattered. All of this would be over one way or the other before she had a chance to bleed to death. "Okay. I have an idea."
The Nebari looked around, but Tionar was nowhere to be seen. He was not inside the vehicle.
And neither was John's pulse pistol.
"Double frell," she hissed, reaching for D'Argo's Qualta Blade. Her fingers found the switch that transformed the sword into a rifle. The weapon was heavy and hard for her to handle, but she brought it around and aimed at the shack housing the fuel depot. "Just can't count on anyone."
A distinct tap sounded over her comm. Closing one eye, Chiana fired.
***
A pulse blast streaked from the transport vehicle to a collection of outbuildings on the edge of the quarry floor. Rifles lowered fractionally and gazes moved slightly, but it was hardly the distraction John had hoped for. A look from D'Argo echoed his sentiments.
The explosion surprised everyone. A ball of flame shattered the air, echoing off the stone walls of the mining pit. Before anyone had time to register what happened, two of the adjoining structures erupted in a conflagration that made the first look like the striking of a match.
John moved quickly before the Kinfea had time to recover. He rushed toward the closest one, catching him in a football tackle and knocking him to the ground. John wrestled the rifle from his hands and drove the butt of it into his stunned face. He lifted the acquired weapon and fired at a second Kinfea charging toward him.
More shots struck the ground beside him, sending him into a roll to get out of the way. Somewhere behind him, he heard Jool scream out his name. He sensed movement at his back but he knew he would never turn around in time. John braced himself for the hit.
***
The explosion was better than she had hoped. Chiana whooped a triumphant battle cry and watched the Kinfea run. Her celebration was abruptly cut off as a pulse blast struck the side of the vehicle. The shower of sparks sent tiny pricks of hot pain over her exposed skin as she cringed away.
With a muttered curse at Tionar for leaving her alone, Chiana flicked the controls that started the transport vehicle. The engine rumbled to life just as she pushed the acceleration lever all the way. Back tires spun in the loose gravel of the quarry pit, spraying sand as the vehicle lurched forward.
***
D'Argo took a long stride to the side and brought his fist down onto a dark head. As the Kinfea fell, he snatched the rifle from his hands. He sought out Dartoi next. The captain of Legal Authority stood unprotected confounded by the chaos that had erupted around him.
It was a perfect opening. D'Argo took aim, easing his finger back against the trigger. Jool's scream distracted him before he could fire, spinning him around.
"John!"
The Luxan's gaze sought out the Human. A Kinfea soldier, white blood dripping from the ruins of a nose, was advancing quickly to John's back. D'Argo redirected the aim of his rifle and pulled the trigger, but he was a microt too late. The short metal cylinder in the Kinfea's hand made contact with John's shoulder.
***
Lightening fast agony sent John sprawling face first into the dirt. His weapon fell from suddenly nerveless fingers. Get up, he ordered himself. Move. Do something. Don't just lay here.
Something hit the ground beside him with a heavy thump. He blinked dust from his eyes and tried to focus on it. With a detached concern, he recognized the dead Kinfea. This is what you get for trying to knock someone out instead of blowing them away, he thought.
Hands grabbed his shoulders and he found himself rolled into Jool's lap. "John. Are you all right? Can you speak?"
Sensation was slowly returning, but not fast enough to allow words to come from his lips. And certainly not with enough speed to get him up and moving. His eyes darted around, coming to rest on D'Argo.
D'Argo did not see Dartoi raise his gun.
"No!" The word was a mumbled mess. John tried to will his hand to grasp the rifle lying close by, but his limbs would not respond to the commands his mind was sending. He could do nothing but watch as his friend, perhaps his only real friend in the Uncharted Territories, was gunned down a microt after saving his life.
He heard the pulse blast and it provoked another wordless scream. John's hand twitched, trying once more for his weapon. His fingers closed around it reluctantly. He would kill Dartoi. Blow a hole in him large enough to drive a truck through. Retaliation was something the Kinfea would surely understand. Fury driven adrenaline forced his muscle to respond, raising John up enough to bring his weapon to bare.
But D'Argo did not fall. It was Dartoi who dropped to the dirt on his knees. His startled expression was a perfect mimicry of the surprise on John's face. The Kinfea tumbled forward and lay still.
"Is he dead?"
All eyes turned toward the voice. Tionar lowered his stolen pulse pistol and moved toward John, offering his hand. John looked at it a moment before taking it, allowing the Kinfea and Jool to help him to his feet.
D'Argo knelt by Dartoi's side. "No," he said. "He is alive. Barely."
"Let us hope he lives long enough to be executed for his crimes."
"None of us are going to live that long if we don't get out of here," Jool said.
"Here's our ride now," John nodded toward the approaching transport vehicle. He grabbed his pulse pistol from Tionar's hand, exchanging it for the rifle. "D'Argo. Pick that loser up off the ground and let's get the hell outta here."
Chiana barely stopped the transport before leaning out the side. "You might want to hurry." The remaining Kinfea officers had regrouped from the explosion. They advanced quickly along the quarry floor, closing the distance with random pulse fire.
D'Argo tossed their captive into the vehicle, then helped Jool inside as John and Tionar laid down cover. John was barely in his seat before Chiana punched the accelerator. The vehicle sped toward the road leading out of the quarry, scattering the Kinfea who tried to stand in its way.
Once they emerged from the pit and were racing back toward the settlement, John closed his eyes and leaned his head back. He listened to the rapidly decreasing sound of pulse blasts chasing after them. D'Argo leaned out the back, exchanging fire with anyone foolish enough to follow. They were a full twenty microts away before John felt reasonable sure they were clear.
When he opened his eyes, he stared full on into the setting sun.
"This is not our problem."
"C'mon. D'Argo-"
"No!" he bellowed. A mechanical whine filled the cockpit of the small craft as D'Argo primed a control panel. He glared at defiant indicators that appeared unwilling to function properly. True to Cabmauri's word, they had located the hidden smuggling vessel in a derelict hanger near the bulk of Gital Deep's factory complex. It barely looked space worthy.
John's jaw clamped tight, but only long enough to gather another argument. "We can't just walk away from this."
He threw a few more switches, unfamiliar with the navigation system. It was not too different from the ships he had learned to pilot as a youth. "Yes, we can."
"When have we ever just walked away, D'Argo? They made this our problem the moment they shanghaied Jool. Maybe you don't mind being used as a pawn, but I sure as hell do."
The Human was trying to manipulate him, call upon his warrior code to defend the innocent. To protect his own honor and pride. D'Argo knew exactly what John was trying to do. He also knew it was working to some small degree. "What's your plan?"
"Check it. It's simple-"
D'Argo lifted his hand from the control console and jabbed a finger in John's face. "Don't say that. Every time you say it will be simple, it's anything but."
John raised his hands in surrender. "We get everyone in the same room. Hide Tionar in a closet. We spell out how we know that Dartoi is behind the thefts and promise not to spill the beans if we get paid. When he agrees, it's enough proof for Tionar to take back to the Council."
"That's your plan?"
"Yeah."
"Stark came up with better plans." D'Argo felt John's stare but he refused to look over. He would agree to go along with this, but by Hezmana, he would not say so aloud. D'Argo pushed forward on the thrust and felt the entire ship shake and rattle. "With any luck," he growled. "We'll die before we get there."
***
John tried again to illicit a response from Jool over the comm. He had been trying since they arrived at Kinfea Prime's docking station. Now they were only a few short blocks from Cabmauri's alehouse and John was getting worried. "She's not answering."
"Maybe she shorted out her comm again," Chiana offered.
"Yeah, maybe." Or something was keeping her from answering. He was just about to give up on contacting the Interion when her voice streamed from the comm.
"Crichton. I hear you."
"Jool. We're on our way to the tavern. Did Cabmauri pass on our message?" They had just entered the busy market square, immersing themselves in the throng of early morning shoppers.
"Cabmauri's dead."
John stopped walking, mindless of the pedestrian traffic around him. "Where are you?"
A pause confirmed suspicion that Jool was with Dartoi. John was expecting the male voice that took over the comm. "I have an interest in your proposition to Cabmauri Mudest. We should discuss it further."
John looked toward his companions. All of their expressions were similar. Grim acceptance. Even Tionar appeared disturbed. "Sure. Sounds good to me. Where at?"
"There is an abandoned mining camp on the outskirts of the settlement. Can you find it?"
Tionar nodded as he listened. "I know of it," he murmured.
"Yeah," John said into his comm. "We'll be there."
The communication ended, punctuated by D'Argo's frustrated growl. "I am through talking."
"He does not wish to talk. Dartoi will kill you." Tionar moved to stand in front of John. "You will need my help."
John looked down at the Kinfea. He didn't trust him and it showed on his expression. Tionar had almost betrayed them once. John was not about to let it happen again. "This is not your fight. Handing Dartoi over to the Council is no longer an option. You won't get anything out of this."
"Yes, I will. Revenge."
Chiana's gaze moved to the Kinfea. She stepped forward, standing at eye level with Tionar. "Revenge for who?"
"Cabmauri. My brother."
***
The mining community sat at the bottom of a rock quarry beyond the bulk of Kinfea Prime's main farms. The transport vehicle Tionar had acquired carried John and D'Argo down the narrow road descending into the giant pit. When they reached the bottom, guards in the guise of laborers met them.
"Leave your weapons here," one of them instructed.
D'Argo reluctantly pulled his Qualta Blade from his back, laying it carefully inside the vehicle. He made no move to remove the knife from his belt sheath. A hard glare at the Kinfea giving orders was enough to state his refusal at ridding himself of that one weapon.
"We're not here for any trouble," John cautioned, taking his pulse pistol from its holster and laying it alongside D'Argo's sword. "Just talking business."
"Follow me." The guard in charge led them through the quarry to a cluster of crude buildings.
"They do not look like miners," D'Argo whispered as they walked. None of the dozen or so Kinfea that populated the community carried themselves like laborers; rather there was an air of military discipline permeating the camp.
John nodded his agreement. Neither did it appear as if any real mining had taken place within this quarry for some time. Excavation tools and machines looked unused, more like props then working implements.
As they drew closer to their destination, John slipped the comm badge from his belt and held it in the palm of his hand.
Dartoi stood with Jool in the area outside the main buildings. His hand wrapped around her arm and a gun directed at her back. Three more of his men stood in a loose half circle formation around him.
"Hey, Jool," John said. "That a corrupt government official in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?"
***
The tiny space would not normally be a problem for Chiana. She had crammed her body into smaller places before. However, the wound along her torso pulled painfully the longer she sat inside the hidden compartment. The concealed hollow had been designed to smuggle contraband under the noses of Port Authority, not damaged Nebari over bumpy roads. She would definitely complain about John's driving when this was all over.
Nimble fingers worked the latch that held the lid in place. It came free with a muted pop, allowing Chiana to slide the sheet of metal away and climb out of the transport vehicle. She moved across to a similar compartment to free Tionar. Together, they scanned the surrounding area, looking for something that would make a good distraction.
Something fun.
Small equipment shacks bunched against each other away from the main grouping of buildings. She hoped it was an indication that something was stored there no one wanted to be close to.
Chiana made a motion for Tionar to stay with the vehicle then dashed the distance to the storage huts. She tried each door until finding one unlocked. She ducked inside, listening a moment to make sure no one had seen her before turning around see what she had found.
Several barrels crowded around a large metal cylinder. Pipes coiled from the central piece and emptied into the smaller containers. A liquid gurgle sounded from inside. Chiana drew closer until she came even with one of the small barrels. She pulled on the pipe in its lid, releasing a stream of amber fluid.
Fuel for the mining machines.
"This I can work with," she purred.
***
Dartoi pushed Jool toward her shipmates. She only avoided falling flat on her face by D'Argo's quick grab. "That was unnecessary," she hissed back at the Kinfea.
"Where is the other one? There were four of you," Dartoi said.
"Dead," John said. Jool's head whipped around, gaping open mouthed at him. He was a little surprised the news upset her, considering the intensity of her and Chiana's arguments. She could be mad at him later. If they made it out so she could learn the truth.
Dartoi nodded, not questioning the validity of John's lie. "You should have died with her. It would have saved me the trouble of killing you now."
"What?" Jool exclaimed. She moved closer to D'Argo, edging behind him.
"I thought we were here to talk," John said. He had to give Chiana more time, stall Dartoi a little while longer. If he and D'Argo had to make their move now, the Legal Authority officers would mow them down where they stood. "I'm sure you don't want the Council to know what you've been up to."
"With you dead, the truth will never be known."
John laughed, planting his hands on his hips in a cocky stance. He grinned toward his companions, before turning back at Dartoi. "You really think we're stupid enough not to have some kind of backup? Anything happens to us, and we have friends that will take everything we learned to the Council."
It was enough to make Dartoi pause. But only for a moment. Uncertainty turned into sly confidence. "They will not take the word of mercenaries. Especially after they learn you took the life of Cabmauri Mudest." He gestured toward the men on either side of him. They lifted rifles to their shoulders, taking aim at the three individuals standing anxiously before them.
"You don't have to do this." John tapped his fingernail twice on the comm curled in his palm. "We can all just walk away."
"No," Dartoi said as he raised his own gun. "There is too much at stake."
***
Chiana ran hunched over across the quarry floor back to the transport vehicle. She pulled herself inside and leaned against the seat. When she pulled her hand away from her side, pale blue blood marked her hand. "Frell," she muttered. Not that it mattered. All of this would be over one way or the other before she had a chance to bleed to death. "Okay. I have an idea."
The Nebari looked around, but Tionar was nowhere to be seen. He was not inside the vehicle.
And neither was John's pulse pistol.
"Double frell," she hissed, reaching for D'Argo's Qualta Blade. Her fingers found the switch that transformed the sword into a rifle. The weapon was heavy and hard for her to handle, but she brought it around and aimed at the shack housing the fuel depot. "Just can't count on anyone."
A distinct tap sounded over her comm. Closing one eye, Chiana fired.
***
A pulse blast streaked from the transport vehicle to a collection of outbuildings on the edge of the quarry floor. Rifles lowered fractionally and gazes moved slightly, but it was hardly the distraction John had hoped for. A look from D'Argo echoed his sentiments.
The explosion surprised everyone. A ball of flame shattered the air, echoing off the stone walls of the mining pit. Before anyone had time to register what happened, two of the adjoining structures erupted in a conflagration that made the first look like the striking of a match.
John moved quickly before the Kinfea had time to recover. He rushed toward the closest one, catching him in a football tackle and knocking him to the ground. John wrestled the rifle from his hands and drove the butt of it into his stunned face. He lifted the acquired weapon and fired at a second Kinfea charging toward him.
More shots struck the ground beside him, sending him into a roll to get out of the way. Somewhere behind him, he heard Jool scream out his name. He sensed movement at his back but he knew he would never turn around in time. John braced himself for the hit.
***
The explosion was better than she had hoped. Chiana whooped a triumphant battle cry and watched the Kinfea run. Her celebration was abruptly cut off as a pulse blast struck the side of the vehicle. The shower of sparks sent tiny pricks of hot pain over her exposed skin as she cringed away.
With a muttered curse at Tionar for leaving her alone, Chiana flicked the controls that started the transport vehicle. The engine rumbled to life just as she pushed the acceleration lever all the way. Back tires spun in the loose gravel of the quarry pit, spraying sand as the vehicle lurched forward.
***
D'Argo took a long stride to the side and brought his fist down onto a dark head. As the Kinfea fell, he snatched the rifle from his hands. He sought out Dartoi next. The captain of Legal Authority stood unprotected confounded by the chaos that had erupted around him.
It was a perfect opening. D'Argo took aim, easing his finger back against the trigger. Jool's scream distracted him before he could fire, spinning him around.
"John!"
The Luxan's gaze sought out the Human. A Kinfea soldier, white blood dripping from the ruins of a nose, was advancing quickly to John's back. D'Argo redirected the aim of his rifle and pulled the trigger, but he was a microt too late. The short metal cylinder in the Kinfea's hand made contact with John's shoulder.
***
Lightening fast agony sent John sprawling face first into the dirt. His weapon fell from suddenly nerveless fingers. Get up, he ordered himself. Move. Do something. Don't just lay here.
Something hit the ground beside him with a heavy thump. He blinked dust from his eyes and tried to focus on it. With a detached concern, he recognized the dead Kinfea. This is what you get for trying to knock someone out instead of blowing them away, he thought.
Hands grabbed his shoulders and he found himself rolled into Jool's lap. "John. Are you all right? Can you speak?"
Sensation was slowly returning, but not fast enough to allow words to come from his lips. And certainly not with enough speed to get him up and moving. His eyes darted around, coming to rest on D'Argo.
D'Argo did not see Dartoi raise his gun.
"No!" The word was a mumbled mess. John tried to will his hand to grasp the rifle lying close by, but his limbs would not respond to the commands his mind was sending. He could do nothing but watch as his friend, perhaps his only real friend in the Uncharted Territories, was gunned down a microt after saving his life.
He heard the pulse blast and it provoked another wordless scream. John's hand twitched, trying once more for his weapon. His fingers closed around it reluctantly. He would kill Dartoi. Blow a hole in him large enough to drive a truck through. Retaliation was something the Kinfea would surely understand. Fury driven adrenaline forced his muscle to respond, raising John up enough to bring his weapon to bare.
But D'Argo did not fall. It was Dartoi who dropped to the dirt on his knees. His startled expression was a perfect mimicry of the surprise on John's face. The Kinfea tumbled forward and lay still.
"Is he dead?"
All eyes turned toward the voice. Tionar lowered his stolen pulse pistol and moved toward John, offering his hand. John looked at it a moment before taking it, allowing the Kinfea and Jool to help him to his feet.
D'Argo knelt by Dartoi's side. "No," he said. "He is alive. Barely."
"Let us hope he lives long enough to be executed for his crimes."
"None of us are going to live that long if we don't get out of here," Jool said.
"Here's our ride now," John nodded toward the approaching transport vehicle. He grabbed his pulse pistol from Tionar's hand, exchanging it for the rifle. "D'Argo. Pick that loser up off the ground and let's get the hell outta here."
Chiana barely stopped the transport before leaning out the side. "You might want to hurry." The remaining Kinfea officers had regrouped from the explosion. They advanced quickly along the quarry floor, closing the distance with random pulse fire.
D'Argo tossed their captive into the vehicle, then helped Jool inside as John and Tionar laid down cover. John was barely in his seat before Chiana punched the accelerator. The vehicle sped toward the road leading out of the quarry, scattering the Kinfea who tried to stand in its way.
Once they emerged from the pit and were racing back toward the settlement, John closed his eyes and leaned his head back. He listened to the rapidly decreasing sound of pulse blasts chasing after them. D'Argo leaned out the back, exchanging fire with anyone foolish enough to follow. They were a full twenty microts away before John felt reasonable sure they were clear.
When he opened his eyes, he stared full on into the setting sun.