Searching for Armelia
2: Retribution
Crais, the now ten Cycles old Armelia and Tymrok, the woman currently looking after Armelia, had gone down to Zandor in the transport pod. Crais was steering it with one hand due to a dislocated shoulder, an injury from his last rescue mission.
After they left the pod, Tymrok and Armelia went ahead to buy some supplies and new clothes for the fast growing young girl while Crais went in search of a Healer, who set his shoulder and advised him to use a sling for a couple of days.
He had only just left the shop when he heard the sounds of screams and pulse rifles coming from the main square. Fearing for Armelia's safety he ran in a hopping gait to the square.
The sight that met him would have frozen any other man.
A unit of ten Scarrans was rounding up people in the square; women and children were herded to the middle of the square while any resisting men had been shot down.
Crais had drawn his pulse gun and was shooting at the Scarrans, drawing their fire and hoping that some of the women and children could be rescued. He had shot down two Scarrans before the Scarrans noticed there was another player on the square. Crais had already changed positions before they had a chance to concentrate their fire on him. Another Scarran went down when Crais changed positions again.
From the corner of his eyes he saw that four of the remaining seven Scarrans were trying to control the women and children on the square. Crais dived and took a forward roll to get behind a low wall. From that position he took out two Scarrans who were guarding the people on the square. This resulted in the other Scarrans having to regroup and some of the people on the square to be able to scurry away in one of the side streets. Crais was surprised that not many men were taking up the advantage he was providing to fight.
His next repositioning was not so lucky. His left foot caught on a loose stone and he landed heavily on his wounded shoulder. He only barely managed to roll away from a pulse blast that impacted where had had just lain.
His next couple of shots wounded one of the remaining Scarrans rather badly and that was when his luck ran out. A stray shot hit him in the chest and he fell back behind the wall where oblivion claimed him.
Luck would have it that the remaining Scarrans were more interested to get their remaining prisoners and what little was left of their company away from the planet than finishing off the person who had dared to defy them.
+++++
When he came to he found he was still alive but had sustained a painful wound. The Scarrans had left, taking their two wounded comrades with them as well as a number of women and children, fortunately with not as many as they would have wanted to due to Crais' intervention.
+++++
The town's people had brought Crais to the Healer. He had been bleeding badly. The only thing that had saved him from being killed outright had been his Sebacean physiology, a little bit closer to the centre of his chest and it would have hit his heart.
He saw Tymrok standing next to his pallet with tears in her eyes.
"Armelia?" His voice was no more than a whisper and it hurt to breathe.
She shook her head.
"Dead?"
No, she had been taken. Crais tried to raise himself but the Healer pushed him back, afraid that his wound might open up again. She hadn't finished the administrations.
Crais damned his weakness. "I have to find her," he growled, "How long before I can move?"
"At least a couple of days."
"Days! I haven't got days!" Crais fought to get into an upright position, his determination lending him strength. Three men were needed to keep him down and he had to be forced to lie down. They decided to strap him down for his own safety. He silently called out to Talyn, "Talyn track any Scarran ships leaving this vector. Do not engage. Armelia will be on one of them. I will join you as soon as possible."
He opened his eyes and they settled on the Healer, "How many were taken?"
"Fifteen women and nearly thirty children. It would have been more had you not stopped them. We are grateful to you," she smiled at him. He closed his eyes. He didn't want her to see his own mental pain.
Tymrok walked up to him, "I am sorry Captain. They had separated her from me, probably because they thought me too old. There was nothing I could do about it."
He opened his eyes, they burned like dark coals, "I don't hold it against you, Tymrok. Don't be afraid. I might have to drop you off at the next Commerce planet or you can stay here. It will not be safe where I am going." Although speaking was painful, he had sounded calm and rational. The vein throbbing in his temple was belying that. She nodded in understanding. He closed his eyes.
+++++
While Crais slept, Tymrok asked the people of the town if they had any idea what might have happened to the women and children who had been taken. They explained to her that this practise had been going on in this area for several Cycles. From the very few who had managed to escape and had made their way back they had learned that the Scarrans had used the abducted people in their mines as slaves. Tymrok would inform The Captain and feared for the young girl.
+++++
For nearly two days Crais slept. Willing his body to heal and recuperate faster. When the Healer came in the second day, Crais asked to be released.
"But you haven't completely healed yet!"
"I will rest on board my ship," Crais growled, "The trail is getting weaker. I have to be on my way to be able to follow the trace. Now, will your release me?"
The Healer shrugged her shoulders and released the straps and moved the Regenerator away.
Crais was happy to be released from the indignities of enforced bed rest and raised himself in a sitting position. He could feel his chest constrict painfully where muscles and lung tissue still healed themselves. The room spun but sheer determination kept him conscious.
"I have to protest," said the Healer when she noticed the pallor of his face.
"So noted," answered Crais.
"You will need more rest to fully heal."
"I will, on board my ship," growled Crais. He looked down at his chest and noted with satisfaction that there would only be a faint trace visible after the healing. He looked for the shirt the Healer had left him at the end of the bed. It was bright yellow and he flinched at the colour but his own shirt had been ruined.
+++++
Tymrok appraised Crais of the situation on their way back to Talyn. The Captain had nodded but had not commented on it. Tymrok was now worrying about his sanity as well as his health. His colour was still too pale.
When Tymrok and Crais boarded Talyn, Crais immediately proceeded to his quarters while Tymrok went to hers. The way the Captain had looked she would be glad to hop off at the next planet.
Crais changed quickly into another black shirt before going to Command, in the meantime getting updated on the situation by Talyn.
Talyn had been able to keep track of the Scarran ship, which had left the planet shortly after Crais had asked him to track it but the signal was getting fainter with distance. Crais ordered Talyn to follow it now at maximum speed. Without waiting for an order Talyn had moved forward fast. Crais, who had been expecting this, had gripped the console.
Tymrok, on the other hand, landed unceremoniously on her backside. Yes, it was time to leave the crazy Captain and his gunship. She kicked herself for not staying on Zandor as Crais had suggested. With Armelia gone, her work was done.
+++++
In Command, Crais stared ahead as if he could penetrate the vast distance that separated them from the Scarran ship. He coughed briefly and wasn't surprised that his chest still hurt, he could rest later. He had not noticed how the cough stained his lips red.
Talyn told him that the distance was closing but that they had lost too much time, he wasn't sure if he could close the gap sufficiently.
"Can you starburst to the coordinates," asked Crais impatiently.
I haven't build up enough energy to do so
"And if you used some of mine?" They had done it before with success.
Crais your energy-readings are very low warned Talyn.
"I don't care. Can we do it?"
Talyn was worried for Crais. Yes, they might be able to starburst using Crais' and his own energy but once they came out of starburst, both would be totally spend and what good would that do? He decided to tell a half-truth No Crais, your energy level is insufficient at the moment to give me the added boost, maybe if you rested
Crais scowled in resignation, "How long before we can starburst?"
Not for at least another six arns and only if you rest too
Crais conceded reluctantly. Rather than go to his quarters, he chose the Recliner in the Command Centre. He could feel Talyn "sigh". It didn't take long before he was asleep.
+++++
The rest had restored some of his energy but he still felt the aches and pains. "Talyn, how long has it been?"
Eight arns
Crais was upset, "I thought you said six arns would be enough!"
I said "at least" six arns Talyn was getting annoyed with Crais too. He had been very busy when Crais was asleep, tracking the Scarran ship, plotting possible courses, replenishing his energy at a faster rate, monitoring Crais who didn't seem to be in very good health.
What are we going to do about Tymrok?
"What about her?"
We will be entering Scarran territory soon. We might have to fight
"Any Commerce planets nearby?"
Not unless we go back by a Solar Day
"We should have left her at the last one."
We might be able to find a planet but not nearby
"I'll have to talk to her. Keep this speed and course."
Of course! there was a note of annoyance in Talyn's voice. Crais had not even noticed it.
+++++
"Tymrok, we have run into a little problem. We are entering Scarran territory and the last Commerce planet was a Solar day away at standard speed. You have the option of taking the smaller pod and try your luck or stay on board until we can find a safer planet."
She looked at the man who was only known to everyone by the name of "The Captain". She had been with him and the little girl for nearly six monens and had always felt safe, even at times when he moved them all in the thick of battle. He looked very pale while he tried to hold on to the doorjamb, only his eyes, which burned like fire, seemed to have life in them.
"You should rest, Captain."
"Don't you start too," he growled, "What is your decision?"
"I'll stay until we find a safer planet. Who knows, we might even find Armelia."
He turned without saying a word and headed back to Command.
+++++
"Can we use starburst now," Crais asked impatiently.
Yes but...
"Then do it!"
The energy levels...
"Use mine. When you see the Scarran ship, look for non-Scarran signatures. Disable if you have to. But starburst now!"
Talyn reluctantly carried out the order. He had monitored Crais' energy levels and life signs and they looked as bad or worse as when they came out of starburst five Cycles ago and to starburst now he would need Crais' energy too. Well, he had warned his Captain.
Crackling energy engulfed the Leviathan when he powered up for starburst. Crais could feel the drain on his own body and the knuckles on his hands turned white with the grip he exerted on the console. When Talyn initiated starburst, Crais let out a scream, fell to the floor and all colour drained from his face.
+++++
They were near the Scarran ship when they came out of starburst. Talyn hid behind one of the moons nearby and started his scan for non-Scarran and Scarran life signs.
Crais was still on the floor, only barely conscious. "How many," he gasped.
About thirty non-Scarran and ten Scarrans
"Thirty? Are you sure? There should be closer to forty-five according to the tally. Maybe the men had miscounted."
Thirty-two in total confirmed Talyn.
Crais tried to raise himself off the floor but fell back weakly. He had to get over to that ship. He rolled over and used the console for support to stand up.
Crais you should rest! admonished Talyn.
"I will. Once we get Armelia back."
In an almost drunken gait he left Command and was on his way to the Hangar Bay. His mind was racing. How could he get on board the Scarran ship and how could he take them out without harming their prisoners?
"Talyn give me the positions of the people on board the Scarran ship."
Talyn showed him the specifics. All the non-Scarrans were in the aft section with only two Scarrans nearby. Six Scarrans were in the front and two near the middle. Crais remembered the specifications on Scarran ships. Their Hangar Bay and holding cells were in the aft section. In case of a full hull-breach the interlocking walls should come down to prevent the rest of the ship being sucked into the vacuum of space.
+++++
Before getting into the transport pod Crais donned an environmental suit and took one of the pulse rifles with him as well as a couple of stun grenades. "Talyn, close the distance and direct your fire to the front of the Scarran ship. I only want that section being taken out." Crais stepped into the bigger transport pod. It would be crammed but it should take the thirty-two captives.
He was engaging for lift off when he could feel Talyn let loose of his guns. By the time he left the Hangar Bay and could see the Scarran ship, he noticed with satisfaction that Talyn had been able to do as Crais had instructed. The front of the Scarran ship was in ruins while the rest was kept intact.
He manoeuvred the pod towards the Scarran ship.
Once there, Crais guided the pod as close as he could to the aft section of the damaged ship, aware that its firepower was still active. He put the pod in stall and left it, using a cable attached to the pod. He knew that by now the two Scarrans in the middle section, if they had survived the initial attack should now have joined up with their compatriots in the aft section.
He shot at the doors of the Hangar Bay, overriding the automatic controls to keep the doors locked.
He was in luck and he could see the doors give way. He stepped through, rolling towards the wall of the ship and was happily surprised that he had not been shot at. He had no doubt that it wouldn't be long before the Scarrans would come to look for the intruder.
As quickly as he could he moved forward. He was about to round a corner when he detected movements and soon the first shots were coming in his direction. He ducked back and threw his first stun grenade, then dived and rolled to the other side of the corridor. He gasped with the pain in his chest but let the adrenaline overcome the pain. When he peered into the corridor he saw two Scarrans slumped on the ground. Two down at least two more to go.
He moved stealthily forward, aware of any movement. One of the Scarrans on the floor moved and Crais shot him without hesitation.
Movement to his right alerted him to another Scarran and he fired without even breaking pace. The Scarran had no chance.
He came to the larger area and could see the captives being held in a holding cell that almost filled half the room but no sign of the other Scarran. He linked with Talyn, "Talyn, any other Scarran life signs still present?"
Talyn answered him in the affirmative, one more and very close to where he could read Crais.
Crais' eyes scanned the area and he moved cautiously forwards.
It was only his reflexes that saved him. The Scarran had been very close and now jumped out of hiding at Crais. Crais released the trigger on his pistol and blasted a hole through the Scarran. With a detached thought he noticed that the Scarran was dead.
He moved forwards quickly towards the holding cell. "Stand back," he shouted over the comm to the people inside the cell. When he was satisfied that they had moved back he shot the lock.
When they surged forward he told them to wait for him in the corridor close to the Hangar Bay while he retrieved the pod.
+++++
Crais returned quickly with the pod and landed it in the Scarran Hangar Bay. He had only just touched down when they came forward. He quickly got them on board and was heading back for Talyn. He was not surprised that the rest of the Scarran ship blew up before he reached Talyn. He had expected a self-destruct mechanism.
+++++
Once on board Talyn, Crais let everyone out. A quick count confirmed thirty-two people, twelve women and twenty children. Armelia was not among them. He asked from which planet they were taken and their answer confirmed that he had been following the right ship. Nearly two Solar days ago three women and nine children were transferred to another ship. When Crais described Armelia he only received confirmation that she had been among the ones who had been transferred.
Tymrok had come to the Hangar Bay and saw that The Captain had been able to rescue the party. She stepped forward to relieve him of the burden of getting them installed.
He had taken off his helmet and she could see how white he was, his lips were red.
"Captain, you should rest," she touched his arm, "I'll take care of the people here."
He had wanted to scold her for even suggesting he should rest then nodded.
+++++
Crais went to Command. "Talyn, set course to about two Solar days back and start looking for traces of another Scarran ship and listen to transmissions. They have transferred Armelia and the others to another ship."
Once in Command he shed the suit and lay on the recliner, "Warn me if you have any news. We also have to find a planet to deposit the people on. Look for safe or near safe planets." He closed his eyes and breathed deeply. With the adrenaline gone, he could feel his chest constrict and he allowed himself a brief rest.
Crais you should go to your quarters and take a proper rest
"I will, soon, Talyn. Wake me when you have any news." He passed out from sheer exhaustion.
+++++
When Crais came to he found Talyn strangely quiet.
"Do you have any news," he asked hoarsely while he sat up.
Only news you don't want to hear
"Tell me," Crais grew annoyed.
I have found a planet where we can bring the people. It is close to the edge of Scarran Territory, they should be able to find transport from there Talyn paused.
"And Armelia?"
I haven't found any trace or any transmissions forthcoming
Crais sank back on the recliner, "We will drop the people off first Talyn, then we will search for Armelia." He got up and walked towards the galley. He had expected Tymrok to take them there. He had not been mistaken.
He looked at the frightened faces of the women and children. His sight frightened them and Tymrok looked with concern at him. His pallor was almost translucent, his eyes dark and hollow. During his sleep he must have coughed and his lips were flecked with blood. He was quite oblivious to all that.
"I will drop you all off at the next planet, where you can find passage back to your home planet. I have one question, did any of you overhear where they were taking the others?"
One woman stepped forward, "I did. I heard them say that were to be taken to Salathor."
"Thank you."
Crais turned to leave when Tymrok stepped forward, "Captain you need to rest. You are injured. I will stay..."
In a rare show of kindness Crais placed his hand on her shoulder and said softly, "You will go with the others, Tymrok. Where I am going it will be too dangerous for you. I thank you for what you have done for Armelia and me but I cannot take you into more danger."
He turned on his heel and left the galley, "Talyn, set course to the planet to unload the people. Yes, Tymrok will be leaving too. It will be too dangerous for her to remain on board."
With Tymrok gone, Talyn was afraid that Crais might neglect his health and he tried to convince Crais to change his mind.
"No, Talyn, she will leave with the others and that is final."
+++++
When the others disembarked, Crais stayed long enough to help secure passage. He was a bit taken aback when Tymrok hugged him before she left, "I wish you luck Captain in finding Armelia. And take good care of yourself." She stepped back quickly and Crais looked at her sadly, "Thank you Tymrok. I will not forget you."
+++++
Back on board Talyn, Crais stood in Command, "Set course to Salathor, Talyn. Let us hope we are not too late."
To be continued
1
2: Retribution
Crais, the now ten Cycles old Armelia and Tymrok, the woman currently looking after Armelia, had gone down to Zandor in the transport pod. Crais was steering it with one hand due to a dislocated shoulder, an injury from his last rescue mission.
After they left the pod, Tymrok and Armelia went ahead to buy some supplies and new clothes for the fast growing young girl while Crais went in search of a Healer, who set his shoulder and advised him to use a sling for a couple of days.
He had only just left the shop when he heard the sounds of screams and pulse rifles coming from the main square. Fearing for Armelia's safety he ran in a hopping gait to the square.
The sight that met him would have frozen any other man.
A unit of ten Scarrans was rounding up people in the square; women and children were herded to the middle of the square while any resisting men had been shot down.
Crais had drawn his pulse gun and was shooting at the Scarrans, drawing their fire and hoping that some of the women and children could be rescued. He had shot down two Scarrans before the Scarrans noticed there was another player on the square. Crais had already changed positions before they had a chance to concentrate their fire on him. Another Scarran went down when Crais changed positions again.
From the corner of his eyes he saw that four of the remaining seven Scarrans were trying to control the women and children on the square. Crais dived and took a forward roll to get behind a low wall. From that position he took out two Scarrans who were guarding the people on the square. This resulted in the other Scarrans having to regroup and some of the people on the square to be able to scurry away in one of the side streets. Crais was surprised that not many men were taking up the advantage he was providing to fight.
His next repositioning was not so lucky. His left foot caught on a loose stone and he landed heavily on his wounded shoulder. He only barely managed to roll away from a pulse blast that impacted where had had just lain.
His next couple of shots wounded one of the remaining Scarrans rather badly and that was when his luck ran out. A stray shot hit him in the chest and he fell back behind the wall where oblivion claimed him.
Luck would have it that the remaining Scarrans were more interested to get their remaining prisoners and what little was left of their company away from the planet than finishing off the person who had dared to defy them.
+++++
When he came to he found he was still alive but had sustained a painful wound. The Scarrans had left, taking their two wounded comrades with them as well as a number of women and children, fortunately with not as many as they would have wanted to due to Crais' intervention.
+++++
The town's people had brought Crais to the Healer. He had been bleeding badly. The only thing that had saved him from being killed outright had been his Sebacean physiology, a little bit closer to the centre of his chest and it would have hit his heart.
He saw Tymrok standing next to his pallet with tears in her eyes.
"Armelia?" His voice was no more than a whisper and it hurt to breathe.
She shook her head.
"Dead?"
No, she had been taken. Crais tried to raise himself but the Healer pushed him back, afraid that his wound might open up again. She hadn't finished the administrations.
Crais damned his weakness. "I have to find her," he growled, "How long before I can move?"
"At least a couple of days."
"Days! I haven't got days!" Crais fought to get into an upright position, his determination lending him strength. Three men were needed to keep him down and he had to be forced to lie down. They decided to strap him down for his own safety. He silently called out to Talyn, "Talyn track any Scarran ships leaving this vector. Do not engage. Armelia will be on one of them. I will join you as soon as possible."
He opened his eyes and they settled on the Healer, "How many were taken?"
"Fifteen women and nearly thirty children. It would have been more had you not stopped them. We are grateful to you," she smiled at him. He closed his eyes. He didn't want her to see his own mental pain.
Tymrok walked up to him, "I am sorry Captain. They had separated her from me, probably because they thought me too old. There was nothing I could do about it."
He opened his eyes, they burned like dark coals, "I don't hold it against you, Tymrok. Don't be afraid. I might have to drop you off at the next Commerce planet or you can stay here. It will not be safe where I am going." Although speaking was painful, he had sounded calm and rational. The vein throbbing in his temple was belying that. She nodded in understanding. He closed his eyes.
+++++
While Crais slept, Tymrok asked the people of the town if they had any idea what might have happened to the women and children who had been taken. They explained to her that this practise had been going on in this area for several Cycles. From the very few who had managed to escape and had made their way back they had learned that the Scarrans had used the abducted people in their mines as slaves. Tymrok would inform The Captain and feared for the young girl.
+++++
For nearly two days Crais slept. Willing his body to heal and recuperate faster. When the Healer came in the second day, Crais asked to be released.
"But you haven't completely healed yet!"
"I will rest on board my ship," Crais growled, "The trail is getting weaker. I have to be on my way to be able to follow the trace. Now, will your release me?"
The Healer shrugged her shoulders and released the straps and moved the Regenerator away.
Crais was happy to be released from the indignities of enforced bed rest and raised himself in a sitting position. He could feel his chest constrict painfully where muscles and lung tissue still healed themselves. The room spun but sheer determination kept him conscious.
"I have to protest," said the Healer when she noticed the pallor of his face.
"So noted," answered Crais.
"You will need more rest to fully heal."
"I will, on board my ship," growled Crais. He looked down at his chest and noted with satisfaction that there would only be a faint trace visible after the healing. He looked for the shirt the Healer had left him at the end of the bed. It was bright yellow and he flinched at the colour but his own shirt had been ruined.
+++++
Tymrok appraised Crais of the situation on their way back to Talyn. The Captain had nodded but had not commented on it. Tymrok was now worrying about his sanity as well as his health. His colour was still too pale.
When Tymrok and Crais boarded Talyn, Crais immediately proceeded to his quarters while Tymrok went to hers. The way the Captain had looked she would be glad to hop off at the next planet.
Crais changed quickly into another black shirt before going to Command, in the meantime getting updated on the situation by Talyn.
Talyn had been able to keep track of the Scarran ship, which had left the planet shortly after Crais had asked him to track it but the signal was getting fainter with distance. Crais ordered Talyn to follow it now at maximum speed. Without waiting for an order Talyn had moved forward fast. Crais, who had been expecting this, had gripped the console.
Tymrok, on the other hand, landed unceremoniously on her backside. Yes, it was time to leave the crazy Captain and his gunship. She kicked herself for not staying on Zandor as Crais had suggested. With Armelia gone, her work was done.
+++++
In Command, Crais stared ahead as if he could penetrate the vast distance that separated them from the Scarran ship. He coughed briefly and wasn't surprised that his chest still hurt, he could rest later. He had not noticed how the cough stained his lips red.
Talyn told him that the distance was closing but that they had lost too much time, he wasn't sure if he could close the gap sufficiently.
"Can you starburst to the coordinates," asked Crais impatiently.
I haven't build up enough energy to do so
"And if you used some of mine?" They had done it before with success.
Crais your energy-readings are very low warned Talyn.
"I don't care. Can we do it?"
Talyn was worried for Crais. Yes, they might be able to starburst using Crais' and his own energy but once they came out of starburst, both would be totally spend and what good would that do? He decided to tell a half-truth No Crais, your energy level is insufficient at the moment to give me the added boost, maybe if you rested
Crais scowled in resignation, "How long before we can starburst?"
Not for at least another six arns and only if you rest too
Crais conceded reluctantly. Rather than go to his quarters, he chose the Recliner in the Command Centre. He could feel Talyn "sigh". It didn't take long before he was asleep.
+++++
The rest had restored some of his energy but he still felt the aches and pains. "Talyn, how long has it been?"
Eight arns
Crais was upset, "I thought you said six arns would be enough!"
I said "at least" six arns Talyn was getting annoyed with Crais too. He had been very busy when Crais was asleep, tracking the Scarran ship, plotting possible courses, replenishing his energy at a faster rate, monitoring Crais who didn't seem to be in very good health.
What are we going to do about Tymrok?
"What about her?"
We will be entering Scarran territory soon. We might have to fight
"Any Commerce planets nearby?"
Not unless we go back by a Solar Day
"We should have left her at the last one."
We might be able to find a planet but not nearby
"I'll have to talk to her. Keep this speed and course."
Of course! there was a note of annoyance in Talyn's voice. Crais had not even noticed it.
+++++
"Tymrok, we have run into a little problem. We are entering Scarran territory and the last Commerce planet was a Solar day away at standard speed. You have the option of taking the smaller pod and try your luck or stay on board until we can find a safer planet."
She looked at the man who was only known to everyone by the name of "The Captain". She had been with him and the little girl for nearly six monens and had always felt safe, even at times when he moved them all in the thick of battle. He looked very pale while he tried to hold on to the doorjamb, only his eyes, which burned like fire, seemed to have life in them.
"You should rest, Captain."
"Don't you start too," he growled, "What is your decision?"
"I'll stay until we find a safer planet. Who knows, we might even find Armelia."
He turned without saying a word and headed back to Command.
+++++
"Can we use starburst now," Crais asked impatiently.
Yes but...
"Then do it!"
The energy levels...
"Use mine. When you see the Scarran ship, look for non-Scarran signatures. Disable if you have to. But starburst now!"
Talyn reluctantly carried out the order. He had monitored Crais' energy levels and life signs and they looked as bad or worse as when they came out of starburst five Cycles ago and to starburst now he would need Crais' energy too. Well, he had warned his Captain.
Crackling energy engulfed the Leviathan when he powered up for starburst. Crais could feel the drain on his own body and the knuckles on his hands turned white with the grip he exerted on the console. When Talyn initiated starburst, Crais let out a scream, fell to the floor and all colour drained from his face.
+++++
They were near the Scarran ship when they came out of starburst. Talyn hid behind one of the moons nearby and started his scan for non-Scarran and Scarran life signs.
Crais was still on the floor, only barely conscious. "How many," he gasped.
About thirty non-Scarran and ten Scarrans
"Thirty? Are you sure? There should be closer to forty-five according to the tally. Maybe the men had miscounted."
Thirty-two in total confirmed Talyn.
Crais tried to raise himself off the floor but fell back weakly. He had to get over to that ship. He rolled over and used the console for support to stand up.
Crais you should rest! admonished Talyn.
"I will. Once we get Armelia back."
In an almost drunken gait he left Command and was on his way to the Hangar Bay. His mind was racing. How could he get on board the Scarran ship and how could he take them out without harming their prisoners?
"Talyn give me the positions of the people on board the Scarran ship."
Talyn showed him the specifics. All the non-Scarrans were in the aft section with only two Scarrans nearby. Six Scarrans were in the front and two near the middle. Crais remembered the specifications on Scarran ships. Their Hangar Bay and holding cells were in the aft section. In case of a full hull-breach the interlocking walls should come down to prevent the rest of the ship being sucked into the vacuum of space.
+++++
Before getting into the transport pod Crais donned an environmental suit and took one of the pulse rifles with him as well as a couple of stun grenades. "Talyn, close the distance and direct your fire to the front of the Scarran ship. I only want that section being taken out." Crais stepped into the bigger transport pod. It would be crammed but it should take the thirty-two captives.
He was engaging for lift off when he could feel Talyn let loose of his guns. By the time he left the Hangar Bay and could see the Scarran ship, he noticed with satisfaction that Talyn had been able to do as Crais had instructed. The front of the Scarran ship was in ruins while the rest was kept intact.
He manoeuvred the pod towards the Scarran ship.
Once there, Crais guided the pod as close as he could to the aft section of the damaged ship, aware that its firepower was still active. He put the pod in stall and left it, using a cable attached to the pod. He knew that by now the two Scarrans in the middle section, if they had survived the initial attack should now have joined up with their compatriots in the aft section.
He shot at the doors of the Hangar Bay, overriding the automatic controls to keep the doors locked.
He was in luck and he could see the doors give way. He stepped through, rolling towards the wall of the ship and was happily surprised that he had not been shot at. He had no doubt that it wouldn't be long before the Scarrans would come to look for the intruder.
As quickly as he could he moved forward. He was about to round a corner when he detected movements and soon the first shots were coming in his direction. He ducked back and threw his first stun grenade, then dived and rolled to the other side of the corridor. He gasped with the pain in his chest but let the adrenaline overcome the pain. When he peered into the corridor he saw two Scarrans slumped on the ground. Two down at least two more to go.
He moved stealthily forward, aware of any movement. One of the Scarrans on the floor moved and Crais shot him without hesitation.
Movement to his right alerted him to another Scarran and he fired without even breaking pace. The Scarran had no chance.
He came to the larger area and could see the captives being held in a holding cell that almost filled half the room but no sign of the other Scarran. He linked with Talyn, "Talyn, any other Scarran life signs still present?"
Talyn answered him in the affirmative, one more and very close to where he could read Crais.
Crais' eyes scanned the area and he moved cautiously forwards.
It was only his reflexes that saved him. The Scarran had been very close and now jumped out of hiding at Crais. Crais released the trigger on his pistol and blasted a hole through the Scarran. With a detached thought he noticed that the Scarran was dead.
He moved forwards quickly towards the holding cell. "Stand back," he shouted over the comm to the people inside the cell. When he was satisfied that they had moved back he shot the lock.
When they surged forward he told them to wait for him in the corridor close to the Hangar Bay while he retrieved the pod.
+++++
Crais returned quickly with the pod and landed it in the Scarran Hangar Bay. He had only just touched down when they came forward. He quickly got them on board and was heading back for Talyn. He was not surprised that the rest of the Scarran ship blew up before he reached Talyn. He had expected a self-destruct mechanism.
+++++
Once on board Talyn, Crais let everyone out. A quick count confirmed thirty-two people, twelve women and twenty children. Armelia was not among them. He asked from which planet they were taken and their answer confirmed that he had been following the right ship. Nearly two Solar days ago three women and nine children were transferred to another ship. When Crais described Armelia he only received confirmation that she had been among the ones who had been transferred.
Tymrok had come to the Hangar Bay and saw that The Captain had been able to rescue the party. She stepped forward to relieve him of the burden of getting them installed.
He had taken off his helmet and she could see how white he was, his lips were red.
"Captain, you should rest," she touched his arm, "I'll take care of the people here."
He had wanted to scold her for even suggesting he should rest then nodded.
+++++
Crais went to Command. "Talyn, set course to about two Solar days back and start looking for traces of another Scarran ship and listen to transmissions. They have transferred Armelia and the others to another ship."
Once in Command he shed the suit and lay on the recliner, "Warn me if you have any news. We also have to find a planet to deposit the people on. Look for safe or near safe planets." He closed his eyes and breathed deeply. With the adrenaline gone, he could feel his chest constrict and he allowed himself a brief rest.
Crais you should go to your quarters and take a proper rest
"I will, soon, Talyn. Wake me when you have any news." He passed out from sheer exhaustion.
+++++
When Crais came to he found Talyn strangely quiet.
"Do you have any news," he asked hoarsely while he sat up.
Only news you don't want to hear
"Tell me," Crais grew annoyed.
I have found a planet where we can bring the people. It is close to the edge of Scarran Territory, they should be able to find transport from there Talyn paused.
"And Armelia?"
I haven't found any trace or any transmissions forthcoming
Crais sank back on the recliner, "We will drop the people off first Talyn, then we will search for Armelia." He got up and walked towards the galley. He had expected Tymrok to take them there. He had not been mistaken.
He looked at the frightened faces of the women and children. His sight frightened them and Tymrok looked with concern at him. His pallor was almost translucent, his eyes dark and hollow. During his sleep he must have coughed and his lips were flecked with blood. He was quite oblivious to all that.
"I will drop you all off at the next planet, where you can find passage back to your home planet. I have one question, did any of you overhear where they were taking the others?"
One woman stepped forward, "I did. I heard them say that were to be taken to Salathor."
"Thank you."
Crais turned to leave when Tymrok stepped forward, "Captain you need to rest. You are injured. I will stay..."
In a rare show of kindness Crais placed his hand on her shoulder and said softly, "You will go with the others, Tymrok. Where I am going it will be too dangerous for you. I thank you for what you have done for Armelia and me but I cannot take you into more danger."
He turned on his heel and left the galley, "Talyn, set course to the planet to unload the people. Yes, Tymrok will be leaving too. It will be too dangerous for her to remain on board."
With Tymrok gone, Talyn was afraid that Crais might neglect his health and he tried to convince Crais to change his mind.
"No, Talyn, she will leave with the others and that is final."
+++++
When the others disembarked, Crais stayed long enough to help secure passage. He was a bit taken aback when Tymrok hugged him before she left, "I wish you luck Captain in finding Armelia. And take good care of yourself." She stepped back quickly and Crais looked at her sadly, "Thank you Tymrok. I will not forget you."
+++++
Back on board Talyn, Crais stood in Command, "Set course to Salathor, Talyn. Let us hope we are not too late."
To be continued
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