Chapter 6: Between Friends.
"Three minutes and five seconds, until self-destruction." The animated voice announced through the speakers which were located somewhere above Harper's head. He struggled faster against the bonds that held him. Wishing that he had a hand free. Suddenly a leg is freed from it's bonds. He almost wept for joy as he kicked out against the nearest wall hoping that someone will hear him.
"Two minutes and forty seconds, until self-"
" We know already," Beka growled at it. "Shut up already." She sighed as the computer continued with its pointless countdown. She growled in anger. "You guys see anything?" She asked.
Tyr opened his mouth to answer then paused tipping his head to one side. His finger against his lips, "This way." He hissed motioning for the others to follow him. He quickly led his way through the many halls of the slave ship. The knocking that he had heard growing louder and louder. Then Beka and Dylan heard it.
"Harper!" Beka cried out in relief. Pure joy was written across her face as she ran towards the noise.
"Two minutes and fifteen seconds, until-" Harper grumbled to himself trying to block the voice out as he continuously hit the wall. His arms moving back and forth trying to get some give so he could move free.
"Two minutes left-" Tyr growled as he came to a stop in front of a closed door.
"This is it." He said. He grabbed the door and pulled it open. The drumming stopped as Harper looked over at them. He offered a slight smile as his weary eyes met those of his friends. Tears began down Beka's face as she took in the shape he was in. Cuts and bruises covered his body. He had been shoved into a small storage closet. Which couldn't have held more then a few towels. A sob almost brought her to her knees. All that keep her standing was the knowledge that Harper needed her.
The moment was broken as the computer again chimed in with the time. Harper's eyes widened as if remembering something and he began to struggle again. Tyr growled and bent down pulling a knife from his boot. Harper's eyes shot to it. Fear crossing his face. Beka gasped at what she saw. Harper knew that Tyr wouldn't hurt him...right? She thought to herself. She wasn't sure as she carefully watched. After Tyr began to help him get free he became calm again. Although he was shaking the fear had left his eyes and that was all that mattered at the moment to Beka.
The Countdown continued as Harper was finally freed and pulled to his feet. He swayed and tipped forward. Quickly being caught by Dylan.
"Are you okay?" He asked. Harper nodded.
"I've seen better days, but I think i will live." He said hoarsely as he removed his gag.
"Sorry to break up this moment but we really do have to run." Tyr said. Dylan nodded.
"I'll take point. You two help Harper." Strangely neither Tyr nor Beka said anything as they each took a side by Harper and began to help him along. Which was more along the lines of carrying him then helping him walk.
"Ninety seconds left..." Came the voice. Harper grumbled.
"Doesn't she ever shut up?" He asked. The others snickered.
"I think she likes to hear herself talking. I mean this is that last time she will ever going to hear herself." Beka replied. Harper weakly nodded.
Harper was getting heavier and heavier by the step. His eyes drifted shut.
"Guys, I'm sorry but I can't go any further." He whispered as he lost consciousness. Tyr growled and pulled the younger man out of Beka's grip and into his arms. He looked at Beka.
"Let's move." He said carrying Harper like a child the three of them raced towards the docked ship.
"Sixty seconds remaining." The ship said as it began it's final count. They turned a the final corner and the docking bay filled their view. They all sighed in relief and sped up, which is when Pryfer stepped into view, blocking them from their ship. A gun was trained on them. He held himself up against the wall.
"You may all leave, but you can't take my toy. He stays to die if I have to." He said.
Forgetting the person in his arms. Tyr growled and took a step forward. A single shot is heard. Tyr closed his eyes thinking the worst. When he felt nothing he opened his eyes to watch the slave-runner fall to the ground.
Dead.
Finally.
TBC….
A/N: I'm evil I can hear you all thinking...But who shot him? All will be reviled in the next chapter...beg and I might get it done faster...lol....hope you like this chapter.