Twelve
/ P3X-796 – NEAR THE GATE /
The invaders had left him for dead, and truth to tell, he was not far from that. Eldran had been partially shielded by the body of one of the Golds in order that he might finish his work. Whatever happened here to them, this Gate had to be reactivated so that help could be brought through it. Those were his standing orders, the last his Commander had issued. And he was determined to carry them out.
But he could feel the effects of the injuries beginning to take hold, his mind slipping into a kind of grey haze. He needed rest; that was all. Just a moment of sleep, and . . .
No! You can't sleep yet! His mind chided him. First the Gate. Then you can sleep. Just a little more, and it will all be over, Eldran . . .
Electrum eyes narrowed in fierce concentration as he dragged the body of the Gold who had protected him off of him and laid her gently aside. Reverence for the dead. Then he began to drag himself up to his knees, using the Encoder to hold onto and pull himself up with.
The Gate had to be reset. If he managed nothing else before the Light took him, he had to accomplish that. And he was so close. Just a few more keys, and he would have it. The Humans would once again have access to this Gate. They could come for their friend.
His vision started to shimmer as he entered the last set of codes into his Control Device. Just a few more seconds, Eldran. Let it tell you it's done. The tiny silver light flickered on, and Eldran slumped next to the Encoder, eyes sliding closed. His job here was finished. The Light could come for him now.
The Gate was now active once more.