Chapter Sixteen: Almost Normal
By the time the extraction processes had been reversed on all present, the Warlords that had been left outside were now trying to beat down and open the doors. Now, though, Lisa and her guys had a portion of their powers back, so they could fight properly. Those Warlords in the room with them had taken on the appearance of older men after the extraction.
Data was still trying to find out a way to alter the circuitry to let loose the nerve gas through the ship, the Doctors helping him. Luke was at the door, but Clark was keeping his distance. The Warlords outside had their Kryptonite weapons, and the radiation leaking through the door caused him pain.
"I do not believe the gas control can be operated from here," said Data. "I would have to go to engineering."
"That's not gonna be easy with the trigger-happy Warlords outside," said Lisa. "Unless there's something like a Jeffries tube from here to there."
Data worked the controls, but whatever he was about to say was cut off when a sharp sound and sparks came from the door. They all looked and found that the Warlords outside were cutting through it.
"Okay," said Lisa, "this is bad."
"There are service ducts that run throughout the ship," said Data. "I will calculate the quickest route to engineering." His hands flew over the panel, almost a blur.
"Is he always that fast?" Adam asked of Lisa.
"Yeah, pretty much."
Finished, Data went to the wall and tore off a hatch. He turned to the others and said, "Follow me, please."
"Someone should stay here and create a diversion." Lisa said. "Clark can't. They have Kryptonite. Adam can't because he's non-violent."
"I'll stay," said Luke, readying his weapon.
"I'll stay with you, then," said Lisa.
"No," Erik insisted. "Not if they are after you."
"But – "
"No!"
She winced. "All right, all right. But I don't want Luke staying behind alone."
More sparks shot out from the door, making the decision a hasty one.
"I'll stay," said Doctor Eight.
"Doctor…" Lisa started to protest.
"Don't argue, now, go!"
He ushered everyone into the service duct – Lisa hugging him and Luke tightly before ducking inside – and shut the hatch behind them. Then he and Luke took cover behind the machinery, awaiting their fate.
End chapter sixteen.