97 A Time to Hate by Robert Greenberger

Author:Robert Greenberger [Greenberger, Robert]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fantasy, Space Opera, Fiction, Science Fiction, Adventure, General, Media Tie-In
ISBN: 9780743462907
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Published: 2004-06-29T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

"WHAT'S THAT SMELL?"

Will was startled by the thick, husky voice. He turned his head and studied the waking form of El Bison El. The once-drunk man was stirring and studying his predicament.

"More importantly, I guess is: where am I?"

"You're with me," Kyle said. "Remember me?"

"Rugan. Ruken. Rucker."

"Riker."

"Yeah, that's it," the man said, his voice still slowed by drink. "You tied me up."

"Didn't want you to hurt yourself," Kyle said without looking back.

Bison looked once more at his bindings, shrugged and tried to get comfortable. He winced once or twice and then focused on Will.

"Who're you?"

"William Riker, first officer of the Starship Enterprise."

"That's a long name. You guys related?"

"I've been asking myself that question for years," Will said, earning him a disapproving look from his father. "Why have you been running?"

"I murdered Unoo."

His voice implied remorse, which Will appreciated. Sympathetically, he nodded and said, "Yes, you did." He poured some of the raktajino into a mug and handed it over. Bison had just enough mobility to accept the drink and reach it to his lips. He smelled it, wrinkling his nose and started to lower it. One glare from Will and he picked up the mug and took a sip.

"She was a pain in the ass. And this drink tastes like dirt."

"And she deserved to die?"

"No, but she was still a pain." Another sip. "And this mud needs a kick."

"I can agree she was a pain," Kyle added, and Will returned the angry look.

"So why did you grab me? To take me back for more experiments? Maybe carve out a bit of my brain this time? Well, this time there'll be a fight. Count on it."

Will and Kyle exchanged glances, the younger man concerned with the rage he saw in Bison's eyes. He had expected remorse for the murder of Unoo, but there wasn't even a hint of that now.

"We've come to take you with us," Kyle said. "No more experiments. No more tests or drugs."

"And I can take your word for it, eh? You, my jailer?"

Kyle didn't let the barbs bother him and he remained steadfast in dealing with Bison.

"Take my word or not, you will come with us."

Bison pulled on his restraints, careful not to spill his drink. "And where might we three be traipsing off to?"

"Back to the capital. To the chief medic."

"Can't come up with a good enough lie, can you? So it is back for more tests. Federation cretin. I have a good mind to bring legal action against you and your president."

"He's your president, too." Kyle's tone indicated that he wasn't amused by Bison.

"Didn't vote for him," the Dorset commented.

"Doesn't matter," Will said, getting frustrated by the lack of control he had over the situation. "If we say you're to come with us, then that's what you'll do."

"And stand trial for what

for what I did to Unoo? No thank you!"

Will looked over at Kyle, who remained still, taking in the exchange, his face unreadable.

"Plenty of flyers in the capital," he said.

Before Will could ask him what he meant, the flyer violently shook.

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