Bragg for Hire by Cheek John B

Author:Cheek, John B.
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: John B. Cheek
Published: 2020-06-16T00:00:00+00:00

The essential unwisdom of triggering a large explosion in a cramped, collapsible space was not lost on Atticus. He knew stupid when he saw it, but sometimes you had to jump in head-first anyway, hoping for the best. This was one of those times.

It turned out even better than he expected. The little passage tremored for a few seconds, and bits of the ceiling fell on his helmet, giving Atticus a bad moment, but after a strong pressure wave fluttered his suit, it was over. He stopped to listen. Debris crashed from the ceiling from time to time in the distance, but Atticus could hear no steady tick of small feet. He crawled on, following Walt, who only remarked on his extreme happiness that Atticus hadn't been blown up his ass.

They crawled for another half-hour before the ceiling lifted enough they could shift to their hands and knees. Then it lifted again, and they could walk, at which point Atticus's thoughts turned to the legacy of this misadventure. They had come to the cave to block the exit by the ship, but they had only succeeded in making it perhaps the creatures' only outlet to the world above. Captain Rail wouldn't be happy about that, but maybe he didn't need to know. Atticus cleared his throat. "Ah, Walt?"

"Yes, I can keep this under my hat."

"You're a good man," said Atticus.

"And you're an unreasonably dangerous man to know," said Walt.

"I've heard that. I think it makes me interesting."

"Interesting like the tube farts," said Walt. "But one good thing did come out of this reckless stunt."

"Do tell."

"Something really must be done with 'Grenades and Jelly.' What do you think, At? A bar? A heavy weapons boutique?"

Atticus laughed and keyed his pancake. "Bragg to Thorkin."

"About time, Bragg. Where are you?"

"Good question. We're coming out another exit and need a fix."

"Stand by," said Thorkin.

Atticus was relieved the man didn't ask any questions. He and Walt walked from the cave to find a darkening sky, as the Sergeant homed on their suit signals.

"Jesus," said Thorkin, "you're five klicks away. Steer 238."

"Understood, 238."

"Hustle, Bragg. We're getting into the ship and zipping up."

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