Last Fight by S.J. Bryant

Author:S.J. Bryant
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: science fiction, science fiction thriller, space adventure, space bounty hunter
Publisher: Saffron Bryant

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Aart heard raised voices and pressed his back against the side of the deposit bin. Evening light cast purple shadows across the ground and a cool breeze made the crops rustle beneath a flurry of locust wings. He'd thought the other workers had all gone inside, his injured hand had slowed him down and he'd only just made quota.

"I told you I don't know anything."

"I'm not an idiot. And I'm not like you; I didn't choose to be here like this."

Aart recognized Gin and Zap's voices.

"No one chooses to be like this," Zap said.

Aart pretended to fiddle with the lid of his collection basket in case they came around the corner.

"You know what I mean. How long do you have left on your contract? I've got years."

"I can't help you."

"I know there's a place. There are too many rumors. I heard them when I got taken to the shed."

"They're just rumors."

"Why can't you just tell me? It won't cost you anything."

"It will if someone finds out."

"I won't tell anyone."

"No."

"Please. Zap, I don't know how much longer I can last here. And if I have to go to the shed again…" Gin's voice cracked and he drew a ragged breath.

"Bloody—I know almost nothing!"

"Please, anything you can tell me."

Aart held his breath. This was it. Just when he thought everything was lost. Zap refused to tell Aart anything but she'd known Gin longer, perhaps she had a soft spot for him.

"Anything," Gin said.

Zap made a noise deep in her throat. "I'm going to be killed for this. Fine. All I know is that all the ones who have disappeared have gone past South Field B. That's where the locusts end. But there are enforcers there all the time. If you ask me, no one could get past. And besides, with the trackers, the enforcers would be able to find you within an hour."

"South Field B."

"That's all I'm saying."

"Thank you."

Aart heard the rustle of boots and lurched behind the far corner of the bin. Footsteps crunched passed and were gone. He heard breathing, and then a softer set followed the first.

Aart sagged against the bin. Beyond South Field B. He had to try it. Zap might not believe the rumors, but Aart at least knew that the trackers could be beat, perhaps the other workers had found a way to avoid the enforcers as well.

He blinked, eyes crusted from exhaustion, and poured the locusts from his basket into the bin. He then trudged into the building and ate his dinner in relative silence. What should he do now? Obviously he had to investigate South Field B but he was so tired and had already come close to death too many times in the last two days. On the other hand, he didn't want to spend one more day on Raster than he had to.

He mumbled an excuse about being tired and went to bed early. He noticed that Zap refused to look at Gin while Gin stared at the floor, oblivious to everything around him.

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