The Hands of Robos 7 by David Allan Hamilton

Author:David Allan Hamilton [Hamilton, David Allan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: X17
Published: 2021-05-28T04:00:00+00:00

EIGHTEEN

Robosian myrmidons ripped out their earpieces—along with the Captain’s weapon—and marched them through the dark, snarling wind to one of the warehouses at the mine site. Piper couldn’t believe how she’d let herself get trapped like this by not paying attention to her environment like the Captain had. Ariel, she could understand. Naïve, unsure. But Piper had seen more than a dozen planets in the Cluster. She’d learned enough from her mother over the years not to be too trusting. And yet, the proton void rifle remained on the ship because she thought this would be a simple mission: drop in, grab Dolian, and steal away.

Now who’s being naïve?

Instead, she staggered through the harsh rock and dust with the business end of a weapon pressing into her back. Captain Carstairs and Ariel floundered along ahead of her as they marched, heads lowered against the wind. She stole glances around the site, but could see no hope of escape. The putrid smell of pollution assaulted her. There were two dozen of these soldiers, and only three of them and a half-baked, ridiculous ship mind they could no longer contact.

They entered the stilted warehouse through an imposing cargo door, then a soldier pulled it closed. The protective cover was a welcome respite from the relentless elements moaning outside. Soldiers wore head and face gear to shield them, but now inside, they began removing their coverings. The thin-necked man who directed the ambush placed his weapon on a nearby table, along with his shield, and approached them. Ariel squeezed close to Piper, her hands trembling. Carstairs looked bored and detached as if he stood in the queue at a coffee stand in the Asterian market.

The leader approached and inspected them one by one. He lingered on Ariel as if to confirm who she was. “Ubar!”

“Sir!”

“Inform the Myrmidon Command that we have captured the trespassers, including the Governor’s daughter, and their ship.”

“Yes, sir!”

The fellow disappeared into a side room and worked the comms equipment.

The leader continued pacing in front of them, stopped, and faced the Captain. “My name is Grizlo Drex. I am the Chief of Internal Security and Regional Myrmidon Commandant for this quadrant. Who are you?”

The Captain scowled. “Jay Carstairs of the Dauntless.”

“Of course, and you,” he said, turning to Piper, “must be the famous daughter of the Asterian Chancellor.”

Her rage and disappointment at her own lack of judgement chewed into her core and emerged in a stony voice. “I am.”

“Now, tell me, why are you here? Ms. Madison, I understand you recently visited Edenfall as the Governor’s guest. And you’re back already? If I were trusting and gracious, I’d thank you for returning the Governor’s missing daughter,” he sneered. “But that’s not why you’re here, is it?”

She pursed her lips and glared at the man.

“Quiet today, hm? Never mind, I’m sure Ms. Graves will tell us everything we wish to know, won’t you, Ariel?”

Piper could feel her hand shaking. “Don’t say a word, Ariel. This idiot’s just trying to intimidate you.”

“Well,”

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