The Scorpion's Fire (Beyond the Impossible Book 8) by Frank Kennedy

Author:Frank Kennedy [Kennedy, Frank]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2022-11-02T16:00:00+00:00

20

W HEN MICHAEL SAW THE LANDING ZONE, he knew he found his last, best hope. Still a longshot, but better than certain oblivion. Scans indicated an atmospheric bubble covered the zone, and the silhouette of an interior structure with breathable air confirmed the rest. He did not detect security features, which seemed inconsistent for a place the UNF and SI said did not exist.

The scans detected no life signs, but he ordered Rikhi to draw a pair of laser pistols from the weapons locker in Port Slip 9.

“What about your meds, Michael? A supply of water?”

“Don’t worry about the meds. If I feel like I’m about to turn to jelly, I’ll holler. This ship ain’t going anywhere.”

They stepped onto the glassy surface. The instant their feet touched, a glow rose from wide gashes. When they reached the edge of the first gash and stared down into the light, Rikhi asked:

“Is this supposed to be the way in?”

Michael reviewed his tablet.

“I don’t see a handy-dandy door, and the bubble stops at the edge of this port.”

“Then how? Are we supposed to jump?”

“I’ve done crazier. Worst case? Break every bone then regen.”

“Best case?”

“Think about it, Rikhi. This was Valentin’s home all those years. A good ol’ leap of faith oughta do the trick.”

He jumped into the gash, felt a tug of gravity, and descended without incident. Rikhi watched him drift downward a few feet before jumping in.

The chamber at floor level glowed and led to a wide corridor.

“Huh.” Michael studied the smooth, gray walls. “As elevators go, not bad.”

Michael reviewed the structural silhouette.

“OK. We got a corridor to the left, a corridor to the right. Head downstairs either way.”

Rikhi pointed to the holo. “Those over there look like giant caverns, maybe? But to the right, it’s straight lines. Walls. Rooms. Workspace. I say we start there. Best chance to find answers.”

“Sure, why not? I got a feeling it won’t be that easy. SI wouldn’t leave critical data systems lying about.”

“Michael, you might be making a huge assumption. Think about it. There’s no security. Perhaps this place was made off-limits to everyone, including SI.”

He considered the possibility for about three seconds. No, just because they hadn’t detected security didn’t mean they weren’t being watched. Michael didn’t care so long as he found a solution before anyone back in the Collectorate decided to respond. Those folks had bigger concerns.

“Valentin set up his own little empire from here. This place is too damn important to be left unguarded. Be ready for anything.”

They learned little from the living quarters and offices. They found beds unmade, clothes strewn, and liquor bottles empty. The two offices offered nothing but empty desks and a few chairs. The kiosk in the common area was the sole functional device.

“You’re right, Michael. They cleaned house.”

“Might explain why they didn’t waste time on defenses.”

Rikhi took a seat at a table in the commons.

“Michael, I know you told me this was a thousand to one shot, but you still haven’t said what you expected to find.

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