Warrior Dawn: When alien first contact goes horribly wrong - Sci Fi Military Space Opera (Trigellian Universe - Warrior Series Book 1) by J. T. Skye

Author:J. T. Skye [Skye, J. T.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2020-08-13T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter sixteen

Late afternoon is the busiest time for Port Kadar. The early risers have finished work and are filling their favorite cafes. Though they serve food, the primary function of the many cafes is to sell chai, the rough, local, alcoholic beer. Owners, workers and slaves alike find solace, comradeship, games, fights and a temporary feeling of relief from the hot world they occupy. With the constant reminder of the planet's hostile environment chai is drunk in huge quantities. It provides a temporary solace and anesthesia from one's surroundings and the poverty of their daily lives. In the late afternoon, Maeghenites fill the streets going to work from their cafes or going to their cafes from work, a society always just a little drunk, or just a little hung over and always just a little ill-tempered.

The flitter roared across the outskirts of the port and slowed, crossing the road, toward their mini- freighter as Derek carefully surveyed the surrounding area and vehicles for potential enemies. Peebo toggled the transmitter switch to raise the cargo bay door. As they slowly passed inside, Derek stared at the melt holes and carbon scars left by the laser bolts at their departure.

"It will be good to go home." he said simply, grimly.

She looked at him with a thin smile, "Home for you human, but not for me. And, a home you can see but not touch. Unfortunately, we are still at war."

Grimly and purposefully, Derek began securing the flitter to the cargo bay floor while Peebo fired up the ship's systems and engines. As he ducked into the command pod, he heard her requesting a takeoff permit and port release.

Peebo acknowledged the instructions in her ear-set and told Derek to strap in. They had immediate clearance to leave.

One Maeghenite stared malevolently at the ship from across the port landing area as it warmed up. She was hooded, used a new cane and wore a new patch over a recently removed eye. This Hoganthan had cost her dearly, and now she would pay. She spoke quickly, quietly in a small hand-held transmitter. With a smug look from one cold black eye, she watched the ship lift and soar out toward the south.

"Peebo?"

"Yes, Derek?"

"I know I am not familiar with many space ports, but isn't it unusual to send a departing ship to the south before they lift for space?"

"Yes, but they may have other in-coming ships, their own small naval fleet or some visiting dignitary who desires a lot of head room. It is unusual, but not unrealistic. Why?"

"I don't know. I just have that same feeling again that something is wrong."

Peebo quickly glanced at him adding calmly, "If it will put your fears to rest, we are at our vector marker anyway. Now we lift for space and go home." Peebo moved the control arm to roll the craft east and point it up into the atmosphere.

Their mini-freighter started up in a long, rising arc, power climb. Suddenly, the ship's battle stations alert radar began howling.

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