Reclaiming Honor by Marc Alan Edelheit & Quincy J Allen

Author:Marc Alan Edelheit & Quincy J Allen [Edelheit, Marc Alan & Allen, Quincy J]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-10-27T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Mirok moved forward towards the nearest of the hoppers about ten yards off. He slipped a shot into his sling, took a deep breath, and then eyed his target. Raising the sling, he swung and then let fly. A heartbeat later, there was a crunch as the shot hammered home. The hopper quivered once as it was hit, and then its legs gave out. The bug sank down onto the ground, as if it were lying down to sleep.

“That’s the way to do it,” Logath said. “Good shot.”

“Third Squad has one point,” Benthok announced as Mirok moved over to stand with Jodin and watch the next cast.

“Lok, you’re up,” Benthok said.

Lok moved forward, to roughly where Mirok had been standing.

“You’ve got this,” Thegdol encouraged.

“Of course I do.” Lok glanced at Logath, winked, and then took a deep breath, focusing on a hopper a half-dozen yards ahead of where the first one had fallen. He loaded his sling, raised it above his head, swung, and released in a fluid motion. The shot was spot-on. The hopper tipped over on its side and lay still.

“First Squad gets one,” Benthok said. “All tied up . . . . Dolan, you’re next.”

Lok stepped away from the firing line and joined the others by Benthok.

Dolan moved up, his sling already loaded and held lightly in a hand. He sighted a hopper off to the right, about ten or so yards off. Without any preamble, he raised the sling, swung it, and sent the shot hissing downrange. There was an audible crunch. The hopper’s back legs tensed for a moment, as if it wanted to leap, and then it too fell over onto its side, one leg kicking lightly up in the air.

“Third Squad gets one,” Benthok said. “They’re on top again.”

Tovak chewed his lip. The nearest of the heratta had been killed, making the coming shots more difficult, as the closest living ones were five yards farther out.

“We’re gonna move the shot line forward six paces,” Benthok said, “to keep the contest fair.”

Tovak said a silent prayer of thanks as they shifted forward. He looked on the mass of insects before them and thought it an astonishing sight. The long grass in the field was literally disappearing before their eyes as the bugs ripped and tore at it, eating hungrily away with single-minded purpose.

“I’d like to go next, sir,” Gorabor said, speaking up, which seemed to surprise everyone, Tovak included.

The lieutenant looked over at Thegdol with a raised eyebrow.

“It’s fine with me, sir,” Thegdol said. “Logath, do you have any problems with a change in the order?”

Logath was silent for several heartbeats as he considered Gorabor.

“I am getting old just standing here,” Benthok said. “Well, Corporal? Do you have an objection?”

“No, sir,” Logath said, “I have no problem letting one of Thegdol’s pups go before their turn.”

“You’re up then,” Benthok said to Gorabor and held out a hand towards the imaginary shot line. “I like the initiative.”

“Thank you, sir.” Gorabor eagerly stepped up to the line and loaded his sling.

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