Salvage by Ben Hammott

Author:Ben Hammott
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-06-15T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 24

A Sudden Change of Direction

SO FAR RICHARD and his two escorts’ journey towards the exit had gone without a hitch. No monsters had made an appearance and they had taken no wrong turns.

Richard was aware if their good luck continued they would soon reach the cargo bay and once through the hangar he was out of the damn spacecraft, free and safe. He wasn’t sure what would happen next. Transporting him back to civilization wouldn’t be a priority of the Americans or the British. He’d probably be confined aboard the American ship until the salvage operation had been completed before any transport could be arranged. Anything was better than being aboard this death ship. Once he’d left this godforsaken frozen world, he would never return.

Richard paused at the top of the staircase and glanced at the two Clickers the SEALs had killed earlier highlighted by Jenkins flashlight.

Talbot glanced around worriedly, his weapon light searching the darkness. “Why have you stopped?”

Richard pointed at the corpses. “Relax. The Clickers haven’t been eaten. It’s a good sign the area’s free of monsters.”

Richard’s observation brought the soldiers a little comfort. They too would be glad to reach the exit. Though they wouldn’t be allowed to leave, duties around the hangar were far preferable to roaming through the ship where death could strike at any moment.

Talbot took the lead down the staircase and along the corridor at its base. He stopped after a few feet and stared ahead as his eyes and flashlight searched the darkness.

It was Richard’s turn to worry. He frowned. “What is it?”

Talbot shook his head. “I’m not sure. I thought I heard something.”

“Maybe it was just the ship creaking,” suggested Jenkins, hopefully, who had turned to point his weapon back along the corridor.

“Maybe, but shouldn’t one of you go and check?” Richard suggested. “Your orders are to protect me.” He was so close to the exit now he didn’t want to take any risks.

Talbot scowled at Richard. “If you think your death would cause anyone concern, think again. All our lives are expendable when compared to the salvaging of alien technology.”

Richard was under no illusions the man’s words weren’t the truth. “That’s as maybe, but if my life’s at risk, so is yours. I’m only trying to keep you alive.”

“That will be a cold day in hell when I put my life in your hands, however…” Talbot looked at Jenkins. “Keep me covered while I go check.”

Jenkins nodded and pushed Richard to the side so he had a clear view of the corridor. They watched Talbot cautiously approach the intersection and after a brief pause he disappeared around the corner.

Neither Jenkins nor Richard noticed the floor hatch lift slightly behind them or the tentacle that slithered out and searched for the disturbance it had heard above its domain. It moved between Richard’s feet without detecting his presence, but when its probing tip touched Jenkins’ boot, it seemed to sniff the strange object. Satisfied it was something that could be consumed, it rose into the air and coiled back like a snake about to strike before shooting forward.

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