The Return (The Nexus Series Book 7) by Shane Shepherd

Author:Shane Shepherd [Shepherd, Shane]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-02-09T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

Luke

Aboard the Phoenix

“The thrust is good,” Kevin announces from the co-pilot’s station. “The approach is steady.”

Mitch nods his head. “Copy that.”

With Amiyah beside me, I grip the jump seat tightly and hold my breath. The Transgressor looms ahead, its dark form growing larger on the display screen. Newton managed to get the maneuvering thrusters back online, along with a reasonable fraction of the reactor’s usual output.

The thought of what comes next is what I’m avoiding. Stepping onto the alien ship, my heart races with excitement and fear. The sleek metallic walls and strange symbols etched into the floor make me feel like I’ve entered a whole new world. Coming face-to-face with swarms of Scuttlers, the four-legged pods, and Trappers armed with plasma weapons. The sim run drove home the danger of this mission. Survival seems unlikely for me.

My anxiety rises as I realize that I now have someone to live for, adding to the weight on my shoulders. The memory of Amiyah’s visit to my quarters last night remains etched into my mind. As we woke up in each other’s embrace, I asked her the reason behind our togetherness. Why did we begin something that we might not be capable of completing?

She gave a simple answer. “Luke. In my line of work, I often meet people who have lost all hope and don’t mind losing their lives. And they mostly do. Setting up an expectation for tomorrow is crucial. Reasons to stay alive. And maybe I will become one of yours.”

Amiyah notices my nervousness and comments, “You look nervous.”

“I am,” I reply, flexing my gloved hands on the smooth black alloy of my plasma rifle. I hope like hell I won’t need it.

Tony fidgets nervously on the opposite side of the cockpit. Four eyes widen and remain unblinking, the mouth purses into a thin line, and the posture remains stiff and rigid. Perhaps all biological beings exhibit these signs of tension universally. Or I’m just projecting my own feelings onto the alien.

No matter what’s happening, I’m worried that if we knock out the alien cruiser’s reactor, it will trigger an emergency protocol that will wake the sleeping Trappers.

Kevin’s voice rings loudly. “Extending the mag clamps now. Five, four, three... Contact!”

The ship echoes with a muted thunk, leaving behind a ringing silence.

“Contact established. The docking collar is extending smoothly, and the seals holding up perfectly. Pressurizing.”

Mitch breaks the silence. “What’s the status?”

“Hold on for just a moment... we’re almost ready to roll.”

“What purpose do these things serve?” I ask. Snatching my helmet off the deck, I balance it in my lap.

Mitch retrieves his own helmet and slips it on while stating, “We are unsure if the Transgressor is pressurized. Make sure you cover every inch of your skin, as the Scuttlers have a great sense of detection.”

Grimacing, I secure my helmet with haste. “You make a reasonable point.” Colorful icons populate the edges of my field of view, bringing my HUD to life. Green letters hover above the heads of my crewmates and the Syndicate operatives, displaying their names.

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